DOST Graduate Scholarship 2026: ASTHRDP & ERDT for Masters and PhD
Quick answer: DOST offers two graduate scholarships: ASTHRDP for Master’s and PhD studies in the sciences, and ERDT for engineering. Both cover tuition and pay a monthly stipend of ₱30,000 (Master’s) or ₱38,000 (PhD), plus learning, thesis and research grants, with a return service obligation after graduation.
The DOST graduate scholarship lets qualified Filipinos take a Master’s or PhD in science and engineering for free, with a monthly stipend and research funding. DOST-SEI runs two main programs: the ASTHRDP for science and technology fields, and the ERDT for engineering.
This guide explains both programs for 2026: eligible courses and universities, benefits, eligibility and requirements, how to apply and the service obligation. If you are looking for a DOST masters scholarship or DOST PhD scholarship, this is where to start.
Overview of DOST Graduate Scholarships
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Funding agency | Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) |
| Main programs | ASTHRDP and ERDT |
| Degree levels | Master’s, PhD and Straight PhD |
| Main fields | Science, technology, engineering and research |
| Study mode | Full-time graduate study at a participating university |
| Monthly stipend | ₱30,000 (Master’s) / ₱38,000 (PhD) |
| Who can apply | Qualified Filipino citizens admitted to an eligible graduate program |
Both programs are delivered through partner universities, so you apply to a participating university and the scholarship at the same time.
ASTHRDP (Accelerated Science & Technology HR Development Program)
The Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP) builds the country’s pool of researchers in the sciences. It offers MS/PhD and Straight PhD scholarships, with priority research areas such as climate change, disaster preparedness, materials science, nanotechnology and drug development.
Eligible courses & universities
Eligible fields:
- Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources
- Biological Sciences and Biotechnology
- Chemical Sciences
- Earth, Atmospheric, and Space Sciences
- Environmental Sciences
- Fisheries and Marine Science
- Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Information and Communication Technology
- Materials Science and Nanotechnology
- Pure and Applied Mathematics
- Pure and Applied Physics
- Statistics
Participating universities:
- Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU)
- Central Luzon State University (CLSU)
- De La Salle University (DLSU)
- Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT)
- University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman)
- University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)
- University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila)
- University of the Philippines Visayas (UP Visayas)
- University of San Carlos (USC)
- University of Santo Tomas (UST)
- Visayas State University (VSU)
Benefits
- Tuition Fees: Covers tuition and other school charges
- Monthly Stipend: ₱30,000 for Master’s and ₱38,000 for PhD.
- Learning Allowance: ₱20,000 per academic year.
- Thesis/Dissertation Grant: ₱60,000 for Master’s and ₱100,000 for PhD.
- Research Allowance: ₱114,000 for Master’s and ₱253,000 for PhD.
- Dissemination Grant: ₱75,000 for Master’s and ₱150,000 for PhD.
- Mentor’s Fee: ₱36,000 for Master’s and ₱72,000 for PhD.
- Transportation Allowance: Actual eligible round-trip fare reimbursement.
- Insurance Coverage: Receive scholarship insurance benefits.
- Sandwich Program: Eligible scholars may receive funding for approved research abroad.
ERDT (Engineering Research & Development for Technology)
The Engineering Research and Development for Technology (ERDT) program supports Master’s and PhD studies in engineering and related fields through a consortium of leading engineering schools. It aims to develop engineers and researchers for industry and national development.
Eligible courses & universities
Eligible programs:
- Agricultural Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Robotics
- Water Engineering
ERDT consortium universities:
- Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU)
- Central Luzon State University (CLSU)
- De La Salle University (DLSU)
- Mapúa University
- Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT)
- University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman)
- University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)
- University of San Carlos (USC)
Benefits
- Tuition Fees: Full payment of actual tuition and school fees.
- Monthly Stipend: ₱30,000 for Master’s and ₱38,000 for PhD.
- Learning Allowance: ₱20,000 per academic year.
- Transportation Allowance: One round-trip economy fare per academic year, subject to conditions.
- Health Insurance: Group accident and health insurance.
- Thesis/Dissertation Grant: ₱60,000 for Master’s and ₱100,000 for PhD.
- Research Grant: Funding for approved research expenses.
- Research Dissemination Grant: ₱75,000 for Master’s and ₱150,000 for PhD.
- Mentor’s Fee: ₱36,000 for Master’s and ₱72,000 for PhD
Amounts are based on the latest DOST-SEI graduate scholarship guidelines and can change. Confirm with your university’s ASTHRDP or ERDT office.
Eligibility & Requirements
ASTHRDP eligibility
- Nationality: Must be a Filipino citizen.
- Age Limit: Not more than 50 years old at the time of application.
- Degree Level: Applying for an eligible Master’s or PhD program.
- Academic Admission: Must meet the graduate admission requirements of a participating university.
- Health: Must be in good health.
- Screening: Must pass the interview and other selection procedures.
- Field of Study: Must choose an approved science and technology program.
Documents:
- Completed ASTHRDP application form
- Career plan
- Research plan
- Medical certificate
- Birth certificate
- Certified true copy of academic transcript
- Recommendation or endorsement forms
- University admission documents, as required
ERDT eligibility
- Nationality: Must be a Filipino citizen.
- Age Limit: Not more than 50 years old at the time of application.
- Degree Level: Applying for an eligible Master’s or PhD program.
- Academic Background: Must hold a BS/MS degree in engineering or a related field.
- University Admission: Must meet the admission requirements of the chosen ERDT-supported graduate program.
- Health: Must be in good health.
- Conduct: Must have no criminal or administrative case.
- Screening: Must pass the interview and other selection procedures
Documents:
- Completed ERDT application form
- Certified true copy of academic transcript
- Research plan and career plan
- Recommendation letters from three former professors or supervisors
- Birth certificate
- Valid NBI clearance
- Medical certificate
- Certificate of no pending administrative case
- University admission letter and approved program of study
- Employer’s permission for leave of absence, if applicable
How to Apply
- Choose a Program: Select ASTHRDP for eligible science and technology fields or ERDT for engineering and related fields.
- Choose a University: Apply to a participating university offering your desired graduate program.
- Check Eligibility: Review the scholarship requirements and admission criteria.
- Prepare Documents: Gather your academic transcripts, birth certificate, medical certificate, recommendation letters, and other required documents.
- Complete the Application: Obtain and fill out the scholarship application form.
- Submit Your Application: Send the completed form and documents according to your chosen university’s instructions.
- Attend Screening: Complete the interview and any other selection procedures.
- Wait for Results: Check your email and the university’s official website for updates.
Application periods are set by each university, usually ahead of the first and second semesters. Check the graduate school page of your chosen university for its deadline.
Benefits Comparison Table
| Item | ASTHRDP | ERDT |
|---|---|---|
| Fields | Sciences, mathematics, ICT, health and agriculture-related fields | Engineering and related fields |
| Tuition | Covered | Covered |
| Monthly stipend | ₱30,000 (Master’s) / ₱38,000 (PhD) | ₱30,000 (Master’s) / ₱38,000 (PhD) |
| Learning allowance | Yes | Yes |
| Thesis / dissertation grant | Yes | Yes |
| Research and dissemination grants | Yes | Yes |
| Transportation and insurance | Yes, subject to conditions | Yes, subject to conditions |
| Study level | Master’s, PhD, Straight PhD | Master’s and PhD |
Service Obligation
Like undergraduate scholars, graduate scholars sign a scholarship agreement with a return service obligation: after finishing the degree, they must work in the Philippines for the period stated in the agreement. Service rendered before completing the degree usually does not count.
- While studying: scholars must study full-time, keep good academic standing and generally may not take other employment.
- Leaving the country: scholars need DOST-SEI permission before traveling abroad.
- Default: failing to complete the degree or the service can lead to a refund of benefits.
Learn more in our DOST scholarship handbook and return service guide.
FAQs About DOST Graduate Scholarships
Can working professionals apply for the DOST graduate scholarship?
Yes, if they can study full-time. ERDT applicants who are employed usually need their employer’s permission for a leave of absence, and scholars generally may not hold other employment while on scholarship.
Is there an age limit for DOST graduate scholarships?
Recent guidelines set a limit of not more than 50 years old at the time of application. Check the current call of your university, as rules can change.
What is the difference between ASTHRDP and ERDT?
ASTHRDP covers graduate studies in the sciences, mathematics and related S&T fields, while ERDT covers engineering and related fields. Both give similar benefits, including a ₱30,000 or ₱38,000 monthly stipend.
How much is the DOST masters scholarship stipend?
Master’s scholars receive ₱30,000 a month and PhD scholars ₱38,000 a month, plus tuition, a learning allowance, thesis or dissertation support and research grants.
Official Source
DOSTScholarship.com is an independent information website and is not affiliated with DOST or DOST-SEI. Confirm details with your university and DOST-SEI.
