SEARCA Full MS & PhD Scholarships for 2026–2027
- Omran Aburayya
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
If you're a motivated graduate student in agriculture or related sciences from Southeast Asia, here’s a golden opportunity: the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) invites applications for its fully funded MS and PhD scholarships for Academic Year 2026–2027. Read on for details.
🎓 SEARCA Scholarships Summary
Location & Host Institutions: Host universities across Southeast Asia and select regional partners; see “Study Posts” for details.
Host Institution: Your chosen university in SEAMEO member countries—applications via SEARCA’s ISCHO portal .
Study Level: Master’s and Doctoral (Full MS/PhD, plus PhD Research Scholarships) .
Target Group: Nationals of SEAMEO member countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam), typically employed in academia, research, or government, within the age limits—Master’s ≤ 40, PhD ≤ 45 years old .
Fields of Study: Agriculture, forestry, and related sciences; proposed research should strategically contribute to core SEARCA priorities—e.g., raising farmer income, food and nutrition security, climate resilience, institutional empowerment .
Value & Coverage:
Full Scholarships include: full tuition and academic fees, monthly living allowance, health insurance, round-trip travel, thesis/dissertation support, book and supply allowances, and stipend for food, lodging, and incidentals .
PhD Research Scholarship: up to USD 4,500 for research purposes .
Duration: For the academic year 2026–2027 (Master’s or PhD study period) .
Application Deadline: Opens 6 August 2025; accept applications until 30 September 2025 .
Start Date: Academic year 2026–2027, following award.
Eligible To: Nationals of SEAMEO member countries, meeting general eligibility and age requirements, with relevant employment status (regular academic/research/government), and whose research aligns with SEARCA priorities .
✨ Program Overview
SEARCA’s Graduate Scholarship Program is built to cultivate future agricultural leaders across Southeast Asia. Active since Academic Year 1968–1969, it has awarded over 1,991 full MS/PhD and PhD research scholarships to date. The upcoming cycle (AY 2026–2027) continues this legacy, seeking scholars whose research aligns with SEARCA's development thrusts .
🌍 Eligible Countries
Nationals of SEAMEO member countries:
Brunei
Cambodia
Indonesia
Lao PDR
Malaysia
Myanmar
Philippines
Singapore
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Vietnam
🎁 Benefits
Comprehensive Financial Support: Full coverage—tuition, living expenses, travel, insurance, research support .
Focused Research Funding: For PhD Research Scholarship applicants—up to USD 4,500 directly for research costs .
Institutional and Regional Network: Access to SEARCA’s strong academic and professional community and support systems.
Career Development: Opportunity to conduct meaningful research with regional relevance, establish academic credentials, and contribute to regional agricultural transformation.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Must be a national of SEAMEO member country and a regular employee in academia, research, or government.
Maximum age: 40 for Master’s; 45 for PhD .
Must pursue advanced studies in agriculture or related sciences with research that contributes to:
Farmers’ income improvement
Food and nutrition security
Climate resilience in agricultural systems
Empowerment of agricultural stakeholders .
Specific criteria may vary for joint scholarship programs—check individual listings for details .
📝 Application Procedure
Apply online via SEARCA’s ISCHO portal https://ischo.searcaapps.org/v2/index.php/(user/login?url=available-scholarships)
Submit required documents (in English or with official translations), typically including:
Curricular documents (BS/MS transcripts, diplomas)
Proof of employment and endorsement from employer
CV
Research proposal aligned with SEARCA priorities
Medical certificate
Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), where required .
Submit through your Ministry of Education/Higher Education where required for endorsement and forwarding to SEARCA (as per specific guidelines) .
Ensure complete and timely submission by 30 September 2025 to be considered .
📘 SEARCA’s Priority Thrusts
Align your research proposal with SEARCA’s thrust areas:
Enhance farmers’ productivity and income
Promote food and nutrition security
Build climate-resilient agricultural systems
Empower stakeholders and institutions .
This alignment is crucial in SEARCA’s assessment of proposals.
🎓 SEARCA Alumni & Network
Once selected, you’ll join a prestigious network of SEARCA alumni who engage in RSAA (Regional SEARCA Alumni Association) activities—like conferences, workshops, collaborative projects—amplifying their impact in regional agriculture.
