SEARCA Research Scholarship Program

Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Southeast Asian nationals enrolled in a master's or PhD programme with an approved thesis or dissertation proposal related to SEARCA's priority areas, who are currently doing thesis research and can finish all research and the manuscript within one year of the award. Bangladeshi nationals are not eligible.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

SEARCA provides research scholarship support to a limited number of master's and PhD students whose research addresses agriculture and rural development priorities in Southeast Asia. It supports research work rather than automatically funding the full degree.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Southeast Asian nationals enrolled in a master's or PhD programme with an approved thesis or dissertation proposal related to SEARCA's priority areas, who are currently doing thesis research and can finish all research and the manuscript within one year of the award. Bangladeshi nationals are not eligible.
2. Note the deadline. Twice a year (the page states: call opens 1 Jun and 1 Dec, deadlines about 7 Jul - extended to 17 Jul in the latest round - and 7 Jan, awards announced 15 Aug and 15 Mar) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Approved thesis/dissertation proposal; proof of graduate enrollment; supervisor endorsement; budget and other application documents required by SEARCA.
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Research proposal review and programme selection

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Check the next call and application schedule on the official website; eligibility depends on nationality, enrollment and research relevance.
2. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
3. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
4. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
5. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
6. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
7. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for SEARCA Research Scholarship Program?

Southeast Asian nationals enrolled in a master's or PhD programme with an approved thesis or dissertation proposal related to SEARCA's priority areas, who are currently doing thesis research and can finish all research and the manuscript within one year of the award. Bangladeshi nationals are not eligible.

What does SEARCA Research Scholarship Program cover?

Research budget of up to USD 6,000 (PhD with lab work), USD 4,200 (PhD without lab work), USD 4,000 (MS with lab work) or USD 2,800 (MS without lab work), released in two equal tranches. PhD students can also apply for an optional two-month SEARCA internship with up to USD 2,400 for travel, insurance and living costs. Tuition and other stipends are not stated.

When is the deadline for SEARCA Research Scholarship Program?

Twice a year (the page states: call opens 1 Jun and 1 Dec, deadlines about 7 Jul - extended to 17 Jul in the latest round - and 7 Jan, awards announced 15 Aug and 15 Mar) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with SEARCA Research Scholarship Program?

Host countries: Philippines.

What documents do I need for SEARCA Research Scholarship Program?

Approved thesis/dissertation proposal; proof of graduate enrollment; supervisor endorsement; budget and other application documents required by SEARCA.

How are applicants selected for SEARCA Research Scholarship Program?

Research proposal review and programme selection

How much work is the SEARCA Research Scholarship Program application?

High