Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The countries of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam are classified as part of Southeast Asia.

Yes, applicants must be SSEAC members. To become a SSEAC member, please visit our membership page and select the appropriate category.

Students are not eligible to apply for Sydney Southeast Asia Centre grants. University academic applicants must hold a PhD.

Yes. Successful applicants are welcome to apply for grants in future rounds, provided they have met all the criteria and reporting requirements of any previously awarded SSEAC grant..

Yes, but only in exceptional circumstances will an academic be awarded more than one grant per round. 

Generally, staff are not eligible to apply for Sydney Southeast Asia Centre grants. 

No, only University of Sydney academics who hold a PhD can apply as the Chief Investigator. However, non-University of Sydney academics can be included in grant applications as Partner Investigators. 

No, the academic applicant must conduct the research for which funds are awarded. 

While each category has specific conditions on spending, generally our grants cannot cover equipment. Please refer to the guidelines for a list of non-allowable expenses for each grant type and the University of Sydney’s Reasonable and Non-Allowable Expense Procedures 2022.

No. All logistical matters related to international visitors are the responsibility of the academic applicant and their faculty/department. We cannot provide visa support, honorary titles or logistical assistance.

No. We can only send funds to the applying University of Sydney academic’s research account.

Yes, questions can be directed to sseac@sydney.edu.au or 02 9114 0953.

Yes, however you must clearly demonstrate how the project relates to one or more Southeast Asian countries.

Once applications have closed, all Proposals will be collated and reviewed by the SSEAC Grants Panel. A notification will then be sent to all applicants informing them of the outcome of their application. Refer to the Key Dates for each grant category for timelines.

If you would like to receive feedback on your unsuccessful application, please email us or call 02 9114 0953. Feedback will only be given if formally requested.

For academics, grants are journal transferred to your nominated RC and supplied PC. We can also use an analysis code if specifically requested. Please note, your grant will not be automatically paid into your salary, and cannot be paid into a personal bank account.