The University of the Philippines (UP) is the country’s national university, offering free tuition to all undergraduate students under the Free Higher Education Act. Beyond free tuition, UP provides various scholarship and financial assistance programs to support Iskolar ng Bayan throughout their studies.
This guide covers all UP scholarship opportunities for 2026: free tuition policies, additional grants, eligibility requirements, and application processes.
UP Free Tuition: Iskolar ng Bayan
Since 2018, all Filipino undergraduate students at UP enjoy free tuition under Republic Act 10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act).
What’s Covered:
- 100% tuition fees
- Applies to all undergraduate programs
- All UP campuses included
What’s NOT Covered:
- Miscellaneous fees (student fees, lab fees, etc.)
- Living expenses
- Books and supplies
- Board and lodging
Note: Free tuition is automatic for all admitted Filipino students. No separate application needed.
UP Financial Assistance Programs
1. Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program (STFAP)
STFAP helps students cover miscellaneous fees and living expenses based on family income.
Brackets:
| Bracket | Annual Family Income | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| A | Below PHP 100,000 | Full subsidy + stipend |
| B | PHP 100,000-250,000 | Full misc fee subsidy |
| C | PHP 250,001-500,000 | Partial subsidy |
| D | PHP 500,001-1,000,000 | Minimal subsidy |
| E | Above PHP 1,000,000 | No subsidy |
Bracket A Benefits:
- 100% miscellaneous fee coverage
- Monthly stipend (PHP 1,500-3,000)
- Book allowance
- Dormitory priority
2. UP Student Assistantship Program
Work-study program for students needing additional income.
Benefits:
- Hourly wage for work in UP offices/departments
- Flexible hours around class schedule
- Work experience
Eligibility:
- Currently enrolled UP student
- Good academic standing
- Demonstrated financial need
3. UP Oblation Scholarship
For top UPCAT passers.
Benefits:
- Full coverage of all fees
- Monthly stipend
- Book allowance
- Priority dormitory placement
Eligibility:
- Top 50 UPCAT passers (approximately)
- Maintain excellent academic standing
4. UP Diliman Academic Scholarship
Based on GWA performance each semester.
University Scholar:
- GWA 1.45 or better
- Recognition and priority registration
College Scholar:
- GWA 1.75 or better
- Recognition within college
Note: Academic honors don’t provide direct financial benefits but strengthen applications for other grants.
5. UP Diliman Centennial Scholarship
Special scholarship for academically excellent students with financial need.
Benefits:
- Full fee coverage
- Monthly allowance
- Support throughout undergraduate years
6. External Scholarships at UP
DOST-SEI Scholarship:
- For STEM programs
- PHP 7,000 monthly stipend
- Book and thesis allowance
- Merit-based grants
- Additional allowances
Private Foundation Scholarships:
- SM Foundation
- Megaworld Foundation
- Ayala Foundation
- GBF Scholarship
- And many more
Required Documents
For STFAP:
- STFAP application form
- Parent’s ITR (BIR Form 2316)
- Certificate of Employment with salary
- OR Certificate of No Income
- Proof of assets (land titles, vehicles, etc.)
- Utility bills
- Other income documentation
For External Scholarships:
- Varies by scholarship
- Usually academic records + financial documents
How to Apply for UP Financial Aid
STFAP Application:
- Enroll at UP – Complete admission process first
- Get STFAP form – From Office of Student Affairs (OSA)
- Gather documents – All financial records needed
- Submit application – To your college OSA
- Interview – STFAP counselors verify information
- Bracketing – Assigned bracket based on evaluation
- Benefits released – Per semester based on bracket
Timeline: Apply during enrollment period each semester.
For External Scholarships:
- Check eligibility – Different for each scholarship
- Apply separately – Through scholarship provider’s process
- Notify UP – If awarded, coordinate with OSA
UP Campuses and Programs
UP has 8 constituent universities:
UP Diliman (Quezon City):
- Largest campus
- Engineering, Sciences, Arts, Law, Business
UP Manila:
- Health sciences hub
- Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health
UP Los Baños (Laguna):
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Environmental Science
- Veterinary Medicine
UP Visayas (Iloilo, Cebu, Tacloban):
- Fisheries and Marine Sciences
- Management
UP Mindanao (Davao):
- Various programs
- Growing campus
UP Baguio:
- Sciences, Social Sciences
- Mountain-region focus
UP Cebu:
- Management, Communication
- Computer Science
UP Open University:
- Distance learning programs
- Graduate and undergraduate
UPCAT and Admission
UPCAT (UP College Admission Test):
- Required for freshman admission
- Usually held October-November
- Competitive (acceptance rate ~15-20%)
Alternative Admission:
- UPCAT is currently suspended for some years
- Check UP website for current admission policies
- Some years use UP System Application (no exam)
Tips for UP Financial Aid Success
- Apply for STFAP early – Don’t miss enrollment deadlines.
- Prepare complete documents – Incomplete applications delay processing.
- Be honest – STFAP verifies all information. Falsification leads to penalties.
- Apply for external scholarships – DOST, CHED, and foundations provide additional support.
- Maintain good grades – Academic standing affects some benefits.
- Use student assistantship – Work-study helps cover expenses.
- Check dormitory options – UP dorms are affordable for Bracket A students.
Living Costs at UP
While tuition is free, students need to budget for:
| Expense | Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|
| Dormitory | PHP 1,000-3,000 |
| Boarding house | PHP 3,000-8,000 |
| Food | PHP 3,000-5,000 |
| Transportation | PHP 1,000-2,000 |
| Books/Supplies | PHP 500-1,500 |
| Miscellaneous | PHP 1,000-2,000 |
Total: PHP 9,500-21,500/month depending on lifestyle
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is UP really free? A: Tuition is 100% free. You still pay miscellaneous fees (PHP 5,000-15,000/semester) unless covered by STFAP.
Q: How do I apply for free tuition? A: Automatic for all Filipino undergrads. No application needed.
Q: What if I can’t afford miscellaneous fees? A: Apply for STFAP Bracket A or B for full or partial coverage.
Q: Can I get DOST scholarship at UP? A: Yes. DOST scholars at UP receive stipend on top of free tuition.
Q: Is UPCAT required? A: Check current UP admission policies. UPCAT has been suspended in some years.
Q: Can graduate students get free tuition? A: No. Free tuition is for undergraduate only. Graduate students may apply for assistantships.
Contact Information
UP Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Website: up.edu.ph
UP Diliman Office of Student Affairs
- Location: Vinzons Hall, UP Diliman
- Website: osa.upd.edu.ph
UPCAT Information:
- Check UP website for current admission policies
Final Thoughts
UP offers the best value for quality education in the Philippines. With free tuition and STFAP support, financial barriers are significantly reduced for aspiring Iskolar ng Bayan.
Focus on passing UPCAT (or meeting current admission requirements), apply for STFAP upon enrollment, and explore external scholarships for additional support. Your UP journey is within reach.