The DOST–SEI Scholarship is one of the Philippine’s most respected and competitive educational programs for students who want to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Created by the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute, this scholarship is designed to support young Filipinos with exceptional academic potential and a strong passion for scientific and technical fields.
Each year, thousands of hopeful applicants compete for a chance to secure a slot. Those who qualify gain not only generous financial assistance but also long-term opportunities for training, research, and future employment in STEM industries.
This guide provides a clear and easy-to-understand overview of the DOST–SEI Scholarship for the 2026–2027 academic year, helping students and parents know exactly what to expect before applying.
DOST-SEI Scholarship Overview
The DOST–SEI Scholarship was created to build a strong and capable pool of Filipino scientists, engineers, teachers, and researchers who can help drive the country’s progress. Through its undergraduate, junior-level, and graduate scholarship programs, DOST supports deserving students who want to pursue degrees in priority science and technology fields.
Selection is highly competitive. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic performance, financial background, commitment to serve the country, and results from the national scholarship examination.
Information About the DOST-SEI Scholarship
The DOST–SEI Scholarship supports Filipinos pursuing science and technology fields across different academic levels, senior high school graduates entering college, third-year STEM students, and professionals or degree holders taking master’s or doctoral programs. Known for its generous benefits and requirements, the program also includes a return-service obligation to ensure that scholars contribute to national development.
The scholarship is offered through three main categories:
1. Undergraduate Scholarships
For incoming college freshmen:
- RA 7687 Scholarship – for students from economically disadvantaged families
- DOST Merit Scholarship – for academically outstanding students, regardless of income
2. Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS)
For 3rd-year STEM students:
- RA 10612 – Accelerated S&T Human Resource Development Program
- E-SEP – Engineering and Science Education Program
- JLSS Merit Scholarship
3. Graduate Scholarships
For master’s and doctoral studies:
- ASTHRDP – Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program
- ERDT – Engineering Research and Development for Technology
- Foreign Graduate Scholarships – support for advanced studies abroad
DOST-SEI Scholarship: Who Can Apply?
The DOST-SEI Scholarship is open to:
- Filipino citizens with good moral character
- Students graduating from Senior High School (for undergraduate programs)
- 3rd-year college students taking STEM programs (for JLSS)
- College graduates planning to pursue MS or PhD (for graduate scholarships)
- Students who plan to enroll in priority STEM courses in recognized institutions
Applicants must also be physically fit and willing to complete the return-service requirement.
Qualifications for the DOST-SEI Scholarship
Academic Qualifications
- Strong academic performance
- Must belong to the upper percentage of the graduating class (Top 5% for some categories)
- No failing or incomplete grades
Financial Qualifications
Applicable for RA 7687 & JLSS RA 10612:
- Applicant must belong to a family within the DOST income bracket
Other Conditions
- Good moral character
- Compliance with documentary requirements
- Not a recipient of another scholarship with similar benefits
DOST-SEI Scholarship Benefits
| Benefit | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition & School Fees | Up to ₱40,000/year |
| Monthly Living Allowance | ₱8,000/month |
| Learning Materials & Connectivity | ₱10,000/year |
| Clothing Allowance | ₱1,000 (first year only) |
| Thesis Allowance | ₱10,000 |
| Graduation Allowance | ₱1,000 |
| Transportation Allowance | One roundtrip economy fare |
| Group Health & Accident Insurance | Fully covered |
| Summer Allowance | Included for qualifying course |
Requirements
- PSA Birth Certificate
- Form 137, Form 138, or Transcript of Records
- Certificate of Good Moral Character
- Parent’s Income Tax Return (ITR), Certificate of Employment, or Financial Documents
- Recent 1×1 or 2×2 photo
- Certificate of residency or barangay certificate
- Certified grades from previous semesters
- Completed online application form
- Additional documents for graduate programs
Also Read: Owwa Scholarship 2025-2026 open for college students
How to Apply
You can apply for the DOST-SEI Scholarship through their official online application portal. All requirements, deadlines, and announcements are posted here:
FAQ – DOST-SEI Scholarship
Here are some frequently asked questions about the DOST-SEI Scholarship, organized into clear sections for easier reading:
1. How much is a DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship?
DOST-SEI provides full tuition coverage plus a monthly stipend, book allowance, transportation support, and other financial benefits. Exact amounts vary per academic year, based on official DOST-SEI guidelines.
2. What are the benefits of a DOST Scholarship?
Scholars receive:
- Free tuition and school fees
- Monthly allowance
- Book and thesis grants
- Transportation and graduation allowances
- Summer class subsidy
- Accident insurance
These benefits help students focus on their STEM studies without financial stress.
3. How can I get a 100% scholarship to study abroad?
You can earn a full scholarship by maintaining strong grades, preparing a strong application, and applying to programs like Fulbright, Chevening, DAAD, Australia Awards, or DOST-SEI Foreign Graduate Scholarships. High academic performance and solid research potential greatly improve your chances.
4. What is the main role of SEI under DOST?
The Science Education Institute (SEI) strengthens the Philippines’ science and technology workforce by managing national STEM scholarships and promoting science education.
5. Which scholarship is the easiest to get?
No scholarship is truly “easy,” but programs with broader qualifications or fewer applicants may have higher acceptance rates. DOST scholarships remain highly competitive.
6. What is the SEI Scholarship?
An SEI Scholarship refers to DOST’s official science and technology scholarship programs for undergraduate, junior-level, and graduate students pursuing STEM degrees.
7. What are the DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship and RA 7687?
- RA 7687 Scholarship – For students from economically disadvantaged families.
- DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship – For academically talented students regardless of income.
Both provide generous financial support for STEM courses.
Conclusion
The DOST–SEI Scholarship remains one of the Philippines’ most respected and life-changing opportunities for students pursuing careers in science, engineering, and technology. With its generous financial benefits, strong academic support, and clear mission to develop the country’s future STEM leaders, it continues to open doors for deserving Filipino scholars.
Students who prepare early, maintain solid academic performance, and regularly follow official DOST updates have a much higher chance of qualifying. For the 2026–2027 application cycle, aspiring scholars are encouraged to gather their requirements early and stay alert for official announcements to ensure a smooth and successful application.