The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) offers the RA 7687 Scholarship, a financial assistance program designed for talented yet economically disadvantaged students who wish to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The program, born from the enactment of Republic Act No. 7687, also known as the Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994, was created to support and provide a remarkable opportunity to underprivileged students with strong academic potential in science and technology. It aims to develop a robust workforce of scientists, engineers, and researchers, contributing to national progress.
As a government-backed scholarship program, the RA 7687 Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support, regional representation, and post-graduate incentives all in the name of contributing to national development. Prospective applicants are encouraged to carefully review eligibility requirements, prepare for the scholarship exam, and commit to the service obligation upon graduation. With this guide, we are providing everything you need to know about this scholarship program, including eligibility requirements, benefits, application procedures, and service obligations so you can prepare well if you are interested in availing its benefits.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial assistance, which includes:
Academic Year Benefits
- Tuition and school fees: Up to PHP 40,000 per year
- Learning materials and connectivity allowance: PHP 10,000 per year
- Transportation allowance: Reimbursable based on actual expenses
- Monthly living allowance: PHP 8,000 per month
- Clothing allowance: PHP 1,000 (first semester of the first year only)
- Health and accident insurance: Premium coverage
- Thesis allowance: PHP 10,000
- Graduation allowance: PHP 1,000
Summer/Mid-Year Term Benefits (if required by the curriculum)
- Tuition and school fees: Up to PHP 10,000
- Learning materials and connectivity allowance: PHP 2,000
- Monthly living allowance: PHP 8,000 for two months
Scope, Coverage, and Restrictions
The program covers financial assistance for students pursuing degrees in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology-related fields, but comes with specific limitations:
Scope and Coverage
- Covers tuition and school fees, learning materials, and monthly stipends.
- Applicable to undergraduate courses in priority science and technology fields.
- Available to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Implemented on a regional quota system to support equitable distribution.
Restrictions
- Scholars must enroll in accredited institutions within the Philippines.
- Requires scholars to maintain academic performance and comply with program policies.
- Graduates must fulfill a service obligation equivalent to their scholarship duration.
- Non-compliance with the service requirement results in reimbursement of received benefits.
- Limited availability based on government budget and regional allocations.
Target Beneficiaries
The DOST RA 7687 Scholarship Program is designed to support students from underprivileged backgrounds who demonstrate academic potential in science and technology fields.
- Students from low-income families meeting the set poverty threshold.
- High school graduates ranking in the top 5% of their class.
- Residents of municipalities for at least four years prior to application.
- Individuals with strong academic performance in mathematics and science.
- Students with good moral character and physical fitness.
- Priority given to cultural minorities and students from underdeveloped regions.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the DOST RA 7687 Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Belong to a family whose annual gross income does not exceed the poverty threshold set by the government.
- Be a natural-born Filipino citizen.
- Be a graduating high school student in the top 5% of their class.
- Be a resident of a municipality for at least four years prior to application.
- Have good moral character and be in good health.
Required Documents
The program requires applicants to submit several documentary requirements to verify their eligibility and qualifications, including:
- Accomplished DOST-SEI Scholarship Application Form
- Certified true copy of Birth Certificate
- Recent 1×1 ID pictures (as specified in the application form)
- Parent’s or Guardian’s Income Tax Return (ITR) or Certificate of Indigency
- High School Report Card (Form 138)
- Certificate of Good Moral Character
- Certificate of Residency issued by the barangay
- Recent passport-size photo with name tag
- Affidavit of no pending scholarship application (if applicable)
- Other documents as required by the DOST-SEI
Application Process
To apply, simply follow these steps:
Step 1: Check the Announcement and Prepare Requirements
DOST announces the scholarship application period annually. Interested students should gather the necessary documents, and have them prepared accordingly.
Step 2: Register and Apply Online
Applications must be submitted through the DOST-SEI official website. Applicants need to:
- Create an account
- Fill out the online application form
- Upload the required documents
Step 3: Take the DOST Scholarship Exam
All applicants must pass the DOST Scholarship Qualifying Examination, which assesses aptitude in science, mathematics, and analytical reasoning.
Step 4: Wait for the Results
DOST will publish the list of qualified scholars on its website and notify successful applicants through email or mail.
Additional Considerations
Other considerations andd terms included in the availment of the DOST RA 7687 Scholarship include:
- Selection and Admission Criteria: Admission to the RA 7687 Scholarship is based on a regional quota system, ensuring equitable distribution of scholars across various provinces. Unlike the DOST Merit Scholarship, which selects students based on a national ranking system, RA 7687 considers economic status and regional representation.
- RA 7687 Quota: Prioritizes students from less developed regions to promote equal educational opportunities.
- Service Obligation: Upon graduation, scholars must serve the country in a field related to their degree. The service obligation is equivalent to the number of years they received the scholarship. Graduates can fulfill this requirement by:
- Working in government agencies, private sector jobs, or teaching positions aligned with their field of study.
- Organizing technology-based livelihood projects in their home province or municipality.
- Failure to comply with the service requirement results in the scholar repaying the total financial assistance received.
- Post-Scholarship Incentives: To encourage scholars to remain in the country and contribute to its development, DOST provides post-scholarship incentives, including:
- Priority job placement in government agencies and private institutions.
- Research grants and access to government research facilities.
- Preferential access to loans and credit facilities for entrepreneurial ventures.
- Hardship and hazard allowances for scholars engaging in challenging research and development roles.
Video: RA 7687
The RA 7687 lists all the details of the RA 7687 Scholarship Program offered by the DOST to financially challenged yet talented students to pursue careers in science and technology. With the comprehensive financial support offered by the program, prospective applicants are enticed to avail of the program benefits and commit to the service obligation upon graduation to contribute to national development. For a more detailed explanation of the RA 7687 and a detailed walkthrough of the DOST RA 7687 Scholarship Application Process, you may check out this video from BSMT 1 STS:
Regarding the mandatory service obligation, here’s what one DOST RA 7687 scholarship grantee has to say about it:
@angelthescholar Replying to @s1s1ggg DOST return service system #DOST #returnservicedost #scholarship #abroad ♬ original sound – angelthescholar on IG & FB
For more details and application updates, you may visit the official DOST-SEI website or inquire in person at the local DOST regional office in your region.