For Filipino students planning to take a science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or another DOST-approved college program, one of the biggest scholarship opportunities available is the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship.
The Department of Science and Technology–Science Education Institute, or DOST-SEI, has officially opened applications for its 2027 Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarships.
And if you are planning to apply, take note of one very important detail: although this is called the DOST Scholarship 2027, the application happens in 2026.
For the 2027 scholarship cycle, applications opened on August 17, 2026, and the deadline for completing the online application and submitting the requirements is September 17, 2026. The nationwide qualifying examination is scheduled for November 14 and 15, 2026.
The scholarship is intended for students who will begin college in Academic Year 2027–2028.
So, who can apply? How much is the DOST allowance? What documents do you need? Which courses are covered? And how do you submit an application?
Here’s a complete guide to the DOST Scholarship 2027.
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DOST Scholarship 2027 Important Dates
Here are the major dates applicants should remember:
| Activity | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Opening of online applications | August 17, 2026 |
| Application deadline | September 17, 2026 |
| DOST-SEI qualifying examination | November 14–15, 2026 |
| Scholarship coverage begins | First semester/term of AY 2027–2028 |
DOST regional offices have confirmed that applications must be completed on or before September 17, 2026. The qualifying examination will then be conducted nationwide on November 14 and 15, 2026.
As of September 16, 2026, that means applicants have only until September 17 to finish and submit their applications.
What Is the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship?
The DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Program is a government scholarship designed to encourage talented Filipino students to pursue careers in science and technology.
It does more than simply provide a monthly allowance. Depending on the scholar’s situation, the program can provide assistance for tuition and school fees, living expenses, learning materials, transportation, thesis expenses, insurance and other college-related costs.
DOST-SEI offers two main undergraduate scholarship categories.
Merit Scholarship
The Merit Scholarship is intended for students who demonstrate high aptitude in science and mathematics and who are willing to pursue careers in science and technology.
It traces its legal basis to Republic Act No. 2067 and the government’s long-running science scholarship programs.
RA 7687 Scholarship
The RA 7687 Scholarship is provided under Republic Act No. 7687, or the Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994.
It is intended for talented and deserving students whose families fall within socioeconomic criteria established by DOST-SEI.
Both programs support students taking approved priority science and technology degree programs.
Who Can Apply for the DOST Scholarship 2027?
The 2027 scholarship is primarily intended for graduating Grade 12 students who will enter college during Academic Year 2027–2028.
Graduating Grade 12 students in School Year 2026–2027 may apply under the following academic conditions.
Students belonging to a STEM class may apply.
Students from a non-STEM class may also apply, but they must belong to the upper 5% of their non-STEM graduating class.
DOST-SEI also accepts applications from students who previously graduated from senior high school but have not yet enrolled in college or earned college or technical-vocational units, provided they satisfy the other eligibility requirements.
The official DOST-SEI Scholarship Helpdesk specifically states that students who are already enrolled in college are not eligible for this particular undergraduate scholarship application.
Applicants must also be natural-born Filipino citizens and be of good moral character and in good health. They must not have earned post-secondary college or vocational units before applying.
For applicants seeking consideration under RA 7687, DOST-SEI also evaluates socioeconomic conditions according to the program’s established criteria.
Previous applicants who did not qualify for the scholarship, as well as previous qualifiers who did not avail themselves of the award, may still be eligible to apply, subject to the current rules.
Can Non-STEM Students Apply?
Yes.
Being in the STEM strand is not an absolute requirement for the DOST Scholarship.
However, there is an additional academic requirement for students coming from a non-STEM class: they must belong to the upper 5% of their graduating non-STEM class.
Their school principal will need to certify this through the appropriate DOST-SEI Principal’s Certification form.
For STEM students, all students belonging to the STEM class may apply, provided they satisfy the other eligibility requirements.
What About Students Under the Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum?
DOST-SEI issued an important clarification for Grade 12 students attending pilot schools implementing the Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum.
These students are eligible to apply for the 2027 scholarship as long as they satisfy the other scholarship requirements.
Students covered by this curriculum arrangement are required to submit Form E5.
DOST-SEI also clarified that applicants under the Strengthened SHS Curriculum who had already submitted an application using Form E1 or Form E2 do not need to submit a new application. Their previously submitted documents will remain valid for evaluation.
DOST Scholarship 2027 Requirements
Applicants need to complete several DOST-SEI forms and provide supporting documents through the online application system.
Here are the major documentary requirements:
| Requirement | Form/Document |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Good Moral Character | Form C |
| Certificate of Good Health | Form D |
| Principal’s Certification for STEM applicant | Form E1 |
| Principal’s Certification for qualified non-STEM applicant | Form E2 |
| Certification for homeschool applicant | Form E3 |
| Certification for Alternative Learning System applicant | Form E4 |
| Certification for applicable Strengthened SHS Curriculum applicant | Form E5 |
| Certificate of Residency | Form F |
| Parent’s Certification regarding pending immigration application | Form G |
| DOST-SEI Scholarship Examination/Award certification | Form H |
| Certification of No Post-Secondary Units | Form I |
| Signed Declaration of Applicant and Parent/Legal Guardian | Form J |
| Recent passport-size photograph | Supporting document |
| Birth certificate | Supporting document |
| Proof of income of parent/s, legal guardian or spouse, as applicable | Supporting document |
| Notarized Affidavit of Guardianship | If applicable |
| Marriage certificate | If applicable |
Proof of family income may vary depending on the employment status of the applicant’s parents, legal guardian or spouse. DOST-SEI may accept documents such as an Income Tax Return, BIR Form 1701, Certificate of Employment with Compensation, OFW employment contract, BIR Certificate of Exemption from Filing of ITR, Certificate of Indigency or proof of pension, depending on the applicant’s situation.
Applicants should follow the exact document requirements displayed in the current DOST-SEI application system instead of relying on forms from previous scholarship years.
Be Careful When Completing the Forms
This is something applicants should take seriously.
DOST-SEI requires the prescribed forms to be completed properly and signed by the correct persons.
For example, the Certificate of Residency must contain the applicant’s complete permanent address and indicate the length of residence. The information should also match the permanent address entered in the online application.
DOST-SEI warns that improperly completed forms can result in disqualification.
The good news is that DOST-SEI currently accepts digitized signatures on Forms C to J. These should be scanned images of handwritten signatures from the authorized signatories.
However, scholars who eventually qualify may be asked to submit authenticated copies of these documents for validation.
DOST Scholarship 2027 Benefits
One of the reasons the DOST Scholarship is highly sought after is the financial support it provides throughout college.
For the current scholarship program, scholars may receive the following:
| Scholarship Benefit | Regular Academic Year |
|---|---|
| Tuition and other school fees for qualified private HEI scholars | Up to ₱40,000 per academic year |
| Monthly living allowance | ₱8,000 per month |
| Learning materials and/or connectivity allowance | ₱10,000 per academic year |
| Clothing allowance | ₱1,000 during the first semester of the first year |
| Transportation allowance | Actual qualifying transportation expense |
| Group health and accident insurance | Covered according to program provisions |
| Thesis allowance | Up to ₱10,000 |
| Graduation allowance | ₱1,000 |
For required summer, mid-year or intersession terms, eligible scholars may also receive school-fee assistance of up to ₱10,000, a ₱2,000 learning materials/connectivity allowance and a living allowance of ₱8,000 per month for up to two months.
Transportation assistance generally covers one economy-class round-trip fare per academic year for qualified scholars who study outside their home province or region.
These benefit amounts have been confirmed in the information released for the 2027 scholarship cycle.
DOST also provides other forms of academic and professional development support. A government report on the 2027 program noted that eligible scholars may access research dissemination assistance of up to ₱50,000 when presenting research or theses at qualified local or international scientific conferences.
Is the Monthly DOST Allowance ₱8,000?
Yes.
The current monthly living allowance for the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship is ₱8,000.
This is separate from the annual ₱10,000 learning materials and connectivity allowance and other scholarship privileges.
Keep in mind that the exact schedule for releasing allowances can depend on enrollment verification, submission of required documents and administrative processing.
How Much Is the Tuition Assistance?
For scholars enrolled in qualified private higher education institutions, DOST-SEI provides up to ₱40,000 per academic year for tuition and other school fees.
A separate amount of up to ₱10,000 may be provided for a required summer or mid-year term.
Students studying at government universities should remember that tuition arrangements may also be affected by the country’s free higher education policies, so the way scholarship benefits are applied can differ from those studying in private institutions.
What Courses Are Covered by the DOST Scholarship?
The DOST-SEI scholarship is not available for every college course.
For the 2027 cycle, DOST has reported 133 priority degree programs covering areas such as agriculture, engineering, health sciences, information technology, mathematics, natural sciences and science education.
Examples of fields covered by the program include engineering, computer science, information technology, data science, cybersecurity, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, geology, meteorology, medical technology, pharmacy, public health, veterinary medicine and science and mathematics education, among other approved programs.
The exact degree title matters.
For example, DOST-SEI has specifically clarified that BS Nursing and BS Criminology are not included among its priority S&T programs.
Because DOST periodically updates its priority fields, applicants should check the official list for the 2027 scholarship before deciding on a college program.
Where Can a DOST Scholar Study?
Passing the DOST scholarship examination does not mean that a scholar can take any course at any college.
Both the program and the school must satisfy DOST-SEI requirements.
The official DOST-SEI Scholarship Helpdesk says scholars may enroll in approved priority programs offered by State Universities and Colleges, Local Universities and Colleges and qualified private higher education institutions.
For a private institution, the chosen priority program generally needs the appropriate recognition, such as CHED Center of Excellence or Center of Development status, or at least Level III accreditation recognized through the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines.
This is an important detail because eligibility can depend on the specific program offered by the school—not simply whether the university itself is recognized.
How to Apply for the DOST Scholarship 2027
The application is primarily completed online through the official DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarships E-Application System.
The process generally works like this:
- Go to the official DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarships website and register for an application account. Complete the required registration information and activate the account using the instructions sent to your registered email.
- Download the current 2027 DOST-SEI forms that apply to your situation. Do not automatically reuse forms from previous scholarship cycles.
- Complete the required forms and obtain the necessary signatures or certifications from your school, doctor, parent, legal guardian, barangay official or other authorized signatory, depending on the document.
- Log in to the E-Scholarship Application System and complete all required application sections. DOST-SEI says the online system currently contains seven application modules.
- Upload clear and complete copies of the required forms and supporting documents to their corresponding sections.
- Carefully review your application, personal information and uploaded documents before final submission.
- Submit the completed application no later than September 17, 2026 and monitor your registered email and application dashboard for announcements concerning evaluation and the scholarship examination.
DOST-SEI says applicants normally do not need to submit hard copies during the initial online application. Applicants should nevertheless keep their original documents because physical or authenticated copies may later be requested for verification.
Some DOST Regional Offices may also operate manual registration or application-assistance sites, particularly for applicants who need help accessing the online system.
What If Your School Is Missing From the Online Application?
This can happen.
According to the DOST-SEI Scholarship Helpdesk, applicants should first select the correct region, province and municipality to narrow down the schools displayed by the system.
Try searching using variations or partial versions of your school’s name.
If your school still does not appear, the system may display an “Add School” option. Applicants can then provide information including the school’s complete name, school classification, registrar and address.
DOST-SEI staff will verify the request before adding the institution to the system.
When Is the DOST Scholarship Exam 2027?
The DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Examination for the 2027 scholarship cycle is scheduled for November 14 and 15, 2026.
Again, the examination takes place in 2026 because applicants are being selected for scholarships beginning in Academic Year 2027–2028.
Eligible applicants should monitor their email and DOST-SEI account for their test permit, examination venue, assigned schedule and additional instructions.
What Should You Study for the DOST Scholarship Exam?
DOST-SEI uses a competitive scholarship examination to identify applicants with the aptitude needed for science and technology programs.
The most recent official DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Examination Primer divides the test into three major areas: Creative Reasoning, Science and Mathematics.
Creative Reasoning includes areas such as mechanical reasoning, spatial reasoning, verbal reasoning and language and literature.
The Science portion covers subjects including biology, chemistry, earth science, physics and space science.
Mathematics forms the third major portion of the examination.
Applicants preparing for the November 2026 examination should use the latest official DOST-SEI reviewer or examination primer available for their particular scholarship cycle because the institute notes that its scholarship examination can evolve over time.
What Happens After the Examination?
Taking the examination does not automatically make someone a DOST scholar.
DOST-SEI evaluates the examination results according to its selection procedures and scholarship slots. Documentary requirements may also need additional validation.
Applicants who qualify will receive instructions from DOST-SEI or the appropriate DOST Regional Office regarding the scholarship award, orientation, document verification and Scholarship Agreement.
The actual scholarship becomes relevant when the student enrolls in an approved priority degree program at an eligible institution for Academic Year 2027–2028.
For perspective, DOST-SEI accommodated 8,500 qualifiers for its 2026 undergraduate scholarship batch, with 5,100 slots under RA 7687 and 3,400 under the Merit Scholarship Program. That figure applies to the 2026 batch and should not automatically be assumed to be the final number of scholarships available for the 2027 cycle.
When Will the DOST Scholarship 2027 Results Be Released?
DOST-SEI has already confirmed the November 14–15, 2026 qualifying examination, but applicants should wait for an official announcement regarding the final date for releasing the 2027 list of qualifiers.
Avoid relying entirely on projected result dates circulating on unofficial scholarship websites or social media pages.
The safest approach is to monitor announcements from DOST-SEI, the official Science Scholarships platforms and your DOST Regional Office.
Is the DOST Scholarship Only for Poor Students?
No.
This is one of the common misconceptions about the program.
The DOST-SEI undergraduate program includes both the Merit Scholarship and the RA 7687 Scholarship.
RA 7687 specifically considers applicants who meet socioeconomic criteria established under the program.
The Merit Scholarship, on the other hand, focuses on students with high aptitude in science and mathematics who intend to pursue careers in science and technology.
So, students should not automatically assume that they cannot apply simply because their household income does not qualify them under RA 7687.
Can a Grade 11 Student Apply?
No, not for the current 2027 undergraduate scholarship cycle.
The program is intended primarily for Grade 12 students graduating in School Year 2026–2027 and qualified previous Grade 12 graduates who have not yet entered college.
A current Grade 11 student would normally need to wait for the scholarship application corresponding to the year in which they will enter college.
Can a First-Year College Student Apply?
Not for this particular 2027 undergraduate scholarship application.
DOST-SEI states that applicants who have already entered college or earned post-secondary college or vocational units are not eligible under this undergraduate entry route.
College students may want to watch for DOST-SEI’s Junior Level Science Scholarships or other scholarship programs that have separate eligibility requirements.
Can a Previous Grade 12 Graduate Apply?
Yes, potentially.
A person who graduated from Grade 12 in an earlier school year may apply as long as they have not enrolled in college or earned college or technical-vocational units and they satisfy the other DOST-SEI eligibility requirements.
The same STEM and non-STEM rules apply: STEM graduates may apply, while qualified non-STEM applicants need to meet the top-5% requirement.
Is the Application Free?
Applicants should apply only through official DOST-SEI channels and should be cautious of individuals or pages claiming that payment is required in exchange for scholarship slots, guaranteed qualification or preferential processing.
A scholarship applicant should never pay someone who claims they can guarantee a passing result.
DOST-SEI communicates application instructions, examination information and scholarship notices through its official systems and regional offices.
Important Reminder Before You Submit
Before clicking the final submission button, check every part of your application carefully.
Make sure your name and other personal information match your official documents. Check that the correct DOST form was used for your applicant category. Make sure signatures are present where required. Review the details in your birth certificate, school information, household information and proof-of-income documents.
Also check every uploaded file to make sure it is readable and that the correct document was placed in the correct section.
Remember that simply registering for an account is not the same as completing an application.
You need to finish the required modules, upload the necessary documents and successfully submit the application before the deadline.
DOST Scholarship 2027 Deadline
The deadline for the 2027 DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship application is September 17, 2026.
The qualifying examination will follow on November 14–15, 2026.
If you’re reading this guide before the deadline and still have incomplete documents, it is better to complete them as soon as possible rather than waiting until the final hours, when the online application system could experience heavier traffic.
Final Thoughts
The DOST Scholarship remains one of the most substantial government scholarship opportunities available to Filipino students planning to build careers in science and technology.
The ₱8,000 monthly living allowance is already a significant help, but the scholarship goes much further. Eligible scholars may also receive tuition assistance, learning and connectivity support, transportation assistance, insurance, thesis funding and other benefits throughout their college education.
But aspiring scholars should also remember that qualifying begins long before examination day.
Start by checking whether you meet the eligibility requirements. Confirm that your intended degree is included in the current DOST priority list. Check whether your prospective university and program qualify under DOST rules. Complete every required form properly, and submit the application before the September 17 deadline.
After that comes the next challenge: preparing for the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Examination on November 14–15, 2026.
For students who see themselves becoming engineers, scientists, researchers, technology professionals, mathematicians, educators or specialists in other DOST priority fields, this scholarship can provide substantial support for the college journey ahead.
