PhD Admission

The Application Process

1. 1. Get the link to the online application form. You are required to accomplish and submit this form, otherwise your application will not be considered.

   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 GRE scores and the submitted credentials.

   5. Applicants may be called for interview by the Admissions Committee.

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, and

   • A message is sent to your primary email address if your submission was received.

3. Submit the required documents (see next section below). This may be done online or submit the same at VSB, room 105.

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 referee may send the letter as an attachment to mba@up.edu.ph or uploaded online. 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.

The Admission Tests and Test Fees

All applicants are required to take an entrance/admission test. They can choose to take any one of the following alternative tests: DPAT, GRE, or GMAT.

Doctoral Program Admission Test (DPAT)

The DPAT is administered by the Business Research Foundation (UP BRF). The examination covers logic, basic quantitative skills, and reading/language comprehension. It takes 4 hours to complete (including breaks). 

The cost of the DPAT is Php 2,500 (inclusive of VAT) and is non-refundable once paid. The examination is scheduled on April 6, 2025 and will be held at the Virata School of Business (VSB) Building in UP Diliman. Deadline of exam payment is on March 31, 2025. The following options are available for payment of the DPAT examination fee:

1. Online deposit

2. Direct deposit through any branch of Philippine National Bank

3. Pay cash directly at the UP BRF Office located at Room 202, 2nd floor of VSB.

Use the following details for Options 1 and 2

Bank Name: Philippine National Bank

Savings Acct No.: 1086 1002 1630

Acct Name: UP BUSINESS RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.

After payment using any of the first 2 options, the applicant must email proof of deposit:

TO: corazon.manalang@gmail.com; genidina_marty@yahoo.com 

CC: rpdavid@up.edu.ph

with "DPAT Examination Fee" in the subject box (without the quotes).

Graduate Records Exam (GRE) 

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 end of May 2023. 

Application Fee

Applicants can pay the ₱150.00 application fee online or make a direct deposit to the UPD Cash Office's Landbank account.

The following links show alternative modes of paying the application fee:

1. Pay online using LandBank’sLinkBiz

2. Pay online via PESONET

3. Direct Deposit to LandBank

Land Bank Account Number: 3072-1006-96

(UPD Revolving Fund)

Print/save the online application response email beforehand and use it to serve as the bill of payment. After the payment using any of the 3 modes, the applicant must email proof of deposit: 

TO: cashoffice.upd@up.edu.ph

CC: rpdavid@up.edu.ph

with "MBA/MS Finance/PhD Application Fee" in the subject box (without the quotes).

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.