DOST opens ‘27 undergrad scholarship applications, empowers next generation of Filipino scientists

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — Aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize youth empowerment and STEM enrichment, the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) has officially opened online applications for its 2027 Science and Technology (S&T) Undergraduate Scholarships.

The initiative aims to develop a scientifically and technologically literate citizenry while accelerating the growth of science and technology (S&T) human resources essential for socioeconomic development.

Nikko Ofo-ob, project technical specialist at the DOST Ilocos Region’s Scholarship Unit, said that building a strong foundation in science begins with investing directly in young minds.

“By enticing talented Filipino youth to pursue lifelong productive careers in S&T, the program ensures a steady supply of qualified professionals—such as engineers, scientists, and educators—to steer the nation toward sustainable progress,” Ofo-ob stated.

Financial privileges and support

Qualified scholars enrolled in priority S&T courses will receive financial benefits to support their academic journey, including:

Tuition and school fees: Up to P40,000 per academic year for students attending private higher education institutions (HEIs);
Monthly living allowance: P8,000 per month throughout the regular academic semester;
Learning materials and connectivity allowance: P10,000 per academic year (P5,000 per semester);
Additional subsidies: An initial clothing allowance, a thesis allowance of up to P10,000, a graduation allowance, and round-trip transportation reimbursements for students studying outside their home provinces; and
Research dissemination grants: Up to P50,000 for scholars who present their research or theses at local or international scientific conferences.
Beyond financial assistance, the program fosters leadership and well-rounded professional growth through the S&T Learning Assistance Program (STLAP).

Scholars participate in leadership training, research camps, mental health workshops, and financial literacy programs.

“We want DOST scholars to excel holistically; we do not want them to focus only on studies, but also to be socially equipped,” Ofo-ob explained.

“As future leaders in their own fields, this is another skill we realized they need to carry with them after they graduate.”

Eligibility and deadlines

The scholarship is open to natural-born Filipino citizens graduating from Grade 12 in school year (SY) 2026–2027.

All graduating students under the STEM strand are eligible to apply, while graduating non-STEM students must rank within the top 5% of their graduating class. Past Grade 12 graduates who have not taken any college or vocational units are also eligible to apply.

Applicants must complete their online registration and upload all documentary requirements via www.science-scholarships.ph.

To help students prepare for the selection process, the DOST Ilocos Region provides free reviewer materials upon request through its official Facebook page.

Addressing students who may feel intimidated by the qualifying exam, Ofo-ob offered prospective applicants words of encouragement.

“Nothing will happen if you do not try. Grab this opportunity while you are eligible to apply because you never know,” Ofo-ob said.

As of the end of SY 2025–2026, the DOST Ilocos Region maintains 186 ongoing scholars studying in Ilocos Norte. This figure excludes scholars from the Ilocos Region who opted to study in Baguio, the National Capital Region (NCR), or Region 2.

Ofo-ob expressed his hope that more students from the province will qualify as DOST scholars.

The deadline for this year’s application is September 17, 2026, while the nationwide qualifying exam is slated for November 14 and 15, 2026. (CCMT/ATV, PIA Ilocos Norte)