Are you a talented student from Southeast Asia looking to pursue postgraduate studies in agriculture, forestry, or related fields?
The DAAD-SEARCA Scholarship Programme, a joint initiative of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), is offering fully funded scholarships for Master’s and PhD studies in Germany starting in 2025.
This is an incredible opportunity to gain world-class education and research experience at top German universities. Keep reading for all the details on eligibility, benefits, application process, and more.
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About the DAAD-SEARCA Scholarship Programme
Advance Your Career in Agriculture: DAAD-SEARCA Offers Fully Funded Scholarships for Southeast Asian Students to Study in Germany
The DAAD-SEARCA Scholarship Programme aims to promote international academic exchange and cooperation between Germany and Southeast Asian countries in the fields of agriculture, forestry, and related disciplines.
It provides scholarships for outstanding students and researchers from Southeast Asia to undertake postgraduate studies at German universities.
The programme is jointly administered by DAAD, Germany’s largest support organisation for international academic cooperation, and SEARCA, a non-profit organization based in the Philippines that promotes inclusive and sustainable agricultural and rural development through graduate education and research.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the DAAD-SEARCA Scholarship Programme, applicants must:
- Be a national of a Southeast Asian country (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam)
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s applicants) or Master’s degree (for PhD applicants) in agriculture, forestry, or a related discipline with above-average grades
- Have at least 2 years of relevant work experience
- Demonstrate strong English proficiency through a TOEFL or IELTS score
- Be under 36 years old (for Master’s) or 40 years old (for PhD) at the time of application
- Commit to returning to their home country after completing the scholarship program
Eligible fields of study include but are not limited to: Agricultural Sciences, Forestry Sciences, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Sciences, Food Sciences, Animal Sciences, Biotechnology, and Sustainable Development.
Scholarship Benefits
The DAAD-SEARCA Scholarship Programme provides generous financial support and benefits, including:
- Monthly stipend of €934 for Master’s students or €1,200 for PhD students to cover living expenses
- Travel allowance for one round-trip flight between home country and Germany
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
- Tuition fees waived by the host university
- Annual research allowance of €460
- Rent subsidy and family allowance for scholars with accompanying family members
- 6-month German language course prior to the start of the study program
- Access to extensive alumni networks of both DAAD and SEARCA
The scholarship is granted for the standard period of the chosen study program (generally 2 years for Master’s degrees and 3-4 years for PhD degrees). 
Continued funding is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress.
Eligible German Universities and Programs
Scholars can choose from a wide range of postgraduate programs offered at German universities in the fields of agriculture, forestry, and related disciplines.
Over 50 universities across Germany participate in the DAAD scholarship programs.
Some top universities with strong agricultural science programs include:
- University of Hohenheim
- Technical University of Munich
- Georg-August-University Göttingen
- Justus Liebig University Giessen
- University of Bonn
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- University of Kassel
For a full list of eligible universities and programs, please check the DAAD scholarship database:Â https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/
When choosing a program, make sure it is taught in English (unless you have sufficient German proficiency) and that it matches your academic background and career goals.
It’s a good idea to contact the universities directly for more information about specific admission requirements and application procedures.
Application Process and Timeline
The application process for the 2025 intake of the DAAD-SEARCA Scholarship Programme involves several steps:
- Online application through the SEARCA Scholarship Portal:Â https://scholarship.searca.org/ Deadline: 30 October 2024
- Required documents: Completed online application form, CV, academic transcripts, degree certificates, English proficiency test score, research proposal (for PhD), recommendation letters
- Shortlisting by SEARCAShortlisted candidates will be notified by email in October 2024
- Online application through the DAAD Portal:Â https://portal.daad.de/ Deadline: 30 November 2024
- Required documents: Completed online application form, CV, academic transcripts, degree certificates, English proficiency test score, research proposal (for PhD), recommendation letters, admission letter from chosen German university
- Final selection by the DAAD selection committeeResults will be announced in March 2025
- German language course (optional)6-month intensive course from April to September 2025
- Start of scholarship-funded studies in GermanyOctober 2025 (winter semester) or April 2026 (summer semester) depending on the university
Make sure to read the application instructions carefully and submit all required documents before the deadlines. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Tips for a Strong Application
Competition for DAAD-SEARCA scholarships is high, so it’s important to put together a compelling application that highlights your academic achievements, research potential, and motivation.
Here are some tips:
- Start early and familiarize yourself with the application requirements and deadlines
- Choose a study program and university that align with your academic background and career goals
- Invest time in crafting a clear and convincing research proposal (for PhD applicants)
- Tailor your CV and motivation letter to emphasize your qualifications and fit for the chosen program
- Select recommenders who can speak to your academic and professional abilities
- Allow ample time for standardized tests (TOEFL/IELTS) and gathering official documents
- Double-check your application for completeness and accuracy before submitting
- Demonstrate your commitment to returning to your home country and contributing to its development
If you have any questions about the application process, don’t hesitate to contact the SEARCA Scholarship Unit at [email protected] or the DAAD Information Center in your country: https://www.daad.de/en/the-daad/contact/
Conclusion
The DAAD-SEARCA Scholarship Programme offers a life-changing opportunity for talented Southeast Asian students to pursue fully funded postgraduate studies in agriculture, forestry, and related fields at top German universities.
With its generous benefits, wide range of eligible programs, and strong focus on academic excellence and development impact, this scholarship is a fantastic option for anyone seeking to further their education and career in these crucial fields.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about making a difference in your home country and beyond, don’t miss this chance to apply for the 2025 intake of the DAAD-SEARCA Scholarship Programme.
Start preparing your application today and take the first step towards realizing your academic and professional dreams.
For more information and updates, please visit the official scholarship websites:
- SEARCA:Â https://www.searca.org/daad-scholarship
- DAAD:Â https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/
Ready to apply? Click here to start your online application through the SEARCA Scholarship Portal:Â https://scholarship.searca.org/
