The Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) has officially opened applications for the 2026 Undergraduate Science Scholarship, one of the Philippines’ most competitive and sought-after government scholarship programs for future scientists, engineers, and innovators.
The program invites Grade 12 students who plan to pursue a college degree in priority science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields to apply through the official portal.
Why Students Should Apply?
The DOST–SEI Undergraduate Scholarship is more than a tuition grant — it’s a national investment in the country’s brightest scientific minds. It gives students the chance to complete college without financial worries while being part of a select group of scholars groomed to lead the Philippines’ science and technology sector.
Successful applicants will gain:
- Full or partial coverage of tuition and other school fees (₱40,000 per year)
- ₱8,000 monthly living allowance
- ₱10,000 annual learning materials or connectivity allowance
- Transportation, clothing, and health-insurance benefits
- ₱10,000 thesis support and ₱1,000 graduation incentive.
This package allows scholars to focus entirely on their academic training and research rather than financial constraints — a vital advantage for students from public schools or low-income families aspiring to study in the country’s top science universities.
Available Scholarship Tracks
The program offers two entry tracks based on applicant background and merit:
-
RA 7687 Scholarship (Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994):
For academically qualified students from economically disadvantaged families who wish to pursue courses in science, engineering, and mathematics. -
Merit Scholarship Program:
For students with outstanding science and math aptitude, regardless of family income, who intend to build professional careers in STEM.
Both categories share one mission — to produce the next generation of scientists, engineers, researchers, and innovators who will drive national progress.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be natural-born Filipino citizens in good moral and physical standing
- Be Grade 12 students currently enrolled under the STEM strand, or belong to the top 5% of their class if from a non-STEM strand
- Have no previous post-secondary education or prior DOST scholarship
- Intend to enroll in priority S&T programs in recognized universities
Qualified scholars may study at the University of the Philippines, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), or private institutions accredited by CHED as Centers of Excellence or Centers of Development.
How to Apply?
- Visit the official portal: https://www.science-scholarships.ph/
- Register using a valid email address and active mobile number.
- Fill out the online application form completely and upload all required documents.
- Prepare for the DOST Qualifying Examination on February 21–22, 2026.
Invitation Letter: https://pia.gov.ph/news/dost-opens-2026-science-scholarship-for-future-innovators/
Why This Matters Now?
The DOST-SEI scholarship continues to be one of the strongest gateways to professional success in STEM, especially for public-school graduates who want to study at premier institutions like the University of the Philippines, Mapúa University, or Ateneo de Manila University without worrying about costs.
With over 270 active scholars in Pangasinan alone and thousands nationwide, DOST aims to further increase participation in 2026 to ensure a steady pipeline of Filipino scientists and engineers ready to serve in research, innovation, and national industries.