The DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship is one of the Philippines’ most competitive government scholarships for students who want to pursue science, technology, engineering, mathematics and other approved priority degree programs.
The scholarship is administered by the Science Education Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-SEI). It supports qualified Filipino students through tuition assistance, monthly allowances and other educational benefits, subject to the official scholarship agreement.
Important: The 2026 DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship application period has already closed. The 2026 qualifying examinations were scheduled for February 21–22, 2026. Students preparing for the next cycle should monitor the official DOST-SEI website and application portal for new dates.
What is the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship?
The DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship provides financial support to academically talented Filipino students who plan to take approved science and technology degree programs at recognized universities and colleges.
The program has two major categories:
RA 7687 Scholarship
This category is intended for academically capable students from economically disadvantaged families. Applicants must satisfy DOST-SEI academic, financial and residency requirements.
Merit Scholarship
The Merit Scholarship is for students with strong academic performance and aptitude in science and mathematics. Unlike RA 7687, financial need is not the main basis for eligibility.
Both categories require applicants to meet the official qualifications and pass the DOST-SEI qualifying examination.
Who can apply?
Applicants generally need to meet the following requirements:
- Be a natural-born Filipino citizen.
- Be a graduating Grade 12 student or a graduate who has not yet earned post-secondary academic units, depending on the cycle’s rules.
- Have strong grades in science and mathematics subjects.
- Be in good health.
- Plan to enroll in an approved DOST-SEI priority degree program.
- Study at a recognized university, college or higher education institution accepted by DOST-SEI.
- Meet the requirements for either the RA 7687 or Merit category.
- Pass the DOST-SEI qualifying examination.
Applicants should always check the latest official brochure because requirements, forms and eligible student classifications can change.
Priority degree programs
DOST-SEI scholarships are not available for every college course. Eligible programs generally fall under fields such as:
- Civil, mechanical, electrical and electronics engineering
- Computer science and information technology
- Mathematics and statistics
- Physics, chemistry and biology
- Environmental science
- Agriculture and related fields
- Geology and mining engineering
- Materials science
- Other science and technology programs listed in the official DOST-SEI brochure
Before applying, confirm that both your intended course and university are included in the current priority list.
DOST-SEI scholarship benefits
The scholarship package may include:
- Tuition and other school-fee assistance
- Monthly living allowance
- Book or learning-material allowance
- Transportation allowance, where applicable
- Thesis or special-project assistance
- Graduation allowance
- Group accident and health insurance
- Summer or midyear allowance when required by the academic program
The exact amount and conditions depend on the current DOST-SEI scholarship agreement. Students should not rely on amounts posted by unofficial scholarship pages because benefits may be revised.
How to apply
1. Read the official announcement
Visit the DOST-SEI website and official scholarship portal. Confirm the application dates, qualifications, forms and examination schedule.
2. Create an online account
Use an active email address and mobile number. Students should use an email account they can access throughout the application and admission process.
3. Complete the application form
Enter your personal information, school details, academic record, family information and preferred degree program carefully. Errors in names, dates or school information can delay verification.
4. Upload the required documents
Depending on your category and applicant status, documents may include:
- PSA birth certificate
- Recent photograph
- Grade 11 report card or latest academic record
- Certificate of good moral character
- Principal’s certification
- Certificate of good health
- Proof of family income for RA 7687 applicants
- Certification of no post-secondary units
- Guardianship or residency documents, when applicable
Make sure scans are complete, readable and uploaded in the required file format.
5. Submit before the deadline
Review every field before final submission. Save the confirmation page, application number and copies of all uploaded documents.
6. Wait for verification and test details
Qualified applicants receive information about their test permit, testing center and examination instructions through the official system.
7. Take the qualifying examination
The exam commonly measures areas such as:
- Mathematics
- Science
- English and language proficiency
- Logical reasoning
- General aptitude
Prepare using your senior high school lessons, especially algebra, geometry, physics, chemistry, biology and problem-solving.
8. Check the official results
DOST-SEI publishes results through official channels. Avoid pages that ask for payment in exchange for guaranteed qualification or early access to results.
Common reasons applications are delayed or rejected
- Missing or unreadable documents
- Incorrect personal information
- Course not included in the priority list
- University not recognized for the scholarship
- Failure to meet the no-post-secondary-units requirement
- Late submission
- Incomplete family-income documents
- Failure to take the qualifying examination
- Using unofficial forms or application links
Scholarship obligations
DOST-SEI scholars must follow the conditions in the scholarship agreement. These may include:
- Maintaining the required academic performance
- Enrolling in the approved degree program
- Completing required scholarship reports
- Following leave-of-absence and shifting rules
- Serving or working in the Philippines for the required period after graduation, subject to the agreement
Read the scholarship contract carefully before accepting the award.
Frequently asked questions
Is the DOST-SEI Scholarship fully funded?
It provides substantial financial assistance, but the exact package depends on the scholarship category, current DOST-SEI policy and scholarship agreement.
Can HUMSS or non-STEM students apply?
Eligibility depends on the approved degree program and the applicant’s academic record. Students from any senior high school strand should check the current DOST-SEI requirements rather than assume eligibility.
Can I apply if I already have college units?
Many undergraduate scholarship cycles require applicants to have no post-secondary academic units. Check the current application form and brochure for the exact rule.
Can I take any course after winning the scholarship?
No. Scholars must enroll in an approved DOST-SEI priority program and follow the rules for shifting or transferring.
Is DOST-SEI the same as a CHED Scholarship?
No. DOST-SEI is administered by the Department of Science and Technology through the Science Education Institute. CHED scholarships have separate requirements, portals and deadlines.
Where can I verify the next application schedule?
Check the official DOST-SEI website, the DOST-SEI scholarship application portal and the DOST-SEI Helpdesk.
Final advice for applicants
Start preparing before the application opens. Request civil-status, income and school documents early, review the priority-degree list, and practice science and mathematics problems regularly. Use only official DOST-SEI announcements and never pay anyone who promises guaranteed acceptance.
The DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship is highly competitive, but careful preparation can prevent avoidable errors and improve your chance of completing a valid application.
Editorial note: This article is independently published for student information. It is not an official DOST-SEI announcement. Always confirm current requirements, benefits and deadlines directly with DOST-SEI.
Official references: DOST-SEI 2026 scholarship announcement, DOST-SEI Helpdesk, and DOST-SEI Scholarship Portal.
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