DOST hikes scholars’ stipend

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has increased the monthly stipend for government scholars to encourage them to finish their post-graduate courses.

Secretary Fortunato dela Peña said the monthly stipend was increased to P20,000 for those wanting to complete a master’s degree and P30,000 for those trying to earn a doctoral degree. They previously received P17,000 and P25,000 respectively.

However, the offer is only good for those pursuing courses related to science and technology (S&T) and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Dela Peña said the new DOST-Science Education Institute scholarship program incentives would encourage more people to become the country’s future scientists, engineers and technopreneurs. The program is open mainly for government employees and faculty members of state universities and colleges.

He added that those who are still in college could secure a scholarship through the S&T Scholarship Act of 1994, Merit Scholarship Program, Project Grant for Educational Assistance on Technology and Science Teaching Courses in Mindanao and Junior Level Science Scholarship.

The DOST increased the maximum monthly stipend for these scholarships from P2,500 to P4,000 in 2015.