As the premier State University, UP offers a wide range of degree programs. Some degree programs are offered in only one campus (e.g., BS Nursing, BA Filipino) while others are offered in two or more campuses (e.g., B Fine Arts, BS Statistics). Most of these require qualification through the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT).
To maintain its high standard of education and to maximize its limited resources, UP has had to limit slots for freshman admission to each campus and to its various degree programs.
If you decide to take the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT), you will be one among many thousands who aspire to enter the University of the Philippines.
The UPCAT consists of 4 subtests: Language Proficiency, Science, Mathematics and Reading Comprehension. Standardized scores on these subtests are combined with the weighted average of final grades in the first three years of high school to determine qualification into UP.
Moreover, to implement the policy of democratization to make the UP studentry more representative of the nation’s population, socio-economic and geographic considerations are factored in the selection of campus qualifiers.
Conditions for Eligibility
To be eligible to take the UPCAT, you must meet certain specific requirements.
First: You must belong to one of the categories listed below:
1. Senior students (e.g., Fourth Year, Grade 12, Senior 6) of DepEd-accredited schools or secondary schools abroad (expecting to graduate at the end of the school year);
2. Graduates of DepEd-accredited schools or secondary schools abroad; or
3. Those declared eligible for admission to college after taking the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT).
NOTE: Graduates of DepEd-accredited schools or secondary schools abroad and those declared eligible for admission to college after taking the PEPT
1. Must not have taken any college subject/s previously;
2. Must not be taking any college subject/s at present; and
3. Will not be taking any college subject/s prior to or for the semester/academic year for which the UPCAT is to be taken.
Second: You must also have:
Final grades for the First, Second and Third Years of the 4-year secondary school curriculum in schools with DepEd recognition/permit to operate said curriculum (or Grades 9, 10 and 11 or, their equivalent for international or foreign schools); and
Third: You must also NOT HAVE TAKEN the UPCAT previously.
Taking the UPCAT
1. Go to your designated Test Center on the date specified in your Test Permit. Be there by 6:30 for the morning session or by 12:30 for the afternoon session.
2. Bring only your Test Permit, two good quality pencils, a sharpener, a rubber eraser and snacks. (The test administration will last about five hours). The use of cellphones and/or calculating devices during the test is strictly prohibited and can be a cause for disqualification.
After the UPCAT
1. Check the UPCAT website (http://www.upcat.up.edu.ph) for announcements and posting of UPCAT Results (towards the end of March).
2. A list of qualifiers from your school will be sent to your Principal. Individual notices will also be sent to all examinees.If you qualify for admission to UP, register according to the instructions provided by the college or unit to which you have been accepted.
On Scholarships
Since 1991, the UP Oblation Scholarship has been awarded to the top fifty UPCAT qualifiers. The benefits include free tuition, miscellaneous and laboratory fees, a semestral book subsidy and a monthly incentive and transportation allowance.
Recipients may enjoy the UP Oblation Scholarship throughout the normal length of time required to finish their chosen degree program, provided they maintain the required grade point average. For those in the accelerated medical program (INTARMED), however, only the first four years are covered by this grant.
The University of the Philippines has a Socialized Tuition System. It provides possible tuition discounts and/or additional financial assistance for financially needy students in the form of monthly subsidies for living and travel expenses and a semestral book allowance.
A number of scholarships, study grants and awards donated by government and private companies or individuals, are also available for the Office of Scholarships and Student Services. Most are intended for financially needy students, though some are awarded in recognition of outstanding academic performance.
Important Reminders
-There is no minimum high school average grade requirement for taking the UPCAT.
-The UPCAT can be taken only once.
For more details on the UPCAT and how to take test, click here.
