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.
SEARCA Joint Scholarship Program
Recognizing the multifaceted nature of agricultural and the need for specialized expertise, SEARCA proactively builds strong partnerships with leading institutions to offer scholarships across a diverse range of fields related to agriculture. This strategic approach ensures unique opportunities for scholars to engage in focused learning and cutting-edge research.
All applications are evaluated by SEARCA, the respective Ministries of the applicants, and the joint funding institution, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.
SEARCA's current joint scholarship projects include:
- All
- Active Joint Scholarship Programs
- Exclusive Joint Scholarship Programs
- Filled Joint Scholarship Programs
DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme
(Open slots)
MARDI–SEARCA Joint Graduate Scholarship
(Slots available only for the partner institutions' staff members)
Bulacan State University (BulSU)–SEARCA PhD Scholarship
(Slots available only for the partner institutions' staff members)
SEARCA established the SEARCA Research Scholarship Program to provide financial support for qualified MS and PhD students to conduct research and produce their dissertation relevant to the priority thrusts of SEARCA.
As of Academic Year 2025-2026, SEARCA has granted a total of 2,016 full MS/PhD scholarships and Research scholarships to nationals of SEAMEO member countries, namely: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam to pursue advanced studies leading to master's and doctoral degrees in agriculture, forestry, and related sciences.
SEARCA follows a set of general eligibility criteria across all full degree scholarships unless indicated otherwise under a specific scholarship program:
- 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;
- Areas of specialization that scholarship applicants must pursue should be in agriculture or related sciences. Check the joint scholarship programs to determine the specific degree/s eligible for support.
- 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
Visit the joint scholarship pages and research scholarship page to know more about the specific eligibility criteria.
For joint scholarships, benefits granted to scholars are shared by SEARCA and the funding agency/institution. These include, but are not limited to:
- Tuition and other school fees
- Travel allowance
- Thesis/dissertation support
- Book and supplies allowance
- Health insurance
- Stipend for food, lodging, and incidental expenses
For the Research Scholarship, SEARCA provides support for the research activities and dissemination of MS and PhD students.
The universities which may serve as study posts for Master's and PhD scholars vary depending on the specific joint scholarship projects. Visit the joint scholarship pages to know which universities in the table below may accommodate scholars under the specific scholarship project.
| University | Country |
|---|---|
| Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB) | Bogor, Indonesia |
| Universitas Brawijaya (UB) | Malang, Indonesia |
| Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) | Yogyakarta, Indonesia |
| Kasetsart University (KU) | Bangkok, Thailand |
| Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia |
| University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) | Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines |
| Sejong University | Seoul, South Korea |
| Tokyo University of Agriculture | Tokyo, Japan |
| National Taiwan University | Taipei, Taiwan |
The Research Scholarship allows Southeast Asian nationals from any reputable higher education institutions in the world to apply.
