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SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) PhD Fellowship Program
by SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) · Recognized Agricultural Universities and Research Institutes within SAARC Member States
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
🏆 Fully Funded🔴 Active (Check annual calls for application)🎓 PhD (Doctorate)🌍 SAARC Member States (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka)📌 Merit-based / Government-funded
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)
Level
PhD (Doctorate)
Acceptance
Check official website (Varies by country and field)
Difficulty
High
Quick Summary
Aimed at mid-career agricultural scientists and government professionals, SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) PhD Fellowship Program is a fully funded scholarship for study in SAARC Member States (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka). The award covers 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. and is open to phd (doctorate) students studying agriculture and allied sciences (including agronomy, plant breeding, soil science, animal science, fisheries, and horticulture). The scholarship runs for 3 years (standard duration for phd programs) and may be renewed annually based on academic performance. Eligibility is generally based on professional agricultural scientists and researchers from SAARC countries with a strong academic background and employment in government agricultural sectors. The application deadline is Varies annually (Typically between May and August depending on the cycle), with an acceptance rate of approximately Check official website (Varies by country and field). Applicants are encouraged to review the official eligibility criteria carefully before starting their application.
✨ Should I Apply for SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) PhD Fellowship Program?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
60%
Eligibility Match
8%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
60-80 hrs
Time Required
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)
🏆
Awards/Year
Limited (Usually 1-2 awards per SAARC member country per cycle)
🌏
Study Country
SAARC Member States (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka)
🏛️
Provider
SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC)
📊
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
Varies by member state (Estimated hundreds across the region)
Applicants Last Year
Approximately 8-10 per cohort
Winners
Check official website (Varies by country and field)
Acceptance Rate
Low (Highly competitive due to limited slots per country)
Competition Level
Win Probability
8%
Match Score
60%
Competition
95%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Yes (100% of academic fees)
Living Stipend
Yes (Monthly subsistence allowance provided)
Total Award
Varies by host country (Approx. $600 - $800 USD monthly stipend plus additional allowances)
✈️ 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)
Book allowance, thesis/dissertation printing costs, and a one-time research support grant
🔄 Renewable
Yes
📋 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)
Application Fee
Free
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.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Varies (Usually announced in the second quarter of the year)
⏰ Deadline
Varies annually (Typically between May and August depending on the cycle)
🎤 Interview
Yes (Shortlisted candidates usually undergo an interview process)
🎓 Study Starts
Varies based on the host university academic calendar (usually August or September)
Varies (Usually announced in the second quarter of the year)
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Varies annually (Typically between May and August depending on the cycle)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes (Shortlisted candidates usually undergo an interview process)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
Varies based on the host university academic calendar (usually August or September)
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic excellence, quality and relevance of the research proposal, professional experience, and potential for regional impact.
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🇫🇷 Paris Conservatoire CNSM Scholarship (Aides Sociales et Mécénat)
Professional agricultural scientists and researchers from SAARC countries with a strong academic background and employment in government agricultural sectors.
This scholarship covers: 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.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Varies annually (Typically between May and August depending on the cycle). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Low (Highly competitive due to limited slots per country). Acceptance rate: Check official website (Varies by country and field). Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
Yes
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Proficiency in English is mandatory as it is the medium of instruction, Yes (Letters from the current employer/Head of Department and academic referees) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.