Department of Science and Technology

Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

about the
DOST-SEI S&T Undergraduate
Scholarships

Nature and Duration

Question 1

Q: Will the DOST-SEI support my studies until

I graduate from my chosen degree course?

For as long as you comply with the scholarship

policies and meet the grade requirements, the
DOST-SEI will support your studies until the
completion of your chosen degree course,
depending on the period as stated in your approved
Program of Study (POS); that is, full four or five years
for 4- or 5-year degree courses, respectively, except
for degree courses whose support duration has been
indicated in our announcement materials i.e, 4 yrs
only for Applied Mathematics major in Mathematical
Finance, etc.

Question 2

Q: What if I decide to shift from my current

degree course to another degree course, how
will it affect the duration of my
scholarship?

You may shift to another DOST-SEI approved course

at the latest 2nd sem in your 2nd year. If you shift
from a 4-year course to a 5-year course, the duration
of your scholarship will be adjusted to 5 years
inclusive of the period you spent in your first course;
conversely, if you shift from a 5-year course to a
4-year course, the duration will be adjusted to 4
years inclusive of the period spent in your first
course. If you do not get to graduate at the end of
the duration of your scholarship but you continue to
meet the scholarship requirements, you may still be
considered a DOST-SEI scholar but you are no longer
entitled to any financial assistance. You are still
required though to submit report of grades for the
extended period for record purposes.

Question 3

Q: I got accepted in a straight BS-MS degree

course. Will the scholarship cover until the
completion of my degree?

A: The scholarship will only cover until the comple-

tion of your BS degree. You will have to shoulder the
expenses after your BS degree to complete your MS
degree.

Study Placement

UNIVERSITY

Question 1
Q: Is (name of school) a CHED Center of Excellence (COE) or a Center of
Development (COD) or has at least Level III FAAP Accreditation for the
(name of degree course)?

Kindly click this link: http://sei.dost.gov.ph/index.php/programs-and-projects/schol-

arships/undergraduate-scholarships#s-amp-t-undergraduate-scholarships for the
lists of schools that satisfies our study placement requirements for the particular S&T
priority degree courses. We try to keep our database updated, but we recognize that
sometimes, that is not the case. If your dream school is not in our database, it is best
that you ask the school directly if it is recognized as CHED COE/COD or if it has at least
Level III FAAP Accreditation for the S&T degree course you want to pursue. If it has,
request for a supporting document, then submit it to us so we can update our data-
base. Otherwise, you cannot study there if you wish to avail the scholarship.

Question 2
Q: I am a DOST-SEI scholarship qualifier but was unable to secure enroll-
ment in an approved degree course/university. Can I still avail the scholar-
ship?

A: Unfortunately, you cannot avail the scholarship award if you fail to seek enrollment
in an approved degree course and university.

Dual Citizenship

Question 1

Q: I was born in the Philippines of a Filipino

mother and a foreign father. Am I considered
as a dual citizen?

A: Not all countries allow dual citizenship. Kindly

check with the countries you are seeking citizenship
whether you are also considered a citizen in that
foreign country.

Question 2

Q: I have dual citizenship, am I considered a DUAL CITIZEN

natural-born Filipino?

Juana
A: Yes. A dual citizen by birth is a natural born Filipino
if you were born in a foreign country that is allowing/-
accepting dual nationality/dual citizenship.

Question 3

Q: I am a natural-born Filipino with dual

citizenship, what documents should I submit
to be able to enjoy the scholarship?

A: A letter issued by the Bureau of Immigration in

Manila, Philippines or from the Philippine consulate
abroad, showing proof of compliance under Repub-
lic Act No. 9225, the “Citizenship Retention and
Re-acquisition Act of 2003,” otherwise known as the
“Dual Citizenship Law.” the parent has applied for
Recognition as a Filipino citizen at the Philippine
Embassy/Consulate abroad.

Enjoyment of Any Other

Government Support/Scholarship

Question 1
Q: Can I avail of other scholarship administered by other national govern-
ment agencies simultaneous with the DOST-SEI scholarship?

A: No, you have to choose between the DOST-SEI scholarship and the other govern-
ment- sponsored scholarship. You cannot receive financial assistance with the same
nature and the same source of fund.

Question 2
Q: Can I avail scholarship sponsored by Local Government Units?

A: Yes, but make sure that the terms of the scholarship are not in conflict with any of
the provisions stated in the DOST-SEI scholarship agreement.

Question 3
Q: I am also a University scholar and I am entitled to free tuition and other
school fees. Can I still avail the P40,000.00/AY tuition fee privilege?

A: You can no longer avail of the tuition fee privilege as the University will not bill SEI
anymore.

Scholarship Privileges

Question 1

Q: I will enroll in a private university wherein

the tuition fee and other school fees ranges
from P50,000 to P75,000 per academic year,
how will SEI settle the payment for my tuition
fee?

A: SEI will provide you a Letter for Enrolment

(LOE) every semester/term which you have to
present to the Office of the University Registrar
to automatically deduct from your tuition fee
the amount of P40,000 per academic year. Any
exceeding amount shall be borne by your
parents.

Question 2

Q: When will be the expected release of my

financial assistance and what entitlements
will it cover?

A: It is released sometime in either the first month or

the 2nd month of the semester at the latest. It covers
stipend, book allowance for the First Semester, and
uniform allowance. that the next months' stipends
may be released in 1 or 2 tranches within the
semester.

Question 3
6
units Q: If my POS requires me to enroll 6 units in
the Summer/Mid-year Term but the school
only offers 3 units, will I still receive full finan-
cial assistance for that term?

A: Yes, SEI will provide you with full financial assis-

tance.

Question 4

Q: My POS does not require me to enroll

during Summer/Mid-year Term; however, I
would like to take advance subjects to make
use of such idle period. Will I be entitled to
financial assistance?

A: No, you will only receive financial assistance

during Summer/Mid-year Term if it is prescribed in
your approved POS. If you wish to take advance
subjects or re-enroll failed subjects, you shall not be
entitled to financial assistance.

Scholarship Obligation

Grade Requirement

Academic Load

Practical Training Program

Leave of Absence (LOA)

Shifting Course

Ask a question

Juan Dela Cruz

Works at Department of Science and Technology
Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI)
Lives in Bicutan, Taguig City, Metro Manila

Today, June 20, 2020

You and Juan Dela Cruz are now connected.

You may now ask a question.

8:00 AM

Question 1

Q: In the event that I incure a failing

grade, will I still be entitled to financial
assistance in the next semester?

A: Submit to us a certified copy of your

grades for all subjects enrolled in the
semester and it will be evaluated. There
are different consequences on the finan-
cial benefits in the next semester based on
the academic performance.

Question 2

Q: What is the required academic load?

A: You are required to enroll the regular load

of your program as prescribed in your
program of study per semester. Enrolling in
an underload can affect your scholarship
status in the current semester.

9:30 AM

Question 3

Q: What will happen if I submitted my

registration form and copy of grades
late?

A: Your financial assistance will only be

processed upon submission of your regis-
tration form and grades.

Question 4

Q: How can I submit my registration

form and grades?

A: You can send it in advance through

email but we still need to get an original
copy of your grades and a true photocopy
of your registration from.

10:00AM

Question 5

Q: Am I required to undergo Practical

Training Program even if there is an
On the Job Training (OJT) in my POS?

A: You don’t need to participate in the

Practical Training Program (PTP).

Question 6

Q: Can I file a Leave of Absence (LOA) in

the middle of the semester?

A: Yes, but it is subject to evaluation.

Once approved, your financial assistance
will be adjusted accordingly in the next
semester.

11:30 AM

Question 7

Q: Is there any consideration given to

those applying for LOA due to religious
activities (e.i missionary advocacy)
beyond one year?

A: None. Any extension in the one year

allowable LOA will result to termination
of scholarship.

Question 8

Q: How do I know if my application for

shifting course/ transferring school was
approved?

A: Once application for shifting course/

transferring school has been approved,
DOST-SEI will be providing you an Amen-
datory Agreement. It can be coursed
through the University Coordinator/
respective DOST Regional Office or it will
be sent to your permanent address
through courier.

Question 9

Q: Is there a possibility that my applica-

tion for shifting course/ transferring
school will be disapproved?

A: If the course you wish to shift into is

not included in the list of priority S&T
degree courses and/or the school you
wish to transfer into is not among the
identified institutions, your application
will be disapproved.
 Supervision

Question 1

Q: Are there other scholarship policies not

included in the Scholarship Agreement?

A: Yes, there are more specific policies that are

not written in this agreement. As the scholar-
ship program continue to evolve, certain policies
are created and/or amended. These policies shall
be communicated to you.

Termination of Scholarship

Question 1

Q: I discovered that pursuing an S&T degree

course is not my passion and I plan to shift to S&T
another degree course which is a non-DOST
priority degree course. What will happen to
NON S&T
my scholarship?

A: Shifting to a non-priority S&T degree course and/or

transferring to another school/university that does
not satisfy the requirement for study placement is
considered a non-pursuance of DOST priority degree
course and willful abandonment of the scholarship.
This is ground for termination of the scholarship and
consequently, refund of the total financial assistance
you received with 12% interest.

Question 2

Q: I incurred failing grades in two of my

academic subjects for the current semester.
Will I lose my scholarship?

A: Yes. Incurring two or more failing grades in a

semester is ground for termination of the scholar-
ship.

Question 3

Q: I incurred failing grades in Physics Lab

and Physics lecture. What will be the effect
on my scholarship?

A: Incurring two failing grades in different subjects is

ground for termination. However, if you can provide a
proof or certification that both subjects are consid-
ered as one, then your case will be re-evaluated and
corresponding memorandum will be issued to you.

Question 4

Q: I incurred failing grades because I had to

skip classes due to health problems. Would
there be reconsideration not to terminate my
scholarship?

A: Technically, incurring failing grades at the

end of the semester would mean termination
from the scholarship. But you may submit a
letter of appeal to be elevated to the NTSC and
ACSTS for final decision.

Question 5

Q: I was dismissed by the university due to

gross misconduct. Can I still enjoy the schol-
arship if I transfer to another school?

A: No. Your scholarship will automatically be termi-

nated due to gross misconduct even if you transfer
and get accepted to another university. You will have
to refund the total financial assistance provided to
you with 12% interest.

Question 6

Q: Last academic year was tough and l lost

my focus due to several personal reasons. I
was not able to report to DOST-SEI and
NORT
REP
O submit my registration form and true copy of
grades for two consecutive semesters. Now I
wish to continue my scholarship, can I have a
second chance?

A: Your scholarship will be terminated for failure to

submit periodic reports, i.e., certified true copy of
grades and validated registration form, for two
consecutive semesters.

Question 7

Q: I stopped reporting to DOST-SEI as I have

availed of another scholarship program that
had higher financial benefits. However, after
one academic year I was not able to maintain Other Scholarship
Program
their high grade requirement. I want to avail DOST-SEI
again of the DOST-SEI scholarship, will I be Scholarship

allowed?

A: This is considered as willful abandonment of the

scholarship. Your scholarship will be terminated,
consequently, you will be required to refund the total
financial assistance released to you with 12% interest.

Service in the Philippines

Question 1

Q: After completion of my BS degree, I plan to

proceed to Medical School. Will DOST-SEI con-
sider practicing the profession of Medical
Doctor as a form of my Return of Service
(ROS)?

A: Yes. The practice of profession as Medical Doctor

shall be considered as your ROS. Counting of your
service ROS shall commence when you enter the
Residency.

Question 2

Q: Will I be allowed to defer my service

obligation should I decide to pursue
graduate studies after completion of my BS
degree?

A: Yes. You can start rendition of your service obliga-

tion after completion of your graduate studies.

Travel Abroad

Question 1

Q: I am already working and I plan to travel

abroad for leisure. Will I be issued a clearance
should I submit a guarantee letter instead of
executing a Deed of Undertaking (DOU) or
posting cash bond?

A: You will only be allowed to submit a guaran-

tee letter if your company will be sending you for
business or official purpose only otherwise, you
will not be issued a temporary clearance.

Question 2

Q: Who will be the qualified co-maker should

I opt to execute a DOU?

A: Your co-maker can be anyone who has the capaci-

ty to pay whatever financial obligation you have with
the DOST-SEI in case you are not able to return in the
country after the travel period. Your co-maker must
submit a proof of income such as BIR ITR or Certifi-
cate of Employment with compensation and any
valid ID.

Question 3

Q: Should I decide to pursue graduate stud-

ies abroad after completion of my BS pro-
gram, will I be allowed to submit a DOU for
me to be issued a temporary clearance?

A: No. Considering that you will be out of the coun-

try for more than a year, you are required to either
post cash bond at SEI Cashier or post a surety bond
with the GSIS.

Refund of Scholarship Grant

Question 1
Q: What will I do if I decide to withdraw my scholarship in the middle of the
semester?

A: You must inform the DOST-SEI of the reason for your withdrawal. You will be
required to refund the total financial assistance you received plus 12% interest.

Question 2
Q: What if our child dies before completion of his/her service obligation, are
we, the parents/ guardian, still required to refund the scholarship grant?

A: You will not be required to refund the financial assistance released to your child
provided you must submit to us a copy of his/her Death Certificate.

Question 3
Q: I already rendered a portion of my service obligation and I plan to leave
the country for a better opportunity, will I be allowed to refund my remain-
ing service obligation instead?

A: Yes. You will be required to submit Certificate/s of Employment or Service Record/s

to determine your outstanding service obligation and its corresponding financial
assistance due for refund with 12% interest.

Obligation of the Parent/ Legal Guardian

Question 1
Miscellaneous Fee

Q: As parents/legal guardian, are we expected

to pay for any other miscellaneous fees or
expenses such as club activities or special
class trips?

A: Yes. You shall be responsible for any expenses

that are not specifically included in the scholar-
ship benifits of your son/daughter.

t
Documen

Question 2

Q: Are we parents/legal guardian allowed to

submit documents/report on behalf of our
son/daughter?

A: Yes, you are allowed to submit to our Office any

documents related to the scholarship of your
son/daughter.

Scholar’s Landbank Visa Debit Card

(LVDC) Account

CARD
LANDBANK DEBIT

1 What is a Scholar’s LVDC Account?

00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
Scholar’s LVDC Account under the Landbank of the
Philippines (LBP) is an Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
Savings Account where Science Education Institute
(SEI) will deposit the financial benefits due to a scholar
while enjoying the scholarship.

2 How to open a Scholar’s LVDC Account?

There are 5 steps in opening a Scholar’s LVDC Account:

Complete the following

necessary requirements:
Look for an accessible
• Letter of Introduction (LOI)* Landbank Branch nearest
• Photocopy of 2 valid IDs to your school or home via:
(front and back)
• 4 pcs. 1”x1” colored picture https://www.landbank.com/find-us
(white background wearing .
STEP 1 STEP 2
semi-formal attire)
CHECK SEARCH
Note: * to be provided by DOST-SEI

Visit the Landbank Branch Fill-out the Landbank New

during banking hours: Account Application Form and
Monday to Friday submit together with other
(8:30 AM to 3:00 PM) vnecessary requirements

STEP 3 STEP 4
VISIT FILL-OUT

• Through your mobile phone

number LBP will advise you
when your LVDC is available.

• Claim your LVDC and activate

thru the nearest LBP ATM

STEP 5 • Submit a clear photocopy of

CLAIM your card to DOST-SEI.

3 How much is the maintaining 4 Can I withdraw and use my card

balance of the Scholar’s LVDC to a Non-Landbank Automated
Account? Teller Machine?

NO required average daily maintaining balance Yes, you can withdraw anytime anywhere nation-
but if your account is zero balance for a period of wide as long as the ATM has a Visa Logo.
90 days it will automatically close.

5 Can I use the Scholar’s LVDC 6 What if my Landbank ATM

account in online purchase? card was lost or stolen?

Yes, you can use the account in purchasing and Immediately report the incident in your servicing
paying online using the three-digit CVV number Landbank of the Philippines branch to block the
on the back of the card. For security concern be lost/stolen card and submit an affidavit of loss for
cautious when purchasing online due to phish- the replacement of the card with a correspond-
ing, hacking and other types of malicious activi- ing fee.
ties.

7 What would I do if my Scholar’s

LVDC account was closed?

Once the scholar’s LVDC account was closed you

have to repeat the process in applying for a new
LVDC account.