MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Philippines (UP) is expected to release the results of the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) for Academic Year (AY) 2026–2027 sometime in April 2026.
More than 140,000 applicants took the UPCAT on August 2 and 3, 2025, administered across 117 testing centers nationwide. Successful examinees will be admitted in the first semester of the next academic year.
Related Entrance Exam Results
- ACET Results for AY 2026-2027
- USTET Results for 2026-2027
- DCAT Results for 2026-2027
Where to Check UPCAT 2026 Results
Applicants are advised to visit the official UPCAT website at https://upcat.up.edu.ph for announcements and result access.
To view results, applicants must use the same email address used during the application process. Those who qualify for admission should follow the registration instructions issued by the UP college or unit to which they have been accepted.
UP is also expected to launch a dedicated microsite for the UPCAT 2026 results, with access scheduled according to assigned time slots.
UPCAT Passing Rate and Admission Criteria
In previous years, UP said that roughly 10 percent of UPCAT examinees typically qualify, with the university able to accept around 15,000 freshmen.
For AY 2025–2026, the passing rate increased to 13 percent, with 17,996 qualifiers out of 135,236 applicants.
Admission is based on the UP Admission Grade (UPG), which is computed from:
- 60 percent UPCAT test results
- 40 percent final grades from Grade 8 to Grade 11
“Ang batayan ng UPCAT is 60 percent ng weight ay doon sa test, but 40 percent ang batayan natin [from] Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10 at Grade 11,” UP President Angelo Jimenez previously said.
UP also considers socioeconomic and geographic factors to support its policy of democratic access to education.
UP Selection Process
Admission to UP is highly competitive due to strong demand from applicants nationwide. Candidates are ranked based on indicators of academic preparedness, campus quotas, and cut-off grades.
Applicants may receive an offer of admission to only one UP campus, based on their preferences and ranking. Degree programs vary in competitiveness, with some admitting fewer students due to high demand.
UPCAT Coverage
The UPCAT consists of four subtests:
- Language Proficiency (English and Filipino)
- Reading Comprehension (English and Filipino)
- Science
- Mathematics
Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Assistance
In line with the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017, all eligible students enrolling in UP for AY 2026–2027 will enjoy free tuition and miscellaneous fees.
Beyond government subsidies, UP also provides additional financial assistance programs to qualified students.
Alternative Entry Paths for Non-Qualifiers
UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Leo Cubillan said non-UPCAT qualifiers may still pursue admission by enrolling in associate degree programs offered by various UP campuses or by studying in another school for one year before transferring.
The UP Open University also offers undergraduate programs to applicants who pass the Undergraduate Assessment Test (UgAT).
Good luck and congratulations in advance to all aspiring Iskolar ng Bayan!
— The Summit Express