Deadline: October 20, 2025
Are you an aspiring Southeast Asian scholar planning to pursue a PhD in the United States or Canada? The SEAREG Predoctoral Fellowship 2025–2026 offers financial support, mentorship, and academic guidance to help you prepare a strong PhD application. With a $1,000 grant and personalised mentorship, this fellowship is designed to ease the financial and academic challenges of applying to competitive doctoral programmes.
About the SEAREG Predoctoral Fellowship
The SEAREG Predoctoral Fellowship 2025–2026 is a unique initiative aimed at supporting future scholars of Southeast Asia who intend to begin their PhD programmes in Fall 2026. The fellowship provides tailored guidance, mentorship, and financial assistance to ensure applicants are well-prepared for admission into top graduate programmes in political science and related fields.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows will receive a range of benefits, including:
- $1,000 microgrant to cover costs such as GRE, TOEFL, and application fees.
- One-on-one mentorship with up to three personalised mentoring sessions between October and December 2025. Mentors will provide feedback on personal statements, research plans, and writing samples.
- Optional short RA (Research Assistant) placement with SEAREG-affiliated faculty, if both parties agree.
- Certificate of Selection, acknowledging your achievement and participation in the programme.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be a resident of a Southeast Asian country (citizenship not required, but preference goes to those committed to Southeast Asia).
- Hold or be completing an undergraduate or master’s degree in the region.
- Plan to apply to PhD programmes starting in Fall 2026.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in Southeast Asian studies and commitment to research.
- Apply primarily to political science or closely related disciplines such as sociology, public policy, or political economy.
Selection Criteria
The fellowship selection committee will assess applications based on:
- Clear academic motivation and readiness for a PhD.
- Strong commitment to research on Southeast Asia.
- Demonstrated research potential and academic performance.
- Evidence of financial need and/or the need for mentorship support.
Application Requirements
To apply, candidates must submit the following documents:
- Personal statement (150–200 words) explaining how the fellowship will support your academic goals.
- Statement of purpose (maximum 2 pages) outlining your academic background, research interests, and motivation for doctoral study.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume.
- Unofficial transcripts (undergraduate and/or graduate).
- List of intended PhD programmes, including universities, departments, and degree names.
- Names and affiliations of at least two letter writers who can provide recommendations for your PhD applications.
- Optional writing sample (e.g. thesis, research paper) – strongly encouraged.
Deadline
The application deadline is October 20, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit all materials well ahead of time to avoid last-minute challenges.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Start early and request recommendation letters as soon as possible.
- Emphasise your connection to Southeast Asia in your research interests.
- Showcase your need for mentorship and financial support.
- Use the optional writing sample to demonstrate your research potential.
- Submit a balanced list of PhD programmes and highlight programme fit.
- Proofread all documents carefully and seek feedback before submission.
How to Apply
For tailored guidance in drafting, refining, and reviewing your application proposal, contact us for proposal drafting, refinning and review.
