Updated October 21, 2026. The Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System, popularly known as Pisay, is accepting applications for the National Competitive Examination (NCE) 2026 for incoming Grade 7 scholars in School Year 2027-2028. The application period runs from April 6 to November 7, 2026, and the exam is on Saturday, January 30, 2027. Passing the NCE is the only way to become a PSHS scholar, so Grade 6 pupils who want to enter Pisay must apply on or before November 7.
What is the Pisay Scholarship?
The PSHS System is an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) that offers a scholarship-based Grades 7-12 education focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Every year, PSHS holds the NCE, a one-time screening examination for incoming Grade 7 students, to choose its scholars. Qualifiers enroll in one of the 16 PSHS campuses nationwide.
NCE 2026 Important Dates (SY 2027-2028)
| Detail | NCE 2026 for SY 2027-2028 |
|---|---|
| Application period | April 6 to November 7, 2026 |
| Examination date | January 30, 2027 (Saturday) |
| Who can apply | Grade 6 pupils in SY 2026-2027 from DepEd-recognized schools |
| Processing fee | ₱300 (non-refundable) for private school students; free for public school students and full scholars of private schools |
| Where to apply | Online at nce.pshs.edu.ph, or at the nearest PSHS campus, DOST Regional Office or Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) |
Sources: PSHS NCE Online Application System, PSHS System admission page and the DOST announcement of April 6, 2026. As of October 21, 2026, PSHS has not announced any extension of the November 7 deadline.
Who is Eligible to Apply for the PSHS Scholarship?
A Grade 6 elementary pupil from a school duly recognized by the Department of Education (DepEd) may apply for the NCE if he or she:
- has a final grade of 85% or better in Science and Mathematics on the Grade 5 report card; if the Science or Math grade is below 85%, the pupil must show proof of belonging to the upper 10% of the batch;
- is a Filipino citizen with no pending or approved application as an immigrant to any foreign country;
- is not more than 15 years old by June 30, 2027;
- has at least a satisfactory rating (or its equivalent) in the Grade 5 Character Rating on the report card (SY 2025-2026);
- has not previously applied for admission to PSHS; and
- is in good health and fit to undergo a rigorous academic program.
Pisay Scholarship Benefits
According to PSHS, qualified scholars receive:
- Free tuition
- Free loan of textbooks
- Monthly stipend
- Uniform, transportation and living allowances for low-income groups
- Dormitory accommodation (if applicable; priority goes to scholars who live far from the campus)
Scholars also join the Science Immersion Program, the SCALE (Service, Creativity, Action and Leadership) program, and national and international competitions.
How much is the Pisay stipend?
Allowances depend on the scholar’s socio-economic classification. In its April 2026 announcement, DOST said Pisay scholars are set to receive stipends as high as ₱8,000 a month, based on family income, along with a free loan of textbooks, uniform and one-way transportation allowances, and subsidized dormitory accommodation. A Daily Tribune report (September 27, 2026) gives the revised monthly rates as follows:
| Scholarship classification | Monthly financial assistance (revised) |
|---|---|
| Full | ₱8,000 |
| Partial 1 | ₱4,000 |
| Partial 2 | ₱3,000 |
| Partial 3 | ₱2,000 |
The same report says the revised package is set to be implemented in SY 2027-2028, with the stipend adjustment expected to be retroactive to January 2026 for qualified scholars. Note that the PSHS FAQ page still lists the older rates (a ₱500 monthly stipend plus living allowance, up to ₱4,000 a month in total for full scholars). Check with your campus for the final rate that applies to you.
PSHS NCE Requirements
For online applicants (create an account at nce.pshs.edu.ph, fill out the form and upload):
- Scanned copy of a recent 1×1 picture
- Scanned certified true copy of the report card (SY 2025-2026) signed by the class adviser or principal
- Scanned certification that the pupil belongs to the upper 10% of the batch, if the final grade in Science or Math is below 85%
- Certification from the private school, if the pupil is on full scholarship
- Non-refundable processing fee of ₱300 for private school students (based on the Grade 5 school); free for public school students and full scholars of private schools
For walk-in applicants (submit to the nearest PSHS campus or DOST PSTO):
- Fully accomplished application form
- Recent 1×1 picture
- Certified true copy of the report card (SY 2025-2026) by the class adviser or principal
- Certification or proof of upper 10% standing, if the final grade in Science or Math is below 85%
- Certification from the private school, if the pupil is on full scholarship
- Processing fee of ₱300 for private school students (free for public school students and full scholars)
How to Apply for the PSHS NCE
- Check that the pupil meets all the eligibility criteria above.
- Prepare the documents: 1×1 picture, certified true copy of the Grade 5 report card, and any certifications that apply.
- Apply online at nce.pshs.edu.ph, or walk in at the nearest PSHS campus, DOST Regional Office or PSTO.
- Pay the ₱300 processing fee if the pupil came from a private school in Grade 5 (unless on full scholarship).
- Submit the application on or before November 7, 2026, then watch for updates from PSHS on the January 30, 2027 exam.
How Many Students Pass the NCE?
For the NCE 2025 (SY 2026-2027), PSHS named 1,738 principal qualifiers out of 27,965 applicants, according to DOST. The system accommodated 1,920 slots, or 120 new students in each of its 16 campuses, with alternate qualifiers filling the remaining slots. Qualifiers were ranked on their scores in four sections: mathematics, science, verbal ability and abstract reasoning. PSHS has not yet announced the number of slots for SY 2027-2028.
Under Republic Act No. 12310, the Expanded PSHS System Act, 10 more campuses are planned, with at least two campuses eyed for each region. See our list of past PSHS NCE passers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the deadline for the Pisay NCE 2026 application?
November 7, 2026. The exam is on January 30, 2027.
Can a Grade 7 student take the NCE?
No. The NCE is only for Grade 6 pupils who will enter Grade 7. Applicants must also not have applied to PSHS before.
Is the application free?
It is free for public school students and for full scholars of private schools. Other private school students pay a non-refundable ₱300 processing fee.
Where can I get more information?
Visit pshs.edu.ph, the NCE portal at nce.pshs.edu.ph, or contact the nearest PSHS campus or DOST office.
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