SEAREG Predoctoral Fellowship 2025–2026

Omran Aburayya
Sep 26
3 min read

If you're an aspiring scholar from Southeast Asia aiming to pursue a PhD in political science or a closely related social science field in the United States or Canada, the SEAREG Predoctoral Fellowship 2025–2026 is now open for applications. This fellowship offers crucial support to strengthen your application materials and expand access to graduate study opportunities. Here's everything you need to know.

🎓 SEAREG Fellowship Summary

Location: United States or Canada (PhD programs)
Host Institution: Duke University, Sanford Center for International Development
Study Level: PhD (Fall 2026 intake)
Target Group: Aspiring scholars from Southeast Asia
Fields of Study: Political Science, Public Policy, Political Economy, Sociology (with a focus on Southeast Asia)
Award Value & Coverage:
- $1,000 microgrant to defray application costs (e.g., GRE, TOEFL, application fees)
- Individualized mentorship from a SEAREG mentor
- Optional matching with SEAREG-affiliated faculty for a short-term RAship
Award Duration: October–December 2025 (mentorship period)
Application Deadline: October 20, 2025
Start Date: Fall 2026 (PhD programs)
Eligible To: Residents of Southeast Asian countries

📘 Fellowship Overview

The SEAREG Predoctoral Fellowship is designed to support aspiring scholars from Southeast Asia applying to PhD programs in political science or closely related social science fields in the United States or Canada. The fellowship provides modest financial assistance and one-on-one mentorship to strengthen application materials and expand access to graduate study opportunities for students from the region.

🧩 Program Structure:

Mentorship: Selected fellows will receive individualized mentorship from an assigned SEAREG mentor who will offer feedback on personal statements, writing samples, and other application materials. Fellows will meet with their mentors for up to three mentoring sessions between October and December 2025.
Research Assistantship: There is an optional opportunity to be matched with SEAREG-affiliated faculty for a short-term research assistantship (RAship), subject to mutual agreement.
Recognition: Fellows will receive a certificate of selection recognizing their achievement and participation in the program.

🌟 Fellowship Benefits

Financial Support: $1,000 microgrant to help defray graduate application costs.
Personalized Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from experienced SEAREG mentors.
Research Opportunities: Optional matching with SEAREG-affiliated faculty for a short-term RAship.
Professional Recognition: Certificate of selection acknowledging the fellow’s achievement and participation.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the SEAREG Predoctoral Fellowship, applicants must:

Residency: Be currently a resident of a Southeast Asian country.
Academic Background: Have completed (or be completing) an undergraduate or master's degree in the region.
PhD Application: Intend to apply for Ph.D. programs beginning in Fall 2026.
Research Interest: Show clear academic interest in Southeast Asia and a desire to pursue rigorous research.
Field of Study: Be applying primarily to political science PhD programs, though related disciplines (e.g., public policy, political economy, sociology) are eligible.

📝 Application Procedure

Applicants must submit the following materials:

Personal Statement: Brief (150–200 words) explaining how this fellowship would support academic goals.
Statement of Purpose: Up to 2 pages describing academic background, research interests, and motivation for pursuing a PhD.
CV or Resume: Detailed curriculum vitae or resume.
Unofficial Transcript: Undergraduate or graduate transcript.
List of Intended PhD Programs: Including university name, department (e.g., Department of Government), degree program (e.g., PhD in Political Science), and names and affiliations of at least two PhD letter writers.
Optional (but encouraged): Writing Sample (e.g., undergraduate thesis, research paper, or other academic work).