UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS
PRIVACY INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS FOR ADMISSION

YOUR PRIVACY MATTERS

Overview

     Introduction
     Information we collect
     Why we process your data
     How we use your data
     How we share information
     Your choices and obligations
     Other important information

Introduction

The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, the Catholic University of the Philippines, is committed to protect the personal privacy of its stakeholders. It is the policy of the University that information collected from its stakeholders be stored, maintained, and used by the University only for appropriate, necessary, and clearly defined purposes, and that such information be controlled and safeguarded in order to ensure the protection of personal privacy to the extent permitted by law.

To be consistent with data protection laws, we ask you to take a moment to review the key points in this privacy policy. By availing of the University’s services, you consent to use of your data under this privacy policy.

Information we collect

We collect relevant personal information online through the Application portal. Likewise, we collect supporting documents submitted in electronic or printed forms (e.g., copies of high school card, birth certificates, proof of payment, etc.). The results of your UST Entrance Test (USTET) are appended to the personal information you submit online.

Why we process your data

We use your personal data, together with the results of your USTET, to determine your eligibility for admission to any of the programs offered by the University. We also utilize your data for educational, research and institutional quality assurance purposes, such as in establishing trends in admission to our programs in order to inform our decisions on future program offerings and projected resource needs.

How we process your data

We may use your personal information to contact you on matters pertaining to your application for admission. We determine your individual eligibility for admission to your program of choice by evaluating your credentials and USTET results against program standards.

We conduct data analytics of all admission data annually for the purposes mentioned above and we compare aggregate data with those of previous years to compare trends. We may conduct predictive and prescriptive analytics for future decision-making regarding our program offerings. These aggregate analyses do not identify you individually.
 We retain depersonalized information after qualified applicants have already enrolled. This information feeds models for 10-year predictive and prescriptive analyses for future decision-making.

However, we retain names and email addresses of those who have not qualified for admission so we can provide you with information on continuing professional development (CPD) programs, graduate programs, or any other University activity open to the public, which you may be of interest to you in the future. You may opt not to receive this information by unticking the choice below, and we will not keep your data for these marketing purposes.

How we share information

The Office for Admissions (OFAD) is the Personal Information Controller (PIC) of all admissions-related data. The OFAD may share your personal information and USTET results with academic units of your program of choice, or those of programs where you apply for reconsideration, and they may contact you on matters pertaining to your potential admission to the University.

With the permission of the University’s Data Protection Officer (DPO), subject to compliance with research ethics and data privacy, the OFAD may share your depersonalized information to academic researchers who may request for such, instituting measures that will not allow you to be individually identified. You may opt not to grant these academic researchers with access to your personal information by unticking the choice below.

We may need to share your data when we believe it is required by law or to protect your and our rights, welfare, and security. We may likewise need to share your data if required by regulatory agencies such as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Legal Education Board (LEB), Department of Education (DepEd), or by local and international accrediting agencies (e.g., PACUCOA, PAASCU), as part of the monitoring and/or evaluation process.

Once you qualify for admission, your personal information will be shared with the Office of the Registrar so you will only need to provide additional information necessary for enrollment.

Your choices and obligations

You have the option not to grant use of your personal information for institutional marketing purposes or for research done by individuals or groups outside of institutional research purposes by unticking the options below.

You have the obligation to ensure the completeness and accuracy of all information provided to the University. Provision of fraudulent information, if proven to be deliberate, may prevent you from being admitted to the University.

Other important information

We implement security safeguards designed to protect your data. We regularly monitor our systems for possible vulnerabilities and attacks, and apply necessary measures to protect your data.

You may contact us through the Office of the University Data Protection Officer to communicate any concerns you may have regarding our privacy policy.

The University of Santo Tomas Entrance Test (USTET) is administered to all applicants to assess and determine their preparedness for the standard of education at the University of Santo Tomas. The overall final rating consists of the entrance test score (80%) and computed average grades (20%) in English, Mathematics, and Science based on the USTET Application Grades Form.

1. Application for admission to UST is done online.

2. Only College applicants who are currently enrolled in Grade 12 and Senior High School applicants who are currently enrolled in Grade 10 may apply.

3. The following may apply, provided they first secure a clearance from the UST Manila Office of the Registrar:

> Passers of the Philippine Educational Placement Test and Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency
> Graduates/Completers of previous school years
> Applicants from foreign schools
> Foreigners graduating from local schools

4. Senior High School applicants are allowed to select only one program.
- Programs. These are Senior High School programs that equip students for employment, business, or further education. Select a program that is aligned with your college plans or career goals. 

College applicants are allowed to choose only two programs.
- Priority Program. This is the program that the applicant strongly prefers to be admitted to.
- Alternative Program. In case the applicant does not meet the criteria of their priority program, they will be considered in this program, subject to the criteria set by the Academic Unit. The alternative program is no longer processed once an applicant qualifies for their priority program.

5. Passing the USTET is NOT the sole basis for admission to some academic programs. Some programs may require additional entry assessment in the form of an interview, talent test (e.g. audition, drawing), or other similar activities. 

Programs with Additional Screening Requirements for Freshmen Applicants

6. Application fees are as follows:

Application fees for the following are waived:
a. Senior High School or College applicants from public schools in the Philippines who were awarded the Highest Honors based on their academic performance in Grade 9 and Grade 11, respectively. 
b. College applicants eligible under the Free College Entrance Examinations Act (Republic Act No. 12006).
c. Children of UST Manila Support Staff

6. The following are grounds for disqualification, forfeiture of slot, and/or debarment:

 >  Misrepresentation of the information entered in the application portal
 >  Violation of the application instructions
 >  Non-submission of documents on time to confirm one’s enrollment if qualified 
 >  Submission of missing, incomplete, or false documents
 >  Other acts not in conformity with the University's policies.

7. The schedule of processing and payment will be the following:
> College: August 8, 2026 to January 8, 2027
> College with LEAPMed: August 8 to November 27, 2026
> Senior High School: September 8, 2026 to January 8, 2027
> Junior and Education High School: September 8, 2026 to January 8, 2027

A test permit is issued only after an applicant has completed the online application, submitted all required documents, and paid the non-refundable application fee. 

8. Applicants are advised to regularly visit the Office for Admissions website (https://ofad.ust.edu.ph) for updates and announcements.

9. Email ofad@ust.edu.ph for any questions or clarification.

1. Click Register and select the level you are applying for.
   • College
     • UST Manila
     • UST General Santos
   • Senior High School
     • UST Manila
     • UST Angelicum College, Quezon City
   • Junior High School
     • UST Junior High School
     • UST Education High School
2. Previous USTET-taker verification.
   Select "YES" if you have previously taken the USTET and provide the necessary information for verification.
   Click "NO" if this will be your first time taking the USTET.
3. UST Manila Student Verification.
   For applicants who are currently enrolled or were previously enrolled in UST Manila, please select the grade level(s) and enter your student number.
   For Non-UST Manila students, select "None" and submit.
4. Read the Guidelines and Instructions, then click the Submit button.
5. Read and understand the Privacy Information for Applicants for Admission.
6. Fill out the Online Registration form to get your Reference Number.
7. Complete the online application. Refer to the Tasks List in the Activity Log.
             7.1. Upload a 2"x2" ID Picture with name tag. Picture Guidelines
             7.2. Update current school information.
             7.3. Update program preference.
             7.4. Upload all required documents.

   CATEGORY 1 – Graduating Filipino Applicants attending Local Schools including Philippine schools overseas

   1. 2" x 2" ID Picture with name tag (Picture Guidelines)

   2. USTET Application Grades Form: Senior High School | College

   3. PSA/NSO birth certificate (civil registry issued not accepted) or Valid Passport

   CATEGORY 2 – Graduating Filipino Applicants from Foreign Schools

   1. 2" x 2" ID Picture with name tag (Picture Guidelines)

   2. USTET Application Grades Form: Senior High School | College

   3. PSA/NSO birth certificate or Valid Passport

   4. Clearance from the UST Office of the Registrar

   5. Certified True Copy of Grades or Temporary Transcript of Records

   CATEGORY 3 – Graduating Non-Filipino Applicants enrolled in Philippine schools both local and overseas

   1. 2" x 2" ID Picture with name tag (Picture Guidelines)

   2. USTET Application Grades Form: Senior High School | College

   3. Valid Passport

   4. Clearance from the UST Office of the Registrar

   5. Certified True Copy of Grades or Temporary Transcript of Records

   CATEGORY 4 – International Students (Non-Filipino applicants graduating from schools abroad)

   1. 2" x 2" ID Picture with name tag (Picture Guidelines)

   2. USTET Application Grades Form: Senior High School | College

   3. Valid Passport

   4. Clearance

   5. Certified True Copy of Grades or Temporary Transcript of Records

   CATEGORY 5 – Filipino Graduates of previous school years

   1. 2" x 2" ID Picture with name tag (Picture Guidelines)

   2. USTET Application Grades Form: Senior High School | College

   3. PSA/NSO birth certificate or Valid Passport

   4. Clearance

   5. Report Card (Form 138) certified by the School Registrar/Principal

   CATEGORY 6 – Passers of PEPT, ALS, and A & E

   1. 2" x 2" ID Picture with name tag (Picture Guidelines)

   2. PSA/NSO birth certificate or Valid Passport

   3. PEPT, ALS, or A & E Certificate

   4. Clearance

   CATEGORY 7 – LEAPMed Applicants

   1. 2" x 2" ID Picture with name tag (Picture Guidelines)

   2. USTET Application Grades Form: College

   3. PSA/NSO birth certificate or Valid Passport

   CATEGORY 8 – LEAPMed Applicants (IB with Biology Higher Level Course only)

   1. 2" x 2" ID Picture with name tag (Picture Guidelines)

   2. USTET Application Grades Form: College

   3. PSA/NSO birth certificate or Valid Passport

   CATEGORY 9 – Applicants with International Credentials (College Applicants only) Applicants may qualify for automatic admission if criteria are met. LIST OF INTERNATIONAL CREDENTIALS AND CRITERIA

   1. 2" x 2" ID Picture with name tag (Picture Guidelines)

   2. PSA/NSO birth certificate or a valid passport

   3. International Credentials Grade or Diploma

   4. Clearance from Registrar (for Non-Filipinos or international schools)

   CATEGORY 10 – International Testing Centers

   1. 2" x 2" ID Picture with name tag (Picture Guidelines)

   2. USTET Application Grades Form: Senior High School | College

   3. PSA/NSO birth certificate or Valid Passport

            
             7.5. Encode grades by copying the contents of your USTET Application Grades Form: Senior High School | College
             7.6. Answer information survey. 
             7.7. Certify and fully understand the application conforme, then click the Submit Application for Verification button.
8. Wait for UST OFAD to verify your requirements and encoded grades. An email notification will be sent to you once verified.
9. Select a testing center.
10. Proceed with the online payment.
    Note: Application fee is non-refundable.
11. Download your Test Permit. For those applying through International Credentials, download the Acknowledgement Slip.
12. Results shall be announced in the Second Quarter of 2027.

1. Application to the University of Santo Tomas is done online.

2. Only students who are currently enrolled in Grade 6 may apply.

3. The following applicants may apply provided they first secure a clearance from the UST Junior High School before paying the application fee:

> Out-of-school youth passers of the Philippine Educational Placement Test and Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency (PEPT/ALS A&E certificate is required)
>  graduates of previous school years (original Form 138-Report Card is required)
>  learners from foreign schools (Form 137-Transcript of Records is required)

 * You may email the documents with your full name and reference number for assistance:

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL:  jhs@ust.edu.ph (Subject: Request for Clearance - Surname, Given Name) 

EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL:  ehs@ust.edu.ph (Subject: Request for Clearance - Surname, Given Name) 

4. Click Register and select the program you are applying for.

> UST Junior High School
> UST Education High School* (a laboratory school of the UST College of Education for the marginalized members of the community), with additional requirements as follows:
     * general average during the first quarter of Grade 6, of at least 85.00, with no grade lower than 80.
     * Income Tax Returns (ITR) of both parents

5. Read the Guidelines and Instructions then click the Submit button.
6. Read and understand the Privacy Information for Applicants for Admission.
7. Fill out the Online Registration form to get your Reference Number.
8. Complete the online application. Refer to the Task List in the Activity Log.
   1. Upload a 2" x 2" ID Picture.
   2. Update current school information.
   3. Encode grades.
   4. Answer information survey.
   5. Upload all required documents.
      
      - 2" x 2" picture
      - PSA/NSO Birth Certificate or Passport
      - USTET Application Grades Form 
      
      - For UST Education High School Applicants only - Prepare the following requirements to be submitted during the interview:
         > Original copy of ITR 2024 or 2025 (Income Tax Return) of both parents.  Combined Annual Income should not exceed Four Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (Php 450,000.00).
          > In case the parents have no ITR, secure a Notarized Affidavit of Income from the employer/s.
         > If both parents are unemployed, secure a Certification from the BIR with a Notarized Affidavit of Non-Income.
         > If parents are OFW, submit a copy of the contract from the present employer.
         > Applicants whose annual family income is beyond Php 450,000.00 may still apply but priority shall be given to those with income below this limit.

9. Certify and fully understand the application conforme then click the Submit Verification button.

10. Wait for UST OFAD to verify your requirements and encoded grades. A text/email notification will be sent to you once verified as complete.
    
11. Select a testing center.
    
12. Proceed with the online payment.
    Note: Application fee is non-refundable.
13. Download your Test Permit.
    
14. The deadline for the application is January 8, 2027.
    
15. The Junior/Education High School may require additional entry assessment in the form of an interview or other similar activities, if necessary.
    
16. The following are grounds for disqualification, forfeiture of slot, and/or debarment:

 > Misrepresentation of information entered in the application portal
 > Violation of the application instructions
 > Non-submission of documents on time to confirm one’s enrollment, if qualified

17. Applicants are advised to regularly visit the Office for Admissions website (https://ofad.ust.edu.ph) for updates and announcements. 

18. Feel free to email us at ofad@ust.edu.ph for any inquiry regarding the application procedure.

Instructions for UST Manila Students who are applying  for admission to Senior High School and College:

Please be advised of the following:

1.  For applicants who are currently enrolled, or previously studied, in UST, please select the grade level/s enrolled in UST Manila and enter your student number and birthdate in the USTET registration. This will carry your academic record to the USTET application system.  There is no need to enter your grades in the grade levels taken in UST Manila. 

 1.1. You are only required to manually enter your grades if you completed any of the specified grade levels at a school other than UST Manila.

 1.2.  In the "Documents Uploading" tab, upload a copy of your Student ID or Official Registration Form (PDF File) instead of the required USTET Application Grades Form.

Note: You are only required to upload the USTET Application Grades Form if any of the following grade levels were completed at a different school:
- Grades 7 to 9 (for Senior High School applicants)
- Grade 11 (for College applicants)

2. Regarding PSA/NSO Birth Certificate: Since you have already submitted this during your application to the UST Junior High School, UST Education High School, or UST Senior High School, there is no need to upload it again. In the "Documents Uploading" tab, you may simply upload a PDF copy of your Student ID or Official Registration Form instead.

What is LEAPMed?

The Learning-Enhanced Accelerated Program for Medicine or LEAPMed is a 6-year academic program that leads to a Medical Degree.  Qualified students will undergo a 2-year BS Basic Human Studies program before proceeding to the 4-year medical program leading to their Medical degree, earning 2 degrees in 6 years.

Who may apply for LEAPMed?

Only Graduating Grade 12 students from the 1) STEM strand (Thomasians or non-Thomasians) with a Grade 11 General Average of 90.00 or higher 2) GAS-Health Allied strand (Thomasians only) with a Grade General Average of 90.00 or higher, and 3) International Baccalaureate Diploma program (IB) with Biology Higher Level Course whose Grade 11 predictive grade is at least 28 points (excluding Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge).

Graduates of previous school years are not qualified
 

How do I apply for LEAPMed?

In the Program Preference of your application portal, indicate your interest by selecting Yes to the question:  Are you interested in applying for the LEAPMed program of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery?   You then continue with selecting your Priority Program and Alternative Program.

Who gets into LEAPMed?

The top 220 qualifiers from the USTET and LEAPMed Entrance Test shall undergo an interview process to assess their preparedness for the LEAPMed program.  Finally, only ninety (90) students will be accepted into the program. 

How much is the application fee?

What will happen to my application if I do not qualify in LEAPMed? 

Your application will be processed first to determine if you qualify for LEAPMed.  If you do not qualify for LEAPMed, your Priority and Alternative Programs will be processed.

Can I apply for LEAPMed using International Credentials? 

Only applicants enrolled in International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program with Biology Higher Level Course may apply provided the following criteria is met:

1. The school they belong is not on its first year of administering the IB.
2. Must be a current Grade 12 IB diploma program student. Previous graduates are not eligible to apply.
3. The IB predictive grade during Grade 11 must be at least 28 points (excluding Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge)
4. Grade 11 General Average of 90.00 or higher

What are the tests included in the LEAPMed?

All LEAPMed applicants including those with IB Diploma program credentials are required to take two tests, one after the other on the same testing date. All LEAPMed applicants will take the USTET in the morning and the LEAPMed Entrance Test in the afternoon. The USTET is composed of Mental Ability, English, Mathematics, and Science while the LEAPMed Entrance Test includes Anatomy, Botany, Chemistry, Physics, Physiology, and Zoology. 

What are the testing dates for LEAPMed?

Testing dates for LEAPMed are the following:

MANILA TESTING CENTER

PROVINCIAL TESTING CENTERS

INTERNATIONAL TESTING CENTERS
- to be announced

TO THE APPLICANT

Kindly forward the USTET Application Grades form to your School Registrar or Principal. A portion of your USTET result comes from your grades. Therefore, the Grades Form with incomplete information will not be processed. Likewise, any misrepresentation will result in disqualification or forfeiture of your application slot. 

 For College Applicants:  USTET College Application Grades Form
 For Senior High School Applicants: USTET Senior High School Application Grades Form
 For Junior and Education High School Applicants: USTET Junior High School Application Grades Form

TO THE SCHOOL REGISTRAR

We kindly request your assistance in filling out the USTET Application Grades Form for your student? Once completed, please return the form to the student for uploading to the USTET application portal. 

Refer to the Grade Details Guidelines written on the USTET Application Grades Form.

MANILA TESTING CENTER

Important Reminders:

• The Main Testing Center of the USTET is UST Manila located along Espana Boulevard.
• Schedules and deadlines are strictly enforced, and the application fee paid is non-refundable.
• TESTING DATE IS SYSTEM GENERATED BASED ON WHEN YOU COMPLETED YOUR APPLICATION AND YOUR APPLICATION TYPE. SEE PAYMENT PERIOD BELOW FOR DETAILS.
• TESTING TIME IS ALSO SYSTEM-GENERATED AND CANNOT BE CHANGED.
• If you are a foreigner, ensure you have the documentation to enter and study in the Philippines. UST does not provide visa assistance and the applicant is responsible for securing his/her entry visa.
• There is a dedicated testing date for current UST SHS, JHS, and EHS students.
• Registration Periods (to get a Reference Number):
  • College (August 8, 2026 to January 8, 2027)
  • College with LEAPMed (August 8, 2026 to November 27, 2026)
  • Senior High School (September 8, 2026 to January 8, 2027)
  • Junior and Education High School (September 8, 2026 to January 8, 2027)

USTET schedules for all applicants

USTET schedules for UST Manila Senior, Junior, and Education High School students 

SATELLITE TESTING CENTERS (STC)

Important Reminders:

• The Satellite Testing Centers of the USTET are UST Angelicum College in Quezon City, St. Stephen's High School in Manila, and Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Manila.
• Schedules and deadlines are strictly enforced, and the application fee paid is NON-REFUNDABLE.
• TESTING DATE IS SYSTEM GENERATED BASED ON WHEN YOU COMPLETED YOUR APPLICATION AND YOUR APPLICATION TYPE. SEE PAYMENT PERIOD BELOW FOR DETAILS.
• TESTING TIME IS ALSO SYSTEM-GENERATED AND CANNOT BE CHANGED.
• If you are a foreigner, ensure you have the documentation to enter and study in the Philippines. 

PROVINCIAL TESTING CENTERS (PTC)

Important Reminders:

• Schedules and deadlines are strictly enforced, and the application fee paid is NON-REFUNDABLE.
• TESTING TIME IS SYSTEM-GENERATED AND CANNOT BE CHANGED.
• Choose your preferred testing center and the type of test that you will take.
• Acceptance of applications is subject to slot availability, regardless of the posted deadline.
• If you are a foreigner, ensure you have the documentation to enter and study in the Philippines. 

INTERNATIONAL TESTING CENTERS (ITC)
- To be announced

A Filipino or a foreign applicant who graduated or is graduating from a foreign school or from an international school in the Philippines may apply through the submission of international credentials, provided that the following criteria are satisfied:

For International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma:

• The school that they belong in is not on its first year of administering the IB.
• For graduates, the IB Diploma was awarded within the last two years.
• For applicants still in Grade 12, the IB predictive grade during Grade 11 must be at least 28 points (excluding Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge).
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to authorize International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) to release their International Baccalaureate (IB) transcript to UST.  Applicants can do so by informing their school’s IB coordinator.  Institute Code:  000665 (University of Santo Tomas)

For Cambridge General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level:

• For graduates, the A Level GCE was awarded within the last two years.
• For graduates, a Cambridge AICE Diploma or an A Level GCE with at least 3 A Levels with a minimum grade of C.
• For applicants still in Grade 12 (equivalent to Year 13), GCE with at least 3 AS Levels having a minimum grade of C. (For those who opted not to take the AS level exam, submit predicted A Level grades.)

* GCSE, O Levels, and N Levels holders must have completed their A Levels or are completing their A Levels to be eligible to apply for the degree programs offered by the University.

For Advanced Placement (AP) International Diploma: 

• The school that they belong in is not on its first year of administering the AP courses.
• For graduates, an AP International Diploma or 3 AP Courses with a minimum grade of 3.
• For applicants still in Grade 12, at least 3 AP Courses having a minimum grade of 3.

For Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), General Achievement Test (GAT), and Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR): 

• The school that they belong in is not on its first year of administering the GAT.
• For graduates, the VCE was awarded within the last two years.
• For graduates, an ATAR of at least 70 or VCE with no Study Score lower than 30.
• For applicants still in Grade 12, GAT with no Study Score lower than 30.

For Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): 

• The SAT must have been taken within the last 2 years before application.
• If the SAT is taken more than once, applicant must submit the most recent score.
• The Total Score must be at least 1200, with both Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math Scores not lower than 600.
• Send official score reports to: College Code 7705  (University of Santo Tomas)

For American College Test (ACT):

• The ACT must have been taken within the last 2 years before application.
• If the ACT is taken more than once, applicant must submit the most recent score.
• The Composite Score must be at least 27, with no subject score lower than 24.

Important Reminders: 

• These international credentials are only used as an admission requirement.  Other entry assessment such as interview, talent examination, and the like may still be required in case the applicant’s credentials are accepted.  Also, none of these shall be used as basis for credits in any of the college courses.  

• Applicants must submit an authenticated copy of their credentials, either by their school, testing center, or consulate. 

• An applicant must have completed 13 years of basic education or are completing their 13^th year to be eligible to apply at UST. 

• Applicants who do not meet the criteria set above may still apply through the USTET. 

• Applicants who have applied through the USTET may no longer apply through submission of international credentials. The USTET will be considered for processing of application. 

• LEAPMed applicants are required to apply through the USTET. Qualification through international credentials shall not apply to LEAPMed applicants.

For inquiries, click here.

1.  I forgot my reference number. May I know my reference number?

Your reference number is automatically sent to your email address after the initial registration in the online application.  Check your spam box in case it is not in your inbox. 

In case you were not able to receive the message, kindly click on "FORGOT REFERENCE NUMBER" under the User Login box on the homepage.

2.  I keep getting the error “duplicate entry detected” when I submit my basic information. What should I do?

Very likely, you were already given a reference number.  Check your email (including your spam box) to find your reference number.  Use this to continue your registration.

In case you were not able to receive the message, kindly click on "FORGOT REFERENCE NUMBER" under the User Login box on the homepage.

3.  I am a Grade 12 transferee. I also shifted to a different strand.  Which school and what strand should I indicate in my application?

Indicate your (current) Grade 12 school and Grade 12 strand in your application. 

4.  What do I do if my school is not listed?

Very likely, your school name is on the list.  Kindly follow these tips for searching your school:

• Use keywords in searching your school’s name instead of the full name (e.g. “Tomas” instead of “University of Santo Tomas”)
• Use the correct spelling when searching your school’s name (e.g. “Santo” instead of “Sto.”)
• After writing your keyword, do not hit Enter; click the “Search” button.
• For schools outside the Philippines, tick the box for international school first before clicking “Search”.

If your school is not found in our school database, please follow this procedure:

• Click the SCHOOL NOT FOUND button beside the SEARCH button.
• Click the REQUEST A SCHOOL button.
• Enter your school’s complete and official name. Refer to your School ID, Report Card or Registration Form.
• Enter your school’s complete and official address. 
• Click SUBMIT.
• Click CHOOSE FILE to upload your school ID (JPEG format), Registration Form (PDF File), or school letterhead (PDF File) for our reference.
• Click UPLOAD FILE. Your request will be sent after your file has been uploaded.
• Allow for 1 to 3 working days to find your school on the list by clicking SEARCH when you log in again. 

5.  Why am I not able to upload my ID picture?

Please check if the picture you are uploading is in .jpg format and is below 2MB.

6. What should I do if I make a mistake in my entry of data?

The information found in the Basic Information Tab — such as corrections in name, birthday, citizenship, religion, address, email address, mistakenly ticked “Yes” or “No” at RA 12006, International Credentials, and dependent of UST Manila Support Staff — cannot be edited anymore once you receive your Reference Number. Other information in the online application may still be edited before clicking the "Submit Application for Verification" button.

If you wish to edit your information, you may cancel your application by clicking the "DELETE APPLICATION" button found at the lower part of the Activity Log. You may then restart your application.

7. I uploaded the wrong document/s. What should I do?

Wait for the UST Manila Office for Admissions (OFAD) to check and verify your requirements and encoded grades. Your application portal will be re-opened once found incorrect or incomplete. You will receive an email notification regarding your application. Re-upload the correct information/document to complete your application.

8. Is USTET for free?

Application Fees for the following are waived:
a. Senior High School or College applicants from public schools in the Philippines who were awarded the Highest Honors based on their academic performance in Grade 9 and Grade 11, respectively. 
b. College applicants eligible under the Free College Entrance Examinations Act (Republic Act No. 12006).
c. Children of UST Support Staff

9.  How do I pay my USTET application fee?

Payments are done online through the UST Online Payment Gateway (OPG). This will be shown after the UST Manila OFAD has verified your uploaded requirements and you have chosen your Testing Center.

10.  How can I apply if my international credentials do not meet the minimum requirements stated in the guidelines for Application Through International Credentials?

You may still apply through the USTET.

11.  Is the Applicant Number different from the Reference Number?

Yes, they are different.  You are given an Applicant Number only after you have fully completed your online application.  Having an applicant number means that you are now considered an official applicant.  The Reference Number allows you to access your application portal.  

12.  I uploaded all my documents on time but why was I tagged Incomplete?

Kindly review the documents you uploaded and see if they satisfy the following guidelines:

Grades Form

• The document must clearly show the name of the student-applicant, the name of the school, and the signature of the Registrar or Principal.
• Forms without the signature of the school official/representative but with the official school seal / QR code are accepted. 
• Documents that are blurred, pixelated, or unclear must be re-uploaded.
• Submit documents in PDF only.
  
  

Birth Certificate

• Upload a PSA/NSO copy of the birth certificate.
• You may also upload the information page (first page) of your passport.
• For dual citizens, you may upload your Certificate of Recognition issued by the Philippine consulate.
• For foreign nationals, you may upload the birth certificate issued by your government.
• Documents that are blurred, pixelated, or unclear must be re-uploaded in clearer copies.

Kindly check your Activity Log any day soon so you can re-upload your documents.  You will be given 3 working days to Complete your application once again.  Your application shall still be processed thereafter.

13.  Can I choose for my exam schedule?

Kindly refer to the General Guidelines for the deadline for uploading documents and payment of application fees. If you have chosen UST Manila as the testing center, we will be designating the nearest testing date available. Every Provincial and Middle East Testing center has only one exam schedule. Please refer to the list.

14.  Can I choose the time of my USTET?

The schedules of the USTET are system-generated. 

15.  Can I request for a reschedule?

Applicants who missed their scheduled exam may request a new schedule, as listed in the Testing Centers and Schedules tab.

The Request for Reschedule can be done by logging in to your USTET portal. Select your preferred Testing Center and Schedule, then pay the rescheduling fee of PHP 200.00.

16.  My selected program requires an interview. When will the interview be given?

For academic programs with required interviews, the schedules will be posted through an announcement in the Application Portal and on the OFAD website after the release of the USTET results

17.  What is the coverage of the USTET?

The USTET for entry to College covers the three (3) major subject disciplines English, Mathematics, and Science. In addition, a subtest for Mental Ability completes the entrance test. Your academic preparation in your current Grade level and previous Grade levels (Grade 11 for College applicants; Grades 7, 8, and 9 for Senior High School applicants) should be sufficient to prepare you for the USTET.

18.  I graduated from Senior High School in 2025. Will the procedure for admission to College be the same as for those graduating in 2026?

Senior High School graduates of previous years (2025 and earlier) may apply through the College USTET for the Academic Year 2026-2027. Besides the regular requirements stated in the Application Procedure, a clearance from the UST Manila Office of the Registrar is required. Refer to the Application Procedure Tab of the Application Portal homepage for the details under CATEGORY 5 - Filipino Graduates of previous school years. 

19. I am a transferee from another university. Do I apply through the USTET?

No, because the USTET is only for freshmen applicants. Transfer applicants should directly contact the UST Manila Academic Unit Dean or UST General Santos Academic Unit Dean, whichever is applicable, to inquire. 

20. When do I apply for scholarships?

Kindly inquire with the Office for Student Affairs after the release of the USTET results.

[Updated:  August 8, 2025]

Those who have symptoms of cough, cold, or sore throat with or without fever are advised to wear tight-fitting face masks.

REPUBLIC ACT 12006
(Free College Entrance Examinations Act)

This is an Act mandating private higher education institutions to waive college entrance examination fees and charges of certain students qualified to apply for college admission.

Section 5 lists the Eligibility Requirements – A graduate or graduating student shall be eligible for the waiver of college entrance examination fees and charges upon the satisfaction of the following qualifications and requirements:

1. The graduate or the graduating student must be a natural-born citizen.
2. The graduate or graduating student must belong to the top ten percent (10%) of his or her graduating class.
3. The graduate or graduating students must belong to a family whose combined household income falls below the poverty threshold as defined by the National Economic and Development Authority or cannot afford in a sustained manner to provide for their minimum basic needs of food, health, education, housing and other essential amenities of life duly certified as such by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
4. The graduate or graduating student must apply for the college entrance examination to any private HEI within the country; and
5. The graduate or graduating student must satisfy all other requirements as specified by the private HEI concerned.
   
   

Please refer to this link for more detailed information.