How to Apply DOST-SEI Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP)

The Department of Science and Technology has a lot of scholarship and training programs intended for the Filipino people to offer. It ranges from undergraduate to graduate scholarship programs. In this article, we will provide you with an in-depth guide about one of the graduate scholarship programs offered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) which is the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP).

The DOST-SEI ASTHRDP is a scholarships program that is funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI). The program aims to develop the scientific and technological capacities of the country by providing scholarships to talented students who wish to pursue careers in science and engineering. It is intended for those who wish to get a Master’s Degree or Post-Graduate Degree.

Also Read: How to Apply DOST Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) Program

The program offers full scholarship grants that cover tuition and other related expenses, as well as a monthly stipend. Moreover, the program also provides its scholars with access to exclusive research and development opportunities. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, and selection is done through a rigorous screening process.

Those who are selected for the scholarship are expected to maintain good academic standing throughout their studies, as well as actively participate in research and development activities. Upon completing their studies, scholars are required to return to the Philippines and serve the country for at least two years. The DOST-SEI ASTHRDP is an excellent opportunity for talented students to develop their skills and knowledge in order to contribute to the advancement of the Philippines.

What is the DOST-SEI Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP)?

The Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development  Program (ASTHRDP) is a scholarship program intended for qualified males and females to pursue Masters’s and Doctoral programs in priority S&T areas. This scholarship program aims to help improve the country’s global competitiveness and capability to innovate through Science and Technology (S&T) and accelerate the production of high-level human resources needed for Research & Development (R&D) in S&T. The scholarship covers the MS/Ph.D. Program and Straight Ph.D. Program.

Priority Science and Technology Programs

• Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources
• Biological Sciences
• Biotechnology
• Chemical Sciences
• Earth, Atmospheric and Space Sciences
• Environmental Sciences
• Fisheries and Marine Science
• Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Information and Communication Technology
• Materials Science and Nanotechnology
• Pure and Applied Mathematics
• Pure and Applied Physics
• Statistics

List of Priority Courses

• Agricultural Chemistry
• Agricultural Entomology
• Agriculture
• Agrometeorology
• Agronomy
• Animal Science
• Applied Mathematics
• Applied Nutrition
• Applied Physics
• Aquaculture
• Archaeology
• Atmospheric Science
• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Botany
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Conservation and Restoration Ecology
• Crop Protection
• Crop Science
• Entomology
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Science and Ecosystem Management
• Epidemiology
• Fisheries
• Food Science
• Food Science and Technology
• Forestry
• Genetics
• Geology
• Horticulture
• Health Research
• Human Nutrition
• Information Technology
• Marine Biology
• Marine Science
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mathematics
• Meteorology
• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
• Ocean Sciences
• Pharmacy
• Physics
• Plant Breeding
• Plant Genetics Resources Conservation and Management
• Plant Pathology
• Plant Protection
• Public Health
• Soil Science
• Statistics
• Tropical Ecology
• Veterinary Medicine
• Weed Science
• Wildlife Science
• Zoology

Study Placements

• Ateneo de Manila University
• Central Luzon State University
• De La Salle University
• Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology
• University of the Philippines Diliman
• University of the Philippines Los Baños
• University of the Philippines Manila
• University of the Philippines Visayas
• University of San Carlos
• University of Santo Tomas
• Visayas State University

Priority Areas for Thesis/Dissertation

Scholars or grantees of the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP) shall choose anong the list of priority areas for Thesis or Dissertation:

1. Climate Change and Disaster Preparedness
2. Materials Science and Nanotechnology
3. Natural Products and Drug Development

Benefits

Below is a list of the financial benefits that scholars or grantees are expected to receive when they applied for the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP).

Under the MS/Ph.D. Program, scholars or grantees are entitled to receive:

• An actual Tuition and other school fees
• A Php 25,000 stipend  per month
• A book allowance amounting to Php 20,000 per academic year
• An actual transportation allowance or one (1) actual economy class round trip fare per Academic Year that is given only to those who study outside their home province (on a reimbursement basis).
• A Premium Insurance Coverage
• A Php 60,000 Thesis or Dissertation Outright
• And a Student Research Support Fund that covers Php 89,000 Research Grant, Php 75,000 Dissemination Grant, and Mentor’s Fee of Php 36,000.

Under the Straight Ph.D. Program

• An actual Tuition and other school fees
• A Php 33,000 stipend per month
• A book allowance up to Php 20,000 per Academic Year
• An actual transportation allowance
• A premium insurance coverage
• A Php 100,000 Thesis or Dissertation Outright
• They are also entitled to a Student Research Support
• A fund that covers a Research Grant up to Php 253,000, a Dissemination Grant amounting to Php 150,000, and a Mentor’s Fee of Php 72,000.

Qualifications

• Applicants must be Filipino citizens.
• They must not be more than 50 years old at the time of application.
• They must be in good health.
• They must pass the admission requirements for graduate studies at any of the NSC member universities.
• They must also pass the interview and other screening procedures.
• Applicants must be a Ph.D. graduate in a priority S&T program (scholar or non-scholar) who intends to pursue a second Ph.D. degree or an MS/Ph.D. non-scholar graduate (not S&T related) who intends to pursue a second MS/Ph.D. degree.
• Applicants who are Ph.D. graduates (scholar or non-scholar) and intend to pursue another MS degree program are not qualified for the program, as well as an MS graduate in a priority S&T program (scholar or non-scholar) who intends to pursue a second MS degree.

Requirements

Applicants must be able to complete and secure the following documentary requirements:

• An accomplished Information Sheet/ Application Form that is downloadable at www.sei.dost.gov.ph or thru the websites of the NSC member- universities. You may secure the registration form here – https://www.sei.dost.gov.ph/images/downloads/asthrdpAppForm2022.pdf
• A photocopy of a Birth Certificate
• A Certified True Copy of the Official Transcript of Records
• An Endorsement Form (from 2 college professors for MS and 2 former professors in the Master’s Program for Ph.D.)
• If employed, a recommendation and permission from the head of the agency to take a leave of absence while on scholarship or proof of resignation or termination of the contract are necessary.
• Career Plans (Form A)
• Research Plans (Form B)
• A Medical Certificate stating that the applicant is of good health condition and fit to study from a licensed physician with his/her PRC license number indicated (Form C).
• A valid NBI Clearance
• A Letter of Admission with Regular status from the Program Head of the accepting institution and a copy of the Admission Evaluation Sheet
• An Approved Program of Study
• Additional Requirements for Lateral Applicants include a Certification from the university indicating the following:
• A number of graduate units required in the program
• A number of graduate units earned with corresponding grades

How to Get DOST-SEI ASTHRDP Program

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the DOST-SEI Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP).

Step 1: Look for the following persons for each of the recognized study placements where you wish to pursue further studies.

Step 2: Apply through the link provided above of your preferred study placement.

Step 3: Submit your application with the documentary requirements attached to it.

Step 4: Wait for a response about your application.

DOST ASTHRDP Application Form

In case you want to know where to secure the ASTHRDP application form, please check out the link to download it here – https://www.sei.dost.gov.ph/images/downloads/asthrdpAppForm2022.pdf

On another note, below is a photo sample of the ASTHRDP registration form for your reference.

Important Reminders

Here are some of the reminders and key takeaways about the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP).

• The scholarship award is intended for full-time graduate studies to ensure on-time completion of the MS/Ph.D. degree in any of the DOST identified priority fields.
• Scholars or applicants must NOT be employed or practicing his/her profession while on scholarship. He or she must also secure approval for an official leave of absence if employed.
• The awardee or grantee shall execute a Scholarship Agreement with the DOST-SEI and the Training Institution.
• Additionally, the academic performance of the scholar shall be evaluated every school term based on established policies to determine his/her scholarship status.
• The scholar is also required to render service obligation in the Philippines after he/she finishes the MS/Ph.D. degree, such as one year of service for every year of scholarship.
• Lastly, he or she is required to refund the scholarship grant with interest for non-completion of his/her graduate program or failure to comply with the service obligation.

Video: Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP) DOST Graduate Scholarship

This video is very helpful and insightful. It will provide you with some important things that you have to remember before applying for the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP).

It also discusses the different priority courses and programs covered by this scholarship grant as well as the study placements that you can choose from where to pursue your studies. It also tackles the eligibility requirements, documents needed before applying for the scholarship as well as some things that you have to remember.

If you wish to know more about the other graduate scholarship programs offered by the Department of Science and Technology, you can visit their official website here – https://www.dost.gov.ph/ and stay tuned for their announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply for the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP)?

The  Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development  Program (ASTHRDP) is intended for full-time graduate studies to ensure on-time completion of the MS/Ph.D. degree in any of the DOST identified priority fields.

2. What are the benefits and privileges I can get from the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP)?

Scholars or grantees are expected to receive the following when they applied for under the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP).

1. Under the MS/Ph.D. Program, scholars or grantees are entitled to receive:

• An actual Tuition and other school fees
• A Php 25,000 stipend per month
• A book allowance amounting to Php 20,000 per academic year
• An actual transportation allowance or one (1) actual economy class round trip fare per Academic Year that is given only to those who study outside their home province (on a reimbursement basis).
• A Premium Insurance Coverage
• A Php 60,000 Thesis or Dissertation Outright
• And a Student Research Support Fund that covers Php 89,000 Research Grant, Php 75,000 Dissemination Grant, and Mentor’s Fee of Php 36,000.

2. Under the Straight Ph.D. Program

• An actual Tuition and other school fees
• A Php 33,000 stipend per month
• A book allowance up to Php 20,000 per Academic Year
• An actual transportation allowance
• A premium insurance coverage
• A Php 100,000 Thesis or Dissertation Outright
• They are also entitled to a Student Research Support
• A fund that covers a Research Grant up to Php 253,000, a Dissemination Grant amounting to Php 150,000, and a Mentor’s Fee of Php 72,000.

3. What are the qualifications when applying for the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP)?

Here’s a list of the eligibility requirements for the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP).

• Applicants must be Filipino citizens.
• They must not be more than 50 years old at the time of application.
• They must be in good health.
• They must pass the admission requirements for graduate studies at any of the NSC member universities.
• They must also pass the interview and other screening procedures.
• Applicants must be a Ph.D. graduate in a priority S&T program (scholar or non-scholar) who intends to pursue a second Ph.D. degree or an MS/Ph.D. non-scholar graduate (not S&T related) who intends to pursue a second MS/Ph.D. degree.
• Applicants who are Ph.D. graduates (scholar or non-scholar) and intend to pursue another MS degree program are not qualified for the program, as well as an MS graduate in a priority S&T program (scholar or non-scholar) who intends to pursue a second MS degree.

4. What are the requirements or documents needed before applying for the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP)?

• Applicants must be able to complete and secure the following documentary requirements:
• An accomplished Information Sheet/ Application Form that is downloadable at www.sei.dost.gov.ph or thru the websites of the NSC member- universities
• A photocopy of a Birth Certificate
• A Certified True Copy of the Official Transcript of Records
• An Endorsement Form (from 2 college professors for MS and 2 former professors in the Master’s Program for Ph.D.)
• If employed, a recommendation and permission from the head of the agency to take a leave of absence while on scholarship or proof of resignation or termination of the contract are necessary.
• Career Plans (Form A)
• Research Plans (Form B)
• A Medical Certificate stating that the applicant is of good health condition and fit to study from a licensed physician with his/her PRC license number indicated (Form C).
• A valid NBI Clearance
• A Letter of Admission with Regular status from the Program Head of the accepting institution and a copy of the Admission Evaluation Sheet
• An Approved Program of Study
• Additional Requirements for Lateral Applicants include a Certification from the university indicating the following:
• A number of graduate units required in the program
• A number of graduate units earned with corresponding grades

5. Where can I apply for the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP)?

You can apply directly to the website of your preferred study placement and look or contact the person(s) mentioned above for each of the study placements. Just ensure that you have met all the specified requirements and you can provide and secure all the documents required before sending or submitting an application.

6. What are the priority courses or programs for the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP)?

You may also check out the list of the priority courses and programs mentioned above.

Summary

Hence, this is the application procedure, requirements, and qualifications when applying for the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP) of the Department of Science and Technology. Bear in mind that this scholarship program is only intended for qualified males and females to pursue Masters’s and Doctoral programs in priority S&T areas and for full-time graduate studies to ensure on-time completion of the MS/Ph.D. degree in any of the DOST identified priority fields.

Thus, if you wish to know more about the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP) and other graduate scholarship grants of the Department of Science and Technology, visit their official website here – https://www.dost.gov.ph/.