DESCRIPTION

The SEARCA Graduate Scholarship is a prestigious program offered by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA). Established in 1966, SEARCA aims to strengthen human resources in agriculture, environment, and natural resource management for Southeast Asian nations. The scholarship primarily supports nationals of SEAMEO (Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization) member countries who wish to pursue master’s or doctoral degrees in agriculture and related fields at selected universities in Southeast Asia.

Objectives of the SEARCA Graduate Scholarship

The SEARCA Graduate Scholarship is driven by several objectives:

1. Promoting Agricultural Development: SEARCA focuses on enhancing agricultural capacities in Southeast Asia to foster food security, environmental sustainability, and rural development.
2. Building Regional Collaboration: Through graduate education, SEARCA encourages collaboration and knowledge exchange among Southeast Asian countries, strengthening the region’s academic and research capabilities.
3. Supporting Future Leaders: SEARCA’s mission includes developing leaders who can contribute innovative ideas and solutions to address pressing agricultural challenges across Southeast Asia.

Eligible Fields of Study

The SEARCA Graduate Scholarship covers a range of study fields associated with agriculture and sustainable development. These fields are carefully chosen to ensure alignment with SEARCA’s goals for regional development:

• Agricultural and Rural Development: Programs that focus on food production, crop and livestock improvement, and rural livelihood enhancement.
• Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management: Includes studies on environmental protection, conservation of natural resources, and climate adaptation.
• Agricultural Economics: Covering topics such as agribusiness, agricultural policies, and rural economic development.
• Other Related Fields: Fields related to agricultural education, food science and technology, biotechnology, and social sciences as they apply to rural development.

Participating Universities

The SEARCA scholarship can be used at select universities in Southeast Asia. These partner universities are recognized for their strong programs in agricultural sciences and development studies:

1. University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) – Philippines
2. Kasetsart University – Thailand
3. Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB) – Indonesia
4. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) – Malaysia
5. Tokyo University of Agriculture (Tokyo NODAI) – Japan (for Ph.D. students)

These universities are internationally recognized and provide SEARCA scholars with the expertise, resources, and facilities necessary to undertake advanced research in agriculture and related fields.

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits

The SEARCA Graduate Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to cover the full duration of the master’s or doctoral program, which includes:

1. Tuition Fees and Other School Fees: SEARCA fully covers the cost of tuition and other mandatory fees, easing the financial burden on students.
2. Monthly Stipend: Scholars receive a monthly allowance to cover basic living expenses.
3. Book Allowance and Thesis Support: To help scholars with academic materials and research, SEARCA provides a book allowance and financial support for thesis or dissertation expenses.
4. Travel Subsidy: Scholars are given a one-time round-trip airfare allowance from their home country to the country of study.
5. Health Insurance: SEARCA includes health insurance coverage for scholars, ensuring they have access to medical support during their studies.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the SEARCA Graduate Scholarship, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements:

• Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of SEAMEO member countries, which include Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
• Academic Requirements: Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree for the master’s program or a master’s degree for the doctoral program, with a strong academic record.
• Professional Experience: Preference is given to applicants with at least two years of professional experience in agriculture or related fields.
• Research Proposal: Applicants are required to submit a research proposal outlining their intended area of study, which must align with SEARCA’s focus on agricultural development, sustainability, or rural development.

Application Process

Applying for the SEARCA Graduate Scholarship is a multi-step process that includes:

1. Preparation of Required Documents: Candidates must prepare several documents, including academic transcripts, diplomas, a research proposal, and letters of recommendation.
2. Submission through Home Institution: SEARCA requires that applications be endorsed by the applicant’s home institution or employer to ensure the candidate has institutional support.
3. Initial Screening by SEARCA: SEARCA reviews the applications to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and are relevant to the center’s development goals.
4. Partner University Review: After initial approval, applications are sent to the partner university for assessment. Each university may have additional requirements or procedures.
5. Selection and Notification: SEARCA, in coordination with the partner university, selects successful candidates and notifies them of the scholarship award.

Obligations for SEARCA Scholars

Scholars are expected to meet certain obligations during and after the program:

• Academic Performance: Scholars must maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout their studies and are subject to regular evaluations.
• Completion of Studies: Scholars are required to complete their degree within the duration specified by the scholarship.
• Return to Home Country: Upon completing their degree, scholars are expected to return to their home country to contribute to agricultural development, ideally applying the knowledge and skills they have gained.

Career Pathways and SEARCA’s Alumni Network

Graduates of the SEARCA Graduate Scholarship Program have gone on to pursue significant roles in academia, government, research institutions, and international development organizations. Many SEARCA alumni are involved in implementing policies, conducting research, or leading projects that support agricultural and rural development in their countries.

SEARCA’s alumni network also offers a platform for continued professional development, networking, and collaboration. Alumni often return to SEARCA events as mentors or guest speakers, supporting the next generation of scholars and contributing to regional dialogue on sustainable development.

Impact of the SEARCA Graduate Scholarship Program

The SEARCA Graduate Scholarship Program has played a critical role in advancing agricultural knowledge and innovation across Southeast Asia. By training future leaders and researchers, SEARCA helps address key challenges in agriculture, food security, and rural development. Scholars contribute to achieving national and regional development goals, and the program aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Conclusion

The SEARCA Graduate Scholarship in Agriculture and Related Fields provides a unique opportunity for talented individuals in Southeast Asia to develop their expertise and contribute to meaningful regional development. By offering comprehensive financial support and access to world-class institutions, SEARCA enables scholars to focus on developing solutions to critical challenges in agriculture and sustainability.