Planning to apply for the DOST Scholarship for 2027?
Before choosing a university—or even before getting too attached to a particular college course—there is one important thing you need to check: Is your preferred degree program included in the DOST-SEI priority courses?
The Department of Science and Technology–Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) does not cover every college degree under its undergraduate scholarship programs. The scholarship is primarily intended for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, agriculture, mathematics, and other fields considered important to the country’s scientific and technological development.
For the 2027 DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Program, applicants are expected to enroll in an approved priority Science and Technology program by the first semester of Academic Year 2027–2028.
And yes, the list is much longer than just Engineering, Computer Science, Biology, and Mathematics.
There are more than 100 programs covering everything from Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity to Agriculture, Pharmacy, Psychology, Meteorology, Veterinary Medicine, Data Science, Fisheries, and even Railway Engineering.
Here’s a closer look.
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What Are DOST Scholarship Priority Courses?
DOST priority courses are undergraduate programs recognized by DOST-SEI as priority science and technology fields.
Simply passing the DOST scholarship examination does not mean you can enroll in any college course you want while keeping the scholarship.
A qualifier must eventually enroll in an approved priority program at an institution that satisfies DOST-SEI’s study-placement requirements.
The official DOST-SEI 2027 Scholarship Helpdesk describes these as programs covering a wide range of Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Mathematics fields.
The current list also includes several allied health, environmental, information technology, education, design, agriculture, and specialized engineering programs.
Complete List of DOST Scholarship Priority Courses 2027
Based on the current priority-program references for the DOST-SEI scholarship and DOST-SEI’s published S&T undergraduate priority fields, the programs include the following.
- Bachelor in Elementary Mathematics and Science Education
- Bachelor in Mathematics Education
- Bachelor in Science Education with specialization in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Bachelor in Technology and Livelihood Education with specialization in Information and Communications Technology
- Bachelor of Elementary Education in Mathematics
- Bachelor of Elementary Education in Science and Health
- Bachelor of Library and Information Science
- Bachelor of Sports Science
- BS Aeronautical Engineering
- BS Aerospace Engineering
- BS Agribusiness
- BS Agribusiness Economics
- BS Agribusiness Management
- BS Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship
- BS Agricultural and Applied Economics
- BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
- BS Agricultural Biotechnology
- BS Agricultural Chemistry
- BS Agricultural Economics
- BS Agricultural Education
- BS Agricultural Engineering
- BS Agricultural Technology
- BS Agriculture
- BS Agroforestry
- BS Animal Husbandry
- BS Animal Science
- BS Applied Mathematics
- BS Applied Mathematics major in Mathematical Finance
- BS Applied Physics
- BS Applied Physics with Applied Computer System
- BS Applied Physics with Materials Science and Engineering
- BS Applied Statistics
- BS Architecture
- BS Artificial Intelligence
- BS Astronomy
- BS Basic Medical Sciences
- BS Biochemistry
- BS Biology
- BS Biology for Teachers
- BS Biomedical Engineering
- BS Biotechnology
- BS Ceramics Engineering
- BS Chemical Engineering
- BS Chemistry
- BS Chemistry for Teachers
- BS Chemistry with Applied Computer Systems
- BS Chemistry with Materials Science and Engineering
- BS Civil Engineering
- BS Clothing Technology
- BS Community Nutrition
- BS Computer Engineering
- BS Computer Science
- BS Cybersecurity
- BS Data Science
- BS Data Science and Analytics
- BS Development Communication major in Science Communication
- BS Electrical Engineering
- BS Electronics and Communications Engineering
- BS Electronics Engineering
- BS Energy Systems Management
- BS Environmental and Sanitary Engineering
- BS Environmental Engineering
- BS Environmental Science
- BS Fine Arts major in Industrial Design
- BS Fisheries
- BS Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
- BS Food Science and Technology
- BS Food Technology
- BS Forestry
- BS Geodetic Engineering
- BS Geography
- BS Geology
- BS Geothermal Engineering
- BS Health Sciences
- BS Human Biology
- BS Industrial Design
- BS Industrial Engineering
- BS Industrial Management Engineering–Information Technology
- BS Industrial Pharmacy
- BS Information and Communications Technology
- BS Information System
- BS Information Technology
- BS Information Technology Systems
- BS Instrumentation and Control Engineering
- BS Life Sciences
- BS Management Information Systems
- BS Manufacturing Engineering
- BS Manufacturing Engineering–Management–Biomedical Engineering
- BS Manufacturing Engineering–Management–Mechatronics and Robotics
- BS Marine Biology
- BS Marine Science
- BS Materials Engineering
- BS Mathematics
- BS Mathematics and Science Teaching
- BS Mathematics for Teachers
- BS Mechanical Engineering
- BS Mechatronics Engineering
- BS Medical Laboratory Science
- BS Medical Technology
- BS Metallurgical Engineering
- BS Meteorology
- BS Microbiology
- BS Mining Engineering
- BS Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
- BS Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
- BS Nutrition
- BS Nutrition and Dietetics
- BS Packaging Engineering
- BS Petroleum Engineering
- BS Pharmaceutical Sciences
- BS Pharmacy – 4-year program
- BS Pharmacy major in Clinical Pharmacy – 5-year program
- BS Physics
- BS Physics for Teachers
- BS Prosthetics and Orthotics
- BS Psychology
- BS Public Health
- BS Railway Engineering and Management
- BS Speech Pathology
- BS Statistics
- BS Transportation Engineering
- BSE Biological Sciences
- BSE Biology
- BSE Biology-Chemistry
- BSE Chemistry
- BSE General Sciences
- BSE Mathematics
- BSE Physical Sciences
- BSE Physics
- BSE Physics-Chemistry
- BSE Physics-Mathematics
- BSE Science
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
One thing worth emphasizing: always compare the exact name of the program offered by your university with the current DOST-SEI database. Similar-sounding courses are not automatically interchangeable.
Engineering Courses Covered by DOST
Engineering students have some of the widest choices under the scholarship.
Aside from the familiar Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Chemical, Computer, and Industrial Engineering programs, DOST also recognizes a number of specialized fields.
These include Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Ceramics Engineering, Geodetic Engineering, Geothermal Engineering, Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Transportation Engineering, and Railway Engineering and Management.
So if you’re interested in Engineering but don’t necessarily want one of the traditional branches, it’s worth going through the entire list.
Computer Science, IT, AI and Data Science Courses
This is another area that has expanded significantly.
Among the technology-related programs appearing on DOST’s priority list are Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, Information and Communications Technology, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Data Science and Analytics, and Management Information Systems.
This is particularly useful for students interested in careers involving software development, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, analytics, automation, and other emerging technologies.
However, some specialized programs have institution-specific restrictions, which we’ll discuss later.
Medical and Health-Related DOST Priority Courses
Here’s where students sometimes get confused.
DOST supports several health-related undergraduate programs, but that does not mean that every medical or healthcare degree qualifies.
Priority programs include Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Industrial Pharmacy, Public Health, Health Sciences, Psychology, Nutrition, Nutrition and Dietetics, Community Nutrition, Speech Pathology, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Human Biology, Basic Medical Sciences, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.
That brings us to one of the most frequently asked questions.
Is Nursing a DOST Priority Course?
No.
BS Nursing is currently not included in the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship priority S&T courses.
This is not simply an omission from the list. DOST-SEI specifically addresses the question in its official 2027 Scholarship Helpdesk and states that students intending to take BS Nursing cannot apply on the basis of that program because Nursing is not among the priority S&T courses.
So even though Nursing is a science- and healthcare-related degree, it does not currently qualify as a DOST priority program.
Students interested in healthcare who still want to consider DOST-supported fields may want to look at programs such as Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health, Pharmacy, Nutrition, Psychology, Biotechnology, or other eligible programs—depending, of course, on their actual interests and career plans.
Is Criminology a DOST Priority Course?
BS Criminology is also not included.
The DOST-SEI 2027 FAQ specifically mentions both BS Nursing and BS Criminology as programs outside its approved priority S&T courses.
If your intended degree is not on DOST-SEI’s priority list, you should not assume that it will become eligible simply because your university is accredited by DOST.
Both the program and the study placement matter.
Agriculture and Food-Related Priority Courses
Students interested in agriculture actually have a surprisingly large selection.
DOST supports degree programs such as Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Agricultural Biotechnology, Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural Technology, Agricultural Education, Agribusiness, Agribusiness Economics, Agribusiness Management, Animal Science, Animal Husbandry, Agroforestry, Fisheries, Food Technology, Food Science and Technology, Forestry, and related disciplines.
This reflects DOST’s broader definition of science and technology development. S&T isn’t limited to computers, laboratories, and traditional Engineering courses. Food security, agricultural productivity, biotechnology, fisheries, environmental management, and sustainable resource development are also major scientific fields.
Science and Mathematics Priority Courses
For students who really enjoy the sciences themselves, there are plenty of options.
These include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Applied Statistics, Applied Physics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Astronomy, Geology, Geography, Meteorology, Marine Biology, Marine Science, Environmental Science, Life Sciences, and Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.
Many science-teaching programs are also included, which is particularly relevant for students who want to combine their interest in STEM with education.
DOST Priority Courses for Future Teachers
Not everyone who receives a science scholarship needs to become an engineer, scientist, programmer, or laboratory professional.
DOST also supports the development of future Science and Mathematics teachers.
Programs on the priority list include Mathematics Education, Mathematics and Science Teaching, Mathematics for Teachers, Biology for Teachers, Chemistry for Teachers, Physics for Teachers, BSE Mathematics, BSE Biology, BSE Chemistry, BSE Physics, BSE Science, Biological Sciences, General Sciences, Physical Sciences, and several combined science specializations.
This is an important part of the DOST scholarship program because strengthening science and mathematics education also helps build the country’s future scientific workforce.
Some Priority Courses Are Restricted to Specific Universities
This is probably the most important part of the list to check carefully.
A degree may appear on the DOST priority list but still have a note limiting its eligibility to a particular university or program format.
The latest published DOST-SEI priority-fields document identifies the following special cases.
| Priority Program | Special Condition |
|---|---|
| BS Agricultural Biotechnology | UP System only |
| BS Applied Mathematics major in Mathematical Finance | Ateneo de Manila University only, 4-year program |
| BS Applied Physics with Applied Computer System | Ateneo de Manila University only, 4-year program |
| BS Applied Physics with Materials Science and Engineering | Ateneo de Manila University only, 4-year program |
| BS Chemistry with Applied Computer Systems | Ateneo de Manila University only, 4-year program |
| BS Chemistry with Materials Science and Engineering | Ateneo de Manila University only, 4-year program |
| BS Management Information Systems | Ateneo de Manila University only, 4-year program |
| BS Industrial Management Engineering–Information Technology | De La Salle University–Manila only |
| BS Manufacturing Engineering–Management–Biomedical Engineering | De La Salle University–Manila only |
| BS Manufacturing Engineering–Management–Mechatronics and Robotics | De La Salle University–Manila only |
| BS Human Biology | De La Salle University–Manila only, 3-year program |
| BS Basic Medical Sciences | UP Manila only, 4-year program |
| BS Prosthetics and Orthotics | UERMMMCI only, 4-year program |
| BS Packaging Engineering | Central Philippine University only |
| BS Data Science and Analytics | University of Santo Tomas only |
| BSE Biology-Chemistry | University of San Carlos only, 4-year program |
| BSE Physics-Chemistry | University of San Carlos only, 4-year program |
| BSE Physics-Mathematics | University of San Carlos only, 4-year program |
This is why simply asking, “Is Data Science covered by DOST?” sometimes isn’t enough.
BS Data Science appears separately on the priority list, while the specifically named BS Data Science and Analytics carries a University of Santo Tomas restriction in DOST-SEI’s published list.
Always match the exact program title.
What Schools Can DOST Scholars Attend?
Having a priority course is only half of the equation.
According to the official DOST-SEI 2027 Scholarship Helpdesk, qualifiers must enroll in a DOST-SEI-approved priority program at an eligible institution. This can include State Universities and Colleges, Local Universities and Colleges, and qualifying private higher education institutions.
For private HEIs, the priority program generally needs to be recognized by CHED as a Center of Excellence or Center of Development, or have at least Level III accreditation under the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines.
In other words, imagine you want to take BS Civil Engineering.
Civil Engineering is a DOST priority course.
But that does not automatically mean that every private college offering Civil Engineering qualifies as a DOST study placement.
You still need to check the accreditation or eligibility of the specific school and program.
What If My Course Has a Slightly Different Name?
This is something applicants should be careful about.
Universities sometimes use slightly different names for similar academic programs.
For example, a university might offer a specialized computing, engineering, biology, or environmental degree whose name sounds very close to a program on the DOST list.
Don’t automatically assume it qualifies.
The safest approach is to check the specific program through DOST-SEI’s priority programs and schools database before enrolling.
This becomes even more important once you’ve qualified for the scholarship. You don’t want to pass the DOST examination, receive the award, and then discover that your chosen program or school does not satisfy the study-placement requirements.
Do You Have to Be a STEM Student?
For the 2027 Undergraduate Scholarship application, graduating Grade 12 students belonging to a STEM class may apply.
Students from a non-STEM class may also apply if they belong to the top 5% of their graduating class.
Students who previously completed Senior High School but have not yet enrolled in college may also qualify, provided they meet DOST-SEI’s other requirements and intend to enroll in a priority S&T program for the first semester of AY 2027–2028.
Students who have already earned college or technical-vocational units do not fall under this particular undergraduate application category.
Does Choosing a Priority Course Guarantee the Scholarship?
No.
Choosing a priority course only satisfies one part of the scholarship requirements.
Applicants still have to meet DOST-SEI’s eligibility requirements, successfully complete the application process, take the qualifying examination when required, and eventually qualify for the scholarship.
And after qualifying, the student still has to comply with the scholarship’s study-placement and academic requirements.
Think of the priority-course requirement as one major piece of the process—not the entire process.
Which DOST Priority Course Should You Choose?
This is probably the bigger question.
With such a long list, it can be tempting to choose a course simply because DOST covers it.
But a scholarship can help you pay for your education; it cannot make you enjoy a degree you don’t actually like.
Engineering can involve a lot of mathematics and technical problem-solving. Computer Science involves programming and computational thinking. Biology and other laboratory sciences can require substantial laboratory work. Agriculture combines science with food production and natural-resource systems. Mathematics and Physics can become highly theoretical. Health science programs have their own laboratory, clinical, and professional demands.
So before choosing, look beyond the scholarship.
Think about the subjects you genuinely enjoy, the kind of work you can imagine yourself doing, your strengths, the curriculum of the degree, and the careers available after graduation.
Then check whether that course appears on the DOST list.
That’s a much better approach than choosing a course only because it’s scholarship-eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BS Psychology covered by the DOST Scholarship?
Yes. BS Psychology appears on the DOST-SEI undergraduate priority-fields list.
Make sure you are checking the BS program and the eligibility of the university where you intend to enroll.
Is Medical Technology a DOST priority course?
Yes. Both BS Medical Technology and BS Medical Laboratory Science are included.
Is Pharmacy covered?
Yes. The list includes BS Pharmaceutical Sciences, BS Industrial Pharmacy, the four-year BS Pharmacy program, and the five-year BS Pharmacy major in Clinical Pharmacy.
Is Architecture covered by DOST?
Yes. BS Architecture is included among the priority S&T programs.
Is Civil Engineering covered?
Yes. BS Civil Engineering is one of the priority Engineering programs.
Is Computer Science covered?
Yes. BS Computer Science is included, along with several other technology-related programs such as IT, Information Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Data Science.
Is Artificial Intelligence a DOST priority course?
Yes. BS Artificial Intelligence appears on DOST-SEI’s published undergraduate priority-fields list.
Is Data Science included?
Yes. BS Data Science is included. BS Data Science and Analytics also appears on the published priority list, with the latter carrying an institution-specific note for the University of Santo Tomas.
Is Nursing covered by DOST?
No. The official DOST-SEI FAQ for the 2027 application specifically states that BS Nursing is not among the scholarship’s priority S&T courses.
Is Criminology covered by DOST?
No. BS Criminology is also specifically identified by DOST-SEI as a non-priority program for this scholarship.
Is Veterinary Medicine covered?
Yes. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine is included among the priority programs.
Is Information Technology covered?
Yes. BS Information Technology is included, along with BS Information Systems, BS Information and Communications Technology, and several other technology programs.
Important Reminder for 2027 Applicants
DOST-SEI can revise its list of priority programs and recognized study placements.
That means you shouldn’t rely only on an old screenshot, social media post, or previous scholarship brochure when it is finally time to enroll.
The official 2027 DOST-SEI Scholarship Helpdesk currently directs applicants to the agency’s priority courses database and requires qualifiers to enroll in an approved priority program at an eligible university.
Before committing to a school, verify two things:
your exact degree program is still recognized as a priority S&T program, and your chosen university is an approved study placement for that particular program.
Both matter.
Final Thoughts
The DOST Scholarship priority courses for 2027 cover a much broader range of degree programs than many students realize.
Yes, traditional STEM fields such as Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics are there.
But so are newer and more specialized fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Biomedical Engineering, Railway Engineering, Meteorology, Biotechnology, Marine Science, Food Technology, Psychology, Public Health, and Veterinary Medicine.
The key is not simply finding a course somewhere on the list.
You need to make sure your exact program is approved, check whether there are university-specific restrictions, and confirm that your chosen school meets DOST-SEI’s study-placement requirements.
If you’re applying for the 2027 DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship, doing this research early can save you a lot of confusion later.
And more importantly, choose a course that doesn’t just qualify for the scholarship—but also makes sense for the career and future you want to build.
Information checked as of September 19, 2026. Applicants should verify the final program and school placement through DOST-SEI before enrollment because priority programs and institutional accreditation can be updated.
