BIGAST Scholarship 2026 Application Guide

August 11, 2026 Chelsea Condenoh Scholarship Programs, Government Scholarships, Local Scholarships 0

The Ministry of Science and Technology of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOST-BARMM) is now accepting applications for the Bangsamoro International Grant Awards for Science and Technology (BIGAST) for Academic Year 2026–2027.

The BIGAST Scholarship program is open to qualified Bangsamoro incoming first-year undergraduate students and professionals who intend to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral studies in priority science and technology fields at reputable institutions abroad.

Applications must be submitted through the official online application form on or before August 31, 2026.

This guide explains the scholarship requirements, qualifications, benefits, priority programs, eligible institutions, application process, and other important conditions applicants should review before submitting.

Qualification:

An applicant must meet the following qualifications under the revised BIGAST guidelines:

  1. Be a natural-born Filipino citizen.
  2. Have resided in BARMM for at least six months before the month of application.
  3. Be no more than 50 years old at the time of application.
  4. Intend to pursue an identified highly technical priority science and technology program that is appropriate to the degree level and, when applicable, vertically aligned with the applicant’s previous degree.
  5. Be in good health and fit to study.
  6. Meet the admission requirements of a reputable foreign university or recognized higher education or research institution.
  7. Pass the interview and other screening procedures conducted for the program.
  8. For master’s and doctoral applicants, have a research interest aligned with the areas identified in the BARMM Harmonized Research and Development Agenda.
  9. Have a viable re-entry plan showing how the applicant intends to use the acquired knowledge and skills after completing the program.
  10. Agree to the terms and conditions of the scholarship contract.
  11. Submit all required documents.

Employed applicants must also secure a recommendation from the head of their agency or ministry and permission to take a leave of absence while on scholarship. The guidelines require grantees studying under the program to commit to their studies full-time and not engage in employment during the scholarship period.

Requirements:

Based on the official 2026 BIGAST checklist, applicants must prepare the following documents:

  1. Accomplished BIGAST application form
  2. Photocopy of the applicant’s birth certificate
  3. Certified true copy of the Official Transcript of Records
  4. Recommendation from the head of the agency or ministry, if employed
  5. Permission to take a leave of absence while on scholarship, if employed
  6. Career Plans using Application Form A
  7. Research Plan using Application Form B, to be presented during the final level of screening
  8. Medical Certificate using Application Form C, completed by a licensed physician whose PRC license number is indicated
  9. Valid NBI Clearance
  10. Valid passport
  11. Letter of admission from the program head of the accepting institution
  12. Approved program of study

The application form also asks for a recent passport-size photograph and contains a section for the applicant’s budgetary requirements with a detailed breakdown. Applicants should complete every applicable field and include any supporting document requested in the online form.

Quick Document-Preparation Check

Before proceeding, make sure that:

  • All applicable forms are completely filled out in capital letters.
  • Blank fields are marked “N/A” when they do not apply.
  • Every document is clear, readable, and properly scanned.
  • The complete set of documents is combined into one PDF file.
  • The PDF follows the filename format Last name, First name.
  • Time-sensitive documents, including the passport and NBI Clearance, are valid.

Applicants who already have the required admission and study documents may proceed to review the program’s benefits and eligibility conditions below.

BIGAST Scholarship Benefits

The official 2026 announcement presents the BIGAST scholarship privilege as ₱60,700 per month or ₱303,500 per semester.

The revised implementing guidelines, however, itemize the ₱303,500 semester package as follows:

Scholarship privilegeAmount stated in the guidelines
School fees₱130,000
Learning materials₱10,000
Transportation allowance₱50,000
Pre-departure expenses₱10,000
Living allowance₱20,000 per month or ₱100,000 per semester
Connectivity allowance₱1,500
International student healthcare and accident insurance₱2,000
Total per semester₱303,500

The guidelines state that the semester amount is exclusive of thesis or dissertation allowances. Research-related funding remains subject to the submission of a budgetary report, management and committee approval, and the availability of funds.

Applicants should therefore understand the ₱303,500 as an itemized scholarship package and confirm the actual release schedule and covered expenses with MOST-BARMM before enrollment or departure.

Priority Programs

BIGAST supports undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in priority science, technology, engineering, mathematics, health, agriculture, and built-environment fields.

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

The official list covers the following major fields:

  • Engineering, including aerospace, agricultural and biosystems, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical and electronic, environmental, geodetic, geological, industrial, marine, mechanical, mechatronics, metallurgical, mining, petroleum, robotics, and other identified engineering programs
  • Computing, ICT, and Artificial Intelligence, including artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity, data science, information systems, information technology, intelligent robotics, multimedia systems, and software engineering
  • Pure and Applied Sciences, including actuarial science, chemistry, mathematics, physics, astronomy, biology, biotechnology, environmental science, food science and technology, forensic science, geology, marine science, meteorology, microbiology, molecular biology and biotechnology, nuclear science, and statistics
  • Medicine and Health Sciences, including audiology, biomedical science, dentistry, health sciences, human biology, medicine, medical imaging and radiological sciences, neuroscience, nutrition, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, public health, and speech-language pathology
  • Built Environment, including architecture, construction management, industrial design, landscape architecture, quantity surveying, and urban and regional planning
  • Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, including agricultural chemistry, animal science, forestry, horticulture, soil science, and veterinary medicine

Master’s Degree Programs

Priority master’s programs are grouped under:

  • Engineering
  • Computing, ICT, and artificial intelligence
  • Pure and applied sciences
  • Medicine and health sciences
  • Built environment

These include specialized programs such as aerospace engineering, artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, cybersecurity, data analytics, environmental engineering, geophysics, marine science, medical physics, nanotechnology, nuclear science, petroleum engineering, public health, robotics, software engineering, and sustainable energy systems.

Doctoral Degree Programs

Priority doctoral fields include:

  • Engineering
  • Computing, ICT, and artificial intelligence
  • Pure and applied sciences
  • Medicine and health sciences
  • Built environment

Examples include artificial intelligence, atmospheric science, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, computer science, data science and analytics, environmental engineering, geology, geophysics, information technology, marine science, molecular biology, nanotechnology, oceanography, petroleum engineering, physics, robotics, software engineering, soil science, and virology.

Because the official 2026 list contains specific program titles, applicants should compare the exact name of their intended degree with the source document.

Review the complete official 2026 BIGAST priority-course list →

Eligible International Institutions

The revised guidelines do not provide a fixed list of partner universities.

Instead, a grantee must enroll in a foreign university, particularly in an Asian country, that has a good track record or is recognized in the specialized science and technology field to be pursued.

The official document checklist requires applicants to submit both a letter of admission from the accepting institution and an approved program of study. Admission to a foreign institution is therefore an important part of the application requirements.

How to Prepare Each Scholarship Requirement

1. BIGAST Application Form

Download the revised 2026 application form and complete it legibly in capital letters. Do not leave required fields blank. Write “N/A” for information that does not apply, attach a recent passport-size photograph, and sign and date the certification section.

Download the official 2026 BIGAST application form →

2. Birth Certificate

Prepare a clear photocopy of the applicant’s birth certificate. Check that the applicant’s name and personal details are consistent with the application form, passport, and school records.

3. Certified True Copy of the Official Transcript of Records

Request a certified true copy from the registrar of the college or university previously attended. The document should show the degree, subjects, grades, and other academic information required to assess the applicant’s preparation for the proposed program.

4. Employer Recommendation and Permission for Leave

An employed applicant must obtain:

  • A recommendation from the head of the agency or ministry
  • Written permission to take a leave of absence while on scholarship

These documents should clearly identify the applicant and be signed by the authorized office head.

5. Career Plans using Form A

Use Application Form A to discuss the applicant’s career plans after graduation. The form sets a maximum length of 500 words. The response should explain how the proposed degree and specialization will contribute to the applicant’s professional direction and the development of BARMM.

6. Research Plan using Form B

Use Application Form B to present the proposed research topic or area of interest in no more than 500 words. The suggested structure in the application form covers the title and research area, brief rationale, objectives, methodology, and expected contribution to BARMM.

The official checklist states that the research plan will be presented during the final level of screening.

7. Medical Certificate using Form C

Ask a licensed physician to complete the official BIGAST Medical Certificate. It must certify that the applicant is physically and mentally fit to study and must include the physician’s printed name, signature, and PRC license number.

8. Valid NBI Clearance

Submit a valid and readable NBI Clearance. Applicants should allow enough time for processing, especially if the application produces a “hit” that requires a later release date.

9. Valid Passport

Upload a clear copy of the valid passport information page. Check that the name and other details match the application form and admission records.

10. Letter of Admission

The letter should come from the program head or authorized office of the accepting foreign institution and confirm the applicant’s admission to the proposed program.

11. Approved Program of Study

Obtain the approved study plan or curriculum showing the courses and expected duration of the degree. The program should correspond to a priority S&T field recognized under BIGAST.

12. Final PDF File

Scan the complete set of forms and documents clearly, combine them into one PDF, and name the file using the format Last name, First name. Open the final PDF before uploading to ensure that all pages are complete, upright, readable, and not corrupted.

Review the official BIGAST document checklist →

Identify the Correct Application Channel

Applicants should use only the application links released by MOST-BARMM:

  • The downloadable application materials are in the official BIGAST Google Drive folder.
  • The completed application must be uploaded through the official KoboToolbox form linked in the MOST-BARMM announcement.
  • Announcements and follow-up instructions should come from the official Ministry of Science and Technology – BARMM page or the contact information printed on the application form.

Do not send documents to unofficial social media accounts or individuals claiming that they can guarantee approval.

Where to Apply

Use the following official channels:

Access the BIGAST online application form →
Download the application form, requirements, priority courses, and guidelines →
Read the official MOST-BARMM Facebook announcement →

How to Submit the BIGAST Application

Follow these steps:

  1. Open the official application-materials folder.
  2. Download the revised application form, required-document checklist, priority-course list, and implementing guidelines.
  3. Complete all applicable forms and prepare the supporting documents.
  4. Scan the complete application set and combine it into one readable PDF.
  5. Name the PDF using the prescribed format Last name, First name.
  6. Open the official BIGAST online application form.
  7. Enter the requested information and upload the completed PDF and any other file specifically requested by the portal.
  8. Review the information and attachments before submitting.
  9. Keep a copy of the completed forms, final PDF, and submission confirmation for reference.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the 2026 BIGAST Scholarship Program is August 31, 2026.

The announcement does not specify a cutoff time. Applicants are encouraged to complete their submission early to allow time to correct an incomplete form, unreadable scan, invalid document, or upload problem.

What Happens After Submission?

MOST-BARMM will notify applicants about the status of their application. The office may request additional information or provide an interview schedule.

The revised guidelines describe the following selection stages:

  1. First-level screening: Documentary evaluation of the application form and supporting requirements
  2. Second-level screening: Evaluation of the research topic and re-entry plan by the concerned screening committee members
  3. Third-level screening, as needed: Interview with representatives of the scholarship and technical evaluation bodies and other relevant MOST offices

Submission of an application does not guarantee selection. Applicants must satisfy the eligibility, documentary, admission, and screening requirements of MOST-BARMM.

Application Readiness Checklist

Before submitting, confirm that you can answer “yes” to each item:

  • I am a natural-born Filipino citizen.
  • I have resided in BARMM for at least six months before the application month.
  • I am not more than 50 years old at the time of application.
  • My intended degree is included in or corresponds to the official priority S&T list.
  • I have admission to a reputable foreign institution.
  • I have a valid passport and NBI Clearance.
  • I have completed Forms A, B, and C where required.
  • If employed, I have my agency head’s recommendation and permission for leave.
  • My complete application is combined into one readable PDF.
  • My file is named using the format Last name, First name.
  • I understand that the scholarship includes academic conditions and a return-of-service obligation.
  • I can submit the application by August 31, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may apply for the 2026 BIGAST Scholarship?

The 2026 call is open to qualified Bangsamoro incoming first-year undergraduate students and professionals pursuing master’s or doctoral studies in priority S&T fields abroad, subject to the complete eligibility and admission requirements.

Is BIGAST only for graduate students?

No. The 2026 announcement and revised guidelines cover undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs.

Is there a minimum grade or family-income limit?

The eligibility criteria and application checklist released for the 2026 call do not state a minimum general weighted average or a family-income ceiling. Applicants must still meet the admission standards of the foreign institution and pass BIGAST’s screening procedures.

Can employed professionals apply?

Yes. Employed applicants must submit a recommendation from the head of their agency or ministry and permission to take a leave of absence while on scholarship. Grantees are expected to comply with the program’s full-time study conditions.

Must I already be admitted to an international university?

Yes. The official checklist requires a letter of admission from the program head of the accepting institution and an approved program of study.

Can I study in any country?

The guidelines require enrollment in a reputable foreign university, particularly in an Asian country, with a good track record or recognized expertise in the intended S&T field. The final acceptability of the institution and program remains subject to MOST-BARMM evaluation.

How much is the BIGAST scholarship benefit?

The announcement states ₱60,700 monthly or ₱303,500 per semester. The revised guidelines itemize the ₱303,500 semester package across school fees, learning materials, transportation, pre-departure expenses, a ₱20,000 monthly living allowance, connectivity, and insurance. Applicants should confirm the release arrangement with MOST-BARMM.

Is there a return-of-service requirement?

Yes. The revised guidelines require grantees to return and render service in BARMM after completing the scholarship. Different provisions in the same guidelines describe the duration differently, so applicants should ask MOST-BARMM to confirm the binding service period before signing the scholarship contract.

Where can applicants ask questions?

The application form lists the MOST-BARMM Regional Office at the Bangsamoro Government Center, Rosary Heights VII, Cotabato City, with landline (064) 4425-171, email most@bangsamoro.gov.ph, and website most.bangsamoro.gov.ph.

If you’re looking for more educational funding opportunities, you can also browse our other Local scholarships to find financial assistance that matches your qualifications and academic goals.

References

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