JUNE 22 – 26, 2026
Pre-enlistment period for the first semester, AY: 2026-2027
AUGUST 3-7, 2026
Registration period for the first semester, AY: 2026-2027
AUGUST 10, 2026
Start of Classes for AY: 2026-2027, First Semester
UP COLLEGE ADMISSION TEST (UPCAT)
The UPCAT consists of four subtests: Language Proficiency (in English and Filipino), Science, Mathematics, and Reading Comprehension (in English and Filipino).
Standardized UPCAT scores are combined with the composite of final grades in Grades 8, 9, 10, and 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. (https://upcat.up.edu.ph)
SELECTION FOR A CAMPUS
Admission into UP is very selective due to high demand. Applicants come from diverse backgrounds but they are all ranked based on indicators of academic preparedness for university life.
- Selection for admission to a campus is based on the applicant’s rank, and the campus quota and/or cut-off grades.
- A successful applicant can receive an offer of admission to only one of the applicant’s UP campus choices.
SELECTION FOR A DEGREE PROGRAM
The successful applicants for a given campus are ranked according to grade predictors and quotas of their chosen degree programs. Some degree programs are more competitive due to high demand.
- Applicants should choose only degree programs they are interested in. If an applicant is not successful for their first choice of campus, the process continues in order of priority of the remaining choices.
APPLICATIONS
All forms for UPCAT shall be submitted online, except for selected regional areas. Applicants shall electronically accomplish the Form 1 (Personal Data Sheet) and the Form 2B (High School Record), and upload their photo and electronic signature. Some questions in the Form 1 will be used for research and will have no bearing on admissions evaluation. However, we encourage applicants to fill out all the information completely and accurately to enable the University to conduct better data analysis. Senior high school officials shall (a) log on to the UPCAT Form 2A portal to fill out the Form 2A (High School Profile) with their updated information, and (b) submit to UP a certified true copy of the applicant’s permanent secondary school record (SF-10 or Form 137), signed in wet ink, and enclosed in a sealed envelope signed across the flap. The signatures may be from any school official listed as an authorized representative in the Form 2A.
For more info, go to this website or send an email to [email protected].
UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS
Regularly check your emails for announcements on appeals. Also check the UPCAT – U.P. System Facebook Page for latest announcements: https://www.facebook.com/UPSystemOfficeOfAdmissions
In the event you are not admitted into the degree program and/or UP campus of your choice, the UPCAT portal will provide you with access to the DiWA Portal which indicates degree programs with available slots and/or UP campuses for which you are eligible to apply. This portal, which is also managed by the UP Office of Admissions, makes use of the same email address and password that you used for submitting your UPCAT application. In order for UP to process your appeal, we will require you to indicate two (2) degree programs and/or a UP campus through such portal. In case your appeal is successful, you will be required by this portal to state whether you are accepting or declining the slot within a specified deadline, and if applicable to you, your assigned learner reference number.
https://upcat.up.edu.ph/
There is no guarantee that you will be accepted in the program you are appealing for. All appeals for reconsideration will be subject to the availability of slots and your UPG (University Predicted Grade) score. Should your appeal not be successful, you will be reverted back to your original degree program.
For more info, go to the UP Cebu Office of the University Registar or send an email to [email protected]
Certificate Program Admission
Applicants must apply through the Office of the University Registrar of UP Cebu and indicate the Certificate in Fine Arts as their program of choice.
Unlike regular undergraduate admission, applicants to the CFA program may apply even if they did not qualify through the standard UP admissions system.
All applicants must take and pass the Talent Aptitude Test (TAT) administered by the Fine Arts Program.
For more info, email the Fine Arts Program at [email protected].
TRANSFER ADMISSIONS
Students with previous college work from another University who want to transfer to the University of the Philippines (UP) must satisfy all admission requirements of the accepting unit/college. Applicants for transfer shall be considered for admission to the University only during the first semester of each academic year.
In general, a transfer applicant may be evaluated for admission provided that:
- he/she presents grades for all collegiate academic subjects taken outside UP for evaluation;
- he/she shall have completed, outside the University, at least 33 academic units equivalent to UP courses and must have a general weighted average of at least 2.0 or better for all the collegiate academic units taken outside of UP;
- he/she satisfies other admission requirements of the admitting college/unit prescribed for each degree program such as interview, talent test, or written or oral examination;
- he/she falls within the quota of the program at the time of application. Applicants shall be ranked according to the criteria set by the admitting program and the cut-off shall be determined by the college/unit based on their quota; and
- he/she will have to complete in the University not less than 50% of the units required in the program which should include ALL upper division courses.
- To graduate with honors, he/she will have to complete 75% of the required number of units and must be in residence for 2 years. Note: Transfer applicants from other schools should not enroll during the Summer/Midyear Term.
REQUIREMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED
Every new transfer applicant should submit the following at least one month prior to registration:
1) Accomplished application form (UP Form 3.1A) for transfer students, with one 2” x 2” photograph attached;
2) Transcript of Records or a certified true copy of grades (TCG) from each college attended for evaluation, regardless of his/her
intentions to validate his advance credits (class cards are not accepted). The TCG should be signed by the Registrar or his/her
authorized representative.
Do not apply for an honorable dismissal unless you have been accepted into the program.
3) A non-refundable application fee of PH₱ 100 (for Filipino citizens), PH₱ 250 (for resident foreign applicants), US$ 20 (for non-resident
foreign applicants) to be paid at the UP Cebu Cash Office, or by sending International Money Order payable to the University of the
Philippines Cebu.;
4) Submit the above documents to the Office of the University Registrar (OUR) for evaluation
For more info, go to the UP Cebu Office of the University Registar or send an email to [email protected]
GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
The graduate admissions for the Master of Arts in Communication and Media is ongoing. For more info, check out the BA Communication Facebook Page for updates and more info.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
Every applicant should submit the following at least one month (for local students) and six months (for foreign students) prior to registration at the Office of the University Registrar:
1) Accomplished application form (UP Form 3.5A), with two 2” x 2” photographs attached;
2) (for cross-registrants only) Official copy of grades from each college attended signed by the Registrar or an authorized
representative; or Official Transcript of Records with remarks “for evaluation purposes only”;
3) A non-refundable application fee of PH₱ 100 (for Filipino citizens), PH₱ 250 (for foreign residents), US$ 20 (for foreign
non-residents) to the UP Cebu Cash Office, or by sending International Money Order payable to the University of the
Philippines Cebu. Exchange students with MOA are exempted from payment of the application fee.;
4) (for foreign applicants only) Certification from a reputable bank in the applicant’s country about his/her capability to
finance the travel, educational, personal and other expenses that may be incurred in relation to his/her studies in the
Philippines; or Statement of Funding Support (2 copies).
For more info, go to the UP Cebu Office of the University Registar or send an email to [email protected]