The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture funds master’s and PhD study for qualified professionals from SEAMEO member countries. Applicants pursue agriculture or related fields that advance agricultural and rural development at designated universities in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, or Thailand.
The 2027–2028 cycle begins with submission to each applicant’s national Ministry of Education, followed by ministry endorsement, SEARCA review, and interviews. Successful candidates must also secure admission to an eligible university before an award is granted.
Benefits & funding
- Tuition and other school fees
- Round-trip air travel from the scholar’s home country to the study post, plus local transportation
- Thesis or dissertation support
- Book and supplies allowance
- Health insurance
- Stipend for food, lodging, and incidental expenses
- Funding for two years for a master’s degree or three years for a PhD
Eligibility
- Be a national of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam
- Be a regular employee of an academic or research institution or government agency
- Be no older than 40 when applying for a master’s degree, or 45 when applying for a PhD
- Hold a bachelor’s degree for master’s study, or both bachelor’s and master’s degrees for PhD study
- Propose study relevant to agricultural and rural development, with thesis research addressing farmer income, food security and nutrition, climate resilience, or empowerment of agricultural stakeholders
- English proficiency at IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 75 is preferred, with results taken within two years before application
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Eligible nationalities
Brunei · Cambodia · Indonesia · Laos · Malaysia · Myanmar · Philippines · Singapore · Thailand · Timor-Leste · Vietnam
Education required
Bachelor · Master
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Application process
- 1Prepare certified academic transcripts and diplomas, proof of employment, adviser and employer recommendations, a research description, a medical certificate, and any English-language test result.
- 2Submit the required documents to the Ministry of Education in your country by 31 October 2026.
- 3If shortlisted and endorsed, upload the same documents to the SEARCA iSCHO portal between 1 and 31 December 2026.
- 4Pursue admission to an eligible university at the same time, because the scholarship is awarded only to successful candidates who have an acceptance letter.
- 5Complete SEARCA’s documentary review and, if invited, an interview held in person or online.
Program timeline
Submission to national Ministries of Education opens
1 September 2026
Ministry submission deadline
31 October 2026
Ministries evaluate and endorse candidates
1–30 November 2026
Endorsed candidates submit through the SEARCA iSCHO portal
1–31 December 2026
SEARCA documentary evaluation
1–15 January 2027
Interviews
15 January–15 April 2027
Results begin to be released for candidates with university acceptance letters
31 May 2027