More scholarship opportunities for Filipino students will be available in Canada — DOST
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has partnered with two Canadian universities to provide additional scholarship opportunities for Filipino students.

DOST has signed agreements with the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and the University of Alberta (UAlberta) to strengthen collaboration and student exchange in science-related graduate programs.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said there is a correlation between economic prosperity and the employment of highly educated individuals, particularly those in scientific fields.
"That is why, the signed agreements on scholarship programs with the two universities will set the pace of our flourishing engagement with academic members here in Canada," he said in a statement on Monday, March 18.
New opportunities at USask
The first agreement the DOST signed was with the University of Saskatchewan (USask) on March 11, which will create the DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI)-USask Graduate Scholarship Program (DOST-SEI-USask GSP).
This program, it said, is a long-term collaboration and exchange in graduate studies wherein Filipino doctoral students will be able to pursue their studies and conduct research at USask with financial support from both DOST-SEI scholarships and USask itself.
USask will offer scholarships to up to 10 Filipino students each year, including reduced tuition fees equivalent to the local Canadian rate and research funding for their dissertations.
Renewed partnership with UAlberta
The second agreement is a renewal contract signed on March 13, extending the existing DOST-University of Alberta (UAlberta) Graduate Scholarship Program (GSP).
This program allows Filipino master's and doctoral students to study and conduct research at UAlberta, also with financial backing provided jointly by the DOST-SEI and UAlberta.
"Through these initiatives, we hope to augment the STI human resources in the country and increase the quality of career opportunities for scientists and engineers," Solidum added.
Furthermore, DOST said Secretary Solidum also led an orientation session about opportunities for the Filipino community in Saskatchewan and Edmonton, Canada.
DOST added that it conducted orientation sessions to introduce the Balik Scientist Program (BSP), including its background, milestones, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and incentives.
The secretary affirmed the country's commitment to supporting its scientists in contributing towards innovation both locally and globally.
"There is an unwritten qualification in becoming a Balik Scientist, it is the heart to serve the Filipino people and this country. It is what will truly drive us to become a true Balik Scientist," Solidum added.