University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)

Truth, Virtue, and Service · Est. 1909

Go to UPLB Student Portal  →

Quick Facts

Founded

1909

School Type

Public

Run By

Government of the Philippines

Location

Los Baños, Laguna

Campus

252 hectares

Colleges

10

CHED Status

Autonomous

Sports Team

UPLB Gators

Tuition & Fees

Estimated Tuition Range: ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 per unit

Subsidized state university tuition under STFAP. Free tuition for qualifying students under Republic Act 10931.

College / Program Estimated per Unit Estimated per Semester
College of Agriculture and Food Science ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 ₱18,000 to ₱30,000
College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 ₱20,000 to ₱32,000
College of Veterinary Medicine ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 ₱20,000 to ₱35,000
College of Arts and Sciences ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 ₱18,000 to ₱28,000
College of Forestry and Natural Resources ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 ₱18,000 to ₱28,000

These are estimates only and may not reflect current rates. Always confirm with the UPLB Cashier’s Office or your official assessment slip via SAIS.

About the School

The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) is a public research university in Los Baños, Laguna. Established in 1909 as the UP College of Agriculture, it is now one of the leading agricultural and life sciences universities in Southeast Asia.

UPLB is part of the UP System and is home to numerous national research centers, including the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH). Its campus sits at the foot of Mount Makiling, spanning over 1,000 hectares.

The university is recognized as a CHED Center of Excellence in multiple disciplines and is known for producing top scientists, environmentalists, and agricultural professionals who serve both the Philippines and the global community.

Agriculture, Forestry, Veterinary Medicine, Environmental Science, and Biotechnology — the country’s top institution for life sciences research.

UPLB is a public state university under the UP System. Tuition is free under RA 10931 for qualifying Filipino students.

UPLB is virtually free for Filipino undergraduates under RA 10931. Only minimal miscellaneous and laboratory fees apply.

History & Background

1909

Founded as a unit of the University of the Philippines, the College of Agriculture in Los Baños became the country’s first institution for agricultural sciences.

1962

UPLB was reorganized as an autonomous constituent university of the UP System, with its own Chancellor and expanded academic programs.

1972

The National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) was founded at UPLB, pioneering biotechnology research in the Philippines.

1976

UPLB strengthened its collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), located adjacent to its campus.

2017

Filipino undergraduates at UPLB benefited from the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, making tuition free.

Today

UPLB remains the Philippines’ top institution for agriculture, forestry, and environmental science, with over 1,000 hectares of research land.

Notable Programs & Courses

College of Agriculture and Food Science

BS Agriculture, BS Food Technology — The premier agricultural sciences institution in the Philippines, home to pioneering research in tropical agriculture and food security.

College of Forestry and Natural Resources

BS Forestry, BS Environmental Science — The country’s leading forestry school with extensive research in biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management.

College of Veterinary Medicine

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) — The top veterinary program in the Philippines, recognized for livestock research and veterinary public health.

College of Arts and Sciences

BS Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics — CHED Centers of Excellence with world-class research in molecular biology, applied mathematics, and environmental science.

College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology

BS Agricultural Engineering, BS Civil Engineering — Strong engineering programs focused on agro-industrial technology and rural infrastructure development.

College of Economics and Management

BS Economics, BS Agribusiness Management — Nationally recognized programs in agricultural economics, development economics, and rural development.

Institute of Plant Breeding

Graduate Programs in Genetics and Plant Breeding — Internationally recognized research institute developing improved crop varieties for tropical agriculture.

College of Human Ecology

BS Human Ecology, BS Nutrition — Pioneering programs in community nutrition, human development, and family resource management.

UPLB offers 70+ undergraduate and graduate programs. See the full list at uplb.edu.ph.

FAQs About UP Los Baños

Is UP Los Baños a private or public university?

UPLB is a public state university and one of the constituent universities of the University of the Philippines System. It benefits from the free tuition law for qualified Filipino students.

How much is the tuition fee at UPLB?

Under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, qualified Filipino students at UPLB pay no tuition. Miscellaneous and other fees typically range from ₱1,000 to ₱5,000 per semester.

What is UPLB known for?

UPLB is known as the country’s premier agricultural and life sciences university, with internationally recognized programs in agriculture, forestry, veterinary medicine, and environmental science.

Where is UPLB located?

UPLB is located in Los Baños, Laguna, at the foot of Mount Makiling. The campus spans over 1,000 hectares of lush greenery and is adjacent to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

How do you get admitted to UPLB?

Admission is through the UPCAT (UP College Admission Test). UPLB is particularly competitive for its agriculture, forestry, and biological science programs.

Does UPLB have research facilities?

Yes. UPLB is home to numerous national research institutes including the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) and the Institute of Plant Breeding.

Is UPLB only for agriculture students?

No. While UPLB is best known for agriculture and life sciences, it also offers strong programs in engineering, economics, computer science, human ecology, and the arts and sciences.

Does UPLB offer graduate programs?

Yes. UPLB has a large graduate school offering MS and PhD programs across multiple disciplines, particularly in agriculture, biology, forestry, and environmental science.