UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
VIRATA SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Ph.D. in Business

Application for Admission

The application to the PhD Program for AY 2020-21 is now open.

Before proceeding with your application, please visit the frequently asked questions page here.
All applicants have to (1) fill out the online form, (2) take an entrance examination and (3) submit application documents. 
A Google account is needed to upload the required documents.
Please read and follow the instructions below.

summary of the application process

  1. Get the link to the online application form.

  2. Take any one of the following examinations:

    (a) the Doctoral Program Admission Test (DPAT) on the scheduled date
    (b) the Graduate Records Examination (GRE)

  3. Submit the required documents/materials listed below.

  4. Initial screening is based on the DPAT or the GRE scores and the submitted credentials.
    Applicants are called for interview by the Admissions Committee after the initial screening.

online application form

To start the online application process, send an email to phd.cba@up.edu.ph with "Application Form Request" in the subject box.

A link to the online application form will automatically be sent to you by email.
Note:
(a) Avoid typographical errors in the subject box or the link will not be sent.
(b) Users of email filters like Boxbe have to make their own adjustments to receive the link.
Do the following upon receipt of the email:
  1. Click on the link and fill out the form.

  2. Click on the submit button after completing the form.
    An acknowledgement page stating that your submission has been recorded should appear;
    A message is sent to your primary email address if your submission was received.

  3. Submit the required documents and application fee.
    These may be done online or by visiting the VSB.
    See the next section below.

documents required for admission

The documents and materials required for admission are as follows:

from the applicant

  1. Transcript of Records. (Photocopy or PDF if submitting online)
    Those who will qualify for admission to the program must also submit the original copy. 

  2. Personal Statement.
    The essay should be a 2 to 4 page double-spaced document written in English that should explain, 
    among others, the applicant's purpose in pursuing further studies. It should be uploaded as a PDF or Word document. (The expected content of the essay can be found in FAQ #6 )

  3. Curriculum Vitae with a 2x2 photograph.
Instructions to upload a copy of these documents will be sent to you once you have submitted the online application form. 

from two referees

  1. Letter of recommendation (to be submitted by two referees chosen by the applicant).
    The letter may be submitted online or as an email attachment to phd.cba@up.edu.ph.
    A Google account is needed to be able to submit online.

  2. Completed online referee evaluation form.
To start the refereeing process, the referee must send an email to VSB.application@gmail.com with "Recommendation Form Request" in the subject box. A link to the recommendation form and instructions on file uploading will be sent to the referee upon receipt of the email.

application fee

Two ways to send the application fee:
  1. Go to VSB to pay in cash.
    Look for Mrs Rosalinda David in Room 105 of the VSB Building who will receive the payment.
    A provisional permit to take the DPAT is given.

  2. Pay through the bank.
    Instructions will be given by email after the submission of the online application form.
    Bring the bank deposit slip on the day of the GPAT.
    3.

The Admission Tests

All applicants are required to take an entrance/admission test.
Local applicants can choose to take either the VSB's graduate entrance examination, DPAT, or the GRE.

doctoral program admission test (DPAT)

The DPAT is administered by the VSB's graduate program office. The examination covers two areas: quantitative ability and verbal ability . It takes two hours to complete (excluding breaks).

other tests accepted by the program

Graduate Records Exam
Applicants who wish to take the GRE should contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the company which administers the GRE, at 60376283333 or visit their website at www.ets.org/gre and have their scores sent to the University of the Philippines Cesar E. A. Virata School of Business, (code 1607). For the GRE score report to reach us before the application deadline, applicants should take the GRE before February.

TOEFL (for international applicants)
International applicants except those with bachelor's degrees from the US, UK, New Zealand and Australian Universities must demonstrate fluency in English by taking the TOEFL (code B151), also administered by ETS.

For more information, call 981-8500 ext 3456.

Additional Requirements for International Applicants

  1. For international applicants, a certification of finances must be submitted along with supporting documents detailing the sources of funds. You can download the certification of finances form here.

  2. All international applicants must take the Graduate Records Examination (GRE).
    VSB's GRE code is 1607. Also see the international applicant page.

  3. International applicants except those with bachelor's degrees from the US, UK, New Zealand and Australian Universities must demonstrate fluency in English by taking the TOEFL (code B151), also administered by ETS.

Academic Calendar

Classes Begin, First Semester 1st week of August
Classes End, First Semester 2nd week of December
Christmas Break 3rd week of December to
2nd week of January
Classes Begin, Second Semester        2nd week of January
Classes End, Second Semester 2nd week of May
Classes Begin, Mid-Year 2nd week of June
Classes End, Mid-Year 2nd week of July
Details  

Application Schedule for AY2020-21

Deadline for submission of all required documents        10 February 2020
Doctoral Program Admission Test (DPAT)* 23 February 2020, 7:30am
Interview Period Between March and April 2020
Applicants are informed of the results by email June 2020

* GRE may be substituted