Frequently Asked Questions

The Engineering R&D for Technology Program is a graduate scholarship program administered by the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI). It is aimed at contributing to the creation of a critical mass of research scientists and engineers who possess master's and doctoral degrees. The development of human capital is an important component towards achieving the Philippines' sustainable, inclusive development and industrialization goals.

The ERDT program aims to contribute to the creation of a critical mass of research scientists and engineers who possess master's and doctoral degrees. The development of human capital is an important component towards achieving the Philippines' sustainable, inclusive development and industrialization goals.

The ERDT program is administered by the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI). DOST-SEI is responsible for overseeing the scholarship program, managing applications, and ensuring the program meets its objectives of developing human capital in science and technology.

An applicant must:

• be a Filipino citizen
• not be more than 50 years old at the time of application
• have passed the admission requirements of the graduate program supported by the ERDT
• have BS/MS degree in engineering or related field
• be in good health condition
• not have criminal/administrative case
• pass the interview and other screening procedures

Who else may apply:

• PhD graduate in a priority S&T program (scholar or non-scholar) who intends to pursue a second PhD degree
• MS/PhD non-scholar graduate (not S&T related) who intends to pursue a second MS/PhD degree

Who may NO longer apply:

• PhD graduate (scholar or non-scholar) who intends to pursue another MS degree program
• MS graduate in a priority S&T program (scholar or non-scholar) who intends to pursue a second MS degree

Applicants must have a BS/MS degree in engineering or related field. They must also have passed the admission requirements of the graduate program supported by the ERDT. The program focuses on engineering and technology-related disciplines to support the country's research and development goals.

• Accomplished ERDT application form
• Narrative essays (research and career plans)
• Recommendation letters from 3 former professors or supervisors
• Certified true copy of the official transcript of records
• Birth certificate (photocopy)
• Valid NBI clearance
• Medical certificate stating that the applicant is physically and mentally fit to study from a licensed physician with a PRC license number indicated
• If employed, recommendation and permission from head of agency to take a leave of absence while on scholarship or proof of resignation or termination of contract
• Certificate of no pending administrative case
• Acceptance letter/notice of admission from the graduate school (must be submitted once accepted into the graduate program)
• Approved program of study (must be submitted once accepted into the graduate program)

Additional Requirements for Lateral Applicant:

• Certification from university indicating the following:
  • Number of graduate units required in the program
  • Number of graduate units earned with corresponding grades

Accomplished application form and other documentary requirements may be submitted through e-mail of the ERDT Project staff of the desired ERDT member-university.

The application process typically takes 2-4 months from submission to final approval. This includes document review, interview scheduling, evaluation by the selection committee, and final approval by DOST-SEI. Applicants are advised to apply early to ensure sufficient processing time before their intended start date.

• The scholarship award shall be for full-time graduate studies to ensure on-time completion of an MS/PhD degree.
• The scholar must NOT be employed or practicing profession while on scholarship.
• The scholar shall execute a Scholarship Agreement.
• The academic performance of the scholar shall be evaluated every school term based on established policies to determine his/her scholarship status.
• The scholar must not have other scholarships.
• The scholar shall be required to render service obligation in the Philippines after completion of the MS/PhD 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 graduate program or failure to comply with the service obligation.

• Master of Science (MS)
• Master of Engineering (MEngg)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• BS-MS 'Straight' Degree
• 'Straight' PhD Degree

Changes in degree program are generally not allowed once you have been accepted and have started your studies. However, in exceptional circumstances, requests for program changes may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to approval by DOST-SEI and the host institution. Any such changes must still align with ERDT priority fields and program requirements.