DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Program 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
If you’re a Grade 12 student in the Philippines with a passion for science and technology, the excellent news is that Department of Science and Technology ‑ Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) is now accepting applications for its 2026 Undergraduate Scholarship Program—a golden opportunity to launch your STEM career with strong support. According to the official announcement, applications are open from October 2025 until November 21, 2025.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what this opportunity offers, how it works, and how you can prepare to apply.
🎓DOST-SEI Scholarship Summary
Location: Philippines (various state universities and colleges, and accredited private institutions)
Implementing body: DOST-SEI under the Science and Technology Scholarship
Study level: Bachelor’s degree (undergraduate)
Target group:
Graduating Grade 12 students (SY 2024-2025) of the STEM strand OR
Non-STEM Grade 12 students who are in the top 5 % of their class
Natural-born Filipino citizens, of good moral character and health, who have not yet enrolled in college nor earned post-secondary units.
Fields of study: Priority science & technology courses – e.g., basic sciences, engineering, applied sciences, mathematics, science & math education. Courses must be among those identified as priority by DOST-SEI and offered in eligible institutions.
Value & coverage:
Tuition and other school fees: Up to ₱ 40,000 per year for private institutions (or actual amount for recognized institutions)
Learning materials / connectivity allowance: ₱ 10,000 per year
Monthly living allowance: ₱ 8,000 per month during regular academic year
Clothing allowance: ₱ 1,000 (first semester of first year)
Transportation allowance: Round-trip economy class fare (if studying outside home province)
Group health & accident insurance: Premium covered
Thesis allowance: ₱ 10,000 upon thesis completion
Graduation allowance: ₱ 1,000
For summer/mid-year/intersession term (if required): Tuition up to ₱ 10,000; learning materials ₱ 2,000; living allowance ₱ 8,000/month for two months.
Duration: Typically full undergraduate period of the chosen priority course (4 or 5 years depending on the degree) until completion, subject to meeting DOST-SEI conditions.
Application deadline: November 21, 2025 for the 2026 cycle.
Start date: Classes begin according to the institution’s academic calendar. Qualifying examination scheduled for February 21-22, 2026.
📚 Scholarship Overview
The DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Program is designed to “stimulate and entice talented Filipino youths to pursue lifetime productive careers in science and technology and ensure a steady, adequate supply of qualified S&T human resources which can steer the country towards national progress.”
There are two main categories under this program: the RA 7687 Scholarship (for students from economically disadvantaged families) and the Merit Scholarship Program (for high-aptitude students in science and mathematics) according to the recent announcement.
The program includes a qualifying examination, followed by full scholarship privileges once selected. Applicants must pass a national exam administered by DOST-SEI to qualify. The exam for the 2026 cycle is scheduled for February 21–22, 2026.
Upon selection, scholars undertake the identified priority courses at accredited higher education institutions (state universities/colleges or recognized private HEIs flagged by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as centers of excellence/development).
The program mandates a service commitment: scholars are obliged to serve in the Philippines for a period equal to the length of their scholarship. This may be employment in government, private enterprise or a research institution — to ensure that the country benefits from the investment in developing S&T talent.
💲Scholarship Benefits
The benefits offered under the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship are comprehensive and highly supportive:
Full tuition and other allowable school fees (up to ₱ 40,000/year for private institutions or actual fees within cap)
Learning materials / connectivity allowance (~₱ 10,000/year)
Monthly living allowance (~₱ 8,000/month during regular academic year)
One-time clothing allowance (~₱ 1,000) for first semester of first year
Transportation allowance (one round-trip economy class fare if studying outside home province)
Group health & accident insurance premium fully covered
Thesis allowance (~₱ 10,000) when writing thesis
Graduation allowance (~₱ 1,000) upon completion
Additional support for summer/mid-year term if required by the curriculum (tuition up to ₱ 10,000; materials ₱ 2,000; living allowance for two months)
These details are confirmed by multiple sources.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must meet all of the following (as of the 2026 cycle):
Be a natural-born Filipino citizen.
Be of good moral character and in good health.
Be a graduating Grade 12 student in SY 2024-2025, or a graduate of Grade 12 before the said year who has not yet enrolled in college.
Belong to the STEM strand (any major in senior high school) OR be in the top 5 % of your class if you are non-STEM. (Check current specific cycle details to confirm non-STEM eligibility).
Not yet enrolled in any college or have earned any post-secondary units.
For RA 7687 category: Must be from an economically disadvantaged family whose annual gross income does not exceed specified poverty threshold limits.
Applicants must not have previously availed of a DOST-SEI undergraduate scholarship award.
📝 Application Procedure
Here is a step-by-step procedure and list of required documents, based on available official information:
Application Procedure:
Visit the official portal: https://www.science-scholarships.ph/
Register an account using a valid e-mail address and active mobile number.
Complete the online application form.
Download, print the completed online form (6 sheets of 8.5″ × 13″ paper) where required.
Upload the required documents (if applicable) via the portal, and prepare to submit original/photocopies of documents to your preferred application site (DOST Regional Office / Provincial Science & Technology Center) for verification.
For the Merit Scholarship category: Pay the testing fee of ₱ 200.00 (if required) to obtain test permit and primer.
After verification, you will receive a Test Permit indicating your examination schedule, venue, and rules. Examinations for the 2026 cycle are scheduled for February 21–22, 2026.
Take the qualifying examination. Wait for official results and notification.
🗂️ Documents Required (non-exhaustive)
Birth Certificate (PSA or recognized equivalent)
Certificate of Good Moral Character (Form C)
Certificate of Good Health (Form D)
Certificate of Residency (Form F)
Certification of No Post-Secondary Units (Form I)
For Grade 12 applicants: Principal’s Certification (Form E1/E2 depending on strand)
Proof of Parent/Guardian’s Income (Income Tax Return, Certificate of Indigency, etc)
Recent passport-sized photograph (e.g., 4.5 cm × 3.5 cm)
Additional documents: Affidavit of legal guardianship (if applicable), marriage certificate (if guardian/spouse is involved).
ℹ️ Important tips:
Make sure the email address you register with is valid, and mobile number is active – these are required for communication.
Check that your school is included in DOST-SEI’s system and your course is among the priority list.
Gather and prepare all documentary proofs early (income, bills, certificates) since they take time to secure.
Note the exam schedule and make preparation for the qualifying exam: it is a major part of the selection process.
Keep photocopies of everything you submit and follow up with your regional office if needed.
💫 Extra Information & Useful Notes
The application window for the 2026 cycle opened October 20, 2025 and ends November 21, 2025.
The exam for the cycle is scheduled for February 21–22, 2026.
In the previous cycle (AY 2025-2026), the passers list indicated about ~10,907 out of 84,518 examinees (≈12.9%) successfully passed.
Although the RA 7687 category targets economically disadvantaged students, the Merit Scholarship opens to students who are not limited by economic status but excel in S&T aptitude.
Make sure the institution you will enrol in is a DOST-accredited provider of priority courses (check SUCs and private HEIs recognized by CHED or with FAAP Level III accreditation)
Service commitment: Upon graduation, scholars must serve in the Philippines for a period equal to the length of their scholarship. This underscores the program’s national development focus.
🚀 Conclusion
If you’re ready to pursue a STEM degree and want strong support to do so, the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 is a superb opportunity. With extensive benefits covering tuition, allowance, materials, and more — and a clear application procedure and timeline — you should consider this seriously.
Be sure to mark your calendar: application deadline November 21, 2025, qualifying exam in February 2026. Start gathering your documents now, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, register online early, and prepare for the exam.
