DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is encouraging all students who are about to start their tertiary education to apply and pursue careers in science and technology (S&T).
This was after the Science Education Institute (SEI), a service agency of DOST, opened its online application for the 2024 undergraduate scholarships program.
Jennifer Fernandez, science research specialist II of DOST-Pangasinan, said the DOST-SEI undergraduate scholarship intends to encourage talented and deserving students to pursue careers in S&T and ensure a steady and adequate supply of S&T human resources in the country.
“Mayroong dalawang klase itong undergraduate scholarships. Una, ang Republic Act (RA) No. 7687 o ‘yong Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994. Pangalawa, ang DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship Program o ‘yong National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA) under RA No. 2067,” she stated.
Fernandez said that students belonging to families whose socio-economic status does not exceed the set cut-off values of certain indicators are eligible to apply as RA 7687 scholars on the condition that they pursue priority fields of study in the basic sciences, engineering, other applied sciences, and science and mathematics teaching.
On the other hand, the merit scholarship is given to students who have high aptitude in science and mathematics and want to pursue careers in the fields of S&T.
Meanwhile, Bernalyn Martinez, project assistant II of DOST-Pangasinan, said the application for the 2024 DOST-SEI is open to all Grade 12 students taking the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand.
Students in the non-STEM strand may also apply provided they belong to the top 5% of the graduating class.
“Sa mga graduate na ng Grade 12 before school year 2023-2024 pero hindi pa nakapag-enrol sa college ay eligible rin sila na mag-apply. Same ang requirements na dapat sila ay nasa STEM strand o top 5% of non-STEM strand,” Martinez said.
“Para naman sa mga graduate ng high school before the K-12 program ay eligible rin silang mag-apply pero dapat ay belong sila sa top 5% of the graduating class,” she added.
Interested applicants must be natural-born Filipinos with good moral character and in good health, may have applied to the DOST-SEI undergraduate scholarship but did not qualify, may have qualified for the DOST-SEI undergraduate scholarship but did not avail of the award, and must not have earned any post-secondary units.
Qualifiers for the program may enjoy scholarship privileges such as P40,000 for tuition and other school fees per academic year; P7,000 monthly living allowance; P10,000 for learning materials every year; P1,000 clothing allowance for the first year – first semester; transportation allowance; P10,000 thesis allowance; premium group health and accident insurance; and a P1,000 graduation allowance.
Scholars after their graduation are required to render service in the country in their field of specialization for a period equivalent to the number of years they enjoyed the scholarship, said Fernandez.
Interested students may visit https://ugrad.science- scholarships.ph to register and apply for the scholarship program.
A secure and valid email address, a working mobile number, and a stable internet connection are needed for the e-application.
Likewise, Martinez reminded the aspiring qualifiers that December 31, 2023, is the last day for online application and uploading of requirements.
She also said that the schedule for the qualifying examination will be on April 6-7, 2024. (JCR/AMB/JCDR/PIA Pangasinan)
