DOST Scholarship Handbook & Scholarship Agreement: Return Service Obligation

Before you receive your first allowance as a DOST scholar, you will sign a contract and receive a rulebook. The DOST Scholarship Handbook explains the rules every scholar must follow, while the DOST scholarship agreement is the legal contract that binds you to those rules, including the return service obligation to work in the Philippines after graduation.

This guide explains what the handbook covers, what you agree to when you sign the DOST scholarship contract, how the return service works, what happens if you break the agreement, and where to get the official DOST Scholarship Handbook PDF.

What Is the DOST Scholarship Handbook?

The DOST Scholarship Handbook (officially the S&T Scholar’s Handbook) is the guide published by the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) for its scholars. It explains your benefits, your academic requirements and the scholar rules you must follow from your first semester until you finish your return service.

The handbook is not just a reference booklet. It is made an integral part of your scholarship agreement, so the rules inside it are part of the contract you sign.

What the Handbook Covers

• Scholarship programs: the Merit and RA 7687 undergraduate scholarships, JLSS and graduate programs.
• Priority programs and schools: the courses and institutions where scholars may enroll.
• Financial matters: your allowances, how they are released and the Letter of Introduction to Landbank for your scholar account.
• Grade requirements: what you need to keep your scholarship each semester.
• Shifting, transfer and deferment: when changes are allowed and which forms are needed.
• Termination and clearance: grounds for losing the scholarship and how to secure a DOST-SEI clearance.
• Contacts: the DOST-SEI and regional office emails for scholar concerns.

The DOST Scholarship Agreement (Contract) Explained

When you qualify, you receive a notice of award. You and your parent or legal guardian then attend an orientation on scholarship policies at DOST-SEI or the nearest DOST Regional Office and sign the DOST scholarship agreement. Your scholarship takes effect, and your financial assistance is released, only after this agreement is signed.

Your parent or legal guardian signs as your representative and also takes on responsibilities under the contract, which is why both of you must attend.

Coverage: What the Agreement Includes

Part of the agreement	What it means for you
Scholarship benefits	The financial assistance you receive and the conditions for its release. See the full DOST scholarship benefits breakdown.
Academic requirements	Grade rules, regular course load and finishing your degree within the prescribed time.
Course and school	You must stay in an approved DOST priority course at an approved school. Changes need DOST-SEI approval.
Return service obligation	Working full-time in the Philippines after graduation, in your field.
Termination and refund	When the scholarship can end and when you may have to pay back what you received.
Citizenship and travel	Rules for scholars with dual citizenship and for traveling abroad while on scholarship.
Data privacy	Your consent for DOST-SEI to process your personal data under the Data Privacy Act.

Key Rules for DOST Scholars

• Maintain the required grades: meet the DOST scholarship maintaining grade in your agreement. From the third year onward, scholars must pass all subjects and carry the regular course load.
• Finish on time: complete your approved degree within the prescribed period.
• Stay in a priority course: shifting to a non-priority course may terminate your scholarship.
• Get approval before changes: shifting programs or transferring schools requires DOST-SEI approval and an Amendatory Agreement signed by you and your parent. JLSS scholars are not allowed to shift or transfer.
• Submit documents on time: send your grades, enrollment documents and other requirements by the deadlines.
• Keep good conduct and health: maintain good moral standing and avoid activities that could affect your scholarship.
• Complete your return service: fulfill the service obligation after graduation.

Return Service Obligation (Working in the Philippines)

The DOST scholarship return service is the main obligation in the contract. Under RA 7687, scholars must render full-time service in the Philippines, in their field of study, for a period at least equal to the number of years they enjoyed the scholarship, starting right after graduation.

For example, a scholar who received four years of support must work for at least four years in the Philippines. The aim is to make sure the country benefits from the science and technology graduates it funded.

Key Points of the Return Service

• Where: in the Philippines.
• What kind of work: full-time, in your field of study.
• How long: at least as many years as you received the scholarship.
• When: right after graduation.
• Before planning abroad: check your agreement and get guidance from DOST-SEI before accepting work or further study outside the country.

What Happens If You Break the DOST Scholarship Contract?

Scholars who do not meet their obligations face consequences that depend on the violation and on the terms of their agreement:

• Termination: DOST-SEI can end your scholarship, for example for failing grades, shifting to a non-priority course without approval or other violations.
• Refund: you may be required to pay back the scholarship benefits you received.
• Return service default: not completing your service can also lead to a refund requirement and further action under the agreement.

Read your agreement carefully and talk to DOST-SEI early if you expect problems with grades, enrollment or your return service.

Download DOST Scholarship Handbook PDF

DOST-SEI gives the S&T Scholar’s Handbook to new scholars during the orientation on scholarship policies, together with the scholarship agreement. The handbook is updated regularly; the latest public edition at the time of writing is the 2025 S&T Scholar’s Handbook.

To make sure you have the current version, get the PDF only from official sources:

• Official DOST-SEI website: sei.dost.gov.ph
• Official scholarship portal: science-scholarships.ph
• Your DOST Regional Office, which handles scholar orientation and concerns in your region
• Your university’s scholarship coordinator or Office of Student Affairs

Avoid old copies shared on file-sharing sites. Many of them are years out of date, and older rules on grades, allowances or deferment may no longer apply to you.

Before You Sign: Quick Checklist

• Read the whole handbook and agreement with your parent or guardian.
• Check the grade requirement and course load for each year level.
• Confirm that your course and school are approved.
• Note the length of your return service and the refund conditions.
• Keep a signed copy of your agreement and the handbook for the whole scholarship period.

DOSTScholarship.com is an independent information website and is not affiliated with DOST or DOST-SEI. Always follow your official scholarship agreement and the latest DOST-SEI rules.