SEAREG Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2027–2028 (Fully Funded Postdoctoral Fellowship in Southeast Asia)

Applications are now open for the SEAREG Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2027–2028, a newly launched and fully funded fellowship designed to support outstanding early-career scholars conducting research on Southeast Asia. Organized by the Southeast Asia Research Group (SEAREG) with generous support from the Henry Luce Foundation, the fellowship offers a unique opportunity for one postdoctoral researcher to spend 12 months at a leading university in Southeast Asia while advancing their research, expanding professional networks, and gaining valuable academic experience.

The fellowship is intended to strengthen the careers of emerging scholars by providing dedicated time for research, mentorship, teaching or public engagement opportunities, and participation in SEAREG's renowned academic community. During the programme, the selected fellow will be hosted by one of four partner institutions located in Thailand, Malaysia, or Vietnam, where they will collaborate with local faculty, contribute to academic activities, and deepen their engagement with the region they study.

As the inaugural edition of the programme, the 2027 fellowship marks an important milestone in SEAREG's efforts to promote high-quality scholarship on Southeast Asia. The fellowship is expected to become a flagship opportunity for researchers in political science, sociology, anthropology, economics, history, public policy, and related disciplines whose work focuses on Southeast Asia.

About the Fellowship

The SEAREG Postdoctoral Fellowship was established to provide promising scholars with opportunities for intensive research, regional immersion, and professional development. Unlike many postdoctoral appointments that are based outside the region of study, this fellowship places researchers directly within Southeast Asian universities, enabling closer collaboration with local academics and greater access to fieldwork opportunities.

The selected fellow will receive mentorship from two sources throughout the fellowship: a faculty mentor at the host institution and a member of the SEAREG Executive Council. This dual-mentorship model is designed to strengthen both the fellow's research agenda and long-term career development.

In addition to conducting independent research, fellows are expected to contribute to the academic life of their host institution. Depending on the placement, responsibilities may include delivering public lectures, collaborating with faculty, mentoring students, or teaching courses. Fellows will also present their research at SEAREG's annual Southeast Asian Workshop, providing an opportunity to engage with an international network of scholars specializing in the region.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• A fully funded 12-month postdoctoral appointment.
• A competitive salary provided by the host institution.
• Research funding to support fieldwork and academic activities.
• Travel funding to attend the SEAREG Southeast Asian Workshop.
• Mentorship from a SEAREG Executive Council member.
• Additional mentorship from a faculty member at the host university.
• Opportunities to present research to international academic audiences.
• Access to leading universities and research networks across Southeast Asia.
• Professional development that strengthens competitiveness for academic and non-academic careers.
• Opportunities for collaboration with scholars throughout the region.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should:

• Hold a PhD in a relevant discipline before the fellowship begins.
• Demonstrate a strong research focus on Southeast Asia.
• Have a well-developed postdoctoral research agenda.
• Be interested in conducting research while residing in Southeast Asia.
• Secure a letter of support from a faculty mentor at one of the partner institutions.
• Demonstrate the ability to contribute to the academic activities of the host institution.
• Be committed to participating in SEAREG workshops and professional development activities.

Researchers from around the world are encouraged to apply, provided their work aligns with the programme's focus on Southeast Asian studies.

Required Application Documents

Applicants will generally need to prepare:

• Completed online application form.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Research proposal.
• Cover letter or statement of interest.
• Letter of support from a faculty mentor at the selected host institution.
• Academic transcripts or degree documentation if requested.
• Contact information for referees.
• Any additional documents specified in the official application guidelines.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Academic excellence.
• Quality and originality of the proposed research.
• Relevance to Southeast Asian studies.
• Feasibility of the research project.
• Strength of the proposed host institution match.
• Quality of mentorship arrangements.
• Potential contribution to SEAREG and the broader scholarly community.
• Overall potential for future academic leadership.

Because only one fellowship will be awarded during this inaugural cycle, the competition is expected to be highly selective.

How to Apply

To apply for the SEAREG Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2027–2028:

1. Review the official fellowship guidelines on the SEAREG website.
2. Identify the partner institution that best aligns with your research interests.
3. Contact a faculty member at your preferred institution to discuss mentorship and obtain a letter of support.
4. Prepare your research proposal and supporting documents.
5. Complete the online application form.