AquASEAN MS Joint Scholarship Program with CIRAD, France

Call for Applications

This is your opportunity to pursue a Master's degree in Aquaculture or Fisheries through the AquASEAN Joint Scholarship Program co-funded with CIRAD, France.

Deadline: 31 October 2025

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Background
Objectives
Eligibility
Application Procedure
Contact Information

AquASEAN Project Background

The ASEAN Partnership for Sustainable Aquaculture (AquASEAN) is a regional initiative led by CIRAD, France, in coordination with SEARCA, the ASEAN Secretariat, and academic institutions across Southeast Asia. The project aims to improve the sustainability and climate resilience of aquaculture systems in the region by promoting circular economy principles, inclusive innovation, and active policy engagement.

AquASEAN is structured into three interconnected components:

Component 1: Climate-Responsible Aquaculture
This component focuses on implementing pilot projects and trials that apply circular approaches to various aquaculture systems such as shrimp, mangroves, milkfish, seaweed, and rice-fish farming tailored to local conditions.

Component 2: Capacity Building
This component aims to strengthen institutional, individual (including students, women, and youth), and community capacities in climate-responsible aquaculture practices.

Component 3: Support for Public Policies
This component is dedicated to producing actionable knowledge and policy tools to inform, influence, and enhance public policy frameworks across ASEAN.

In support of Component 2, SEARCA, in partnership with CIRAD, has launched the AquASEAN MS Joint Scholarship Program to nurture emerging leaders from Southeast Asian member countries. Selected scholars will pursue a Master's degree specializing in sustainable and circular aquaculture systems at one of the following universities:

Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand

Master's in Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management (AARM)

Can Tho University, Vietnam

Master in Aquaculture

University of the Philippines Visayas, Central Philippines

Master of Science in Fisheries (Aquaculture)

Objectives

The scholarship program aims to:

Capacity Building: Equip scholars with the knowledge and technical skills to implement and advocate for circular aquaculture practices.
Sustainable Impact: Foster a generation of practitioners who can lead national and regional efforts in sustainable aquaculture.
Knowledge Exchange: Promote regional cooperation and cross-country learning through cohort interaction, alumni networks, and potential joint projects.

Eligibility

Open to nationals of SEAMEO member countries
Must not be more than 40 years of age at the time of application
Proposed thesis research should focus on Circular Aquaculture, which integrates principles of sustainability, resource recovery, and waste minimization for more resilient and inclusive blue economies.

Application Procedure

Applicants must fill out online the SEARCA Scholarship Application Form and upload a copy of all required documents.

The required documents to be submitted should be in English:

Motivation letter
Certified true copy of Bachelor of Science (BS) transcript of academic records bearing the seal of the University and original signature of the Registrar or Head of the University.
Certified true copy of certificate of completion/diploma for BS degree
Certificate of employment, if applicable
Accomplished recommendation form from the academic adviser and employer
Brief description of the research the applicant plans to conduct for thesis
Certification from a medical doctor that the applicant is in good physical and mental health condition and is fit to undertake graduate studies
Preferred to have IELTS results of 6.0 or TOEFL iBT result of 75, taken within two years before application as proof of English proficiency

Deadline for Applications: 31 OCTOBER 2025

Apply Now