MESCyT invites youth to the National Scholarships 2026 call with priority in STEM and STEAM areas

Santo Domingo.- Scholarship offer is open from February 23rd to March 8th and prioritizes the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Arts through the “Beca tu Futuro” program. Santo Domingo. – The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCyT), Rafael Evaristo Santos Badía, led this Monday the opening ceremony for the call for the 2026 National Scholarship Program. Read more: An initiative that prioritizes training in STEM areas in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and STEAM including the Arts designed to foster critical thinking, real-world problem solving and innovation. With the aim of strengthening the scientific, technological and productive development of the Dominican Republic, Minister Santos Badía highlighted that the country seeks to consolidate itself as an academic destination by strengthening the educational offer and adapting university programs to the demands of the labor market. The official stated that the Government is working with universities to promote investments, curricular adjustments, and greater links between academia and the national economy. Likewise, it was pointed out that the country faces a favorable situation for economic growth and the generation of formal jobs in different regions, such as Monte Cristi, Dajabón, Santiago Rodríguez, Puerto Plata, Bávaro–Punta Cana, Miches, Pedernales, San Juan, Elías Piña, Azua, San Cristóbal, Greater Santo Domingo, Santiago and others. “The call is to Dominican youth to take advantage of these opportunities, motivating themselves to pursue well-being and progress through education,” he expressed. Program “Fund Your Future” Through the “Beca tu Futuro” program, the Dominican government seeks to benefit thousands of talented and academically inclined young people, promoting their professional development and their contribution to social progress. Santos Badía explained that the scholarships will be distributed in 49 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) operating in the country, with an offer of 357 careers and 469 academic programs, with the purpose of expanding training opportunities for Dominican students and professionals through the state educational support system. He also highlighted that the program constitutes a public policy aimed at guaranteeing access to higher education, in compliance with Article 63 of the Constitution of the Republic, which establishes the right to education. Academic Offer The call for applications includes programs in strategic areas for national development at different levels of training, at the higher technical level in areas such as: Mechatronics Technology, Information Networks Technology, Artificial Intelligence Technology, Cybersecurity Technologist. In addition, at the undergraduate level, there is Telematics Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Cybersecurity Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Software Engineering. Agronomic Engineering, Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Hotel Administration. As well as at the master’s level are: Sciences in Energy Efficiency, Management and Innovation of Sustainable Tourist Destinations, Industrial Engineering, Data Science and Advanced Analysis, Legal and Forensic Dentistry, Precision Agriculture. The minister explained that these areas respond to the country’s needs in terms of innovation, productivity, and sustainable development, contributing to the training of highly qualified human resources. President Luis Abinader’s priority in STEM education During the event, the Vice Minister of the Presidency, Luis Madera, highlighted that the prioritization of scholarships in STEM areas responds to the strategic sectors defined by the Government, such as logistics, specialized free zones, diversified tourism, and agro-industry. He indicated that these sectors require professionals trained in science, technology, computer science, mathematics, and arts, while highlighting the interest in promoting female participation in these areas. “We want to promote greater participation of women in STEM careers and we aim for 70% of the scholarships to focus on these areas,” she said.

Participating institutions

Among the participating higher education institutions are: Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD), Universidad Tecnológica de Santiago (UTESA), Instituto Técnico Superior Comunitario (ITSC), Universidad ISA (UNISA), Universidad Central del Este (UCE), Universidad APEC (UNAPEC), Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU), Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), Instituto Tecnológico de Las Américas (ITLA), Universidad Tecnológica del Sur (UTESUR). Call deadline The call for the 2026 National Scholarships is open from February 23rd to March 8th, 2026. During this period, those interested can submit their applications according to the established requirements. The minister reiterated that this initiative seeks to expand access to higher education and contribute to the integral development of the country by training professionals in strategic areas.