Updated for the 2027 DOST-SEI scholarship cycle
DOST Scholarship 2027
Your complete, independent guide to the DOST-SEI scholarship in the Philippines: eligibility, requirements, benefits, priority courses, the qualifying exam, results and how to apply on the official portal.
2027 cycle status (as of October 2026): Online applications closed on September 17, 2026. The qualifying exam is on November 14–15, 2026, and results are expected around March 2027. Download your test permit only from the official portal.
What is the DOST Scholarship?
The DOST Scholarship is a free, government-funded college scholarship run by the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI). It supports talented Filipino students who take priority science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses, paying tuition up to ₱40,000 a year plus an ₱8,000 monthly living allowance, in exchange for serving in the Philippines after graduation.
Explore DOST Scholarship Guides
Key Takeaways
- The DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship has two tracks: Merit (no income limit) and RA 7687 (for families within DOST-SEI’s income limits).
- Graduating Grade 12 students or SHS graduates with no college units can apply; non-STEM students must be in the top 5% of their class.
- Scholars receive tuition, an ₱8,000 monthly allowance, a ₱10,000 yearly learning allowance, insurance and more.
- Applying is free and fully online through science-scholarships.ph.
- Scholars must serve in the Philippines after graduation for as many years as they enjoyed the scholarship.
On this page
Types of DOST Scholarships
DOST-SEI offers scholarships at different education levels. All are government-funded and aim to build the country’s pool of scientists, engineers and S&T professionals.
Undergraduate: RA 7687, Merit, RA 10612 (JLSS)
- Merit Scholarship: for incoming freshmen with high aptitude in science and math, regardless of family income.
- RA 7687 Scholarship: for incoming freshmen whose family income is within DOST-SEI’s limits.
- JLSS (Junior Level Science Scholarship): for college students already in a priority course, with RA 7687, Merit and RA 10612 (teacher education) tracks.
👉 RA 7687 vs Merit vs JLSS explained: which DOST-SEI scholarship fits you
Graduate: ASTHRDP & ERDT
For Master’s and PhD studies in science (ASTHRDP) and engineering (ERDT) at partner universities, with a ₱30,000–₱38,000 monthly stipend.
👉 DOST graduate scholarship guide: courses, universities and how to apply
DOST Scholarship 2027 Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship (Merit and RA 7687) |
| Country | Philippines |
| Organization | Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) |
| Fields | Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & other priority fields |
| Scholarship type | Government-funded, full scholarship |
| Application | Online via science-scholarships.ph (no application fee) |
| Application period | August 17 – September 17, 2026 (closed) |
| Qualifying exam | November 14–15, 2026 |
| Results | Tentatively March 2027 |
| Scholarship starts | First Semester, AY 2027–2028 |
| Citizenship | Natural-born Filipino citizens |
DOST Scholarship Benefits at a Glance
| Benefit | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly living allowance | ₱8,000 |
| Tuition and school fees | Up to ₱40,000 a year |
| Learning materials / connectivity | ₱10,000 a year |
| Others | Transport, clothing, thesis and graduation allowances, insurance |
👉 See the full DOST scholarship benefits breakdown: per-semester and yearly totals and when allowances are released
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Summary)
- Natural-born Filipino citizen
- Graduating Grade 12 student, or Grade 12 graduate with no college units
- STEM strand, or top 5% of the class if non-STEM
- Good moral character and good health; RA 7687 applicants must meet the income limit
👉 Full DOST scholarship requirements: eligibility per scholarship type, grade rules and a free checklist PDF
Documentary Requirements (Summary)
Applicants upload DOST-SEI Forms C to J (good moral, good health, principal’s certification, residency, parent’s certification, exam history, no post-secondary units and signed declaration), plus a PSA birth certificate, a passport-size photo and, for RA 7687, proof of family income.
👉 DOST scholarship forms explained: what each form is for and how to fill it up
Priority Courses Covered
DOST scholars must enroll in an approved priority science and technology course. The priority list covers these main fields:
- Science and Mathematics
- Engineering
- Computing and Information Technology
- Health and Medical Sciences
- Science and Mathematics Teacher Education
- Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and related programs
Not covered: Nursing and Accountancy are not on the DOST priority list. Some programs are only covered at specific universities, and the list can change every cycle, so always confirm with the latest official list on science-scholarships.ph.
👉 See the complete DOST scholarship courses list: every priority program by field, where scholars can study, and the rules on shifting courses.
👉 DOST scholarship accredited schools: where you can study as a DOST scholar
How to Apply for DOST Scholarship 2027 (Step-by-Step)
- Check your eligibility and prepare Forms C to J and your supporting documents.
- Register on the official E-Application System at science-scholarships.ph, complete the modules and upload your documents before the deadline. There is no application fee.
- Download your test permit and take the qualifying exam on your scheduled date.
👉 Step-by-step DOST scholarship application guide: account setup, uploads, test permit and common mistakes
DOST Scholarship Exam: Schedule & Coverage
The qualifying exam for the 2027 scholarship is on November 14–15, 2026. It is a pen-and-paper, multiple-choice test of about 180 minutes in three parts: creative reasoning and language, science, and mathematics. There is no published passing score; in 2026 about 8.7% of examinees qualified.
👉 Complete DOST scholarship exam guide: testing centers, format, passing score and tips
👉 Free DOST reviewer PDF with answers: 40 practice questions
DOST Scholarship Results & Qualifiers
Results for the November 2026 exam are tentatively expected in March 2027 on the official DOST-SEI channels. In the last cycle, results came out on May 30, 2026, with 8,500 of 97,617 examinees qualifying. Qualifiers attend an orientation and sign the scholarship agreement.
👉 DOST scholarship results guide: how to check your result and what to do next
Scholar Obligations: Maintaining Grade & Return Service
- Grades: meet the required GWA in your first two years, then pass all subjects with a regular load.
- Course: stay in an approved priority course; shifting or transferring needs DOST-SEI approval.
- Return service: work full-time in the Philippines, in your field, for as many years as you received the scholarship.
👉 DOST maintaining grade rules: required GWA, probation and termination
👉 DOST scholarship handbook and agreement: return service and what happens if you break the contract
Important Dates / Timeline 2026–2027
The DOST-SEI Qualifying Examination for the 2027 scholarship cycle is scheduled for November 14–15, 2026. Test permits, showing your assigned testing center and schedule, are downloaded from the E-Application System on the official portal.
| Activity | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Opening of online application | August 17, 2026 |
| Deadline for submission of application | September 17, 2026 |
| Release of test permit | Before the exam (via the online portal) |
| Qualifying examination | November 14–15, 2026 |
| Announcement of qualifiers | Tentatively March 2027 |
| Effectivity of scholarship award | First Semester, AY 2027–2028 |
DOST-SEI Contact Details
- Office: DOST Science Education Institute, DOST Compound, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City
- Phone: (02) 8330-8876 / (02) 8330-8826
- Scholarship portal: science-scholarships.ph
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DOST Scholarship?
A free, government-funded college scholarship run by DOST-SEI for talented Filipino students in priority science, technology, engineering and mathematics courses. Scholars get tuition support, an ₱8,000 monthly allowance and other benefits, and serve in the Philippines after graduation.
How does the DOST Scholarship work?
You apply online, take the DOST-SEI qualifying exam and, if you qualify, sign a scholarship agreement. DOST-SEI then funds your priority course while you keep the required grades, and you render return service after graduation.
Is the DOST Scholarship free?
Yes. There is no application or exam fee, and the scholarship does not need to be repaid as long as you meet your obligations under the scholarship agreement.
When is the next DOST Scholarship application?
The 2027 application closed on September 17, 2026. The next undergraduate application is expected around August 2027. College students can apply for JLSS, which usually opens around April.
When is the DOST Scholarship exam 2026?
The qualifying exam for the 2027 scholarship is on November 14–15, 2026. Results are tentatively expected in March 2027.
Who can apply for the DOST Scholarship?
Natural-born Filipino Grade 12 students or graduates with no college units, from the STEM strand or the top 5% of a non-STEM class, who will take a DOST priority course.
Can ALS or homeschooled students apply?
Yes. ALS and homeschooled applicants submit the corresponding certification (Form E4 or E3) as part of their documents.
Is there a return service for DOST scholars?
Yes. Scholars must work full-time in the Philippines, in their field, for at least as many years as they received the scholarship.
Official Source
- DOST-SEI Scholarship Portal – science-scholarships.ph (official website to apply)
Disclaimer: DOSTScholarship.com is an independent information website and is not affiliated with DOST or DOST-SEI. Dates and requirements can change, so always verify with the official DOST-SEI website and science-scholarships.ph.