A new cohort of national science scholars emerges as the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) releases the official list of qualifiers to the 2024 Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarships.

Among the 89,510 aspiring scholars who took the pen-and-paper qualifying examination on April 6-7, 2024 in 205 test centers nationwide, a total of 10,756 examinees have earned their well-deserved spot for the scholarship. Out of this total, 5,839 have been qualified under the RA 7687 Scholarship Program that is dedicated to supporting academically talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, while 4,917 have qualified for the Merit Scholarship Program that is given to students with high aptitude in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Additionally, 244 potential qualifiers whose names are yet to be announced upon their resubmission of certain requirements.

These incoming college freshmen qualifiers are set to enjoy their scholarship benefits in the first semester of the academic year 2024-2025.

A monthly stipend of ₱8,000.00, tuition fee subsidies of up to ₱40,000.00 per academic year for students enrolled in private universities and colleges, learning materials and/or connectivity allowance, one-time clothing allowance, one economy-class roundtrip fare per year for students studying outside of their home provinces, outright thesis allowance, graduation allowance, and group accident insurance are among the benefits that scholarship recipients will enjoy for the duration of their S&T degree program.

Notices of award will be given to the qualifiers while potential qualifiers will receive an advisory on the requirements they must resubmit. Afterwhich, the students and their parents/legal guardians are invited to attend the orientation on the scholarship policies and procedures.

Availment of the scholarship require qualifiers to enroll in a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in any of the priority S&T fields of study at a state university or college or any private higher education institution recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as a Center of Excellence or Center of Development, or with Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines Level III accreditation for the BS program that they intend to enroll in. The list of priority S&T programs is posted on the DOST-SEI website. Starting the academic year 2024-2025, scholars may also enroll in BS Sports Science, BS Data Science, BS Agribusiness Economics, and BS Orthotics and Prosthetics.

“The institute takes pride in granting the S&T scholarships to deserving recipients. Their exceptional performance in the qualifying examinations signifies their high aptitude in science and technology and potential to make good in S&T careers. Our vision is that through these scholarships, we can provide equal opportunities for the students to have such kind of affordances that can equip them with the right tools and knowledge to become the future STEM leaders of this country,” said Engr. Albert G. Mariño, Director III and Officer-in-Charge of DOST-SEI.

The DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarships are awarded to incoming college freshmen who meet specific eligibility criteria and pass the qualifying examination. It aims to stimulate and entice talented Filipino youth to pursue significant careers in science and technology, thereby ensuring the availability of qualified S&T human resources to drive the nation's progress.

Upon the completion of their degree programs, DOST scholars must work in their specialized fields in the country, whether in the public or private sector, for a period equal to the length of years they received the scholarship.

The names of the 2024 qualifiers and information about the DOST-SEI programs and projects can be accessed thru https://sei.dost.gov.ph.