The DAAD-SEARCA Scholarship, a transformative study Southeast Asia initiative, invites international students to pursue master’s and Ph.D. programs at leading universities across Southeast Asia, supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA). Launched in 1975, this sustainable development scholarships program has awarded 434 scholarships by 2024 to nationals from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam, focusing on agriculture, food security, and environmental sustainability. As a global change pioneer, this program fosters a regional research odyssey, empowering scholars to address global development challenges through SEARCA’s Accelerating Transformation Through Agricultural Innovation (ATTAIN) framework.
Hosted by premier institutions like Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), and Kasetsart University, the DAAD-SEARCA Scholarship supports research in fields such as Food Science, Agricultural Economics, Agri-Business, and Natural Resource Management. Scholars engage in interdisciplinary projects tackling climate resilience, sustainable farming, and rural development, collaborating with FAO, ASEAN, and CGIAR. Food Science students innovate nutritional solutions, while Agricultural Economics researchers shape regional trade policies. Environmental Science scholars advance ecosystem conservation, contributing to global sustainability goals. With 211 master’s and 218 PhD graduates since 1975, alumni lead as educators, researchers, and policymakers, with 22% driving community-based innovations post-graduation.
The DAAD-SEARCA Scholarship promotes regional academic synergy. Scholars connect with peers, faculty, and global experts from over 30 countries, participating in research forums, cultural exchanges, and policy workshops through SEARCA’s Graduate Scholarship and Institutional Development Unit. The program’s inclusive framework aligns with Southeast Asia’s development goals, emphasizing gender equity and underprivileged inclusion. Campus events, like UPLB’s Agricultural Innovation Summit, UPM’s Sustainability Week, or Kasetsart’s Green Tech Expo, enrich the dynamic academic experience, with 35% of scholars forming global professional networks. DAAD’s In-Country/In-Region model strengthens ties with universities in Germany, Japan, and Australia.
Studying in Malaysia, Philippines, or Thailand, scholars embark on a regional research odyssey. They explore landmarks like Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Towers, Manila’s Rizal Park, or Bangkok’s Grand Palace, immersing in Southeast Asia’s cultural vibrancy. Events like Songkran Festival, Hari Raya, or Loy Krathong deepen engagement. Host campuses, with advanced labs, research centers, and student hubs, support a global academic immersion, enhanced by connectivity to Singapore, Jakarta, and Hanoi. Southeast Asia’s safe, dynamic environment (QS Best Student Cities 2025) complements academic pursuits.
Join a global cohort to champion research excellence, embrace Southeast Asian cultural diversity, and shape a sustainable future with DAAD-SEARCA Scholarship!
DAAD-SEARCA Scholarship Program:
Host Country:
•Home Country/Region.
Host Partners:
•DAAD University.
•SEARCH (Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture).
Degree Level:
•Master’s level or Doctoral level.
DAAD-SEARCA Scholarship Program Courses:
•Environmental Biotechnology.
•Environmental Engineering.
•Environmental Science.
•Environmental System and Modeling.
•Food Science.
•Food Science / Food Science and Technology.
•Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences.
•Planning and Management of Coastal Area and Watershed / Geography.
•Sustainable Land Use and Natural Resource Management.
Benefits of the DAAD Scholarship:
•Tuition fee coverage.
•School fees coverage.
•Study allowance.
•Research allowance.
•Printing allowance.
•Food stipend.
•Travel allowance.
•Monthly scholarship against living cost.
•Health/accident/personal liability insurance coverage.
Eligibility Criteria of DAAD-SEARCA Scholarship Program:
1. Member of a public university or a teaching or research staff or belong to the public sector.
2. Age should not be more than 35 years if you are a master’s degree holder.
3. Age should not be more than 40 years if you are a PhD degree holder.
4. Must have completed the degree not more than 6 years ago.
5. Your research topic should be of the following key areas:
•Agri-Business Models for Increased Productivity and Income.
•Food and Nutrition Security.
•Gender and Youth Engagement in ARD.
•Sustainable Farming Systems.
•Natural Resource Management.
•Transformational Leadership for Agriculture and Rural Development.
•Enhanced ARD Towards Climate Resilience.
•Eco Health/One Health Applications to ARD.
6. Applicants must pay a USD 39 registration fee.
Documents Required for the DAAD Scholarship:
1. Recommendation letter (if available).
2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Graduation of bachelor’s or master’s degree.
3. Academic transcript of bachelor’s or master’s program (if required).
4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).
5. CV (if required).
6. Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).
7. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.
8. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).
9. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).
10. University Admission Offer Letter (If Already Issued).
11. Publications.
12. Timetable for either research-based or course-based programs.
13. Brief description of the research you want to conduct.
14. Official endorsement from the employer.
15. PhD candidates must submit a declaration of acceptance from the supervisor, a detailed and precise PhD proposal, and an abstract of the proposal.
Scholarship Deadline:
• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.
• Registration for 2026 is now open with a tentative deadline in January 2026!
Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.
