The DOST-ASTHRDP scholarship presents an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking financial support for their graduate studies.

This guide provides essential information about the application process, including eligibility requirements, important deadlines, and the steps you need to follow.

About DOST-ASTHRDP Scholarship:

The Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP) is a program that aims to increase the number of skilled professionals in key areas of science and technology.

It provides MS and PhD scholarships to help fill gaps in expertise and ensure a steady supply of scientists and technologists.

The main goals are to improve the country’s global competitiveness and to quickly produce skilled workers needed for research and development in science and technology.

Types of Scholarship:

The Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP) offers two types of scholarships:

  1. MS/PhD Degree Program
  2. Straight PhD Degree Program

Priority Fields:

The following fields are prioritized for scholarship applications under the DOST-ASTHRDP scholarship program.

  • Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemical Sciences
  • Earth, Atmospheric, and Space Sciences
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Fisheries and Marine Science
  • Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Information and Communication Technology
  • Materials Science and Nanotechnology
  • Pure and Applied Mathematics
  • Pure and Applied Physics
  • Statistics

For a complete list of graduate program offerings under the ASTHRDP, visit www.sei.dost.gov.ph.

Priority Areas for Thesis/Dissertation:

As stated in the guidelines, scholars are encouraged to choose thesis or dissertation topics that align with the following priority areas under the DOST-ASTHRDP scholarship program.

  • Climate Change and Disaster Preparedness
  • Materials Science and Nanotechnology
  • Natural Products and Drug Development

Programs Available:

As outlined in the program guidelines, the The DOST-ASTHRDP scholarship presents an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking financial support for their graduate studies. also offers the Sandwich Program and the Career Incentive Program (CIP).

Sandwich Program

This program is for ASTHRDP scholars enrolled in MS or PhD programs who have completed their academic coursework at an NSC member university and received approval for their research proposal. Scholars can conduct part of their thesis or dissertation work at an approved foreign university specified by DOST.

Research must align with the priority areas established by DOST and can last between 3 months to 1 year. Financial support can reach up to PHP 1.5 million, depending on the location and duration of the study. Benefits may include:

  • Roundtrip airfare in economy class
  • Living stipend
  • Book allowance*
  • Housing support
  • Medical insurance*
  • Tuition and other fees
  • Clothing allowance*

(*Allowances are subject to variation based on location and study duration.)

Career Incentive Program (CIP)

The CIP is designed to strengthen the country’s capabilities in science and technology (S&T) while helping DOST-SEI graduate scholars find job opportunities. This program also offers graduates the chance to participate in research projects where they can apply their knowledge.

Open to both MS and PhD graduates from ASTHRDP, the CIP provides deployment to DOST agencies or research institutions that require their expertise. Participants will take on the role of Graduate Fellows and will receive compensation from the Science Education Institute.

Note: For more details, please refer to the DOST guidelines, which can be accessed here.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the DOST-ASTHRDP scholarship program, candidates must meet the following requirements.

  • Citizenship: Must be a Filipino citizen.
  • Age: Must not exceed 50 years old at the time of application.
  • Health: Must be in good health condition.
  • Admission Requirements: Must fulfill the admission criteria for graduate studies at any of the NSC member universities.
  • Screening Procedures: Must successfully pass the interview and any other required screening processes.

Additional Eligibility

Eligible Applicants:

  • Individuals who have completed a PhD in a priority science and technology program (either as a scholar or non-scholar) and wish to pursue a second PhD degree.
  • Graduates with a non-scholar MS/PhD in a field not related to science and technology who wish to pursue a second MS or PhD degree.

Ineligible Applicants:

  • PhD graduates (scholar or non-scholar) who seek to enroll in another MS degree program.
  • MS graduates in a priority science and technology program (scholar or non-scholar) who wish to pursue an additional MS degree.

Benefits:

Below are the financial benefits provided by the DOST-ASTHRDP Scholarship, including tuition, living allowances, research funding, and more.

PrivilegesMS (₱)PhD (₱)
Tuition & Other School FeesActualActual
Stipend₱30,000/month₱38,000/month
Learning Materials and/or Connectivity Allowance₱20,000/Academic Year₱20,000/Academic Year
Transportation Allowance (One round trip fare per AY, for those studying outside their home province)ActualActual
Insurance Coverage (Premium)PremiumPremium
Outright Thesis/Dissertation Allowance₱60,000₱100,000
Research Grant₱114,000₱253,000
Student Research Dissemination Support Fund₱75,000₱150,000
Mentor’s Fee₱36,000₱72,000
DOST-ASTHRDP Scholarship Benefits for MS and PhD

Additional Notes:

  • 14-year Straight-PhD Program: Scholars receive the MS stipend rate during their first year.
  • Transportation Allowance: Covers one actual economy-class round-trip fare per academic year, applicable to those studying outside their home province, on a reimbursement basis.
  • Research Grants: Must be applied for by the scholar and are subject to evaluation and approval. Approved grants are subject to liquidation.

Application Process:

This section provides essential information on the application process for the DOST ASTHRDP scholarship, including deadlines, requirements, and step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Application Deadline:

The table below lists the deadlines for scholarship applications under the DOST-ASTHRDP scholarship for the academic year 2024-2025.

UniversityFirst Semester/Term (AY 2024-2025)Second Semester/Term (AY 2024-2025)
ADMUJune 14, 2024Nov. 21, 2024
CLSUJuly 31, 2024Dec. 27, 2024
MSU-IITJuly 15, 2024Nov. 21, 2024
UP Diliman,
UP Los Baños,
UP Manila
July 31, 2024Nov. 15, 2024
UP VisayasJuly 5, 2024Nov. 15, 2024
USCJuly 15, 2024Jan. 15, 2025
USTJuly 31, 2024Dec. 2, 2024
VSUJuly 5, 2024Jan. 13, 2025
UniversityFirst Term (AY 24-25)Second Term (AY 24-25)Third Term (AY 24-25)
DLSUAug. 15, 2024Nov. 15, 2024April 15, 2025

Requirements:

To apply for the DOST-ASTHRDP scholarship program, candidates must meet the following requirements scholarship, applicants are required to submit the following documents:

  • Accomplished ASTHRDP Information Sheet/Application Form (available for download at www.sei.dost.gov.ph or through the websites of NSC member universities)
  • Birth Certificate (photocopy)
  • Certified True Copy of Official Transcript of Records
  • Endorsements:
    • For MS applicants: Two endorsements from former college professors
    • For PhD applicants: Two endorsements from former professors in the Master’s program
  • If employed: A recommendation and permission from the head of the agency to take a leave of absence while on scholarship, or proof of resignation or contract termination
  • Career Plans (Form A) asthrdpAppForm2023.pdf (science-scholarships.ph)
  • Research Plans (Form B) asthrdpAppForm2023.pdf (science-scholarships.ph)
  • Medical Certificate (Form C) asthrdpAppForm2023.pdf (science-scholarships.ph)
  • Valid NBI Clearance
  • Letter of Admission with regular status from the Program Head of the accepting institution, along with a copy of the Admission Evaluation Sheet
  • Approved Program of Study

Additional Requirements for Lateral Applicants:

  • Certification from the University indicating:
    • The number of graduate units required in the program
    • The number of graduate units earned, with corresponding grades

How to apply: Step-by-Step Process

Follow these steps carefully and ensure your documents are ready and eligibility checked before submitting your application.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

    Make sure you tick all the boxes for eligibility in the DOST-ASTHRDP scholarship, like your education background, research goals, and residency.

    Step 2: Prepare Your Docs

    Gather all necessary documents, including the application form, school transcripts, research proposal, recommendation letters, proof of citizenship, and any additional documents specified in the guidelines.

    Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form

      Fill in every detail carefully. Double-check to ensure you don’t miss anything important. asthrdpAppForm2023.pdf (science-scholarships.ph)

      Step 4: Submit Your Application

      Submit your application by sending your completed form and all required documents to the designated partner school. Ensure that you include the necessary requirements, as outlined in the guidelines, for submission to the HEIs.

      DOST ASTHRDP Partner Schools

      Here’s the list of schools where you can submit your application:

      • Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU)
      • Central Luzon State University (CLSU)
      • Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT)
      • University of the Philippines Diliman
      • University of the Philippines Los Baños
      • University of the Philippines Manila
      • University of the Philippines Visayas
      • University of San Carlos (USC)
      • University of Santo Tomas (UST)
      • Visayas State University (VSU)
      • De La Salle University (DLSU)

      Note: Heads up! The application process can be slightly different at each school, so make sure to check the specific guidelines for the one you’re applying to. 👀

      Scholarship Terms and Conditions:

      The DOST-ASTHRDP scholarship program comes with specific terms that ensure scholars complete their degree and contribute to the development of the country. Below are the key conditions of the scholarship:

      1. Full-Time Studies Requirement:
        The scholarship is intended for full-time graduate students to ensure the timely completion of their MS or PhD in any of the priority fields identified by DOST.
      2. Employment Prohibition:
        Scholars must not engage in employment or practice their profession during the scholarship. Those currently employed must obtain approval for an official leave of absence.
      3. Scholarship Agreement:
        Scholars are required to sign an agreement with DOST-SEI and the university they will attend under the program.
      4. Academic Performance Monitoring:
        Scholars’ academic progress will be regularly assessed every term according to university policies to determine if they remain eligible for the scholarship.
      5. Service Commitment:
        After completing their degree, scholars are required to work full-time in the Philippines for one year for each year of scholarship support received.
      6. Reimbursement for Non-Compliance:
        Scholars who fail to finish their degree or do not meet the service commitment must return the full scholarship amount, including any applicable interest.

      Note: Make sure to review the full guidelines yourself. You can access them in the reference section for detailed information.

      Contact Details:

      For inquiries about the DOST ASTHRDP scholarship, you can reach out to them through the following:

      Final Thoughts:

      As you start your DOST-ASTHRDP scholarship application, make sure you prepare well. Check that you meet the requirements and submit all your documents on time.

      This scholarship is a great chance to reach your educational goals and help improve the country’s science and technology fields. Good luck with your application!

      Notice: Information Disclaimer

      The PhilScholar website does not offer scholarship programs or engage in hiring activities. It serves solely as an informational platform providing details on scholarships and grants available for educational purposes.

      While the PhilScholar website does not directly facilitate applications, users can find guides and informational articles related to admissions and scholarship application processes. However, users are advised to meticulously examine the credibility of the content provided.

      All information presented on this platform is intended for informational purposes only. Users are encouraged to verify any details independently before making decisions based on the content provided.

      For additional verification or inquiries, references are provided at the end of the content section.

      Reference:

      1. University of the Philippines Los Baños. (n.d.). DOST Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP). Retrieved October 17, 2024, from https://gs.uplb.edu.ph/current-students/financial-assistance/dost-asthrdp/
      2. Science Scholarships. (n.d.). Undergraduate scholarships. Retrieved October 17, 2024, from https://ugrad.science-scholarships.ph/?fbclid=IwAR09TTvTcUnFeI5nFfdAxGWkLyOmF1mkUWSFd1O7LvC_uvPG6tE1ancS_xg#/home
      3. Science Scholarships. (n.d.). 2024 ASTHRDP brochure. Retrieved October 17, 2024, from https://ugrad.science-scholarships.ph/assets/pdf/2024-ASTHRDP-Brochure.pdf
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