FREE Tuition, P30K Monthly Allowance, & Over P500K Research Grant with ERDT Scholarship!

The construction industry, widely acknowledged as a catalyst for global economic growth, confronts numerous challenges. In the Philippines, situated within the Pacific Ring of Fire, these challenges are compounded by the frequent occurrence of natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and typhoons.

As technology continues to advance, so do the demands and complexities of engineering. This is why many engineers pursue advanced degrees such as master’s or doctorate programs. These higher degrees provide them with the opportunity to gain deeper knowledge, receive specialized skills training, and engage in groundbreaking research.

Pursuing a Master’s or Doctorate in Engineering? Apply for the DOST-SEI/ERDT Scholarship Now!

As intricate as the concepts become in postgraduate engineering studies, commensurate are the challenges in maintaining proficiency. For one, it costs a lot. Tuition fees, books, living expenses—add it all up, plus the heavy workload, and one could face significant physical and financial strain.

If you’re a Filipino citizen looking to pursue a Master’s or Ph.D. in engineering, you might want to consider applying for the DOST-SEI/ERDT Scholarship program. This program, offered by the Department of Science and Technology Science Education Institute, involves a consortium of eight member universities in the Philippines that provide advanced Master’s and Doctoral degrees in various engineering disciplines.

What are the Qualifications for the DOST-SEI/ERDT Scholarship?

To qualify for the DOST-SEI/ERDT Scholarship, applications must:

• not be more than 50 years of age at the start of the program;
• have a BS/MS degree in engineering or related field;
• in good health condition, as certified by a licensed medical doctor;
• not have criminal/administrative cases (i.e., no criminal record in the NBI);
• have passed the admission requirements of the graduate program supported by ERDT;
• enrolled as a full-time graduate student;
• render the required service obligation on a full-time basis for a minimum period equivalent to the length of time that the scholar enjoyed the scholarship—one year of service for every year of scholarship or a fraction thereof; and
• pass the interview and other screening procedures.

This scholarship program is also open to Ph.D. graduates in the S&T Program (scholar or non-scholar) and MS/Ph.D. non-scholar graduates (not S&T related) who intend to pursue a second MS/PhD degree.

What are the Supported Graduate Programs of the DOST-SEI/ERDT Scholarship?

The Engineering Research and Development for Technology program is offered at universities in the Philippines that offer master’s and doctoral degrees in various engineering fields, including:

• Ateneo de Manila University
• Central Luzon State University
• De La Salle University
• Mapua University
• MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology
• University of the Philippines-Diliman
• University of the Philippines-Los Baños
  

The list of ERDT-supported programs includes Agricultural Engineering, Data Science, Biological Engineering, Geomatics Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Food Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering and Management, and Robotics, to name a few. For a complete list of supported programs, see here.

What are the Scholarship Privileges of DOST-SEI/ERDT?

In addition to pursuing graduate studies at their chosen university and program, scholars also enjoy the following benefits:

•  free tuition and other school fees
•  monthly stipend of P30,000 (Master’s) and P38,000 (Doctoral)
• learning materials and/or connectivity allowance of P20,000 per academic year
• one round-trip economy class transportation allowance per academic year
• premium group accident and health insurance
• thesis/dissertation outright grant worth P60,000 (Master’s) and P100,000 (Doctoral)
• research support grant of P225,000 (Master’s) and P475,000 (Doctoral)
  

How to Apply for the DOST-SEI/ERDT Scholarship?

To apply for the DOST-SEI/ERDT Scholarship, interested applicants must submit the ERDT Scholarship Application Form to the ERDT Office of the consortium university along with the following documents:

• birth certificate (photocopy);
• certified True Copy of the Official Transcript of Records (TOR);
• recommendation letters from 3 past professors/supervisors;
• narrative essays;
• medical certificate stating that the applicant is physically and mentally fit to study from a licensed physician with his/her PRC license number indicated;
• valid NBI clearance;
• letter of Admission with Regular status from the Program Head of the accepting institution (include the evaluation sheet); and approved Program of Study.

For those who are employed:

• permission to take a Leave of Absence (LOA) while on scholarship or proof of resignation or termination of contract and
• certificate of no pending administrative case

Additional Requirements for Lateral Applicants:

• certification from the university indicating the number of graduate units required in the program and the number of graduate units already earned with corresponding grades.

For more information, kindly reach out to the ERDT Office at your chosen consortium university. In Cebu, this option is available exclusively at the University of San Carlos School of Engineering. You can visit the university in person or contact them at 032-2300100 loc. 151/152 or email [email protected].