The DOST Scholarship Program is one of the most sought-after scholarship grants in the country, owing to the high demand for skilled workers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). If you’re interested in applying for the DOST Scholarship Program and taking the written examination, you’ve come to the right place!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll talk about how you can apply for the DOST scholarship, as well as its requirements, qualifications, benefits, courses, and schedule.
Table of Contents
- What is the DOST Scholarship Program?
- Who Can Apply for the DOST Scholarship?
- DOST Scholarship Requirements
- DOST Scholarship Benefits and Privileges
- DOST Scholarship Courses
- DOST Scholarship Application Process
- DOST Scholarship Application Schedule
- DOST Scholarship Examination
- How to Pass the DOST Scholarship Exam: Some Advice and Tips
- I’ve Passed the Exam. Now What?
- Final Words
What is the DOST Scholarship Program?
The DOST Scholarship Program was established by the Department of Science and Technology after the passage of Republic Act No. 7687 or the “Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994.” The program provides scholarships to poor but deserving students who wish to pursue a degree or diploma in the field of science and technology.
The law was crafted in response to the growing demand for scientists, engineers and STEM professionals to power the economic growth of the country. For many years, the Philippines was lagging behind its neighbors in terms of scientific research and technological developments. The DOST Scholarship Program aims to address this issue and to reduce the “brain drain” of talented Filipino scientists and engineers who seek greener pastures abroad.
There are two types of scholarships in the DOST Scholarship Program, namely, the S&T Undergraduate Scholarships Program and the Junior Level Science Scholarship Program (JLSS). Both programs provide financial assistance in the form of monthly stipends, tuition fees, book allowances, uniform allowance, transportation allowance, and health and accident insurance.
To be eligible for the DOST Scholarship Program and become a full-fledged DOST scholar, one must meet specific criteria or qualifications, submit the requirements, and pass the DOST scholarship examination. Without further ado, let’s discuss the specifics of the DOST Scholarship Program. As a former DOST scholar, I will also share my tips and techniques on how to pass the DOST scholarship exam.
S&T Undergraduate Scholarships Program
The S&T Undergraduate Scholarships Program has two components:
- RA 7687 Scholarship – A needs-based scholarship for poor, talented and deserving students who wish to pursue further studies in basic sciences, applied sciences, engineering, and science and mathematics teaching.
- Merit Scholarship – Used to be the NSDB or NSTA Scholarship under Republic Act No. 2067 and is given to students with high aptitude in science and mathematics and who wish to enroll in science and technology related courses.
Junior Level Science Scholarship Program (JLSS)
The Junior Level Science Scholarship Program (JLSS) was started by the DOST in accordance with Republic Act No. 10612 or the “Fast-Tracked S&T Scholarship Act of 2013.” The law was passed to support the implementation of the K-12 basic education curriculum which resulted in the shortage of high school student enrollees. The JLSS Program offers scholarships to students who are currently in the third year of college and who have a desire to pursue degrees in science and technology.
Who Can Apply for the DOST Scholarship?
Not everyone is qualified to become a DOST scholar. The scholarship is granted mostly to students coming from poor families (with the exception of the Merit Scholarship) and who belong to the top 5% of the senior high school graduating class.
Qualifications for the S&T Undergraduate Scholarship Program
These are the qualifications for the RA 7687 component of the S&T Undergraduate Scholarship Program:
- Applicant must be a natural-born Filipino citizen,
- The applicant must be a poor but deserving student who comes from a family whose economic status doesn’t exceed the criteria specified by the program,
- Must be a member of the top 5% of the senior high school graduating class (non-STEM strand), or a member of the STEM strand senior high school graduating class,
- Must be a resident of the city or municipality for the past 4 years,
- The applicants must be in good health and has good moral character, and
- Passed the S&T scholarship examination.
For the Merit Scholarship, the aforementioned qualifications will still apply, except for family income and residency requirements.
Qualifications for the Junior Level Science Scholarship Program (JLSS)
These are the qualification for the Junior Level Science Scholarship Program under Republic Act No. 7687:
- Must be a natural-born Filipino citizen,
- Applicant must be a poor but deserving student who hails from a family whose socio-economic status doesn’t exceed certain standards,
- Applicant must be an incoming third year regular student in a priority science and technology course for the school year,
- Has a general weighted average (GWA) of 83% or its equivalent during the first year and the first semester of the second year,
- Applicant is a resident of the city or municipality for the past 4 years, as attested by the barangay captain,
- Must be in good health and has good moral character, and
- Passed the JLSS scholarship examination.
Under the RA 10612 and Merit Scholarship components, applicants need not meet the qualifications for family income and residency.
Who Are Not Qualified to Apply for the DOST Scholarship?
The following are automatically disqualified from applying for the DOST Scholarship Program:
- Has a pending application for immigration to the United States or any other country
- Has previously taken the DOST Undergraduate Scholarship examination
- Has qualified for the DOST Undergraduate Scholarship but did not avail of the award
- Has earned post-secondary or undergraduate units
DOST Scholarship Requirements
The S&T Undergraduate Scholarship Program and the Junior Level Science Scholarship Program have different sets of requirements.
S&T Undergraduate Scholarship Program Requirements
Here are the requirements that you must submit to apply for the DOST undergraduate scholarship:
- Duly accomplished DOST-SEI S&T Undergraduate Scholarship application form (You can download it here)
- Two (2) latest 1×1 pictures
- Photocopy of birth certificate
- Parent’s 2018 Income Tax Return (ITR) or W2 or BIR Certificate of Exemption from Filing of ITR or OFW employment contract or barangay certificate of indigency (for RA 7687 only)
- Electric bill for 3 consecutive months or barangay certificate of electric sharing if you share electricity with other households (for RA 7687 only)
- Non-refundable examination fee of ₱200 (for Merit scholarship only)
Junior Level Science Scholarship Program (JLSS) Requirements
The following are the requirements for the JLSS program:
- Duly accomplished Junior Level Science Scholarship application form (application period is already closed but you can download or view it here)
- Two (2) latest 1×1 pictures
- Photocopy of birth certificate
- Official transcript of records (TOR) or true copy of grades (TCG) for the first and second years of college
- Photocopy of document that contains your DepEd Learner Reference Number (high school diploma, Form 137, etc.)
- Parent’s 2018 Income Tax Return (ITR) or W2 or BIR Certificate of Exemption from Filing of ITR or OFW employment contract or barangay certificate of indigency (for RA 7687 only)
- Electric bill for 3 consecutive months or barangay certificate of electric sharing if you share electricity with other households (for RA 7687 only)
- Non-refundable examination fee of ₱200 (for Merit scholarship only)
How to Fill Out the Application Form
Depending on the type of scholarship you are applying for, you will need to fill out the application form differently. You can follow this guide:
| Section of S&T Undergraduate Scholarship Application Form | RA 7687 | Merit |
|---|---|---|
| Form A – Personal Information | Yes | Yes |
| Form B – Household Information Questionnaire | Yes | No |
| Form C – Certificate of Good Moral Character | Yes | Yes |
| Form D – Certification of Good Health | Yes | Yes |
| Form E1 – Principal’s Certification (For Applicant from the STEM Strand) | Yes | Yes |
| Form E2 – Principal’s Certification (For Applicant from the Non-STEM Strand) | Yes | Yes |
| Form F – Certificate of Residency | Yes | No |
| Form G – Parent’s Certification | Yes | Yes |
| Form H – Applicant’s Certification | Yes | Yes |
| Form I – Signed Declaration by Applicant and the Parents/Legal Guardian | Yes | Yes |
You can follow this guide for the JLSS program:
| Section of Junior Level Science Scholarship Application Form | RA 10612 | RA 7687 | Merit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form A – Personal Information | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Form B – Household Information Questionnaire | No | Yes | No |
| Form C – Certificate of Good Moral Character | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Form D – Certification of Good Health | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Form E – Certification of Program of Study and Year Level | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Form F – Certificate of Residency | No | Yes | No |
| Form G1 – Commitment to Return to Service (For RA 7687 and Merit Applicants Only) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Form G2 – Commitment to Return to Service (For RA 10612 Applicants Only) | Yes | No | No |
| Form H – Applicant’s Certification | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Form I – Signed Declaration by Applicant and the Parents/Legal Guardian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
DOST Scholarship Benefits and Privileges
DOST scholars enjoy certain benefits and privileges such as tuition and school fees, monthly living allowance, book allowance, insurance, among others. With these DOST scholarship benefits, scholars can pursue their dream career in the field of science and technology with a lighter financial burden.
The following are the benefits and privileges enjoyed by DOST scholars:
- Tuition and other school fees (₱40,000 per year)
- Monthly living allowance (₱7,000 per month)
- Book allowance (₱10,000 per year)
- Transportation allowance for scholars who study outside their home province (one economy class round-trip fare)
- MS/PE uniform for the first semester of the first year only (₱1,000)
- Graduation clothing allowance (₱1,000)
- Premium group health and accident insurance
If the scholar enrolls in summer class as required in the curriculum, he or she receives these additional DOST scholarship benefits:
- Tuition and other school fees (₱1,500)
- Monthly living allowance (₱7,000 per month for 2 months)
- Book allowance (₱500)
DOST Scholarship Courses
Once you’ve passed the DOST scholarship exam and become a DOST scholar, you are required to enroll in a DOST priority course in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Refer to the list below for DOST priority courses:
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Agribusiness Management
- Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
- Agricultural Biotechnology (at UP System only)
- Agricultural Chemistry
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Technology
- Agriculture
- Animal Science
- Applied Mathematics
- Applied Mathematics major in Mathematical Finance (4 years, at ADMU only)
- Applied Physics
- Applied Physics with Applied Computer System
- Applied Physics with Materials Science and Engineering
- Applied Statistics
- Astronomy Technology
- Bachelor of Library and Information Science
- Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Ceramics Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Chemistry with Applied Computer Systems
- Chemistry with Materials Science and Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Community Nutrition
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics and Communications Engineering/Electronics Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Fisheries
- Food Technology
- Forestry
- Geodetic Engineering
- Geography
- Geology
- Geothermal Engineering
- Health Science
- Human Biology
- Industrial Design
- Industrial Engineering
- Industrial Management Engineering – Information Technology (at DLSU only)
- Industrial Pharmacy
- Information and Communications Technology
- Information System
- Information Technology
- Information Technology Systems
- Instrumentation and Control Engineering
- Life Sciences
- Management Information Systems (4 years, at ADMU only)
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering Management – Biomedical Engineering (at DLSU only)
- Manufacturing Engineering Management – Mechatronics and Robotics (at DLSU only)
- Marine Biology
- Marine Science
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and Science Teaching
- Mathematics Teaching
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Medical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Meteorology
- Microbiology
- Mining Engineering
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
- Nutrition
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Packaging Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Pharmacy (4-year program)
- Pharmacy major in Clinical Pharmacy (5-year program)
- Physics
- Psychology (BS Program)
- Public Health
- Science Teaching (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science, and Biology and Chemistry)
- Statistics
It’s worth mentioning that DOST scholars can only enroll in colleges and universities that meet the following criteria:
- State universities and colleges
- CHED-identified Centers of Excellence (COE) or Centers of Development (COD) for the S&T programs under the DOST Scholarship Program
- Educational institutions that have FAAP Level III Accreditation
DOST Scholarship Application Process
Download and print the DOST Undergraduate Scholarship Program application form from the DOST-SEI website. You can also download the application forms here:
You can also get the application form from the Science Education Institute, 2nd Level, Science Heritage Building, DOST Compound, General Santos Avenue, Taguig City, Metro Manila, or DOST Regional Offices, Provincial S&T Centers, or at the offices of congressmen and senators. Click here for the list of DOST Regional Offices and Provincial S&T Centers.
Place the accomplished DOST scholarship application form and all the documentary requirements in a long brown envelope, and submit it to the DOST-SEI office, DOST Regional Office or the Provincial S&T Center nearest you.
Wait for the Test Permit and Primer that will be mailed to you or to the school principal. If you haven’t received your Test Permit a week before the examination day, you may inquire at the DOST Regional Office or Provincial S&T Center.
Online Application
DOST-SEI has set up a website for accepting online applications at https://www.science-scholarships.ph. At the moment, however, the system is on a “test/debug mode” and is not open for the general public. Please don’t use this website yet.
DOST Scholarship Application Schedule
The 2024 DOST-SEI Undergraduate S&T Scholarship Program is accepting applications from October 17, 2023 to December 15, 2023.
The DOST scholarship examination will be held on April 6-7, 2024.
DOST Scholarship Examination
The DOST scholarship examination is the final eligibility criteria that you must hurdle before you can become a DOST scholar and enjoy the privileges of the DOST Scholarship Program.
The S&T Undergraduate Scholarship exam measures the abilities of the student-applicant in order to determine his or her academic and professional success in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The exam is comprised of the following domains: logical reasoning, science, mathematics, English, mechanical-technical, and self-inventory.
The exam is a pencil-and-paper test and consists mostly of multiple-choice questions. The test consists of sub-tests that are separately timed, so if you finish one part before the end of the allotted time, you are not allowed to proceed to the next part until you are told to do so. You also cannot go back to the previous part of the test.
These are the different parts of the S&T Undergraduate Scholarship exam:
- Part I: Verbal and non-verbal reasoning
- Part II: English, science, mathematics and mechanical-technical
- Part III: Self-inventory
On the other hand, the Junior Level Science Scholarship exam is made up of two parts:
- Part I: Logical reasoning test
- Part II: Power test (science, mathematics, English and teaching aptitude)
The examination is done at the testing center listed in your Test Permit. The one-day exam lasts for about four hours. You can eat snacks (as long as it doesn’t smear the test papers) or take comfort room breaks while the exam is ongoing.
How to Pass the DOST Scholarship Exam: Some Advice and Tips
The DOST scholarship exam is highly competitive and only the best and the brightest students pass it. So if you consider yourself as one of the cream of the crop, then passing this exam should be a walk in the park for you.
But is it? Many students, even academic achievers, are worried that they won’t be able to pass the exam. It’s a valid cause for concern because even some of the best and brightest fail to pass this grueling exam. Nervousness can often derail a exam taker’s preparation, among other things.
In this chapter, I will be sharing my tips and advice on how to pass the DOST scholarship exam, gleaned from my experience in taking and passing the said exam. I cannot guarantee, however, that you will pass the exam by following my advice. Your knowledge, effort and luck mostly determine whether you pass the exam or not.
Determine the Coverage of the Exam
The DOST has released primers that you can download from the DOST-SEI website, which you can read to learn about the exam coverage. The primer also contains a few practice tests. You can download the primers for the S&T Undergraduate Scholarship exam here and the JLSS exam here.
For the logical reasoning part of the exam, you will be tested for your mental alertness, precision, and accuracy of thoughts and actions. Think of it as an IQ test.
Verbal reasoning measures your ability to understand and analyze complex information, and to think logically and analytically.
Non-verbal reasoning tests your ability to visualize, transform and interpret images in your mind. It measures your ability to mentally move and manipulate two-dimensional and three-dimensional images.
The English sub-test measures your command of the English language, particularly on grammar, vocabulary and reading comprehension.
The Science sub-test is composed of questions related to chemistry, physics, biology, and the Earth and environmental sciences. For the Mathematics sub-test, you will be asked to interpret quantitative relationships and their representations.
The Mechanical-Technical sub-test involves solving mechanical and electrical problems as well as everyday physics.
The Self-Inventory part of the exam asks you to describe yourself, your family, your friends, and your education as honestly and as accurately as possible. There is no right or wrong answer for this part, but it’s recommended that you answer the questions seriously.
By knowing the coverage of the exam, you will know which subjects or lessons to review and the types of questions to prepare for. This will drastically increase your chances of passing the exam.
Prepare and Review
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail,” said Benjamin Franklin. No matter how smart or intelligent you are, there’s a big chance you will fail the exam if you don’t prepare for it. Granted, there were some students who passed the exam without any review or preparation, but they are the rare ones.
Start by reviewing your previous notes and lessons in science, mathematics and English. I know that you might hate going back to your lessons 2-4 years ago, but you’ll never know when they will appear during the test. Take practice tests using the primers listed above or you can search for free tests around the Internet.
Here are some practice tests that might be helpful:
- Logical reasoning tests by AssessmentDay
- English test by Cambridge English
- ACT science test
- ACT math test
- Mechanical aptitude test by JobTestPrep
Ask For Help From Your Teachers
Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance from your science, math and English teachers. Obviously, they won’t be able to tell you what questions will appear during the exam, but they can help you during your review and preparation. You can even ask for review materials and they might be willing to lend them to you.
Listen to the Proctor or Examiner
The proctor or examiner is the person who conducts the exam, and he or she will announce the instructions for the test. Listen to the proctor or examiner carefully and avoid the temptation of chatting with your fellow exam-takers.
I made the mistake of not listening attentively to the proctor and ended up making mistakes during the first part of the exam. Fortunately, I was still able to ace the test. Don’t make the same mistake as I did!
Manage Your Time Properly
As mentioned previously, the DOST scholarship exam is made up of sub-tests that are timed separately. Each sub-test – whether science, mathematics or mechanical-technical – has a strict number of minutes to complete. You must answer all the sub-test questions before the allotted time has lapsed, since you cannot go back to the previous sub-test after that.
That is why good time management is key. If you encounter a difficult question, don’t spend too much time on it. Answer the easier questions first and then go back to the difficult questions if you still have some time left.
Get Enough Sleep
Make sure that you have enough rest and sleep the day before the exam. You might feel a lot of pressure to pass the exam but don’t sweat it. As long as you prepared and reviewed for the test, you will always have a fighting chance. As much as possible, avoid cramming for the exam.
Lack of sleep might make you lose concentration and focus, which could prove costly. So get a good night’s sleep to keep your mind and body in tip-top shape.
Never Go Hungry
The DOST scholarship exam is taken in one sitting and usually lasts for more than four hours. Bring some light snacks and munch on them for a quick boost of energy. You can also bring a bottle of water to quench your thirst. You are allowed comfort room breaks so don’t worry if you have the urge to answer the call of nature.
I’ve Passed the Exam. Now What?
Congratulations then! You are now a full-fledged DOST scholar.
Before you roll out the congratulatory banner, you should know that you must agree to the terms and conditions of the DOST Scholarship Program, one of which is to serve the country for the same number of years that you enjoyed your scholarship.
This might be a big deal for some who dream of working abroad after graduation. Nevertheless, you won’t be forced to render service in the country if you really want to work abroad; you will just have to compensate DOST for the amount of money they spent for your education.
Aside from that, you need to maintain the grade requirements of the scholarship. You must not have any failing grades in any major subject. If you have difficulties in meeting the grade requirement or if you find yourself failing in a subject, don’t be afraid to seek help from the DOST.
You are not simply left alone to fend for yourself. Your scholarship adviser from the DOST will help you with any concerns or problems with your scholarship, so don’t hesitate to approach him. You’ve worked hard for it, so don’t lose it.
Final Words
Tens of thousands of students apply for and take the DOST scholarship exam every year, but only a few are fortunate enough to pass it and become DOST scholars. The DOST Scholarship Program is your passport to success in your future career as a STEM professional, so grab the opportunity to apply for it and take the exam. Opportunity knocks only once!
To learn more about the DOST scholarship, visit the DOST-SEI website at http://www.sei.dost.gov.ph or email [email protected]. You may also comment below and I will do my best to answer your questions regarding the DOST Scholarship Program.
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Pwde p rin po ba mag exam ng jlss if not passer ng undergraduate before.
Yes, the JLSS is open to those who took the undergraduate exam but didn’t pass.
Thank you for the information Sir Luis! Great article!
Grabe po talaga anxiety ko. Paano po ba ma reduce anxiety before and during exams po. Thank you and God bless!
Hello, possible pa po bang mag apply ako kahit college student na ako? Magiging second year na po ako next school year. Patapos na kami ngayong first year. Kaso di ko lang po kasi alam kung pwede pa kami mag apply.
You can still apply for the Junior Level Science Scholarship program.