The University of Santo Tomas (UST), the oldest existing university in Asia, offers various scholarship programs for deserving students. Whether you’re an academic achiever, varsity athlete, or student in financial need, UST has a scholarship track for you.
This guide covers all UST scholarship opportunities for 2026: eligibility requirements, benefits, application process, and tips for success.
UST Scholarship Programs Overview
| Scholarship Type | Coverage | Target Students |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Excellence | 25-100% tuition | Honor students |
| Entrance Scholarship | Tuition discount | Top USTET passers |
| Athletic Scholarship | Full support | Varsity athletes |
| Cultural Scholarship | Partial support | Artists, performers |
| Need-Based Grants | Varies | Low-income students |
| External Scholarships | Full/partial | Various criteria |
1. UST Academic Excellence Scholarship
For students with outstanding grades.
Freshman Academic Scholarship
Based on Senior High School performance:
Full Scholarship (100% tuition):
- Valedictorian or Salutatorian
- General Average of 98% and above
- Must be from top-ranking schools
75% Tuition Discount:
- Top 10 graduates
- General Average of 95-97%
50% Tuition Discount:
- With Highest Honors
- General Average of 93-94%
25% Tuition Discount:
- With High Honors
- General Average of 90-92%
Continuing Student Scholarship
Based on QPI (Quality Point Index) each semester:
| QPI | Scholarship |
|---|---|
| 1.00-1.20 | 100% tuition |
| 1.21-1.45 | 75% tuition |
| 1.46-1.75 | 50% tuition |
| 1.76-2.00 | 25% tuition |
2. USTET Entrance Scholarship
Based on UST Entrance Test performance:
Top 50 USTET Passers:
- Significant tuition discounts
- Priority in enrollment
- Special recognition
Note: USTET ranking scholarships are announced after exam results.
3. UST Athletic Scholarship
For varsity athletes representing UST.
Benefits:
- Full tuition and fees
- Monthly allowance
- Training support
- Equipment and uniform
- Competition support
Eligibility:
- Must be recruited by UST varsity team
- Pass athletic tryouts
- Meet academic requirements
- Represent UST in competitions
Sports Programs:
- Basketball (men and women)
- Volleyball (men and women)
- Football
- Tennis
- Badminton
- Swimming
- Track and Field
- And more
4. UST Cultural Scholarship
For students with artistic talents.
Benefits:
- Partial tuition discount
- Performance opportunities
- Cultural training
Eligibility:
- Member of UST cultural groups
- Demonstrated artistic ability
- Maintain academic standing
Cultural Groups:
- UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe
- UST Symphony Orchestra
- UST Singers
- Theater groups
- Visual arts
5. UST Need-Based Financial Assistance
UST-OASA Grant
Through the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs:
Benefits:
- Partial tuition assistance
- Special payment plans
- Emergency funds
Eligibility:
- UST student in good standing
- Demonstrated financial need
- Complete documentation
Discounts and Subsidies
Sibling Discount:
- 5-10% discount for siblings studying at UST
Employee/Alumni Discount:
- Discounts for dependents of UST employees
- Alumni family discounts
6. External Scholarships at UST
UST partners with foundations and companies:
SM Foundation Scholarship:
- Full tuition + allowance
- For SM scholars enrolled at UST
Megaworld Foundation:
- Engineering and IT students
- Full scholarship with allowance
DOST-SEI Scholarship:
- For STEM programs at UST
- Government-funded
- Merit and need-based
- Can be used at UST
Required Documents
For Academic Scholarships:
- USTET result or admission letter
- Senior High School Report Card (Form 137)
- Certificate of Good Moral Character
- PSA Birth Certificate
- 2×2 ID Photos
For Need-Based Grants:
- Application form
- Parent’s ITR or Certificate of Income
- Certificate of Indigency
- Proof of enrollment
- Personal essay
For Athletic Scholarships:
- Tryout results
- Athletic certifications
- Coach recommendation
- Academic records
How to Apply for UST Scholarships
Academic Scholarships:
- Apply for admission – Take USTET and pass
- Submit grades – Provide certified SHS report card
- Automatic evaluation – Qualified students are identified
- Scholarship notification – Awarded during enrollment
Need-Based Grants:
- Enroll at UST – Complete admission process
- Get application form – From OASA or scholarship office
- Submit requirements – Complete all documents
- Interview – If required
- Wait for results – Notification within 2-4 weeks
Athletic Scholarships:
- Contact varsity program – Express interest to coaches
- Attend tryouts – Demonstrate athletic ability
- Receive offer – If selected for team
- Complete requirements – Submit documents
UST Tuition and Fees 2026
UST tuition varies by program:
| Program | Estimated Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| Medicine | PHP 200,000+ |
| Engineering | PHP 80,000-100,000 |
| Nursing | PHP 70,000-90,000 |
| Business | PHP 60,000-80,000 |
| Arts and Letters | PHP 50,000-70,000 |
Note: These are estimates. Check UST for current rates.
Maintaining Your Scholarship
UST scholars must:
- Maintain required QPI/GWA
- Enroll in full academic load
- Not fail any subject (for full scholars)
- Complete program within residency period
- Follow scholarship terms
Warning: Poor academic performance leads to scholarship downgrade or termination.
Tips for UST Scholarship Success
- Aim for high USTET score – Top passers get automatic scholarships.
- Maintain excellent grades – QPI determines continuing scholarships.
- Apply for multiple programs – Combine academic with need-based if eligible.
- Check external scholarships – DOST, CHED, foundations partner with UST.
- Meet deadlines – Submit requirements on time.
- Keep documents ready – Have certified copies of all requirements.
- Follow up – Check application status regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a full scholarship at UST? A: Yes. Valedictorians, top athletes, and some external scholars receive 100% tuition coverage.
Q: How competitive is UST academic scholarship? A: Competitive. Maintain 93%+ GWA for entry-level scholarships.
Q: Can I combine UST scholarship with DOST or CHED? A: Yes, external scholarships can be used at UST. Internal UST discounts may not stack.
Q: When is USTET? A: Usually October-December. Check UST website for exact dates.
Q: Do graduate students get scholarships? A: Yes. UST offers graduate assistantships and research grants.
Contact Information
UST Office of Admissions
- Location: UST Main Building, España, Manila
- Website: ust.edu.ph
- USTET Info: ust.edu.ph/admissions
UST Office of Student Affairs
- Scholarship inquiries and financial assistance
- Located at UST Main Campus
Final Thoughts
UST offers diverse scholarship opportunities for Thomasians. Whether through academic excellence, athletic prowess, or financial need, there’s support available for deserving students.
If you’re aiming for UST, prepare for the USTET, maintain excellent grades, and explore all scholarship options. Your Thomasian journey can be more affordable than you think.