Planning to apply to the University of the Philippines? The country’s national university has officially opened applications for UPCAT 2027, covering incoming first-year students for Academic Year 2027–2028.
The online application portal is open from March 3 to March 30, 2026.
Photo: Misael Bacani/UP MPRO
How to apply
Applicants must submit their Form 1 through the official UPCAT online portal. After submission, schools are responsible for confirming their students’ records through form 2A. Only school officials can access this portal, and failure to be confirmed will prevent the release of the test permit required for the exam.
Who’s eligible?
Students who may apply include:
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Current Grade 11 students (Class of 2027)
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Grade 12 students who have not taken the UPCAT before
UP emphasized that submissions are not evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis, so applicants can take the time to review their forms carefully before finalizing them.
If corrections are needed after submission, applicants are advised not to cancel their application or create a new account. Instead, concerns may be raised through the university’s designated online helpdesk.
Key dates to note
Several steps follow the initial application:
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March 3, 2026, to April 10, 2026 – High schools must complete the required form 2A confirmation in the portal. This step is necessary for applicants to receive their test permits, which will be released in July 2026.
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August 1 and 2, 2026 – Scheduled dates of the UPCAT 2027.
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August 3 to 24, 2026 – Applicants must submit their academic records through form 2B, including hard copies of grades from Grades 8, 9, 10, and 11.
On exam day, examinees must present a valid school ID or a government-issued ID.
What does the test cover?
The UPCAT is composed of four main components:
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Language proficiency (English and Filipino)
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Reading comprehension (English and Filipino)
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Science
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Mathematics
UPCAT results are typically released in April 2027, with official announcements posted on UP’s website and social media channels. As with previous years, applicants are encouraged to regularly check official UP channels for updates and detailed instructions.
ALSO READ: Here Are Scholarship Programs Students Can Check Out in 2026
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