The Ministry of Science and Technology of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOST-BARMM) is now accepting applications for the Bangsamoro International Grant Awards for Science and Technology (BIGAST) for Academic Year 2026–2027.
The program provides qualified Bangsamoro students and professionals with an opportunity to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral studies in priority science and technology fields at reputable institutions abroad.
This guide covers the BIGAST Scholarship Program 2026 qualifications, requirements, priority courses, benefits, application process, deadline, and official application links.
Table of Contents
About MOST-BARMM and the BIGAST Scholarship Program
The Ministry of Science and Technology is the Bangsamoro Government ministry responsible for advancing science, technology, research, innovation, and related capacity-building programs within BARMM.
The Bangsamoro International Grant Awards for Science and Technology, or BIGAST, is one of the ministry’s scholarship initiatives for qualified Bangsamoro applicants who intend to study abroad.
For Academic Year 2026–2027, MOST-BARMM is inviting applications from incoming first-year undergraduate students and professionals seeking graduate-level study in priority fields of science, technology, engineering, health, agriculture, computing, and innovation.
The program aims to help grantees gain specialized knowledge and international experience that can later contribute to the development of the Bangsamoro region.
Qualifications
To qualify under the revised BIGAST guidelines, a candidate must:
- Be a natural-born Filipino citizen
- Have resided in BARMM for at least six months before the month of application
- Be not more than 50 years old at the time of application
- Intend to pursue an identified highly technical priority science and technology program
- Pursue a program appropriate to the intended degree level and, when applicable, vertically aligned with the applicant’s previous degree
- Be in good health and fit to study
- Meet the admission requirements of a reputable foreign university or recognized higher education or research institution
- Pass the interview and other screening procedures required by MOST-BARMM
- For master’s and doctoral applicants, have a research interest aligned with the BARMM Harmonized Research and Development Agenda
- Present a viable re-entry plan explaining how the knowledge and skills acquired will be used after completing the program
- Agree to the terms and conditions of the scholarship contract
- Submit all required application documents
Those who are employed also need a recommendation from the head of their agency or ministry and permission to take a leave of absence while on scholarship.
Important Eligibility Notice
The released 2026 eligibility criteria and documentary checklist do not state a minimum general weighted average or family-income ceiling.
Applicants must still satisfy the admission standards of their chosen foreign institution and pass the documentary evaluation, technical review, interview, and other screening procedures of MOST-BARMM.
Meeting the basic qualifications does not automatically guarantee selection.
Requirements
Applicants must prepare the following documents based on the official 2026 BIGAST checklist:
- Duly accomplished BIGAST application form
- Photocopy of the applicant’s birth certificate
- Certified true copy of the Official Transcript of Records
- Recommendation from the head of the agency or ministry, if employed
- Permission to take a leave of absence while on scholarship, if employed
- Career Plans using Application Form A
- Research Plan using Application Form B, to be presented during the final level of screening
- Medical Certificate using Application Form C, completed by a licensed physician whose PRC license number is indicated
- Valid NBI Clearance
- Valid passport
- Letter of admission from the program head or authorized office of the accepting institution
- Approved program of study
The application form also asks for a recent passport-size photograph and information about the applicant’s proposed budgetary requirements.
Application Forms A, B, and C
The official BIGAST application materials include the following forms:
- Application Form A – Career Plans: Applicants must explain their career plans after graduation and how the proposed program can contribute to their professional development and BARMM.
- Application Form B – Research Plan: Applicants must present their proposed research topic, rationale, objectives, methodology, and expected contribution. The checklist states that the research plan will be presented during the final screening stage.
- Application Form C – Medical Certificate: A licensed physician must certify that the applicant is physically and mentally fit to study. The physician’s printed name, signature, and PRC license number must be provided.
Applicants should follow the word limits and instructions printed on each form.
Important Document Notice
The official checklist requires a valid passport, a letter of admission, and an approved program of study. Applicants who do not yet have these documents should contact MOST-BARMM to confirm whether their application can be evaluated.
Before uploading the requirements, applicants should also:
- Complete all applicable fields in the official forms
- Write “N/A” in fields that do not apply
- Make sure every document is clear, complete, and readable
- Combine the complete application documents into one PDF file
- Name the PDF using the format Last name, First name
- Check that time-sensitive documents, including the passport and NBI Clearance, are still valid
BIGAST Priority Courses
BIGAST covers selected programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, health, agriculture, computing, and the built environment.
Since eligibility depends on the official 2026 list, compare the exact title of the intended degree with the courses released by MOST-BARMM.
Undergraduate Programs
Priority bachelor’s degree programs fall under the following major fields:
- Engineering, including aerospace, agricultural and biosystems, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical and electronics, environmental, geodetic, geological, industrial, marine, mechanical, mechatronics, metallurgical, mining, petroleum, robotics, and other identified engineering programs
- Computing, ICT, and Artificial Intelligence, including artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity, data science, information systems, information technology, intelligent robotics, multimedia systems, and software engineering
- Pure and Applied Sciences, including actuarial science, astronomy, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, environmental science, food science and technology, forensic science, geology, marine science, mathematics, meteorology, microbiology, molecular biology and biotechnology, nuclear science, physics, and statistics
- Medicine and Health Sciences, including audiology, biomedical science, dentistry, health sciences, human biology, medical imaging and radiological sciences, medicine, neuroscience, nutrition, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, public health, and speech-language pathology
- Built Environment, including architecture, construction management, industrial design, landscape architecture, quantity surveying, and urban and regional planning
- Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, including agricultural chemistry, animal science, forestry, horticulture, soil science, and veterinary medicine
Master’s and Doctoral Programs
The official list also includes specialized master’s and doctoral programs under:
- Engineering
- Computing, ICT, and artificial intelligence
- Pure and applied sciences
- Medicine and health sciences
- Built environment
Examples include artificial intelligence, aerospace engineering, atmospheric science, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, data science and analytics, environmental engineering, geophysics, marine science, medical physics, molecular biology, nanotechnology, nuclear science, oceanography, petroleum engineering, public health, robotics, software engineering, sustainable energy systems, and virology.
Eligible International Institutions
The revised guidelines do not provide a fixed list of partner universities.
Instead, the applicant must seek admission to a reputable foreign university or recognized higher education or research institution with a good track record or recognized expertise in the intended science and technology field.
The guidelines particularly refer to universities in Asian countries, although the acceptability of the institution, country, and program remains subject to MOST-BARMM evaluation.
Because the checklist requires a letter of admission and an approved program of study, applicants should secure these documents from the accepting institution before submitting their BIGAST application.
Scholarship Benefits
The official 2026 announcement describes the BIGAST scholarship privilege as ₱60,700 per month or ₱303,500 per semester.
The revised guidelines itemize the ₱303,500 semester package as follows:
| Scholarship privilege | Amount stated in the guidelines |
|---|---|
| School fees | ₱130,000 |
| Learning materials | ₱10,000 |
| Transportation allowance | ₱50,000 |
| Pre-departure expenses | ₱10,000 |
| Living allowance | ₱20,000 per month or ₱100,000 per semester |
| Connectivity allowance | ₱1,500 |
| International student healthcare and accident insurance | ₱2,000 |
| Total per semester | ₱303,500 |
The semester amount is exclusive of thesis or dissertation allowances. Research-related support is subject to the submission of a budgetary report, evaluation and approval, and the availability of funds.
Important Benefit Clarification
The ₱303,500 should be understood as an itemized scholarship package, not entirely as a personal cash allowance.
Applicants should confirm the approved amount, release schedule, covered expenses, and payment arrangement with MOST-BARMM before enrollment or departure because actual support remains subject to the program guidelines, evaluation, and availability of funds.
Important Scholarship Conditions
Grantees are expected to study full-time and comply with the academic and contractual conditions of BIGAST. The guidelines also restrict employment while the scholar is studying under the program.
The revised guidelines require grantees to return and render service in BARMM after completing their studies. However, different provisions in the released guidelines appear to describe the service duration differently.
Applicants should therefore ask MOST-BARMM to confirm the binding return-of-service period and other obligations before signing the scholarship contract.
Application Process
Interested applicants may follow these steps:
Step 1: Download the official application materials
Open the official BIGAST folder and download the revised application form, documentary checklist, priority-course list, and implementing guidelines.
Step 2: Review the qualifications and admission requirements
Confirm that you meet the residency, age, health, program, admission, and other eligibility requirements.
Make sure that your intended degree is included in or corresponds to the official priority-course list.
Step 3: Complete the forms and prepare the documents
Fill out all required forms completely and gather the supporting documents, including the valid passport, NBI Clearance, letter of admission, and approved program of study.
Employed applicants must also prepare the required recommendation and permission for leave.
Step 4: Prepare the final PDF file
Scan the completed forms and supporting documents clearly, combine them into one PDF, and use the filename format Last name, First name.
Open the final file before uploading to confirm that every page is complete, upright, readable, and not corrupted.
Step 5: Submit through the official online application form
Open the BIGAST KoboToolbox form, provide the requested information, and upload the final PDF and any other file specifically requested by the portal.
Review all entries and attachments before submitting.
Step 6: Keep a copy and monitor official notices
Save a copy of the completed forms, final PDF, and submission confirmation.
Monitor the email address and contact information entered in the application because MOST-BARMM may send a status update, request additional information, or provide an interview schedule.
Where to Apply
Applicants should use only the links released through the official MOST-BARMM announcement:
- BIGAST online application form
- Application form, requirements, priority courses, and guidelines
- Official MOST-BARMM announcement
Do not submit application documents to PhilScholar or to unofficial accounts claiming that they can guarantee approval.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the BIGAST Scholarship 2026 application is August 31, 2026.
The announcement does not indicate a specific cutoff time. Applicants are encouraged to submit early to allow time to correct an incomplete form, unreadable document, invalid requirement, or upload problem.
What Happens After Submission
MOST-BARMM will evaluate the application and notify applicants about their status.
The revised guidelines describe the following possible stages:
- First-level screening: Documentary evaluation of the application form and supporting requirements
- Second-level screening: Evaluation of the research topic and re-entry plan by the concerned screening committee members
- Third-level screening, when required: Interview with representatives of the scholarship and technical evaluation bodies and other relevant MOST offices
MOST-BARMM may also ask an applicant to submit additional information or correct an incomplete requirement.
Submission of complete documents does not guarantee approval. Final selection remains subject to the ministry’s evaluation, available slots, funding, and other program conditions.
Contact Details
For BIGAST-related questions, applicants may contact the Ministry of Science and Technology through the details listed in the application materials:
| Contact method | Details |
| Office | MOST-BARMM Regional Office, Bangsamoro Government Center, Rosary Heights VII, Cotabato City, 9600 |
| Landline listed in the application materials | (064) 4425-171 |
| most@bangsamoro.gov.ph | |
| Website | most.bangsamoro.gov.ph |
The MOST-BARMM website also lists (064) 421 8183 as its general contact number.
Final Thoughts
The BIGAST Scholarship offers qualified Bangsamoro students and professionals an opportunity to pursue specialized undergraduate and graduate education abroad while preparing to contribute their knowledge and skills to BARMM.
Applicants should carefully review the official guidelines, confirm that their intended degree and institution are acceptable, and prepare every required document before using the online application form.
Those who already meet the eligibility and admission requirements are encouraged to complete their application early rather than wait until the August 31, 2026 deadline.
Notice: Information Disclaimer
PhilScholar does not offer scholarship programs or process scholarship applications. It is an informational platform that publishes guides and verified updates on scholarships and educational opportunities.
PhilScholar is not affiliated with MOST-BARMM and does not collect application documents for the BIGAST Scholarship.
Although this article is based on the official announcement and application materials available at the time of publication, program details may be clarified, corrected, or changed by the implementing agency.
Applicants should read the complete official guidelines and verify any questions directly with MOST-BARMM before submitting an application or making academic and financial decisions.
References
- Ministry of Science and Technology – BARMM. (2026). Official 2026 BIGAST Scholarship announcement.
- Ministry of Science and Technology – BARMM. (2026). BIGAST online application form.
- Ministry of Science and Technology – BARMM. (2026). Official BIGAST application-materials folder.
- Ministry of Science and Technology – BARMM. (2026). Revised BIGAST application form.
- Ministry of Science and Technology – BARMM. (2026). Checklist of required documents.
- Ministry of Science and Technology – BARMM. (2026). List of priority courses.
- Ministry of Science and Technology – BARMM. (2026). Revised BIGAST implementing policies and procedural guidelines.
- Ministry of Science and Technology – BARMM. Scholarships and Grants.
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