Deadline: October 20, 2025
Applications are open for the SEAREG Predoctoral Fellowship 2025-2026. The SEAREG Predoctoral Fellowship supports aspiring scholars from Southeast Asia applying to PhD programs in political science or closely related social science fields in the United States or Canada. The fellowship provides modest financial assistance and one-on-one mentorship to strengthen application materials and expand access to graduate study opportunities for students from the region.
Benefits
Each SEAREG Predoctoral Fellowship includes:
- A $1,000 microgrant to help defray graduate application costs (e.g., GRE, TOEFL, application fees).
- Individualized mentorship from an assigned SEAREG mentor who will offer feedback on personal statements, writing samples, and other application materials. Fellows will meet with their mentors for up to three mentoring sessions, between October and December 2025.
- Optional matching with SEAREG-affiliated faculty for a short-term RAship (if mutually agreed upon).
- A certificate of selection recognizing the fellow’s achievement and participation.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be currently a resident of a Southeast Asian country. Note: While citizenship is not required, we prioritize applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to studying political science and Southeast Asia.
- Have completed (or be completing) an undergraduate or master’s degree in the region.
- Intend to apply for Ph.D. programs beginning in Fall 2026.
- Show clear academic interest in Southeast Asia and a desire to pursue rigorous research.
- Be applying primarily to political science PhD programs, though related disciplines (e.g., public policy, political economy, sociology) are eligible.
Selection Criteria
Fellows will be selected based on the following:
- Clear academic motivation for pursuing a PhD in Political Science or a closely related field
- Strong commitment to the study of Southeast Asia
- Demonstrated potential for success in graduate-level research and training
- Need for financial and/or mentoring support
Application
Applicants must submit the following materials:
- Brief Personal Statement (150–200 words) explaining how this fellowship would support your academic goals
- Statement of Purpose (up to 2 pages) describing your academic background, research interests, and motivation for pursuing a PhD
- CV or Resume
- Unofficial Transcript (undergraduate or graduate)
- List of Intended PhD Programs including:
- University name
- Department (e.g., Department of Government)
- Degree Program (e.g., PhD in Political Science, PhD in Public Policy and Political Science)
- Names and affiliations of at least two PhD letter writers
Optional (but encouraged):
- Writing Sample (e.g., undergraduate thesis, research paper, or other academic work)
For more information, visit SEAREG Predoctoral Fellowship.
