How to Register for the UPCAT

The UPCAT is an entrance test for the University of the Philippines, which, as you may already know, is one of the most prestigious universities in the country. The UPCAT stands for the University of the Philippines College Admission Test, and this e

What is the UPCAT?

Two Ways to Register

To register for the entrance exam, you can apply online via UP’s website, https://www.up.edu.ph or apply manually by asking for UPCAT Forms 1 and 2, the two college application forms, from the UP campus nearest you.

The manual form (Form 1) looks like this. Please make sure you get the latest version though:

The online application is easier for it is a step-by-step process which helps you fill up the necessary information about yourself, your school and your family background. After filling it up, print it on an A4-sized bond paper. If you are doing it manually, I suggest for you to grab extra copies of the form in case you make a mistake. Be sure to finalize your answers before writing it down.

The Requirements

After completing the two forms, UPCAT Forms 1 and 2 (or the online form), place it in a large envelope along with the other requirements:

Where to Send the Requirements

After finalizing the files, you can send it to:

UP Office of Admissions University of the Philippines 1101 Diliman, Quezon City

You can hand-deliver the requirements in person or through the school representative, or you can send it by mail.

There are also selected regional UPCAT application filing centers:

UP Baguio
UP Cebu
UPEP in Pampanga
UP Los Banos
UP Iloilo
UP Tacloban
UP Mindanao

You also need to include a self-addressed stamped envelope or use a return courier service. Be sure to use your school address. What we did was that all of us who took the UPCAT in our school collected our requirements and paid for one return courier service so that all our applications would be organized and pooled.

The Test Permit

If you file your application via an authorized school representative, your test permit will arrive a week or so after the date of submission of your application.

If you opt to personally file your application at the UP Office of Admissions, you can claim the Test Permit from the Office of Admissions on the same day.

If you apply via regional filing centers or by mail, the Test Permit will be mailed to your school within two to three weeks after submission.

Your email account will be very important in the progress of your application for it will provide details about your application. You may also check your application by logging in to your UPCAT Online Account https://upcatonline.up.edu.ph/.

While waiting for your exam date, go through the practice tests available at https://upcatonline.up.edu.ph/. These will help you mentally prepare for the types of tests you might encounter.