UPCAT 2026: College Admission, Requirements

The University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) is one of the most prestigious and competitive entrance exams in the Philippines.

For high school students aiming to join the ranks of the country’s future leaders, scientists, artists, and professionals, the UPCAT is a crucial step toward achieving their dreams.

As UPCAT 2026 approaches, it’s time for aspiring Iskos and Iskas to prepare for this challenging yet rewarding journey.

What is the UPCAT?

The UPCAT is the standardized entrance examination administered by the University of the Philippines (UP) to select qualified students for admission to its various undergraduate programs.

Known for its rigor, the UPCAT evaluates a student’s proficiency in key areas such as Language Proficiency, Mathematics, Science, and Reading Comprehension.

It also assesses critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in UP’s demanding academic environment.

Get ready, aspiring UP students! The University of the Philippines opens the UPCAT 2026 APPLICATIONS for incoming new first-year students for AY 2026-2027.

DATES TO REMEMBER

START OF ONLINE APPLICATION PERIOD	March 3, 2025
DEADLINE FOR FILING OF APPLICATIONS	March 31, 2025
EXAMINATION DATE	2-3 August 2025

Disclaimer: The information below is from last year. We will update this once UP releases the application process and requirements.

Who is qualified to apply?

1. Senior high school student expecting to graduate before SY 2025-2026 from a DepEd-accredited high school or an accredited secondary school abroad; OR
2. Graduate of a DepEd-accredited high school or accredited secondary school abroad; AND
3. Must have final grades for Grade 8, 9, 10 and Grade 11;
4. Must not have taken any college subject/s prior to the opening of SY 2025-2026;
5. Must not have taken the UP College Admission Test before; AND
6. 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).

Requirements for the UPCAT

CATEGORY OF APPLICANT		REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
All applicants		1. Fully accomplished Forms: A. Form 1 Personal Data Sheet (filled out by the applicant within April 15 to May 15, 2024) A1. ID Photo -2×2 inches or 51×51 mm or 192×192 pixels in size; -in color (with plain light-colored background) taken within the last 6 months; -in JPEG (.jpg) file format not exceeding 1 MB in file size; -in full-face view directly facing the camera; -in a bare face (without eyeglasses/contact lenses, or any accessory that may cover facial features); -with name tag (applicant’s signature over the printed name in the format: Last Name, First Name, Middle Name). The applicant should have the picture taken while holding the written name tag. Digital name and signature is also allowed. B. Form 2A (filled out by the high school within April 15 to May 22, 2024) C. Form 2B High School Record (filled out by the applicant within August 12 to September 15, 2024 provided the applicant took the UPCAT) 2. 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		High school diploma
IF Graduating in 2025 from a local SHS		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)		Certified clear photocopy of the Permanent Secondary School Record (F137/SF10) from other school with all the grades earned therein
For Foreign Applicants Only		Proof of payment of application processing fee

How to apply?

STEP 1: Application Submission

1. Complete Form 1:
   • Online applications open on April 15, 2024. Manual applications are available only in selected regional areas.
   • For online applications, visit https://upcat2025online.up.edu.ph.
   • Provide a valid email address for logging in and receiving application notifications.
   • Ensure accurate encoding of your full name, date of birth (as per birth certificate), and school name. If your school isn’t listed, email [email protected].
   • Use a personal email address for ease of application and result access.
   • Strongly recommend using secured email accounts with two-step verification.
   • Avoid creating multiple accounts to prevent delays.
   • Read the UP Privacy Notice for Applicants for First Year Admissions Academic Year 2025-2026 before account creation.
   • A stable internet connection is required.
   • Fill out Form 1 completely and accurately.
   • Remember your email address and password.

STEP 2: High School Information Submission

2. For schools with a valid email in our database:
   • The online portal will automatically request your high school principal/school head to fill Form 2A (High School Profile).
   • Only authorized officials can complete this form.
   • You’ll be notified once Form 2A is completed.
   • For email updates, the school official must contact [email protected].

STEP 3: Non-Filipino Applicants Payment

3. Non-refundable Application Fee:
   • ₱450 for resident foreign applicants in the Philippines.
   • US$50 for non-resident foreign applicants.
   • Payment options: Land Bank accounts (online and over-the-counter) and US dollar account.
   • Indicate the applicant’s name in the proof of payment and send a copy to [email protected].

STEP 4: Test Permit Acquisition

4. Upon availability, receive your Test Permit via email.
   • Download from the online portal.
   • Print the permit for presentation on the test date.
   • Follow printing instructions carefully.
   • Bring Test Permit and ID on the test day.
   • Paper-based applicants will receive permits from authorized UP personnel.

STEP 5: UPCAT Examination

5. Take the UPCAT on August 10-11, 2024.
   • Attend designated Test Center on specified date and time.
   • Arrive by 6:30 am (morning session) or 12 (afternoon session).
   • Bring a Test Permit, School ID, 2 pencils, a sharpener, an eraser, and snacks.
   • Test duration: about five hours.
   • Prohibited items: cellphones, calculators, cameras.
   • Observe public health standards.

STEP 6: Form 2B Submission

6. Complete Form 2B from August 12 to September 15, 2024.
   • Use the same email and password as Form 1.
   • Read UP Privacy Notice before filling Form 2B.
   • Ensure stable internet connection.
   • Complete Form 2B accurately.

STEP 7: Application Status

Remember to visit https://upcat.up.edu.ph for updates and announcements regarding admission.

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