DAAD–SEARCA In-Country/In-Region Scholarship 2026–2027

https://www.searca.org/daad-scholarship?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYWVkS3Rvb2g1OWpHVGhJRXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7Srd2GZBSTRmSITs38eNMD_JoADI-gSBrlsKWMQ_QrAzFoD7orm5Tw1WovvA_aem_Te4GscRZJXn8MqHarPLsbA

Deadlines: 16 February 2026 – via DAAD portal

The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) invites applications for the DAAD–SEARCA Scholarship Programme for Master’s and PhD studies for Academic Year 2026–2027 in agriculture, natural resources, environment, and food-related fields.

Up to 25 scholarships are available for candidates who plan to pursue careers in teaching and/or research at higher education institutions in Southeast Asia.

Key Eligibility:

• Nationals of SEAMEO member countries
• University staff / prospective teaching or research staff / public sector personnel
• Age: ≤ 40 (Master’s), ≤ 45 (PhD)
• IELTS 6.0 or higher
• Last degree completed within the past 6 years
• Research focus on SUSTAIN Southeast Asia
• Admission or proof of application to partner universities

Partner Universities:

IPB University (Indonesia), Kasetsart University (Thailand), Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia), University of the Philippines Los Baños, Universiti Putra Malaysia

DAAD's partnership with SEARCA started in school year 1975–1976 through a support to the Center's graduate scholarship program leading to Masters and PhD degrees in agriculture. The first 15 beneficiaries of the DAAD support were graduate students from Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Ten scholarship recipients pursued their Master's degree, while five pursued their PhD.

As of Academic Year 2025/2026 (December 2025), DAAD and SEARCA have awarded 434 Southeast Asian nationals from Cambodia (19), Indonesia (94), Lao PDR (10), Malaysia (15), Myanmar (32), Philippines (109), Thailand (82), Timor Leste (26), and Vietnam (47). Among the 434 scholarships, 210 pursued their MS, 219 pursued PhD, and 5 enrolled for Non-degree.

Eligibility

• Open to nationals of Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Timor Leste, Thailand, and Vietnam
• Must be (a) staff member of a public university, (b) or a candidate considered for teaching or research staff recruitment, (c) or from the public sector
• Must not be more than 40 (Master's Degree) or 45 (PhD) years of age at the time of application.
• Have completed their last university degree not more than 6 years ago at the time of application.
• Proposed thesis research should focus on sustainable transformation of agricultural systems through innovation in Southeast Asia. Moreover, research topics must strategically contribute to any of the following outcomes:
  • Increased farmers' income
  • Improved food security and nutrition
  • Greater climate resilience of agricultural systems
  • Empowered farmers, farmer groups, and agricultural stakeholders and their institutions

Scholarship Benefits

Covers tuition and other school fees; study and research allowance; printing allowance; stipend for food, lodging and incidental expenses; travel allowance (In-Region only); and insurance.

Details & application: https://www.searca.org/daad-scholarship

Inquiries: gsid@searca.org