Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)-SEARCA Joint Scholarship

The joint project between Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and SEARCA started in 2012 and has been renewed under a new structure for another five academic years, starting September 2020 until August 2025. Under the project, UPM will award a matching scholarship in the form of full fee waiver (2 years for Master and 3 years for PhD) to every one full scholarship from SEARCA for qualified nationals from the eleven member countries of SEAMEO who will pursue their Masters or PhD degrees at UPM. Four scholars have already completed their studies while nine are ongoing scholars under this joint scholarship project.

Eligibility

• Open to nationals of SEAMEO member countries who are employees of academic or research institutions or government agencies (priority is given to regular employees).
• Must not be more than 40 (Master's Degree) or 45 (PhD) years of age at the time of application.
• Proposed thesis research should focus on 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

Application Procedure

Applicants must fill out the UPM-SEARCA Joint Scholarship Form and upload a copy of all required documents.

The required documents to be submitted should be in English or must have official translation in English:

1. 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
2. Original or certified true copies of certificates of completion/diploma for every degree completed
3. Certificate of employment
4. Accomplished recommendation form from the employer
5. 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
6. Certification from a medical doctor that the applicant is in good physical and mental health condition and is fit to undertake graduate studies
7. 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

Scholarship Entitlements

The successful scholarship recipient is entitled to the following:

• Tuition and other school fees;
• Travel allowance to cover international/domestic travel;
• Health and life insurance;
• Stipend for food, lodging and incidental expenses;
• Book and supplies allowance; and
• Thesis/Dissertation research/writing budget;

Contact Information

For inquiries, please contact: