- The DOST-SEI Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) 2026 is open to incoming third-year college students enrolled in priority science and technology courses.
- Scholars receive ₱8,000 monthly living allowance, tuition support, learning materials allowance, and other benefits until graduation.
- Applications are open from April 17 to May 15, 2026, with a qualifying exam scheduled on June 28, 2026.
If you’re a second-year STEM student wondering how you’ll fund the next two years of college, the Department of Science and Technology has an answer.
The DOST Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) is now open for AY 2026–2027. Unlike most scholarships that target incoming freshmen, this one is designed specifically for students who are already in their second year and heading into their third. If you’ve made it this far in a science or technology course, DOST wants to help you cross the finish line.
The application window is short.
It opened on April 17, 2026 and closes on May 15, 2026. Don’t wait.
What do DOST JLSS scholars receive?
This is where the JLSS stands out. The benefits package is one of the most comprehensive among government scholarship programs:
| Benefit | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition and other school fees (private HEIs only) | Actual fees, up to ₱40,000 per year |
| Learning materials / connectivity allowance | ₱10,000 per year |
| Monthly living allowance | ₱8,000 per month |
| Transportation allowance | One economy-class roundtrip fare (if studying outside home province) |
| Group accident and health insurance | Premium covered |
| Research dissemination grant | Up to ₱50,000 (subject to approval) |
| Graduation allowance | ₱1,000 |
That ₱8,000 monthly living allowance is the headline number and it’s paid consistently while you remain a scholar. Add the tuition coverage and learning materials allowance on top, and you’re looking at one of the most generous government grants available for STEM students at the junior level.
Are you eligible?
Run through this checklist before you start preparing documents:
- Natural-born Filipino citizen
- Currently a regular second-year college student, incoming third-year for AY 2026–2027
- Enrolled in a DOST-SEI priority science and technology course
- GWA of at least 83% or its equivalent
- In good health and of good moral character
- Have not previously taken and passed the DOST-SEI scholarship examination
That last point trips up a lot of applicants if you’ve already passed a DOST-SEI scholarship exam before, you are not eligible to apply again under the JLSS.
Apply Also: Ayala Foundation Scholarship 2026
What courses qualify?
The DOST JLSS covers priority S&T degree programs as identified by DOST-SEI. These typically include courses in the fields of:
- Pure and applied sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics)
- Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Chemical, Mechanical, and related fields)
- Agriculture, fisheries, and food technology
- Environmental science and related disciplines
- Computer science and information technology (select programs)
For the exact and updated list of priority courses for AY 2026–2027, check the official DOST-SEI portal at jlss.science-scholarships.ph – course lists can change per cycle.
What documents do you need to prepare?
Start gathering these now, especially the ones that require school or government office signatures:
Academic and personal documents:
- Certified true copy of grades, Transcript of Records (TOR), or True Copy of Grades (TCG)
- Certificate of Program of Study and Year Level
- Certificate of Good Moral Character
- Certificate of Good Health
- Recent passport-size photo
- PSA Birth Certificate
Financial document:
- Proof of parent or guardian income (ITR, Certificate of Tax Exemption, or equivalent)
Other required forms:
- Commitment to Return Service Form
- Signed Declaration Form
- Certificate of Residency required only for applicants applying under Republic Act 7687 (Science and Technology Scholarship Act)
- Other supporting documents depending on your applicant category
Tip: The Certificate of Good Health and Certificate of Good Moral Character both require signatures from school or medical authorities. Line these up early they can take a few days to process, and you don’t want to be scrambling the week before the May 15 deadline.
How to apply for the scholarship?
The entire application process is done online through the DOST-SEI portal.
Step 1: Go to the official JLSS portal
Visit jlss.science-scholarships.ph this is the only official application platform. Do not apply through any other website or third-party link.
Step 2: Create an account
Register in the e-scholarship system using your personal and academic details.
Step 3: Fill out the online application form
Complete all required fields accurately personal information, academic records, and scholarship-specific details. Double-check every entry before moving on.
Step 4: Upload your documents
Scan and upload all required documents in the format specified by the portal. Make sure scans are clear and complete blurry or cut-off documents are a common cause of disqualification.
Step 5: Submit before May 15, 2026
Review your entire application one final time, then submit. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Step 6: Take the qualifying examination
If your application passes initial screening, you will be required to take the DOST JLSS qualifying examination on June 28, 2026.
Dates to remember
| Period | Date |
|---|---|
| Application opens | April 17, 2026 |
| Application deadline | May 15, 2026 |
| Qualifying examination | June 28, 2026 |
Quick answers to common questions
Yes, the applications opened on April 17, 2026.
No. The JLSS is specifically for regular second-year students who will be entering their third year in AY 2026–2027.
No. Previous passers of DOST-SEI scholarship exams are not eligible for the JLSS.
Only through the official portal: jlss.science-scholarships.ph
Conclusion
The DOST JLSS doesn’t just give you money to get by ₱8,000 a month, tuition covered, thesis funded, and research grants available. It’s a full support system for STEM students who are already proving themselves in college and just need the resources to see it through.
If you tick all the boxes, the only thing left to do is apply. The deadline is May 15. Start today.
Featured Image: Sandra Dans/Studio Philippines
