✨ Should I Apply for SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) PhD Fellowship Program?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
Low (Highly competitive due to limited slots per country)
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Varies by host country (Approx. $600 - $800 USD monthly stipend plus additional allowances)
⏱
Duration
3 years (Standard duration for PhD programs)
🗓
Deadline
Varies annually (Typically between May and August depending on the cycle)
🔬
Fields
Agriculture and Allied Sciences (including Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Soil Science, Animal Science, Fisheries, and Horticulture)
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Awards/Year
Limited (Usually 1-2 awards per SAARC member country per cycle)
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Study Country
SAARC Member States (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka)
🏛️
Provider
SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC)
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Acceptance
Check official website (Varies by country and field)
The SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) PhD Fellowship is a prestigious regional program aimed at human resource development in the agricultural sector of SAARC member states. The program supports doctoral research that addresses common agricultural challenges in South Asia, fostering regional cooperation and the sharing of scientific knowledge to improve food and nutritional security.
👥 Who Should Apply
Professional agricultural scientists and researchers from SAARC countries with a strong academic background and employment in government agricultural sectors.
🏛️ Host University
Recognized Agricultural Universities and Research Institutes within SAARC Member States
🔬 Fields of Study
Agriculture and Allied Sciences (including Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Soil Science, Animal Science, Fisheries, and Horticulture)
✨ Key Benefits
A comprehensive fully-funded package that covers all tuition fees, living expenses, international travel, medical insurance, and specific costs related to research and thesis production.
🎯 Target Students
Mid-career agricultural scientists and government professionals
🏷 Tags
Agriculture
PhD
Research
SAARC
South Asia
Fully Funded
Food Security
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Yes (100% of academic fees)
Living Stipend
Yes (Monthly subsistence allowance provided)
Total Award
Varies by host country (Appr
✈️ Travel: Yes (Economy class international airfare for the student)
🏠 Accommodation: Yes (Included in the stipend or provided by the host institution)
💊 Health Insurance: Yes (Medical allowance/insurance coverage provided)
🔄 Renewable: Yes
💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes (100% of academic fees)
🏠 Living Stipend
Yes (Monthly subsistence allowance provided)
🏡 Accommodation
Yes (Included in the stipend or provided by the host institution)
✈️ Travel Allowance
Yes (Economy class international airfare for the student)
💊 Health Insurance
Yes (Medical allowance/insurance coverage provided)
🎁 Other Benefits
Book allowance, thesis/dissertation printing costs, and a one-time research support grant
📋 Renewal Conditions
Subject to satisfactory academic performance and progress reports from the supervisor
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Must be a citizen of a SAARC member state, currently employed in the National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES), holding a Master's degree in a relevant field.
🎓 Academic Level
PhD (Doctorate)
📊 Minimum GPA
Equivalent of First Class or high Second Class in Master's degree
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficiency in English is mandatory as it is the medium of instruction
🎂 Age Limit
Maximum 40-45 years at the time of application
💼 Work Experience
Minimum 3-5 years of experience in agricultural research, education, or extension
🏆 Leadership
Demonstrated potential for leadership in agricultural research and regional cooperation
💰 Financial Need
Not a primary criterion; scholarship is merit and profession-based
🎯 Target Students
Mid-career agricultural scientists and government professionals
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Research proposal and Statement of Purpose are required)
Rec Letters
Yes (Letters from the current employer/Head of Department and academic referees)
Interview
Yes (Shortlisted candidates usually undergo an interview process)
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport / National ID
- Yes (Letters from the current employer/Head of Department and academic referees) Recommendation Letters
- CV / Resume
- Personal Statement / Essays
- Proficiency in English is mandatory as it is the medium of instruction
- Interview: Yes (Shortlisted candidates usually undergo an interview process)
- Min GPA: Equivalent of First Class or high Second Class in Master's degree
📋 Application Process
Develop a research proposal that addresses regional agricultural issues relevant to the SAARC mandate. Ensure all documents are endorsed by the relevant Ministry of Agriculture or Foreign Affairs in your home country.
💡 Insider Tip: Highlight how your research will contribute to food security and technological exchange within the South Asian region.