Are you a Master’s or PhD student in Southeast Asia conducting research in agriculture, food security, rural development, or environmental sustainability?
The SEARCA Research Scholarship Program offers financial support to qualified graduate students whose research addresses critical development challenges in the region.
The scholarship is designed to help researchers complete their thesis or dissertation while producing solutions that create real impact across Southeast Asia.
About the SEARCA Research Scholarship Program
The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) provides research grants to support graduate students working on projects aligned with its Five-Year Development Plan.
The program aims to encourage innovative research that contributes to:
Sustainable agriculture
Rural development
Food security
Climate resilience
Agricultural innovation
Policy development and technology transfer
Scholarship Objectives
The scholarship seeks to:
Support high-quality Master’s and PhD research
Address pressing agricultural and rural development issues in Southeast Asia
Encourage research with practical applications and policy impact
Promote innovation and commercialization of research findings
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
Be a citizen of a Southeast Asian country
Be currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program
Have an approved thesis or dissertation proposal
Conduct research related to SEARCA’s priority areas
Be able to complete research and manuscript writing within one year of receiving the award
Priority Categories
Applications are prioritized in the following order:
Priority 1
Southeast Asian students studying at member universities of the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC).
Priority 2
Southeast Asian students enrolled in universities located within Southeast Asia.
Priority 3
Southeast Asian students pursuing graduate studies at universities outside Southeast Asia.
Scholarship Benefits
The amount awarded depends on the research type.
Category
Maximum Funding
PhD (with laboratory research)
USD 6,000
PhD (without laboratory research)
USD 4,200
Master’s (with laboratory research)
USD 4,000
Master’s (without laboratory research)
USD 2,800
Additional Benefit for PhD Scholars
Eligible PhD recipients may receive funding of up to USD 2,400 for an optional two-month internship at SEARCA, covering:
Travel expenses
Insurance
Living stipend during the internship
Application Timeline
SEARCA accepts applications twice each year.
Activity
First Batch
Second Batch
Call for applications
June 1
December 1
Application deadline
July 7
January 7
Scholarship award
August 15
March 15
Applicants should prepare and submit all required documents before the applicable deadline.
Required Documents
Applicants must complete the online application and upload supporting documents, including:
Letter of application addressed to the SEARCA Center Director
Explanation of how the research aligns with SEARCA priorities
Proposed pathway for translating research into practical impact (such as policy briefs, industry engagement, or technology transfer)
Employer endorsement (if employed)
Recommendation from the Dean of the Graduate School
Approved thesis or dissertation proposal
Research budget endorsed by the adviser and Dean
Certified academic transcript
Certification from any other scholarship provider (if applicable)
Research timetable showing completion within one year
Additional Requirement for PhD Internship Applicants
Applicants interested in the optional internship should also submit a letter of intent explaining:
Expected internship activities
Learning objectives
How the internship will strengthen their research
How Scholarship Funds Are Released
The research grant is typically disbursed in two equal installments:
After acceptance of the scholarship and submission of the signed agreement.
After submission of a satisfactory progress report and liquidation of the first installment.
Responsibilities of Scholarship Recipients
Selected scholars are expected to:
Conduct the approved research project
Acknowledge SEARCA in publications and presentations
Produce one or more publishable knowledge products based on the research
PhD scholars participating in the internship will also be required to present a Graduate Seminar at SEARCA.
Why You Should Apply
This scholarship offers more than financial support. It provides an opportunity to:
Complete your graduate research with funding assistance
Contribute solutions to real agricultural and rural development challenges
Increase the visibility and impact of your research
Connect with a regional network of researchers and institutionsFor Southeast Asian graduate students working on development-focused research, the SEARCA Research Scholarship Program 2026–2027 is an excellent opportunity to advance both academic and professional goals while creating meaningful impact across the region.
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About Scholars Africa Editorial Team
Scholars Africa Editorial Team is dedicated to researching and publishing verified scholarships, jobs, and global opportunities. Our content is built on extensive analysis of application trends, eligibility criteria, and selection patterns to help applicants succeed at every stage. Our team has reviewed hundreds of scholarship programs and application processes across multiple countries.
