The Lee Foundation Rice Scholarship Program is awarded on a competitive basis to candidates coming from South and Southeast Asia.A Selection Committee composed of the head of training, the respective theme leader, and concerned scientists will guide the selection process.Eligibility requirements

• South or Southeast Asian national
• Engagement in the field of rice science and related systems research
• Willingness to work on any of the identified PhD research area
• Great potential for scientific achievement
• About to enroll in a PhD program or have gained admission to an approved course in a designated institution or have completed all PhD coursework requirements
• Endorsement from university supervisor
• Adequate proficiency in English
• Not more than 35 years old at the time of application

Potential applicants may seek co-funding for their study fees from different sources, which may provide more flexibility in their choice of university.

Application procedures

1.   Interested applicants should send their applications with the following documents:

• Application letter
• Filled-out application form
• Updated curriculum vitae (CV)
• Certificate of English Proficiency satisfying university entry requirements (e.g., PETS5, TOEFL, GRE, TSE, IELTS)
• Transcript of records (BS, MS, and PhD – copy of grades for coursework only (for PhD sandwich degree program applicants only)
• Endorsement from the university where the scholar is currently enrolled (if applying for PhD sandwich program)
• Letter of assessment from an expert in the same research area
• Copy or evidence of registration/acceptance from the designated institution or university. This can be a copy of your enrollment certificate or a letter from the university confirming your acceptance.
• A five hundred (500)-word essay on your research and career goals and how this scholarship will enable you to have an impact on the lives of poor rice consumers and rice producers you will meet in your future career as a rice scientist.

2.   Application forms can be downloaded from www.training.irri.org.3.   Completed application forms and the required documentation must be submitted on or before 15 August 2013. Applicants should indicate on the application form that they wish to be considered for the Lee Foundation Rice Scholarship. All documents to be submitted for the Lee Foundation Rice Scholarship should have “LEE Applicant” written in red ink in the upper right-hand corner.4.   Send completed application documents to irritraining@irri.org quoting Lee Foundation Rice Scholarship application in the subject line.

5.   Submit electronic copies of all the forms and attachments.

6.   Potential candidates should agree to work under the strategic theme and follow the research team approach. All are encouraged to apply as early as possible.