Complete Guide to the DOST-SEI Scholarship Exam 2025
What is the DOST-SEI Scholarship?
The DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive scholarship programs in the Philippines, administered by the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute. This scholarship supports academically talented Filipino students pursuing degrees in priority science and technology fields, providing full tuition, monthly stipend, book allowance, and other benefits.
The scholarship covers 4-5 years of college education, with scholars receiving up to ₱40,000 per semester for tuition, ₱7,000 monthly stipend, and additional allowances for books and thesis. After graduation, scholars are required to serve in the Philippines for a period equivalent to their scholarship duration, contributing to the nation's scientific and technological development.
Eligibility Requirements
Basic Qualifications:
- Filipino citizenship (must not hold dual citizenship)
- Grade 12 student in any STEM, ABM, or other Senior High School strand
- General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 85% or its equivalent
- Good moral character with no pending disciplinary cases
- Combined gross family income not exceeding ₱300,000 per year
- Must not be enjoying any other government scholarship
Priority Courses Covered:
- Engineering (all fields)
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Physics and Applied Physics
- Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Biology and Life Sciences
- Food Technology
- Environmental Science
- Other natural sciences
DOST-SEI Exam Format and Structure
The DOST-SEI Scholarship Qualifying Examination consists of two main parts: the Intellective Testand the Non-Intellective Test. Understanding the exam structure is crucial for effective preparation.
| Test Area | Description | Focus Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Ability | Tests knowledge in natural sciences | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science |
| Quantitative Ability | Mathematical problem-solving skills | Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics |
| Verbal Ability | Language and reasoning skills | Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Analogies |
| Technical-Mechanical | Understanding of mechanical concepts | Simple Machines, Gears, Circuits, Forces |
| Abstract Reasoning | Non-verbal logical reasoning | Patterns, Sequences, Spatial Relations |
90-Day DOST-SEI Exam Preparation Strategy
A structured 90-day study plan can significantly improve your chances of passing the DOST-SEI exam. Here's a comprehensive preparation timeline to help you organize your review:
Phase 1: Foundation Building (Days 1-30)
Focus on reviewing fundamental concepts and identifying weak areas.
Week 1-2: Science Review
- Review high school Biology (cells, genetics, ecology)
- Study Chemistry basics (periodic table, bonding, reactions)
- Refresh Physics concepts (motion, energy, waves)
Week 3-4: Mathematics Review
- Practice algebraic equations and expressions
- Review geometry theorems and formulas
- Study trigonometric functions and applications
Phase 2: Intensive Practice (Days 31-60)
Focus on practice problems and strengthening verbal/reasoning skills.
Week 5-6: Verbal & Reasoning
- Practice reading comprehension daily
- Study word analogies and relationships
- Solve abstract reasoning pattern exercises
Week 7-8: Mechanical Aptitude
- Study simple machines and mechanical advantage
- Practice gear and pulley problems
- Review basic electrical circuits
Phase 3: Final Review & Mock Exams (Days 61-90)
Focus on simulation, time management, and weak area reinforcement.
Week 9-10: Full Mock Exams
- Take timed practice tests weekly
- Analyze mistakes and review weak areas
- Practice time management strategies
Week 11-12: Final Polish
- Review formulas and key concepts
- Light review sessions only
- Focus on rest and mental preparation
Subject-by-Subject Study Guide
📐 Mathematics (Quantitative Ability)
The math section tests your problem-solving skills and numerical reasoning. Focus on these key areas:
Essential Topics:
- Linear equations and systems
- Quadratic equations and functions
- Polynomials and factoring
- Ratios, proportions, percentages
- Number sequences and series
Tips:
- Memorize common formulas
- Practice mental math shortcuts
- Learn to estimate answers
- Don't spend too long on one problem
🔬 Science (Scientific Ability)
Covers Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science. Breadth of knowledge is important here.
Biology Focus:
- Cell structure and function
- Genetics and heredity
- Human body systems
- Ecology and ecosystems
Chemistry Focus:
- Periodic table trends
- Chemical bonding
- Balancing equations
- Acids, bases, pH
Physics Focus:
- Newton's laws of motion
- Energy and work
- Waves and light
- Electricity basics
💬 Verbal Reasoning & English
Tests your language comprehension, vocabulary, and logical reasoning with words.
Reading Comprehension:
- Read the questions first before the passage
- Look for main ideas and supporting details
- Practice with scientific and technical texts
- Identify author's tone and purpose
Analogies & Vocabulary:
- Learn common analogy relationships
- Build vocabulary through daily reading
- Study word roots, prefixes, suffixes
- Practice context clue strategies
🧩 Abstract Reasoning
Tests non-verbal reasoning through patterns, sequences, and spatial relationships.
Common Pattern Types:
- Rotation patterns (90°, 180°, clockwise/counter)
- Size progression (growing/shrinking)
- Shape addition/subtraction
- Mirror images and reflections
- Color/shading patterns
Strategies:
- Look for changes between consecutive figures
- Check all elements systematically
- Consider multiple patterns at once
- Practice daily with pattern exercises
⚙️ Mechanical Aptitude
Tests your understanding of basic mechanical and physical principles.
Key Concepts:
- Levers and mechanical advantage
- Gears (direction, speed, torque)
- Pulleys and rope systems
- Inclined planes and wedges
- Basic electrical circuits
Study Tips:
- Visualize how machines work
- Learn the formulas for each machine type
- Practice with diagrams and illustrations
- Understand cause-and-effect relationships
DOST-SEI Scholarship Benefits
Understanding the full benefits of the scholarship can motivate you during your preparation. Here's what DOST-SEI scholars receive:
Financial Benefits:
- ✓Tuition: Up to ₱40,000/semester (full tuition for SUCs)
- ✓Monthly Stipend: ₱7,000/month (10 months/year)
- ✓Book Allowance: ₱10,000/year
- ✓Graduation Clothing: ₱2,000 (one-time)
- ✓Thesis/Dissertation: Up to ₱20,000
Additional Benefits:
- ✓Group health and accident insurance
- ✓MS/PhD scholarship opportunity
- ✓Job placement assistance after graduation
- ✓DOST alumni network membership
- ✓Priority in government S&T positions
Exam Day Success Tips
Before the Exam:
- • Get 7-8 hours of sleep the night before
- • Eat a nutritious breakfast (avoid heavy meals)
- • Arrive at the venue at least 30 minutes early
- • Bring valid IDs, exam permit, and pencils
- • Don't cram—do light review only
- • Stay calm and confident
During the Exam:
- • Read all instructions carefully
- • Answer easy questions first
- • Don't leave any item blank (no negative marking)
- • Manage your time—don't dwell on difficult items
- • For abstract reasoning, look for patterns systematically
- • Double-check your answer sheet shading
DOST-SEI Application Process
- 1
Online Registration (October-November)
Create an account at the DOST-SEI scholarship portal and fill out the application form.
- 2
Submit Requirements
Upload required documents: report card, birth certificate, income documents.
- 3
Take the Qualifying Exam (December-January)
Sit for the DOST-SEI scholarship examination at designated testing centers.
- 4
Wait for Results (March-April)
Results are announced through the DOST-SEI website and regional offices.
- 5
Accept the Scholarship
Sign the scholarship agreement and enroll in an accredited STEM program.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don't Do This:
- • Cramming the night before the exam
- • Skipping breakfast on exam day
- • Spending too long on difficult questions
- • Leaving items blank (guess if unsure)
- • Ignoring the mechanical aptitude section
- • Not practicing time management
✓ Do This Instead:
- • Study consistently over 2-3 months
- • Eat well and rest before the exam
- • Skip and return to hard questions
- • Answer all items (make educated guesses)
- • Practice all exam sections equally
- • Take timed practice tests regularly
You Can Do This!
Thousands of Filipino students take the DOST-SEI exam every year, and with proper preparation, you can be among those who earn this prestigious scholarship. Remember: consistent study beats last-minute cramming, and a positive mindset matters just as much as academic preparation. Use this reviewer, follow the study plan, and believe in yourself. The DOST-SEI scholarship can open doors to a bright future in science and technology. Good luck, future DOST scholar!