UPCAT 2026 Online Application is Open – Apply NOW

ByCareers Filipino Team

The UPCAT 2026 Online Application is now open to apply for all eligible college students. The UP College Admission Test – popularly known as UPCAT is a gateway to the University of the Philippines. Students who aspire to take admission at UP, must first pass the UPCAT exam.

UPCAT Online Application
UPCAT Online Application

Continue reading to know all details about the Benefits, Eligibility Criteria, Documentary Requirements, Test Schedule and Step-by-step application process of UPCAT 2026.

Table of Contents

UPCAT 2026

The UPCAT means UP College Admission Test. It is the entrance exam for aspiring students who wish to enroll and study in the University of the Philippines (UP).

UPCAT test measures the academic potential of students who wish to seek admission to various undergraduate programs offered by the University of the Philippines.

The UPCAT 2026 exam will be administered nationwide on August 2 and 3, 2025.

University of the Philippines (UP)

UP is one of the Top universities in the Philippines with over 15 campuses located across the nation. Following is the list of some of several best constituent universities (CUs) of the University of the Philippines:

  • UP Baguio
  • UP Cebu
  • UP Diliman
  • UP Diliman Extension Program in Pampanga
  • UP Los Baños
  • UP Manila
  • UP Visayas
  • UP Tacloban
  • UP Mindanao
  • UP Open University

Benefits of UPCAT

All eligible students who enroll in the University of the Philippines will receive the following benefits:

  • Free Tuition and miscellaneous fees
  • Financial Assistance to Students

Financial Assistance Programs

The Financial Assistance programs for eligible students are as follows:

A. Programs that provide subsidy for tuition and other school fees

  • Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017
  • Grants-in-Aid Program (GIAP)
  • Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES)
  • Other Scholarship and Grant Programs that waive tuition and other school fees offered by UP’s constituent universities

B. Programs that provide living allowance on monthly or per semester basis

  • Student and Graduate Assistantships (SAGA)
  • Grants-in-Aid Program (GIAP)
  • UP Presidential Scholarship
  • UP Presidential Leadership Grant
  • The Lingap Iskolar Program
  • Other student programs that grant cash allowances offered by UP’s constituent universities

C. Programs that defer cash payments during the semester

  • UP Tuition Loan Program
  • Other tuition loan programs offered by UP’s constituent universities

ALSO APPLY FOR BARMM College Scholarship

Scholarships, Loans and Grants

Grants-in-Aid Program (GIAP)

UP created the Grants-in-Aid Program (GIAP) to reduce the cost paid by students during enrollment based on the household’s paying capacity to which a student belongs. Through the GIAP, UP may subsidize a portion of the full cost required during enrollment and, in some instances, grant additional subsidy to waive miscellaneous fees and grant monthly cash allowances.

Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES)

The Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is a financial assistance program managed by the Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST). The TES grants cash allowance for one academic year to undergraduate students from low-income households. To process applications to TES, Scholarship personnel use the information submitted by students in SLAS Online. The University endorses SLAS Online applicants who meet the TES requirements of UniFAST.

Student and Graduate Assistantships (SAGA)

The UP’s SAGA is a program for upperclassmen and graduate students to gain experiences on leadership and ethics in the workplace; in the course of assisting UP in fulfilling its teaching, research, and public service functions. Student Assistants (SAs) are given allowances based on hours rendered: Currently at P60/hour for undergraduate students, P100/hour for MA/MS, and P140/hour for PhD.

UP Tuition Loan Program

Students may avail of short-term loans through the Student Loan Board. Loans must be settled before the end of the semester or trimester.

UP Presidential Scholarship and UP Presidential Leadership Grant Programs

These programs are competitive scholarship programs awarded to students with outstanding academic accomplishments and leadership achievements. Undergraduate students with a general weighted average of at least a “1.75” and “2.75” are eligible to apply for the scholarships, respectively. The total number of scholars is limited to the number of slots that are vacant every academic year.

Lingap Iskolar Program

THE LINGAP ISKOLAR PROGRAM provides benefits and assistance to UPCAT qualifiers from remote, disadvantaged areas who come from low income-bracket families earning PhP135,000 gross annual income; and who are not currently on any other financial assistance or scholarship program.

Other than the above mentioned programs, there are other scholarships, study grants, and awards provided by government, private companies or individuals available for students.

List of UPCAT Subjects

The UPCAT Test consists of 4 subjects which are as follows:

  • Language Proficiency (in English and Filipino)
  • Reading Comprehension (in English and Filipino)
  • Science and
  • Mathematics

Standardized UPCAT scores are combined with the composite of final grades in Grades 8 to 11 to determine the admission score (“UPG”).

To implement the policy of democratic access, UP also considers socioeconomic and geographic factors in its admission process.

Eligibility Criteria for UPCAT

To be eligible to apply for UPCAT 2026 exam, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Applicant must be a Senior high school student expecting to graduate before SY 2026-2027 from a DepEd-accredited high school or an accredited secondary school abroad; OR
  • A Graduate of a DepEd-accredited high school or accredited secondary school abroad; AND
  • The Student must have final grades for Grade 8, 9, 10 and Grade 11;
  • Must not have taken any college subject/s prior to the opening of SY 2026-2027;
  • He or She must not have taken the UP College Admission Test before; AND
  • Must not have applied and completed the UP College Application for either the AY 2021-2022 (UPCA 2021), AY 2022-2023 (UPCA 2022), AY 2023-2024 (UPCA 2023).

For the latest scholarship updates, Join College Scholarships Facebook Broadcast Channel:

College Scholarships Facebook Broadcast Channel
College Scholarships Facebook Broadcast Channel

Documentary Requirements

Following are the list of documents required to apply for the UPCAT exam:

Please note that the list of document varies depending upon the category of the applicant. So, make sure to read this carefully.

Requirements for all Students

Fully accomplished Forms:

  • Form 1 Personal Data Sheet
  • Form 2A
  • Form 2B High School Record

A certified true copy of the Permanent Secondary School Record (F137/SF10) signed in wet signature of the authorized school personnel (sealed in an envelope with wet signature on the flap) should be submitted to the UP Office of Admissions.

IF High school graduate

For graduate, you need a High School Diploma.

IF Graduating in 2025 from a local HS

If you are Graduating in 2025 from a local HS, then include DepEd Certificate of Recognition or Permit to Operate (to be submitted by the high school).

ONLY IF Transferee (i.e., has taken subjects from another high school)

If you are a Transferee, then include a Certified clear photocopy of the Permanent Secondary School Record (F137/SF10) from other school with all the grades earned therein.

For Foreign Applicants Only

If you are a Foreign Applicant, you must include Proof of payment of application processing fee.

List of Undergraduate Degree Programs

Following is the complete list of Undergraduate Degree Programs available at the University of the Philippines (UP):

1. UP BAGUIO

  • BS Biology
  • BA Communication
  • BS Computer Science
  • B Fine Arts
  • BA Language & Literature
  • BS Management Economics
  • BS Mathematics
  • BS Physics
  • BA Social Sciences (Anthropology)
  • BA Social Sciences (Economics)
  • BA Social Sciences (History)

2. UP CEBU

  • BS Biology
  • BA Communication
  • BS Computer Science
  • B Fine Arts
  • BS Management
  • BS Mathematics
  • BA Political Science
  • BA Psychology
  • BS Statistics

3. UPEP PAMPANGA

  • BA Applied Psychology
  • BA Business Economics
  • BS Business Management

4. UP DILIMAN

  • BA Anthropology
  • BS Applied Physics
  • BS Architecture (5 yrs)
  • BA Art Studies
  • BS Biology
  • BA Broadcast Media Arts and Studies
  • BS Business Administration
  • BS Business Administration and Accountancy (4.5 yrs)
  • BS Business Economics
  • BS Chemical Engineering
  • BS Chemistry
  • BS Civil Engineering
  • BS Clothing Technology
  • BA Communication Research
  • BS Community Development
  • BS Community Nutrition
  • BA Comparative Literature
  • BS Computer Engineering
  • BS Computer Science
  • BA Creative Writing
  • BS Economics
  • BS Electrical Engineering
  • BS Electronics Engineering
  • B Elementary Education
  • BA English Studies
  • BA European Languages
  • BS Family Life and Child Development
  • BA Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas
  • BA Film
  • B Fine Arts
  • BS Food Technology
  • BS Geodetic Engineering
  • BS Geography
  • BS Geology
  • BA History
  • BS Home Economics
  • BS Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management
  • BS Industrial Engineering
  • BS Interior Design
  • BA Journalism
  • B Landscape Architecture
  • B Library and Information Science
  • BA Linguistics
  • BA Malikhaing Pagsulat sa Filipino
  • BS Materials Engineering
  • BS Mathematics
  • BS Mechanical Engineering
  • BS Metallurgical Engineering
  • BS Mining Engineering
  • BS Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
  • B Music
  • BA Philippine Studies
  • BA Philosophy
  • B Physical Education
  • BS Physics
  • BA Political Science
  • BA Psychology
  • BS Psychology
  • B Public Administration
  • B Secondary Education
  • BS Social Work
  • BA Sociology
  • BA Speech Communication
  • B Sports Science
  • BS Statistics
  • BA Theatre Arts
  • BS Tourism

5. UP VISAYAS

  • BS Accountancy (4.5 yrs)
  • BS Applied Mathematics
  • BS Biology
  • BS Business Administration (Marketing)
  • BS Chemical Engineering
  • BS Chemistry
  • BA Communication and Media Studies
  • BA Community Development
  • BS Computer Science
  • BS Economics
  • BS Fisheries
  • BS Food Technology
  • BA History
  • BA Literature
  • BS Management
  • BA Political Science
  • BA Psychology
  • BS Public Health
  • BA Sociology
  • BS Statistics

6. UP LOS BAÑOS

  • BS Accountancy
  • BS Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship
  • BS Agricultural and Applied Economics
  • BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
  • BS Agricultural Biotechnology
  • BS Agricultural Chemistry (5 yrs)
  • BS Agriculture
  • BS Applied Mathematics
  • BS Applied Physics
  • BS Biology
  • BS Chemical Engineering
  • BS Chemistry
  • BS Civil Engineering
  • BA Communication Arts
  • BS Computer Science
  • BS Development Communication
  • BS Economics
  • BS Electrical Engineering
  • BS Food Science and Technology
  • BS Forestry
  • BS Human Ecology
  • BS Industrial Engineering
  • BS Materials Engineering
  • BS Mathematics
  • BS Mathematics and Science Teaching
  • BS Mechanical Engineering
  • BS Nutrition
  • BA Philosophy
  • BA Sociology
  • BS Statistics
  • D Veterinary Medicine (6 yrs)

7. UP MANILA

  • BS Applied Physics
  • BA Behavioral Sciences
  • BS Biochemistry
  • BS Biology
  • BS Computer Science
  • D Dental Medicine (6 yrs)
  • BA Development Studies
  • BS Nursing
  • BS Occupational Therapy
  • BA Organizational Communication
  • BS Pharmaceutical Sciences (5 yrs)
  • BS Pharmacy (5 yrs)
  • BA Philippine Arts
  • BS Physical Therapy
  • BA Political Science
  • BS Public Health
  • BA Social Sciences (Area Studies)
  • BS Speech Pathology

8. UP TACLOBAN

  • BS Accountancy (4 yrs)
  • BS Applied Mathematics
  • BS Biology
  • BS Computer Science
  • BS Economics
  • BA Literature
  • BS Management
  • BA Media Arts
  • BA Political Science
  • BA Psychology

9. UP MINDANAO

  • BS Agribusiness Economics
  • BS Anthropology
  • BS Applied Mathematics
  • BS Architecture
  • BS Biology
  • BA Communication and Media Arts
  • BS Computer Science
  • BS Data Science
  • BA English
  • BS Food Technology
  • B Sports Science

10. UP OPEN UNIVERSITY

  • B Education Studies (4 yrs, trimester)
  • BA Multimedia Studies (4 yrs, trimester)

Non-Baccalaureate / Certificate / Associate in Arts Programs

The list of Non-Baccalaureate / Certificate / Associate in Arts Programs available at the UP are as follows:

  • Certificate in Fine Arts (Visual Arts) – 3 yrs: Baguio
  • Certificate in Fine Arts (Studio Arts) – 3 yrs: Cebu
  • Associate in Arts (Music) – 2 yrs: Diliman (CMu)
  • Associate in Arts (Industrial Design) – 2 yrs: Diliman (CFA)
  • Associate in Arts (Studio Arts) – 2 yrs: Diliman (CFA)
  • Associate in Arts (Visual Communication) – 2 yrs: Diliman (CFA)
  • Associate in Arts (Theatre) – 2 yrs: Diliman (CFA)
  • Associate in Arts (Malikhaing Pagsuklat sa Filipino) – 2 yrs: Diliman (CAL)
  • Associate in Arts (Entrepreneurship) – 2 yrs: Los Baños (CEM)
  • Associate of Science in Development Communication – 2 yrs: Los Baños (CDC)
  • Associate of Science in Forestry – 2 yrs: Los Baños (CFNR)
  • Associate of Arts in Sports Studies – 2 yrs: Mindanao
  • Associate in Arts – 2 yrs: Open University
  • Associate of Science in Instructional Design and Technology – 2 yrs: Open University
  • Associate of Arts in Digital Design and Art – 2 yrs: Open University
  • Associate of Science in Information Technology – 2 yrs: Open University
  • Associate of Arts in Digital Entrepreneurship – 2 yrs: Open University
  • Associate in Arts (Sports Studies) – 2 yrs: Diliman (CHK)

Step-by-Step Application Process for UPCAT 2026

Following is a Step-by-step Application Process to apply for UPCAT 2026:

1. Filling the Application Form

For Manual Applications: Please note that the Manual application for UPCAT exam will only be available in selected regional areas.

For Online Applications:

Follow the following step-by-step guide to apply online for the exam:

  1. Go to UPCAT 2026 Online Application portal (link given in the bottom of the post, so, don’t hurry up, first read all the steps carefully).
  2. You will need a valid email address to log into your application account and receive notifications about the status and results of your application.
    • To facilitate application, it is recommend to use a personal email address rather than a school-related email address.
    • Please ensure that you encode your full name, date of birth, and school name exactly as they appear on your birth certificate.
    • Please send an email to [email protected] if your school is not listed among the options.
  3. Students are strongly encouraged to use secured e-mail accounts preferably with two-step verification to better protect their right to data privacy.
  4. Do not create multiple accounts as these will cause much delay in accessing your application forms.
  5. Students are required to read the UP Privacy Notice for Applicants for First Year Admissions Academic Year 2026-2027 completely before creating your account and filling out Form 1.
  6. Make sure you have a stable and secure internet connection
  7. Fill out Form 1 completely and accurately.
  8. Write down your Email address and Password, so that you don’t forget them.

2. Filling Form 2A (High School Profile)

For schools with an existing valid email address in our database, the Online portal shall automatically forward a request to your high school principal/school head to fill out Form 2A (High School Profile).

  • Only a duly authorized school official may fill out this form.
  • You will be notified accordingly once your high school has accomplished Form 2A.
  • For updates in the school email address in our database, the authorized school official must send a request to [email protected] for the correct email format.

3. Payment of Application fee (For Non-Filipinos Only)

Non Filipinos have to pay a Non-refundable Application Fee. The application fees and the modes of payment can be known by visiting the UPCAT website from the link given below in the important links section.

4. Receive your Test Permit

  • You will be notified by email if your Test Permit is already available.
  • Download your Test Permit from the online application portal.
  • You will need to print the test permit and bring it on your assigned test date for presentation and submission to the Proctor.
  • Follow the instructions carefully on how to print your test permit.
  • You will still need to bring your School ID or any government-issued ID on your assigned test date.

5. Take the UPCAT Test on August 2-3, 2025

Student must reach at their designated Test Center on the date specified in their Test Permit on August 2 or 3, 2025 by 6:30am (morning session) or 12nn (afternoon session).

  • Bring only your Test Permit, School ID or any valid government-issued ID card, 2 good quality pencils, sharpener, rubber eraser and snacks.
  • The test administration will last about five hours.

NOTE: It is important to note that the use of cellphones, calculating devices, and/or cameras during the test is strictly prohibited. Application will not be processed and no admission score will be computed for applicants who did not take the test.

6. Fill out Form 2B within August 4 to 25, 2025

Do this once you receive a copy of your High School Records and your final grades in Grades 8 to 11 are complete.

Go to UPCAT 2026 Application portal (https://upcat2026online.up.edu.ph/). Log on to your application account using email address and password you used for signing up in the portal.

  • You are required to read the UP Privacy Notice for Applicants for First Year Admissions Academic Year 2026-2027 before filling out Form 2B.
  • Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
  • Fill out Form 2B completely and accurately.
  • Applicants who have ever enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) must have at least one year of grades from a regular school. They must also submit a certified true copy with wet signature of their Learner’s Permanent Record (AF-5)/Certification, along with the hard copy of regular grades.
  • Applicants who have taken the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) must have at least one year of grades from a regular school. They must also submit a certified true copy with wet signature of their PEPT Certificate of Rating, along with the hard copy of regular grades.

NOTE: It is to be noted that the Application will not be Processed and No Admission score will be computed for UPCAT-takers who did not Fill out Form 2B.

7. Check if the Completed Forms 1 and 2B are uploaded in the Online Portal

  • You will be notified by email regarding the status of your application.
  • You may also monitor the status of your application by logging on to your UP College Application online account.

Please check with your school if a copy of your school record (sealed in an envelope with wet signature on flap) has been sent to UP. Non-submission will render your application incomplete and shall not be processed.

Visit https://upcat.up.edu.ph regularly for announcements and updates regarding your application for admission.

UPCAT Application Results

Students can check the UP website https://upcat2026online.up.edu.ph/ for announcements of the application results.

You will need the same email account that you used for application to view your application results.
If you qualify for admission to UP, register according to the instructions provided by the college or unit to which you have been accepted.

UPCAT Application Schedule and Test Dates

Application Schedule for UPCAT

  • The Online Application period for UPCAT 2026 starts from 3 March 2025.
  • The deadline date for Filing of Applications for UPCAT 2026 is 31 March 2025.

UPCAT Test Dates

The UPCAT 2026 will be administered nationwide on August 2 and 3, 2025.

Online Application Portal and Contact details

Link to UPCAT 2026 Online Application Portal: https://upcat2026online.up.edu.ph/

For more details regarding the Online Application, Eligibility criteria, Documentary Requirements, Test Centers etc., visit the Online Application Portal.

UP OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS

  • Telefax: +63 2 89274561
  • Telephone: +63 2 8981-8500 loc. 3827/3828/3830/3831
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website: https://upcat.up.edu.ph
  • Address: Kalaw cor. Quirino Ave., UP Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Philippines
  • For concerns, please contact the UPCAT 2026 Online Helpdesk: https://bit.ly/upcat2026onlinehelpdesk.

Note: Our articles are solely for informational purposes. We are not affiliated to the entities featured. The source/s are provided at the bottom of each article so that you can double-check the authenticity of the articles.

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