ISEAS PhD Scholarship: 2026 Southeast Asia Research Track

Q: What does ISEAS PhD Scholarship: 2026 Southeast Asia Research Track cover?
A: Funding package, eligibility, and service expectations for the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute PhD Scholarship focusing on Southeast Asian studies.

TL;DR
ISEAS sponsors your PhD (local or overseas) in Southeast Asian economics, politics, history, or sociology, covers tuition and stipends, and bonds you for five years to drive applied research for the institute.

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Scholarship Snapshot

• Status: Application Cycle Closed (last checked 2025-10-01)
• Official Listing: ISEAS PhD Scholarship
• Who It Targets: Singapore Citizens pursuing or admitted to PhD programmes in Southeast Asia-focused economics, politics, history, sociology, anthropology, or related humanities/social sciences
• Eligibility: Consistent academic excellence, demonstrated research aptitude, and readiness to deliver policy-relevant work on the region
• Tenable Institutions: Reputable universities in Singapore or overseas approved by ISEAS
• Bond: Five-year research service commitment with ISEAS after completion

Award Components

• Full coverage of tuition and compulsory university fees
• Monthly maintenance stipend throughout the PhD candidature
• Funding for conference travel, fieldwork, and archival research across Southeast Asia
• Medical insurance and return air passage (for overseas scholars)
• Preliminary expenses to support relocation and course commencement
• Structured mentorship from ISEAS senior fellows and integration into institute research programmes

Eligibility Highlights

• Singapore Citizen with honours or master's-level distinction in relevant fields
• Admission (or pending admission) to a reputable PhD programme focused on Southeast Asia
• Clear research proposal that addresses applied or policy-relevant questions for the region
• Willingness to conduct fieldwork and collaborate across disciplines
• Commitment to serve a five-year bond at ISEAS upon completion, contributing to publications, conferences, and advisory work