SEARCA Full Master's and PhD Scholarships

The SEARCA Full Master's and PhD Scholarship Program is fully funded by SEARCA to support highly qualified individuals from SEAMEO member countries. The program provides opportunities for scholars to pursue advanced studies in priority fields aligned with SEARCA’s thrusts, with the goal of fostering innovation and sustainable development in the region.
All applications are evaluated by SEARCA and the respective Ministries of the applicants, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.
Eligibility
Open to nationals of SEAMEO member countries who are regular employees of academic or research institutions or government agencies
Must not be more than 40 (Master's Degree) or 45 (PhD) years of age at the time of application
Proposed thesis research should strategically contribute to any of the following outcomes:
- Increased farmers' income
- Improved food security and nutrition
- Greater climate resilience of agricultural systems
- Empowered farmers, farmer groups, and agricultural stakeholders and their institutions
Scholarship Entitlements
Tuition and other school fees
Travel allowance
(roundtrip air ticket from home country to study post and local transportation)
Thesis/dissertation support
Book and supplies allowance
Health insurance
Stipend for food, lodging, and incidental expenses
Study Posts
Applicants may choose from these universities in Southeast Asia as their study posts. Other SEARCA study posts not listed here are designated exclusively for SEARCA's joint scholarship programs only, such as National Taiwan University, Sejong University, and Tokyo University of Agriculture (Tokyo-NODAI).
University | Country |
---|---|
Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB) | Indonesia |
Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) | Indonesia |
Universitas Brawijaya (UB) | Indonesia |
Kasetsart University (KU) | Thailand |
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | Malaysia |
University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) | Philippines |
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:
- Original/certified true copy of transcript of academic records bearing the seal of the University and original signature of the Registrar or Head of the University. Applicants for MS degree should submit their original/certified true copy of Bachelor of Science (BS) transcript of records. PhD degree applicants should submit their original/certified true copy of BS and MS transcripts of records
- Original or certified true copies of certificates of completion/diploma for every degree completed
- Certificate of employment
- Accomplished recommendation form from the academic adviser and employer
- Brief description of the research the applicant plans to conduct for thesis/dissertation. The research topic must be in line with sustainable transformation of agricultural systems through innovation in Southeast Asia. Moreover, research topics must strategically contribute to any of the following outcomes:
- Increased farmers' income
- Improved food security and nutrition
- Greater climate resilience of agricultural systems
- Empowered farmers, farmer groups, and agricultural stakeholders and their institutions
- 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
Timeline for Scholarship Recruitment
Application
1 August–30 September
- Submit your online application through the ISCHO portal.
- SEARCA screens and evaluates application documents.
Ministry Screening
30 September–22 October
Applications are screened and evaluated by the respective Ministries. Applicants do not need to send documents directly to the Ministries, as SEARCA will handle the transfer of all application materials.
Interview & Document Review
1 November–31 January (following year)
- Applicants will receive an email from SEARCA prior to 1 Nov, about the interview mode (in-person or online) and schedule.
- Official nominees endorsed by the Ministries are interviewed as scheduled.
Final Evaluation
1 February–31 May
- Comprehensive review by SEARCA.
- Longer evaluation for joint scholarships (pending partner institution results) or applicants awaiting university admission.
Awarding of Scholarships
From 1 June onwards
Scholarship grants are awarded
Call for New Nominations
From 1 July onwards
SEARCA sends official invitations to Ministries, universities, and partner agencies to nominate candidates for the next school year.
Contact Information
For inquiries, please contact:
Education and Collective Learning - Graduate Scholarship and Institutional Development (ECL-GSID)
- +63 49 554-9330 to 39
- +63 49 536-2290
- +63 2 8657-1300 to 02 (local 2200 to 2203)