The Department of Science and Technology—Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) has announced the availability of scholarships for eligible male and female individuals who wish to pursue Master and Doctoral programs in priority areas of Science and Technology (S&T) through the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP).
The fundamental goals of the ASTHRDP are to improve the country’s worldwide competitiveness and capacity for S&T innovation and accelerate the production of highly trained human resources needed for R&D in the field of Science and Technology.
Contents
- What is Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program?
- Terms of Scholarship
- Qualifications
- Requirements
- How to apply for Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What is the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP)?
- 2. Who is eligible to apply for the ASTHRDP?
- 3. Who is no longer eligible to apply for the ASTHRDP?
- 4. What are the specific requirements for the ASTHRDP application?
- 5. How can I access the ASTHRDP application form?
- 6. What are the priority areas for thesis or dissertation topics under the ASTHRDP?
- Summary
What is Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program?
The Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP) aims to expedite the generation of high-level human resources essential for Research & Development (R&D) in the field of Science and Technology. Recognizing the importance of research and innovation, the scholarships encourage students to undertake advanced studies and contribute to cutting-edge developments in priority areas.
The scholarships cover both Master’s and Doctoral programs, providing opportunities for scholars to go deeper into their chosen fields of study. The students are encouraged to align their thesis or dissertation topics with the following areas: Climate Change and Disaster Preparedness, Materials Science and Nanotechnology, and Natural Products and Drug Development. By focusing on these critical domains, the program aims to address pressing challenges and create solutions that will benefit society.
The scholarships offer financial support for both Master’s and Doctoral programs. The scholarship covers various aspects to ease the financial burden on the scholars. For Master’s students, the monthly stipend is set at Php 25,000, while for Doctoral students, it is Php 33,000 per month. Additionally, learning materials and/or connectivity allowance of Php 20,000 per academic year is provided. Transportation allowance is given based on actual expenses, and insurance coverage is provided with premium benefits.
Scholars also receive additional allowances to support their thesis or dissertation work and research. An outright thesis/dissertation allowance of Php 60,000 is granted for Master’s students and Php 100,000 for Doctoral students.
Moreover, the Student Research Support Fund provides a research grant of Php 114,000 for Master’s students and Php 253,000 for Doctoral students.
Additionally, scholars receive a dissemination grant of Php 75,000 for Master’s students and Php 150,000 for Doctoral students to present their research findings. Lastly, mentor’s fees are covered, amounting to Php 36,000 for Master’s students and Php 72,000 for Doctoral students. The scholarship aims to ensure that students can fully concentrate on their studies and research without financial constraints, thus fostering the development of high-level human resources in the field of Science and Technology.
Terms of Scholarship
- The scholarship award shall be for full-time graduate studies to ensure on-time completion of the MS/Ph.D. degree in any of the DOST-identified priority fields.
- The scholar must NOT be employed or practicing his/her profession while on scholarship. The applicant must secure approval for an official leave of absence if employed.
- The awardee shall execute a Scholarship Agreement with the DOST-SEI and the Training Institution.
- The academic performance of the scholar shall be evaluated every school term based on established policies to determine his/her scholarship status
- The scholar shall be required to render service obligation in the Philippines on a full-time basis after he/she finishes the MS/Ph.D. degree, i.e., one year of service for every year of scholarship.
- The scholar shall be required to refund the scholarship grant with interest for non-completion of his/her graduate program or failure to comply with the service obligation.
Qualifications
The criteria of eligibility for the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP):
- Must be a Filipino citizen.
- At the time of application, applicants must be under the age of 50.
- Must be in good health.
- Admission requirements for graduate studies at any of the NSC member universities must be met.
- Must pass an interview as well as other screening procedures.
Others may apply if they are:
- PhD graduate (scholar or non-scholar) in a priority S&T program who plans to pursue a second PhD.
- MS/PhD non-scholar graduate (not in S&T) planning on pursuing a second MS/PhD degree.
Who is no longer eligible to apply?
- PhD graduate (scholar or non-scholar) seeking another MS degree program.
- MS graduate (scholar or non-scholar) from a priority S&T program who plans to pursue a second MS degree.
Requirements
The Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP) has specific eligibility requirements that qualified applicants must meet. These include:
- Accomplished ASTHRDP-NSC Information Sheet/ Application (Application forms are downloadable thru the websites of NSC member universities or thru: www.sei.dost.gov.ph
- Birth Certificate
- Certified True Copy of the Official Transcript of Records
- Endorsement from:
- Two former college professors (for MS)
- Two former professors in the Master’s Program (for Ph.D.)
- If the applicant is currently employed, they must provide either a recommendation and permission from their head of agency to take a leave of absence during the scholarship period or evidence of resignation or contract termination.
- Career Plans (Form A).
- Research Plans (Form B).
- Medical certificate from a licensed physician stating that the applicant is in excellent health and fit to study, with his/her PRC license number mentioned (Form C).
- NBI Clearance
- Letter of Admission with Regular Status from the Program Head and a copy of the Admission Evaluation Sheet.
- Approved Program of Study.
- For Lateral Applicants, Certification from the university indicating the number of graduate units required in the program and the number of graduate units earned with corresponding grades.
How to apply for Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program?
The Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP) follows specific guidelines in its implementation.
STEP 1: Download the application form here. Choose any of the websites provided from the program’s member university:
- https://www.sei.dost.gov.ph/images/downloads/asthrdpAppForm2023.pdf
- asthrdp.scholarships.sose@ateneo.edu
- dost-asthrdpscholarships@clsu.edu.ph
- scholarship.gs.uplb@up.edu.ph
- dost-asthrdp.upm@up.edu.ph
pqlamasan@up.edu.ph - asthrdp@upv.edu.ph
STEP 2: Fill in/ accomplish the application form.
STEP 3: Have these forms accomplished before the deadline. Applicants may check the deadline here: https://www.sei.dost.gov.ph/index.php/programs-and-projects/scholarships/postgraduate-scholarships#accelerated-science-and-technology-human-resource-development-program-asthrdp
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs about the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP):
1. What is the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP)?
The ASTHRDP is a scholarship program offered by the Department of Science and Technology—Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) for eligible male and female individuals interested in pursuing Master’s and Doctoral programs in priority areas of Science and Technology (S&T). Its primary goals are to enhance the country’s global competitiveness and capacity for S&T innovation, as well as to accelerate the production of highly trained human resources needed for Research & Development (R&D) in the field of Science and Technology.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the ASTHRDP?
Applicants must be Filipino citizens, under the age of 50 at the time of application, and in good health. They must also meet the admission requirements for graduate studies at any of the NSC member universities and pass an interview and other screening procedures. In addition, individuals who are PhD graduates in a priority S&T program and plan to pursue a second PhD, or MS/PhD non-scholar graduates (not in S&T) aiming to pursue a second MS/PhD degree, may also apply.
3. Who is no longer eligible to apply for the ASTHRDP?
Applicants who are PhD graduates seeking another MS degree program or MS graduates from a priority S&T program planning to pursue a second MS degree are no longer eligible to apply for the scholarship.
4. What are the specific requirements for the ASTHRDP application?
Qualified applicants must submit an accomplished ASTHRDP-NSC Information Sheet/Application, their Birth Certificate, Certified True Copy of the Official Transcript of Records, and endorsements from former college professors (for MS) or former professors in the Master’s Program (for PhD). If the applicant is employed, they must provide either a recommendation and permission from their head of agency to take a leave of absence during the scholarship period or evidence of resignation or contract termination. Additional requirements include Career Plans, Research Plans, a Medical Certificate, NBI Clearance, Letter of Admission with Regular Status from the Program Head, Approved Program of Study, and for Lateral Applicants, a Certification from the university indicating the number of required graduate units and the earned graduate units with corresponding grades.
5. How can I access the ASTHRDP application form?
The application forms are downloadable through the websites of NSC member universities or can be obtained from the DOST-SEI website at www.sei.dost.gov.ph.
6. What are the priority areas for thesis or dissertation topics under the ASTHRDP?
Scholars are encouraged to choose topics aligned with priority areas, including Climate Change and Disaster Preparedness, Materials Science and Nanotechnology, and Natural Products and Drug Development. These areas aim to address pressing challenges and contribute to societal development.
Summary
The essence of the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP) lies in its mission to expedite the creation of highly skilled human resources for Research & Development (R&D) in the field of Science and Technology. By offering scholarships for Master’s and Doctoral programs in priority S&T areas, the program aims to enhance the country’s global competitiveness and capacity for S&T innovation. It encourages students to undertake advanced studies and contribute to cutting-edge developments in critical domains like Climate Change and Disaster Preparedness, Materials Science and Nanotechnology, and Natural Products and Drug Development.
Through comprehensive financial support and mentorship, the program fosters an environment where scholars can focus on their studies and research, ultimately creating solutions that benefit society. ASTHRDP addresses the pressing need for skilled human resources in the field of Science and Technology, which is essential for driving research, innovation, and development in the country. By supporting scholars in pursuing advanced degrees in priority S&T areas, the program contributes to the nation’s scientific and technological capabilities.