More often than not, it only takes the right opportunity and adequate support for brilliance to shine. Fortunately, the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) is more than happy to provide both to deserving students.
In a press conference held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) last July 18, DOST-SEI formally announced improvements to its current science and technology scholarship programs. These enhancements include more scholarship slots and an increased monthly stipend rate for all scholars.
The announcement coincided with the celebration of this year’s National Science and Technology Week (NSTW). DOST-SEI’s Director, Dr. Josette Biyo, saw this as an opportunity to pique the public’s interest in the agency’s S&T scholarship programs.
Joined by DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña, Dr. Biyo, along with DOST-SEI Deputy Director Engr. Albert G. Mariño and DOST-SEI Graduate Scholars Reuben James Rosal and John Kenneth Malilay, talked about the various programs and answered questions from the media at the event.
This year, DOST-SEI reported that 8,994 new applicants had qualified for its undergraduate program. This is by far the largest batch of qualifiers since the program’s inception in 1958.
With the improved scholarships, DOST-SEI aims to increase the total number of scholars from 2016’s 20,618 to 33,256 in 2019. As explained by de la Peña:
“Through the new benefits in our Scholarship Program, we hope to get more scholars and graduates who will eventually work in S&T for the country.”
The best time to be a DOST-SEI graduate scholar
The Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP) aims to increase the number of S&T experts in the country. ASTHRDP applicants may be placed in one of the following universities:
– Ateneo de Manila University
– Central Luzon State University
– De La Salle University
– Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology
– University of the Philippines – Diliman
– University of the Philippines – Los Baños
– University of the Philippines – Manila
– University of the Philippines – Visayas
– University of Santo Tomas
– Visayas State University
– University of San Carlos
Meanwhile, the Engineering Research for Development and Technology (ERDT) exists to add to the country’s growing pool of engineers. Qualifiers may be placed in one of the following universities:
– Ateneo de Manila University
– Central Luzon State University
– De La Salle University
– Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology
– Mapua Institute of Technology
– University of the Philippines – Diliman
– University of the Philippines – Los Baños
– University of San Carlos
Last but not the least among the graduate programs, the Capacity Building Program in Science and Mathematics Education (CBPSME) seeks to produce more S&T educators. Qualified applicants may be placed in one of the universities comprising the National Consortium in Graduate Science and Mathematics Education, which include:
– Western Mindanao State University
– Philippine Normal University
– Bicol University
– Mariano Marcos State University
– Central Luzon State University
– West Visayas State University
– Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology
– De La Salle University – Manila
– University of San Carlos
– Ateneo de Manila University
The financial benefits under DOST-SEI’s graduate scholarship programs are as follows:
Opportunities for DOST-SEI ungraduate scholarship applicants
As for undergraduate students, aside from the RA 7867 S&T scholarship program, DOST-SEI also offers the RA 2067 scholarship program and the Junior Level Science Scholarship Program (RA 10612).
The RA 2067 scholarship program will be awarded to students with a high aptitude in both science and mathematics. Applicants must be willing to pursue careers in the fields of science and technology. Undergraduate scholarship applicants have until Friday, August 31, 2018 to apply.
On the other hand, the Junior Level Science Scholarship Program aims to fast-track science, mathematics, and engineering graduates to teach science and mathematics subjects in secondary schools across the Philippines. Interested students may apply until Friday, September 14, 2018.
The undergraduate program qualifying exams will take place on Sunday, October 21, 2018.
The financial benefits under DOST-SEI’s undergraduate scholarship programs are as follows:
For more information, you may visit www.sei.dost.gov.ph or send your queries to seischolarships@gmail.com.
The DOST-SEI is located at the Philippine Science Heritage Bldg., DOST Compd., General Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City. You may call them at 837-1359 (local 2400 and 2382) or 837-1333.
Cover photo: pixabay.com
References:
- Official DOST-SEI press release (July 18, 2018).
- Presentation by Dr. Josette Talamera Biyo, DOST-SEI Director (July 18, 2018).
- https://www.flipscience.ph/features/dost-scholarship-program-primer/
Author: Mikael Angelo Francisco
Bitten by the science writing bug, Mikael has years of writing and editorial experience under his belt. As the editor-in-chief of FlipScience, Mikael has sworn to help make science more fun and interesting for geeky readers and casual audiences alike.
