DOST JLSS 2026 Requirements & GWA Guidelines for 3rd Year College (Official Guide)
A complete guide to the DOST Junior Level Science Scholarships (JLSS) 2026, covering 83% GWA eligibility, RA 7687, RA 10612, Merit tracks, and maintaining grade rules.
The Junior Level Science Scholarships (JLSS) administered by the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) provide full tuition subsidies, monthly living allowances, book subsidies, and thesis grants for regular 3rd-year college students enrolled in priority Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses.
This guide explains the 83% GWA eligibility benchmark, the three distinct JLSS scholarship programs (RA 7687, RA 10612, and Merit), required application forms, and ongoing semester grade retention rules.
The Three DOST JLSS Scholarship Programs
Qualified college students entering their third year (or fourth year in 5-year engineering programs) can apply under one of three scholarship tracks:
| Scholarship Program | Target Beneficiaries | Return Service Obligation |
|---|---|---|
| Republic Act No. 7687 | Socioeconomically disadvantaged students whose family annual gross income does not exceed the regional poverty threshold. | Serve in the Philippines in their field of specialization for a period equivalent to the duration of the scholarship grant. |
| Republic Act No. 10612 (Fast-Tracked Science for High School Teaching) | Competent science, mathematics, and engineering students willing to teach STEM subjects in secondary schools upon graduation. | Serve as full-time STEM teachers in senior high schools (public or private) for a period matching the scholarship duration. |
| DOST-SEI Merit Program | High-achieving STEM college students who exceed socioeconomic cutoffs, evaluated purely on academic standing and exam rank. | Work in the Philippines in their field of specialization on a 1-to-1 year return service basis. |
GWA & Academic Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the JLSS examination and award, applicants must satisfy strict academic and institutional requirements:
- Regular 3rd-Year Standing: Must be a regular 2nd-year college student during the preceding academic year who will achieve regular 3rd-year standing in a DOST-SEI priority degree program.
- 83% Minimum Cumulative GWA: Must have achieved a cumulative General Weighted Average of at least 83.00% or equivalent (approx. 2.25 on a 1.0–5.0 scale, or 2.75 on a 4.0 scale) with no unremoved failing grades (5.00) or incomplete (INC) marks across all 1st and 2nd year subjects.
- Institutional Accreditation: Must be enrolled in a state university or college (SUC) or a private college with at least Level III FAAP accreditation in the specific degree program.
Documentary Requirements Checklist
Applicants must submit scanned PDF copies of official university documents via the DOST-SEI E-Scholarship Application Portal:
- Official Transcript of Records (TOR) or Certified True Copy of Grades (TCG): Reflecting all completed semester grades from 1st Year (1st and 2nd Semesters) and 2nd Year (1st and 2nd Semesters) with the university registrar's dry seal.
- Certificate of Enrolment & Curriculum Checklist: Signed by the College Dean or Registrar confirming regular 3rd-year standing.
- Form C – Certificate of Good Moral Character: Issued by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA).
- Form D – Certificate of Good Health: Issued by a licensed medical practitioner.
- Proof of Income (For RA 7687 Applicants): Latest BIR Income Tax Return (ITR), W-2, or Barangay Certificate of Indigency.
- Form G – Commitment to Return Service: Notarized legal agreement to render service in the Philippines.
Financial Benefits Package (2026)
| Benefit Item | Grant Amount | Schedule / Term |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Living Allowance | PHP 8,000 / month | Released on a semestral basis (PHP 40,000 per 5-month term) |
| Tuition and School Fees | Up to PHP 40,000 / academic year | Paid directly to private HEIs (Free tuition covers SUCs under RA 10931) |
| Book and Connectivity Allowance | PHP 10,000 / academic year | Released at the start of each semester |
| Thesis Allowance | PHP 10,000 (Outright grant) | Released upon enrollment in undergraduate thesis/capstone |
| Graduation Allowance | PHP 1,000 (One-time) | Released upon submission of graduation certification |
Maintaining Grade Rules for JLSS Scholars
Once awarded the scholarship, grantees must adhere to the official DOST maintaining grade guidelines:
- 2.50 Semester GWA: You must maintain a General Weighted Average of 2.50 or better (85% equivalent) each semester.
- No Failing Grades: Incurring a mark of 5.00 in any academic course leads to immediate scholarship suspension, pending regional appeals review.
- Non-Academic Requirements: While PATHFit and NSTP do not factor into your numerical GWA, a failing grade will delay your release of stipends until removed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can shifters or transferees apply for DOST JLSS?
Yes, provided you are currently in regular 3rd-year standing in a priority S&T program, have completed all 1st and 2nd year prerequisites, and satisfy the 83% cumulative GWA cutoff.
2. What if my college uses a 4.0 scale like DLSU or Ateneo?
The 83% cutoff transmutates to approximately 2.50 to 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. You can calculate your exact weighted average using our GWA to GPA Converter or DOST GWA Calculator.
3. Can I hold a CHED scholarship and DOST JLSS simultaneously?
No. Philippine national government policy prohibits holding double government scholarships. You must choose between the CHED Merit Scholarship and DOST JLSS.