The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Friday called on students to take the opportunity to apply for government undergraduate scholarships at a government and two private universities in Negros Oriental.

DOST-Negros Oriental provincial head, lawyer Gilbert Arbon, said during a Kapihan forum that the application for scholarships, which opened on Oct. 25, would end on Dec. 31.

The target is to encourage graduating Grade 12 students from the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) strand, he said, but added that non-STEM students may also apply so long as they meet admission requirements, pass the qualifying exam, and apply for STEM courses.

A nationwide entrance exam will be conducted in April next year, Arbon said.

The DOST-Negros Oriental has visited the different senior high schools in the province to encourage students to avail of the scholarship offering and will visit other areas soon under its scholarship caravan, he said.

Arbon highlighted the need to seek the help of the Department of Education in campaigning for the government’s scholarship program under DOST.

Marjorie Solon, DOST-Negros Oriental scholarship coordinator, said the 2024 DOST Science Education Institute Scholarship for Undergraduates has accredited three schools in Negros Oriental – the Negros Oriental State University (all campuses) and private institutions Silliman University, and St. Paul University – Dumaguete. (PNA)