Honor and Excellence · Est. 1908
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Quick Facts
Founded
1908
School Type
Public
Run By
Government of the Philippines
Location
Quezon City
Campus
493 hectares
Colleges
27+
CHED Status
Autonomous
Sports Team
Fighting Maroons
Tuition & Fees
Estimated Tuition Range: ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 per unit
Highly subsidized state university tuition. Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program (STFAP) applies based on income bracket.
| College / Program | Estimated per Unit | Estimated per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| College of Engineering | ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 | ₱20,000 to ₱35,000 |
| College of Business Administration | ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 | ₱18,000 to ₱30,000 |
| College of Science | ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 | ₱18,000 to ₱30,000 |
| College of Arts and Letters | ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 | ₱18,000 to ₱28,000 |
| College of Law | ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 | ₱20,000 to ₱30,000 |
These are estimates only and may not reflect current rates. Always confirm with the UP Diliman Cashier’s Office or your official assessment slip via SAIS.
About the School
The University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman) is the flagship campus of the University of the Philippines System, located in Quezon City. Established in 1908, it is widely regarded as the top state university in the Philippines and a consistent leader in academic research and public service.
UP Diliman operates under the UP System governed by its Board of Regents. As a secular state university, it is committed to academic freedom and democratic ideals — producing many of the country’s national scientists, artists, and political leaders.
Known for its sprawling 493-hectare campus and iconic Oblation statue, UP Diliman houses over 20 colleges and is home to the UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP. It offers heavily subsidized tuition through the Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program (STFAP).
Engineering, Law, Business Administration, Mass Communication, Fine Arts, and the Sciences — consistently ranking first in licensure exams and global university rankings.
UP Diliman is a public state university. Under Republic Act 10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act), tuition is free for all Filipino undergraduate students.
UP Diliman is virtually free for Filipino undergraduates under RA 10931. Only minimal miscellaneous fees (around ₱2,000–₱5,000 per semester) apply.
History & Background
1908
Established by Act No. 1870 of the Philippine Commission, UP was created as the national university to provide advanced instruction in literature, philosophy, the sciences, and arts.
1949
UP relocated from Manila to its sprawling 493-hectare campus in Diliman, Quezon City — designed by national artist Juan Nakpil.
1969
The campus became a center of student activism during the First Quarter Storm, cementing UP’s role as a bastion of free expression.
1972
Despite the declaration of Martial Law, UP Diliman maintained a spirit of academic freedom, serving as a refuge for dissenting voices.
2017
Republic Act 10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act) made tuition free for all Filipino undergraduates at state universities including UP.
Today
UP Diliman consistently ranks as the top Philippine university in global rankings, producing national scientists, artists, and leaders across every field.
Notable Programs & Courses
College of Law
Juris Doctor (JD) — The premier law school in the Philippines, consistently producing the highest number of Bar exam topnotchers.
College of Business Administration
BS Business Administration, BS Accountancy — Nationally recognized business programs with strong CPA board exam performance and leadership in public and private sectors.
College of Engineering
BS Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering — CHED Centers of Excellence with top board exam passers and internationally recognized research programs.
College of Science
BS Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics — The country’s leading natural sciences programs with the National Institute of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.
College of Mass Communication
BA Journalism, BA Broadcast Communication, BA Film — The top journalism and media school in the Philippines, producing the nation’s most prominent media practitioners.
College of Arts and Letters
BA Filipino, Creative Writing, Art Studies — Home to the UP Creative Writing Center and the country’s foremost programs in literature, art, and cultural studies.
Department of Computer Science
BS Computer Science — The leading CS program in the Philippines, consistently winning international programming competitions (ACM-ICPC).
College of Architecture
BS Architecture, BS Landscape Architecture — A top-ranked architecture program producing leading Filipino architects and urban planners.
UP Diliman offers 100+ undergraduate and graduate programs. See the full list at upd.edu.ph.
FAQs About UP Diliman
Is UP Diliman a private or public university?
UP Diliman is a public state university and the flagship campus of the University of the Philippines System. Tuition is heavily subsidized through the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931).
How much is the tuition fee at UP Diliman?
Since the implementation of free tuition in 2018, qualified Filipino students pay no tuition fees. Other fees such as miscellaneous and laboratory charges still apply, typically ranging from ₱1,000 to ₱5,000 per semester depending on the program.
How do you get admitted to UP Diliman?
Admission is through the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT), one of the most competitive entrance exams in the Philippines. Some programs also accept students through alternative pathways such as talent-based admissions.
What is UP Diliman known for?
UP Diliman is known for being the top university in the Philippines, its excellence in law, engineering, sciences, and mass communication, its activist tradition, and its sprawling campus in Quezon City.
Is UP Diliman part of the Big 4?
Yes. UP Diliman is part of the Big 4 universities in the Philippines, along with Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and University of Santo Tomas.
What is the acceptance rate at UP Diliman?
UP Diliman has one of the lowest acceptance rates in the Philippines, typically admitting around 15-20% of UPCAT applicants depending on the year and program.
Where is UP Diliman located?
UP Diliman is located in Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila. The campus spans approximately 493 hectares, making it one of the largest university campuses in the country.
Does UP Diliman offer scholarships?
Yes. UP offers several scholarship programs including the Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program (STFAP), the UP Oblation Scholarship, and various college-based and donor-funded scholarships.
