THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute announced that more than 8,000 students were qualified for the 2021 Science and Technology undergraduate scholarships.

These passers include 3,815 students who qualified under the Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994, and 4,252 students who qualified under the Merit program.

DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo said it took them several months before they could finally release the results, citing that “each application was meticulously validated.”

“These senior high school graduates have shown tremendous resiliency and dedication by continuing their education despite the challenges of the new way of learning. I believe that we are able to identify deserving students to our scholarship programs,” Biyo said.

“We are happy to welcome them to the S&T community and to support them in their next chapter in the higher education level,” he added.

Those who qualified but lacked requirements must submit the needed documents on or before Sept. 30, 2021.

Qualified applicants will receive a monthly stipend of P7,000, a tuition subsidy of up to P40,000 per academic year for those enrolled in private higher education institutions, and an annual book allowance.

They will also get a one-time Military Science or Physical Education clothing allowance, an economy-class roundtrip fare for those studying outside their home province, group health and accident insurance, and thesis allowance.

Graduates from the scholarship program are required to render service to the country, preferably in their field of specialization, equivalent to the number of years they enjoyed the scholarship.

DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña said that the scholarship programs will help boost the number of scientists and engineers needed to strengthen economic productivity and knowledge creation in the country.

“We look at scholarships as one solid way to help ensure that we are meeting the S&T human resource requirements in our country. With the increasing number of scholarship applicants and slots every year, we are hopeful that we will fill the gaps in the labor market and drive innovation across all sectors,” De la Peña said.