NTU-SEARCA Joint Scholarship Program

The joint scholarship, launched in the AY 2020-2021 through a partnership between National Taiwan University (NTU) and SEARCA, initially supported the Master's Program in Global Agriculture Technology and Genomic Science (Global ATGS). After four successful years, the program expanded to include two additional master's programs: Master's Program in Biodiversity (MPB) and MS Program in Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience (MDR3), set to commence in AY 2025-2026.

This joint scholarship aims to cultivate agricultural professionals, foster academic excellence, and advance research and development in agriculture across Southeast Asia.

The scholarship is open to nationals of the regular member countries of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), namely: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam. The scholarship award duration is two years.

Joint Scholarship Programs

Master Program in Global Agriculture Technology and Genomic Science (Global ATGS)

A cross- and inter-disciplinary program to boost students' competitiveness, the curriculum focuses on innovative technologies and strategies to enhance agricultural efficiency. Along with research training, students gain expertise in genome science, breeding technology, smart farming, plant factories, and food science.

For more information, visit: https://atgs.ntu.edu.tw

Master's Program in Biodiversity (MPB)

The program combines humanities, social sciences, and environmental sustainability in biodiversity conservation to produce graduates meeting global conservation standards and SDGs. Graduates gain a strong grasp of biodiversity theories, sustainability planning, benefit estimation, and interdisciplinary integration skills.

For more information, visit: https://mpb.ntu.edu.tw

MS Program in Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience (MDR3)

The program offers training in risk assessment, climate change adaptation, contingency planning, and resilience, with practical, hands-on experience. It aims to prepare industry leaders with a comprehensive vision for investing in sustainable practices.

For more information, visit: https://mdr3.ntu.edu.tw

Scholarship Entitlements

The successful scholarship recipient is entitled to the following:

  • Tuition and other school fees;
  • Travel allowance to cover international airfare;
  • Book and supplies allowance;
  • Health insurance; and
  • Living allowance for food, lodging and incidental expenses.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

The following are the scholarship eligibility criteria:

  • Must be nationals of SEAMEO member countries;
  • Must not be more than 40 years of age at the time of application; and
  • Planned research must be aligned with SEARCA's overarching theme of Accelerating Transformation Through Agricultural Innovation (ATTAIN). Moreover, priority research topics must fall within the ATTAIN priority areas:
    • Agri-Business Models for Increased Productivity and Income
    • Sustainable Farming Systems and Natural Resource Management
    • Food and Nutrition Security
    • Transformational Leadership for Agricultural and Rural Development (ARD)
    • Gender and Youth Engagement in ARD
    • Enhanced ARD towards Climate Resilience
    • EcoHealth/One Health Applications to ARD

Application and Selection Procedure

Applicants must fill out online the NTU-SEARCA Joint Scholarship Application Form and upload a copy of all required documents.

The required documents to be submitted should be in English:

  1. Original or certified true copy of Bachelor of Science (BS) transcript of academic records bearing the seal of the University and original signature of the Registrar or Head of the University. An explanation of the university's grading system must accompany the transcript of academic records.
  2. Original or certified true copy of BS diploma
  3. Certificate of employment (if employed)
  4. Two (2) Recommendation Letters
  5. Brief description of the research the applicant plans to conduct for his/her thesis. Planned research must be aligned with SEARCA's overarching theme of Accelerating Transformation Through Agricultural Innovation (ATTAIN). Moreover, priority research topics must fall within the ATTAIN priority areas:
    • Agri-Business Models for Increased Productivity and Income
    • Sustainable Farming Systems and Natural Resource Management
    • Food and Nutrition Security
    • Transformational Leadership for Agricultural and Rural Development (ARD)
    • Gender and Youth Engagement in ARD
    • Enhanced ARD towards Climate Resilience
    • EcoHealth/One Health Applications to ARD
  6. Two copies of passport-size photo of the applicant
  7. Certification from a medical doctor that the applicant is in good physical and mental health condition and is fit to undertake graduate studies

Contact Information

For inquiries, please contact:

Education and Collective Learning - Graduate Scholarship and Institutional Development (ECL-GSID)
Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA)
College, Los Baños, 4031 Laguna, Philippines
Tel: +63 49 554 9330 to 39; +63 49 536 2290; +63 49 572 3743; +63 2 8657 1300 to 02 local 2200 to 2203
Fax: +63 49 536 7097
Email: