SEARCA Scholarship 2026 |Fully Funded

The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has officially opened applications for the SEARCA Scholarship 2026, a prestigious program designed to support outstanding individuals from Southeast Asia who are committed to advancing agriculture, rural development, and sustainable food systems in the region.

SEARCA works closely with leading universities, research institutes, and development organizations. Its scholarship program is one of its flagship initiatives, enabling talented individuals to gain advanced training and return to their home countries equipped with skills and knowledge to address pressing challenges in agriculture and rural development.

For over five decades, SEARCA has empowered thousands of scholars through its scholarship program, helping build a strong network of experts, researchers, policymakers, and leaders across Southeast Asia. The 2026 intake continues this legacy by offering fully funded opportunities for graduate education (Master’s and PhD) at top universities in the region.

If you are passionate about agriculture, rural transformation, environmental sustainability, or development studies, this scholarship presents an excellent opportunity to pursue advanced education while contributing to food security and inclusive growth in Southeast Asia.

SEARCA Scholarship 2026 summary

Fields of Study

The SEARCA Scholarship 2026 focuses on graduate programs related to agriculture and rural development, but also supports studies in allied fields that contribute to food security and sustainable livelihoods. Priority areas include:

• Sustainable agriculture and food systems
• Climate change and environmental resilience
• Agricultural policy and governance
• Rural and community development
• Agricultural economics and agribusiness
• Natural resource management
• Biotechnology and applied sciences in agriculture
• Agricultural engineering and mechanization
• Digital agriculture and innovation

Scholarship Benefits

The SEARCA Scholarship 2026 provides extensive financial support:

• Tuition and other school fees
• Travel allowance
• Stipend for food, lodging, and incidental expenses
• Health insurance
• Book and supplies allowance
• Thesis/dissertation support

General Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Citizenship: Must be a national of a SEAMEO member country.
2. Age Limit:
   • Master’s applicants: Not more than 40 years old.
   • PhD applicants: Not more than 45 years old.
3. Field of Study: Must pursue graduate programs in agriculture or related sciences.
4. Employment: Preferably regular employees of academic/research institutions or government agencies.
5. Thesis/Dissertation Focus: Research must strategically contribute to SEARCA’s priority outcomes:
   • Increased farmers’ income
   • Improved food security and nutrition
   • Greater climate resilience of agricultural systems
   • Empowered farmers and agricultural stakeholders

Eligible Countries

• Brunei Darussalam
• Cambodia
• Indonesia
• Lao PDR
• Malaysia
• Myanmar
• The Philippines
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Timor-Leste
• Vietnam

Required Documents

Applicants will need to submit the following documents:

• Completed application form (downloaded from SEARCA’s website)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Certified copies of academic transcripts and diplomas
• Certificate of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
• Two recommendation letters (academic and professional)
• Research proposal (for PhD applicants) or study plan (for Master’s applicants)
• Medical certificate
• Passport copy (valid at least 6 months beyond the study period)

Host Universities for SEARCA Scholars

SEARCA partners with top universities in Southeast Asia and beyond. Depending on the program, scholars may study at:

• Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB) – Indonesia
• Universitas Brawijaya (UB) – Indonesia
• Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) – Indonesia
• Kasetsart University (KU) – Thailand
• Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) – Malaysia
• University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) – Philippines
• Sejong University – South Korea
• Tokyo University of Agriculture – Japan
• National Taiwan University (NTU) – Taiwan

Deadline

The deadline for applications to the SEARCA Scholarship 2026 is usually around 30 June 2025, though applicants are encouraged to check SEARCA’s official website for exact dates. Early preparation is highly recommended, as document verification and university admissions may take time.

Steps to Apply Application Procedure

1. Fill out the online application form.
2. Upload the required documents (transcripts, certificates, research proposal, CV, recommendation letters, etc.).
3. Ensure your proposed research aligns with SEARCA’s priority thrusts.
4. Submit before the deadline: 30 September 2025.