DOST PRIORITY COURSES 2026 – If you are planning to take the DOST Scholarship Examination, make sure to check first the DOST priority courses that are allowed. This list is updated and will be followed for the DOST Scholarship Exam.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) offers scholarships to qualified Filipino students who wish to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree programs. However, not all college courses qualify – applicants must choose from the official list of DOST priority courses below.
What Are the DOST Priority Courses?
The DOST priority courses cover a wide range of science, engineering, technology, and health-related degree programs. Below is the complete list, organized alphabetically.
A – B
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Agribusiness
- Agribusiness Economics
- Agribusiness Management
- Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship
- Agricultural and Applied Economics
- Agricultural Biotechnology¹
- Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
- Agricultural Chemistry
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Education
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Technology
- Agriculture
- Agroforestry
- Animal Husbandry
- Animal Science
- Applied Mathematics
- Applied Mathematics major in Mathematical Finance²
- Applied Physics
- Applied Physics with Applied Computer System²
- Applied Physics with Materials Science and Engineering²
- Applied Statistics
- Architecture
- Artificial Intelligence
- Astronomy
- Basic Medical Sciences⁶
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biology for Teachers
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Biological Sciences
- Biology-Chemistry⁴
C – D
- Ceramics Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Chemistry for Teachers
- Chemistry with Applied Computer Systems²
- Chemistry with Materials Science and Engineering²
- Civil Engineering
- Clothing Technology
- Community Nutrition
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science
- Data Science and Analytics⁹
- Development Communication major in Science Communication
E – G
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Energy Systems Management
- Environmental and Sanitary Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Fine Arts Major in Industrial Design
- Fisheries
- Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
- Food Science and Technology
- Food Technology
- Forestry
- Geodetic Engineering
- Geography
- Geology
- Geothermal Engineering
- General Sciences
H – L
- Health Sciences
- Human Biology⁵
- Industrial Design
- Industrial Engineering
- Industrial Management Engineering-Information Technology³
- Industrial Pharmacy
- Information and Communications Technology
- Information System
- Information Technology
- Information Technology Systems
- Instrumentation and Control Engineering
- Life Sciences
- Library and Information Science
M – P
- Management Information Systems²
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering-Management-Biomedical Engineering³
- Manufacturing Engineering-Management-Mechatronics and Robotics
- Marine Biology
- Marine Science
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and Science Teaching
- Mathematics Education
- Mathematics for Teachers
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Medical Technology
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Meteorology
- Microbiology
- Mining Engineering
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
- Nutrition
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Packaging Engineering⁸
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Pharmacy (4-year program)
- Pharmacy major in Clinical Pharmacy (5-year program)
- Physical Sciences
- Physics
- Physics for Teachers
- Prosthetics and Orthotics⁷
- Psychology
- Public Health
R – V
- Railway Engineering and Management
- Science
- Science Education with specialization in Biology, Chemistry and Physics
- Speech Pathology
- Sports Science
- Statistics
- Technology and Livelihood Education with Specialization in Information and Communications Technology
- Transportation Engineering
- Veterinary Medicine
Institution Specific Notes
A few of these programs aren’t offered everywhere, or come with a different program length depending on the school. It’s worth checking these against the notes below before finalizing a course choice.
Note Restriction
- ¹ Agricultural Biotechnology – UP System only
- ² 4 years, Ateneo de Manila University only
- ³ De La Salle University – Manila only
- ⁴ 4 years, University of San Carlos only
- ⁵ 3 years, De La Salle University – Manila only
- ⁶ 4 years, University of the Philippines Manila only
- ⁷ University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center only
- ⁸ Central Philippine University
- ⁹ University of Santo Tomas
Because some of these programs are school-specific, the safest approach is to confirm both the course and the university against DOST-SEI’s latest list before enrolling a program can be a DOST priority course at one school and not recognized at another under the same name.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Course Is Eligible for the DOST Scholarship?
Any course listed above is eligible, provided the applicant enrolls in the specific university indicated where a footnote restriction applies (for example, Agricultural Biotechnology is only recognized under the UP System, while Human Biology is only offered under DLSU-Manila as a 3-year program). Courses without footnotes are generally open across accredited universities offering the DOST-recognized program.
Is DOST for STEM Only?
Yes. The DOST scholarship is specifically designed for students pursuing STEM-related degree programs. This includes engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, information technology, health sciences, and agriculture-related courses, as reflected in the full list above. Courses outside these fields such as business administration, law, or the humanities are not covered.
Does DOST Cover Full Tuition?
The DOST scholarship generally covers tuition and other school fees, along with a monthly stipend, book allowance, and other financial assistance for scholars enrolled in eligible priority courses at recognized universities. Exact coverage amounts and additional benefits are announced through official DOST issuances each academic year, so applicants are advised to check the latest DOST advisory for updated figures.
Is DOST for STEM only?
No. STEM students may apply to any priority course, and non-STEM students may also apply if they rank in the top 5% of their graduating class.
What Courses Will Be Offered by DOST in 2026?
The list above is based on the current and updated DOST priority courses being followed for the DOST Scholarship Exam. The list may be revised in future DOST advisories, so applicants are encouraged to confirm the latest version directly through official DOST channels before finalizing their course and university choice.
This article is for general information purposes only. For the most accurate and updated list of DOST priority courses and scholarship guidelines, please refer to the official DOST website or the DOST regional office nearest you.