The University of the Philippines (UP) on Tuesday, April 22, officially released the results of the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) for Academic Year 2025–2026, announcing admission offers to nearly 18,000 successful applicants.

Of 135,236 examinees, 17,996—or approximately 13 percent—qualified for admission across UP’s eight constituent units and 17 campuses.

The results can now be accessed through the UPCAT 2025 results portal (upcat2025results.up.edu.ph) using the same login credentials applicants used during the application period.

In a media briefing at the UP Diliman Executive House, UP President Angelo A. Jimenez emphasized the day's significance not only as a milestone for applicants but also as a reaffirmation of the university’s mission.

“We are not simply releasing the UPCAT results—we are opening doors,” Jimenez said. “Doors that lead to opportunity, to nation-building, to the lifelong journey of learning and service,” he added.

Breaking barriers, expanding access

This year’s results highlight a shift toward greater inclusivity and geographic diversity.

Public school students make up 55 percent of those accepted—a notable improvement compared to past years. The proportion of first-generation college students has also doubled, from 6.6 percent to 13 percent.

Jimenez attributed these positive trends to UP's intensified efforts to reach underserved communities.

“We noticed that every year, around 1,500 UPCAT qualifiers from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) don’t proceed to UP,” Jimenez said.

In response, UP is expanding its Lingap Iskolar Program, launched in 2024, which provides financial and mentoring support to students from low-income backgrounds and GIDA communities.

Last year, 194 scholars received approximately P165,000 each in aid. This year, the university has increased funding to support 300 scholars.

“The Lingap Iskolar Program is our promise that a UP education will be truly within reach, wherever students come from,” Jimenez added.

Nationwide representation

Regionally, 30 percent of qualifiers come from the National Capital Region, with the rest from provinces including Laguna (6 percent), Cavite (4.4 percent), Cebu (3.9 percent), Bulacan (3.8 percent), and Rizal (3.7 percent).

Notably, the opening of a new UPCAT testing center in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro, helped increase qualifiers from that province from fewer than 10 to 31 this year.

Campus-wise, UP Diliman continues to accept the largest share of incoming students at 32.9 percent, followed by Los Baños and Manila. However, a growing number of admissions (34.8 percent) are now going to campuses outside these traditional hubs—up from 30 percent the previous year.

Beyond the test

Jimenez acknowledged that while the UPCAT remains a rigorous and competitive selection process, it is not the only path to UP.

“It is true that UPCAT as a mode of entry to UP is incredibly difficult and may even be disadvantageous to students denied quality elementary and secondary education due to financial challenges and other poverty-related hurdles,” Jimenez said.

The university offers alternative routes, including associate degrees, transfer programs, and undergraduate offerings through the UP Open University.

Additionally, Jimenez said UP has taken steps to improve student welfare.

Student Assistant and Graduate Assistant salaries were raised by 35 percent to 50 percent—the first such increase in a decade.

Reaffirming UP’s commitment

In his message to the successful applicants, Jimenez offered congratulations and a reminder of the responsibility that comes with being a scholar of the people.

“To the successful examinees: your hard work, your dreams, and your potential have brought you to this moment… UP is your university,” Jimenez said. “It is your home, your platform, your training ground—and one day, it will be your legacy to carry forward,” he added.

For those who did not qualify, Jimenez emphasized that this is “not the end, but the beginning of many other paths.”

Applicants are advised to read all instructions carefully and monitor official UP channels for updates regarding enrollment, registration, and appeal procedures.