A TOTAL of 18,350 examinees passed the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) 2026, or 12.44% of the 147,437 who took the exam in August 2025 across 117 testing centers nationwide.

The University of the Philippines released the results on Wednesday, with successful applicants—including those admitted and waitlisted—receiving their notices the same day.

While the number of passers increased from last year’s 17,996 out of 135,236 examinees, the passing rate slipped slightly from 13%.

Passers must confirm their admission by May 16, 2026.

Results are accessible online through scheduled login time slots.

UP reported that 57.1% of qualifiers came from public schools, up from 55% last year, alongside broader regional representation. This includes 439 passers from indigenous communities, a 16% increase.

Around 21.45% of qualifiers come from households earning P200,000 or less annually, while 12.7% are first-generation college students.

UP Diliman accounted for the largest share of qualifiers, though more students were admitted to campuses outside Metro Manila, reflecting efforts to expand access. Financial aid and alternative admission pathways remain available for applicants.