MANILA, Philippines – The University of the Philippines (UP) will open applications for the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) 2027 in March 2026, the premier state university announced.
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| The Oblation in UP Diliman. Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO |
The UPCAT for incoming first-year students for Academic Year 2027–2028 will be conducted on August 1 and 2, 2026.
“Applications for UPCAT 2027 will open soon. Current Grade 11 students who are expected to start college in 2027 should take note of these dates,” UP said.
Important Dates and Timeline
- March 2026 – Start of application period
- July 2026 – Release of digital test permits
- August 1–2, 2026 – UPCAT examination dates
- August 2026 – Submission of grades
UP said the specific dates will be announced at the start of the application period.
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Application Process
Once the application period opens, applicants must accomplish and submit Form 1 through the UPCAT online portal. School officials are required to complete and certify student information via the Form 2A portal. Applicants will receive their test permits only after their schools have completed this step.
Submission of grades will be accepted after the UPCAT examination.
Note: Applications are not processed on a first-come, first-served basis. However, applicants must ensure that all requirements are submitted online before the deadline.
Aspiring Isko and Iska must bring a valid school ID or any government-issued ID on the day of the UPCAT.
Coverage of the UPCAT
The UPCAT is a four-hour examination consisting of subtests in language proficiency, reading comprehension, mathematics, and science. The examination is administered in English and Filipino.
Selection of Applicants
Standardized UPCAT scores are combined with the final grades from Grades 8 to 11 to compute the applicant’s University Predicted Grade (UPG).
UP said it also considers socioeconomic and geographic factors in its admissions process to promote democratic access to education.
Applicants are ranked based on their combined UPCAT scores, high school grades, and applicable equity factors.
Selection for Campus and Degree Program
Admission to the University of the Philippines is highly competitive due to the large number of applicants from diverse backgrounds. Selection for a campus is based on the applicant’s rank, campus quota, and/or cut-off grade.
A successful applicant may receive only one offer of admission, corresponding to one of their chosen UP campuses.
Within each campus, applicants are ranked according to grade predictors and degree program quotas. Some degree programs are more competitive due to high demand.
About the University of the Philippines
The University of the Philippines is a system of eight constituent universities across 17 campuses nationwide: UP Baguio, UP Cebu, UP Diliman, UP Diliman Extension Program in Pampanga, UP Los Baños, UP Manila, UP Visayas, UP Mindanao, and UP Open University.
Every year, thousands of senior high school students take the UPCAT at UP constituent units and designated examination centers across the country.
UPCAT 2027 Updates
For official announcements and updates, follow the UPCAT – U.P. System Facebook page.
— The Summit Express