CEBU CITY — Aspiring scholars in Cebu and across the Philippines have until September 17, 2026, to submit applications for the 2027 DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarships. The Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute is calling on qualified Grade 12 students and graduates to seize this life-changing opportunity before the deadline closes.
A Gateway to Science and Technology Careers
The S&T Undergraduate Scholarships Program aims to nurture talented Filipino youth and steer them toward productive careers in science and technology. The initiative ensures a steady supply of qualified professionals who can drive national progress and innovation. For Cebu, a province known for its growing IT, engineering, and research sectors, the scholarship serves as a vital pipeline for future industry leaders and innovators.
Two scholarship tracks are available to suit different student profiles. The Merit Scholarship recognizes students with exceptional aptitude in science and mathematics, awarded regardless of family income. The RA 7687 Scholarship, meanwhile, supports academically qualified students whose family socio-economic status meets DOST-SEI guidelines, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder promising minds.
Eligibility and Application Essentials
Qualified applicants must be natural-born Filipino citizens of good moral character and health. They must be graduating Grade 12 students or previous Grade 12 graduates who have not yet enrolled in any college or post-secondary program. STEM strand students automatically qualify, while Non-STEM students must belong to the top five percent of their graduating class to be considered.
Scholars must enroll in a DOST-SEI approved priority degree program, such as engineering, computer science, natural sciences, agriculture, or science and mathematics education. These fields are critical to Cebu's economic landscape, where demand for skilled STEM professionals continues to rise. The scholarship ensures that recipients are equipped to contribute meaningfully to regional and national development.
Comprehensive Financial Support
The scholarship package is designed to remove financial barriers throughout the student's academic journey. Scholars receive a monthly living allowance of ₱8,000 and tuition assistance of up to ₱40,000 per academic year for private institutions. At State Universities and Colleges, tuition is waived under Republic Act 10931, maximizing the scholarship's value.
Additional benefits include a ₱10,000 annual learning materials and connectivity allowance, a ₱10,000 thesis grant, and a ₱1,000 clothing allowance during the first semester of the first year. Graduating scholars also receive a ₱1,000 graduation allowance. Group accident and health insurance provide security, while transportation allowances support scholars studying outside their home province.
A Commitment to Serve the Nation
Upon graduation, DOST scholars are required to render full-time service in the Philippines in their field of specialization. The service period is equivalent to the duration of the scholarship enjoyed, such as four years for a four-year degree. This return service obligation ensures that the nation benefits directly from the investment in its scholars.
For Cebuano scholars, this often means contributing to local industries, research institutions, and government agencies within the province or elsewhere in the country. The obligation strengthens the domestic STEM workforce and fosters a culture of giving back to the community. It is a meaningful exchange that transforms scholarship recipients into nation-builders.
Key Dates and How to Apply
The online application period began on August 17, 2026, and will close strictly on September 17, 2026. The qualifying examination is scheduled for November 14-15, 2026. Interested students are encouraged to complete their requirements and submit applications early through the official portal at science-scholarships.ph.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders in Cebu are urged to share this information with qualified students. The DOST-SEI scholarship is a rare opportunity that can alter the trajectory of a young person's life. The deadline is fast approaching, and every day of delay reduces the chance to prepare a complete application.
