CFPs: Faculty and Student Mobility Grant Program

Deadline: 09-Jan-2026

The SEARCA Student and Faculty Mobility Grant Program offers funding for Southeast Asian students and faculty to conduct research or take credit-bearing courses at selected universities and research institutions in Southeast Asia. The grant supports academic mobility aligned with sustainable agricultural development, providing travel and living support of up to USD 3,500.

Overview of the Grant Program

The SEARCA Student and Faculty Mobility Grant Program is now accepting applications for a limited number of slots open to Southeast Asian individuals interested in conducting research or taking courses for academic credit at selected universities in Southeast Asia.

The program is administered by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and aims to strengthen academic collaboration, research capacity, and knowledge exchange across the region.

Program Goals and Development Focus

The grant program contributes directly to SEARCA’s broader development agenda by supporting initiatives that lead to:

• Increased farmers’ income

• Improved food security and nutrition

• Enhanced climate resilience of agricultural systems

• Empowerment of farmers, farmer groups, and agricultural institutions

Through academic mobility, the program promotes innovation and capacity building for sustainable agricultural transformation in Southeast Asia.

What the Mobility Grant Supports

The SEARCA Faculty and Student Mobility Grant enables selected grantees to:

• Conduct research relevant to agriculture and rural development

• Take academic courses for credit

• Study or train at:

  • SEARCA University Consortium member universities, or

  • Other prominent agricultural universities or research institutions in Southeast Asia

• Gain exposure to new technologies and methodologies

• Receive training and mentorship from world-class academicians and researchers

Financial Support and Grant Coverage

Each approved grantee may receive funding of up to USD 3,500, which may include:

• One roundtrip airfare to the host institution

• Stipend for:

  • Food

  • Lodging

  • Incidental expenses

Funding is intended to support short-term academic mobility and essential research or study-related costs.

Duration of Grant Support

• Minimum duration: 1 week

• Maximum duration: 1 academic semester

All approved travel and activities must be completed within the grant period.

Who Is Eligible?

Faculty Mobility Grant Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be nationals of SEAMEO member countries, including:

  • Brunei Darussalam

  • Cambodia

  • Indonesia

  • Lao PDR

  • Malaysia

  • Myanmar

  • Philippines

  • Singapore

  • Thailand

  • Timor-Leste

  • Vietnam

• Be regular employees of an academic institution

• Be not more than 45 years old at the time of application

• Have research interests aligned with SEARCA’s development agenda

Student Mobility Grant Eligibility

Student applicants must:

• Be enrolled in an academic institution in Southeast Asia

• Conduct thesis-related research or take courses aligned with SEARCA priority areas

• Secure endorsement from their thesis adviser or academic supervisor

Priority Research and Study Areas

Applicants’ research or academic activities must align with SEARCA’s focus on:

• Sustainable transformation of agricultural systems

• Agricultural innovation

• Climate-resilient agriculture

• Food systems and nutrition

• Institutional strengthening in agriculture

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Duly accomplished SEARCA application form

2. Detailed description of proposed activities and budgetary requirements

3. Letter of confirmation from the host university or research institution agreeing to:

   • Host the applicant

   • Supervise the research or academic activity

4. Proof of financial support from other sources (if applicable)

5. Required endorsements:

   • Students: Endorsement from thesis adviser or supervisor

   • Faculty: Endorsement from the Dean of the College or Faculty

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Grant Disbursement Process

• 80% of the approved grant amount is released upon:

  • Submission of the signed conforme of the Notice of Award

  • Completion of required documentation

• Remaining 20% is released after:

  • Submission and acceptance of the terminal report

Reporting Requirements

At the end of the grant period, grantees must:

• Submit a terminal report to SEARCA

• Describe the research, coursework, or academic activities conducted

• Submit the report no later than one week after returning to the home institution

Timely submission of the report is mandatory for grant completion.

Important Dates and Deadlines

• Application deadline: 9 January 2026

• Latest completion of approved travel: 30 June 2026

Applicants should plan activities and travel schedules carefully to meet these deadlines.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting applications without a host institution confirmation

• Proposing activities not aligned with SEARCA’s development agenda

• Incomplete budget details or unclear cost justification

• Missing required endorsements

• Unrealistic timelines that exceed the grant period

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly link your research or coursework to sustainable agriculture goals

• Demonstrate regional relevance and potential impact

• Choose a host institution with strong expertise in your field

• Provide a realistic and well-justified budget

• Ensure all endorsements and supporting documents are complete

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum funding available under the SEARCA Mobility Grant?

The maximum grant amount is USD 3,500.

2. Can the grant be used for coursework instead of research?

Yes. The grant supports both research activities and courses taken for academic credit.

3. Which countries are eligible?

Applicants must be nationals of SEAMEO member countries in Southeast Asia.

4. Is there an age limit for applicants?

Yes. Faculty applicants must be not more than 45 years old at the time of application.

5. How long can the mobility period last?

The mobility period can range from one week to one academic semester.

6. When will the funds be released?

Eighty percent is released at the start of the grant, and the remaining 20 percent is released after submission of the terminal report.

7. When is the application deadline?

The deadline to apply is 9 January 2026.

Conclusion

The SEARCA Student and Faculty Mobility Grant Program offers a valuable opportunity for Southeast Asian scholars to enhance their research, academic training, and regional collaboration in agriculture. By supporting short-term mobility aligned with sustainable agricultural development, the program strengthens innovation, knowledge exchange, and capacity building across Southeast Asia.

For more information, visit SEARCA.