Budget limits cap DOST scholarships to 8,500

Despite a surge in applicants nationwide, the Department of Science and Technology’s Science Education Institute (DOST Science Education Institute) will accept only 8,500 new undergraduate scholars this year, citing budget constraints.

DOST-SEI explained that this is because only P7.6 billion was approved form its proposed P11 billion for fiscal year 2026 to expand scholarship intake, improve benefits, and strengthen capacity-building initiatives.

“This approved budget allows the agency to sustainably support 54,307 scholars across undergraduate and graduate levels,” DOST-SEI told GMA News Online, noting that the total includes the incoming cohort of first-year college scholars to be selected through the national competitive examination scheduled on February 21 and 22, 2026.

The limited number of slots has resulted in an estimated 8.3% acceptance rate, the lowest in the history of the DOST Undergraduate Scholarship, as applicant numbers continue to rise.

DOST-SEI clarified, however, that the reduced acceptance rate is not due to stricter standards or changes in selection criteria.

“The number of scholarship slots has always been determined by the budget allocated for the agency, not by the volume of applicants,” the institute said. 

“The acceptance rate appears lower this year because the number of qualified examinees is higher compared to previous years.”

Fixed number

For the first time, DOST-SEI also publicly announced the fixed number of available slots ahead of the examination, a move it said was intended to promote transparency and manage expectations amid growing demand.

“While this was not common practice in previous years, the agency deemed it necessary given the steadily increasing number of applicants nationwide, to provide clarity on the number of slots that can be supported under the current fiscal allocation,” it said.

DOST-SEI stressed that academic standards and the integrity of its merit-based selection process remain unchanged.

Despite fiscal constraints, DOST-SEI said it continues to maximize its resources, citing a 98.97% budget utilization rate in 2025. It added that it remains in active discussions with the Department of Budget and Management to seek increased funding in future budget cycles to allow for a larger intake of scholars and enhanced scholarship packages.

Students who do not make the quota this year were advised to consider applying for the Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) Program, which provides support to students entering their third year in priority science and technology courses. —VAL, GMA Integrated News