DOST Scholarship 2026: Complete Requirements and How to Apply

Quick Answer: The DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship provides a monthly stipend of PHP 8,000, tuition subsidy of up to PHP 40,000/year (for private HEIs), book allowance of PHP 5,000/semester, and a thesis grant of PHP 10,000. Applicants must pass the DOST-SEI Scholarship Examination held every February. Online applications typically open in October through science-scholarships.ph. The scholarship requires enrollment in priority S&T courses and a service obligation to work in the Philippines after graduation.

Introduction

The DOST-SEI (Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute) Undergraduate Scholarship is widely considered one of the best scholarship programs in the Philippines. Unlike many grants that only cover tuition, DOST provides a comprehensive package — monthly stipends, book allowances, tuition coverage, and even a thesis grant — making it possible for scholars to focus fully on their studies without financial stress.

But competition is fierce. Thousands of students take the qualifying examination each year, and only those with the highest scores earn a slot. If you are eyeing a career in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, this scholarship could fund your entire college education.

Here is everything you need to know about applying for the DOST-SEI scholarship in 2026.

Two Types of DOST-SEI Scholarships

The DOST-SEI actually offers two undergraduate scholarship tracks:

1. RA 7687 Scholarship (Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994)

This is targeted at students from economically disadvantaged families who show aptitude in science and technology. It prioritizes students from low-income backgrounds.

2. Merit Scholarship

This is a purely academic merit-based scholarship with no income requirement. It rewards students who achieve the highest scores on the DOST-SEI scholarship examination.

Both scholarship types provide the same benefits package. The difference lies in the selection criteria — RA 7687 factors in financial need alongside exam performance, while the Merit track is purely score-based.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship, you must meet ALL of the following:

Academic Qualifications

• STEM strand students: All graduating Grade 12 STEM students are eligible to apply
• Non-STEM strand students: Must belong to the top 5% of the graduating class
• Previous graduates: Grade 12 graduates from previous school years and high school graduates before the K-12 program may also apply, but non-STEM graduates must be in the top 5% of their batch

Personal Qualifications

• Must be a natural-born Filipino citizen
• Must be of good moral character
• Must be in good health and physically fit for college studies
• Must have no prior college or post-secondary units earned

Course Requirements

You must intend to enroll in one of DOST's priority science and technology courses, which include:

• Engineering (all branches — civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, computer, etc.)
• Natural Sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics)
• Information Technology and Computer Science
• Agriculture and Fisheries Technology
• Health Sciences (medical technology, pharmacy, nursing, physical therapy)
• Food Technology
• Meteorology
• Environmental Science
• Other DOST-identified priority programs

The complete list of priority courses is published on the DOST-SEI website each application cycle.

Application Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Online Registration (October-November)

Visit the official DOST-SEI scholarship portal at science-scholarships.ph during the application window. For the 2026 cycle, online applications and document uploads typically open in October, with a deadline around November 21.

You will need to create an account, fill out the application form, and upload required documents.

Step 2: Prepare and Upload Documents

Gather the following requirements:

• Completed application form (generated from the online portal)
• Report card or transcript (Grade 11 and available Grade 12 grades)
• Certificate of ranking from your school (for non-STEM applicants showing top 5% standing)
• PSA Birth Certificate or valid proof of Filipino citizenship
• 2x2 ID photo (recent, white background)
• Certificate of family income or ITR of parents/guardians (for RA 7687 track)

Step 3: Take the DOST-SEI Scholarship Examination (February)

The national qualifying examination is typically held on the third or fourth weekend of February. For the 2026 cycle, the exam is scheduled for February 21-22, 2026.

The exam covers:

• Science — Biology, Chemistry, Physics
• Mathematics — Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus fundamentals
• Verbal Aptitude — Reading comprehension, vocabulary, verbal reasoning
• Quantitative Aptitude — Logical reasoning, data analysis, problem-solving

Step 4: Wait for Results (April-May)

Results are released approximately two to three months after the exam. Qualifiers are notified through the DOST-SEI website and their respective schools.

Step 5: Accept the Scholarship and Enroll

Qualifiers must accept the scholarship by enrolling in a DOST-approved priority course at an accredited higher education institution. You will need to submit an acceptance letter and enrollment confirmation to DOST-SEI.

Complete Benefits Package

Here is the full breakdown of what DOST-SEI scholars receive:

Total Estimated Annual Value

For a scholar enrolled in a private institution: approximately PHP 130,000 per year (stipend + tuition + book allowance)

For a scholar enrolled in a state university (where tuition is free under RA 10931): approximately PHP 90,000 per year (stipend + book allowance — tuition subsidy not needed since it is already free)

Additional Benefits

• Transportation allowance for scholars studying outside their home province
• Group term insurance coverage during the scholarship period
• Priority access to DOST-SEI internship and research programs

Retention Requirements

To keep your DOST-SEI scholarship, you must:

1. Maintain a GWA that meets the minimum requirement set by DOST-SEI (no failing grades allowed)
2. Carry a full academic load each semester
3. Remain enrolled in your approved priority S&T course
4. Not transfer courses without prior written approval from DOST-SEI
5. Submit semester grades to your DOST-SEI regional coordinator on time

Scholars who fail to meet retention requirements may be placed on probationary status for one semester. A second consecutive failure results in scholarship termination.

The Service Obligation

This is one of the most important aspects of the DOST-SEI scholarship that many applicants overlook. After graduation, scholars are required to:

• Work in the Philippines for a period equal to the number of years they received the scholarship (typically 4-5 years)
• Work in a field related to their degree program
• Employment can be in the government or private sector, as long as it is in the Philippines and related to science and technology

If you fail to fulfill the service obligation, you will be required to refund the total amount of scholarship benefits received, plus interest.

Exam Preparation Tips

The DOST-SEI exam is competitive. Here is how to prepare:

1. Review your SHS STEM subjects thoroughly. Focus on General Chemistry, General Physics, General Biology, Pre-Calculus, and Basic Calculus.
2. Practice with past DOST exam questions. While official past exams are not released, many review materials are available from coaching centers and online resources.
3. Strengthen your verbal skills. The verbal aptitude section catches many STEM students off-guard. Read extensively and practice reading comprehension.
4. Time yourself. The exam is timed, so practice answering questions quickly and accurately.
5. Get enough sleep before the exam. The exam spans two days (Saturday and Sunday), so proper rest is essential.
6. Arrive early at the testing center. Bring your exam permit, valid ID, pencils, and erasers. No calculators are typically allowed.

Where to Study as a DOST Scholar

DOST-SEI scholars can enroll in any accredited higher education institution in the Philippines. However, some popular choices include:

• University of the Philippines campuses (Diliman, Los Banos, Cebu, Mindanao)
• Mapua University
• De La Salle University
• Ateneo de Manila University
• University of Santo Tomas
• Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology
• Central Luzon State University
• Visayas State University

Remember: if you enroll in a state university, your tuition is already free under RA 10931, meaning you still receive the full stipend and book allowance without needing the tuition subsidy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the application deadline. The online window is short — usually about 6 weeks. Set reminders.
• Not uploading complete documents. Incomplete applications are automatically disqualified.
• Choosing a non-priority course. If your intended course is not on the DOST priority list, you will not be eligible.
• Forgetting the service obligation. Plan your post-graduation career in the Philippines. The return service agreement is legally binding.
• Neglecting the verbal section. Many strong science students underperform on verbal aptitude. Balance your review.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many scholars does DOST-SEI accept each year?

The number varies by year, but DOST-SEI typically awards several thousand scholarships annually across both the Merit and RA 7687 tracks.

Can I shift courses after getting the scholarship?

You may shift, but only to another DOST-approved priority course, and you must get prior written approval from DOST-SEI. Shifting to a non-priority course will result in loss of the scholarship.

Is there an age limit?

There is no strict age limit, but the scholarship is designed for students entering college directly from senior high school or within a year of graduation.

Can ALS passers apply?

Alternative Learning System completers may apply, but they should check the specific eligibility requirements for the current cycle on the DOST-SEI website.

What if I want to go to medical school after my bachelor's degree?

The DOST-SEI undergraduate scholarship covers bachelor's degree programs only. However, DOST-SEI also offers separate scholarship programs for graduate studies, which you may apply for later.

Does the DOST scholarship cover board exam review?

No, the standard scholarship does not cover board exam review fees. However, some university-based or employer-sponsored programs offer this benefit.

Can I work part-time while on the scholarship?

There is no explicit prohibition, but scholars are expected to carry a full academic load and maintain the required GWA. Part-time work that interferes with academic performance is discouraged.

How do I contact DOST-SEI for inquiries?

Visit the DOST-SEI Scholarship Helpdesk at helpdesk.sei.dost.gov.ph or email the Science Education Institute directly through their official website.

The DOST-SEI scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for students passionate about science and technology. Start preparing early, gather your documents, and register as soon as the application portal opens. For help finding DOST-approved schools near you, explore institutions on SchoolFinderPH.