SEARCA — the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture, a specialised institute of the intergovernmental SEAMEO — funds citizens of its member countries to pursue a full master’s or PhD in agriculture, forestry, and allied sciences. Scholars study at leading agricultural universities across the region, with thesis or dissertation work aimed at raising farmers’ income, strengthening food security and nutrition, building climate resilience, or empowering agricultural communities. The program has supported over two thousand graduates since its founding and reopens each year, typically from August to the end of September.
Benefits & funding
- Full tuition and academic fees for the degree
- Monthly living stipend for the duration of study
- Health insurance for the whole study period
- Round-trip international travel to the host university
- Research grant toward thesis or dissertation work, plus a book and supplies allowance
- Master’s support runs for the standard degree length (about two years); PhD support for about three years
Eligibility
- Citizen of a SEAMEO member country: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam
- A regular (permanent) employee of an academic or research institution or a government agency
- Not older than 40 for master’s applicants, or 45 for PhD applicants, at the time of application
- Meets the host university’s English-language and academic admission requirements
- Study is undertaken at a SEARCA host university, including the University of the Philippines Los Baños, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Kasetsart University (Thailand), and partner universities in Indonesia; selected joint arrangements extend to universities in South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan
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
Age requirement
≤ 45 yrs
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Application process
- 1Attend or review the SEARCA online information session for the cycle
- 2Prepare academic records, employer endorsement, English-proficiency evidence, and a research concept aligned with SEARCA’s priority themes
- 3Create an account and submit the application through the SEARCA online scholarship portal (ischo.searcaapps.org) before the deadline
- 4Shortlisted applicants are evaluated and, if selected, matched to a host university and degree program
Program timeline
Application cycle opens (typical)
1 August
30 September
Application deadline (30 Sep 2025 for the 2026–2027 academic year)
Following months
Evaluation, selection, and host-university placement
The following academic year
Studies begin