Maka-Diyos, Maka-Tao, Maka-Kalikasan, Maka-Bansa · Est. 1904
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Quick Facts
Founded
1904
School Type
Public
Run By
Government of the Philippines
Location
Manila
Campus
14.5 hectares
Colleges
12
CHED Status
Autonomous
Sports Team
PUP Generals
Tuition & Fees
Estimated Tuition Range: ₱12 to ₱100 per unit
One of the most affordable universities in the Philippines. Free tuition under RA 10931. Only minimal miscellaneous fees apply.
| College / Program | Estimated per Unit | Estimated per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| College of Engineering | Free (₱12 orig.) | ₱2,000 to ₱5,000 (misc. fees) |
| College of Accountancy and Finance | Free (₱12 orig.) | ₱2,000 to ₱4,000 (misc. fees) |
| College of Computer and Information Sciences | Free (₱12 orig.) | ₱2,000 to ₱4,500 (misc. fees) |
| College of Business Administration | Free (₱12 orig.) | ₱2,000 to ₱4,000 (misc. fees) |
| College of Education | Free (₱12 orig.) | ₱2,000 to ₱3,500 (misc. fees) |
| College of Communication | Free (₱12 orig.) | ₱2,000 to ₱4,000 (misc. fees) |
These are estimates only and may not reflect current rates. Always confirm with the PUP Accounting Office or your official assessment slip via PUP SIS.
About the School
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) is a public, non-sectarian state university in Sta. Mesa, Manila. Founded in 1904 as the Manila Business School, PUP is the largest state university in the Philippines by enrollment, serving approximately 85,000 students.
PUP is known as the “University for the People”, with its original tuition of just ₱12 per unit (now free under RA 10931). It has produced a disproportionately large number of CPAs, accountants, and business professionals relative to its affordable tuition.
With its main campus in Manila and over 20 satellite campuses nationwide, PUP provides accessible quality education to students from all economic backgrounds. The PUP Maroons compete in various intercollegiate leagues.
Accountancy, Business Administration, Engineering, Computer Science, and Education ”” the country”™s largest and most accessible state university.
PUP is a public state university. Tuition is completely free under RA 10931 for all Filipino undergraduate students.
PUP is the most affordable university option in the Philippines ”” tuition is free, with miscellaneous fees of only around ₱2,000”“₱5,000 per semester.
History & Background
1904
Established as the Manila Business School during the American colonial period to provide vocational and business education.
1933
The institution was renamed and expanded to offer more comprehensive business and commercial programs.
1952
The school was elevated to collegiate status, dramatically expanding enrollment and becoming accessible to working-class students.
1978
PCC was granted university status by Presidential Decree No. 1341, becoming PUP with an expanded mandate.
2017
PUP”™s already minimal tuition became completely free under RA 10931, reinforcing its role as the “University for the People.”
Today
PUP serves approximately 85,000 students across 20+ campuses, making it the largest state university by enrollment in the Philippines.
Notable Programs & Courses
College of Accountancy and Finance
BS Accountancy, BS Banking and Finance — One of the largest accountancy programs in the Philippines with strong CPA board exam performance and affordable quality education.
College of Engineering
BS Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering — Affordable engineering programs producing competent engineers for the Philippine workforce with good board exam results.
College of Computer and Information Sciences
BS Computer Science, BS Information Technology — Large-scale computing programs with thousands of graduates contributing to the Philippine IT and BPO industry.
College of Education
Bachelor of Elementary/Secondary Education — One of the largest teacher education programs in the Philippines, training thousands of public school teachers annually.
College of Communication
BA Broadcasting, BA Journalism, BA Public Relations — Leading communication programs producing media professionals and public relations practitioners nationwide.
Institute of Technology
Industrial Technology Programs — Practical technology programs providing skills-based education for the industrial and manufacturing sectors.
PUP offers 60+ undergraduate and graduate programs as the country’s largest state university. See the full list at www.pup.edu.ph.
FAQs About Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Is PUP a private or public university?
PUP is a public state university, one of the largest in the Philippines by student enrollment. It benefits from the free tuition law for qualified Filipino students.
How much is the tuition fee at PUP?
Under the free tuition law, qualified Filipino students pay no tuition at PUP. Miscellaneous fees are minimal, typically a few hundred pesos per semester.
What is PUP known for?
PUP is known for being one of the most affordable quality universities in the Philippines, its massive student population, strong accountancy and communication programs, and its accessible education mission.
Where is PUP located?
PUP’s main campus (Mabini Campus) is located in Sta. Mesa, Manila. It also has numerous satellite campuses and branches across Metro Manila and the provinces.
How do you get admitted to PUP?
Admission is through the PUP College Entrance Test (PUPCET). Due to the very high number of applicants, competition can be intense for popular programs like accountancy.
Is PUP the largest university in the Philippines?
PUP is one of the largest universities in the Philippines by student enrollment, with tens of thousands of students across its main campus and satellite branches.
Does PUP offer scholarships?
Yes. PUP offers various scholarships including academic scholarships, government-funded grants (CHED, DOST), and partnerships with private organizations.
What PUPCET score is needed for admission?
Cutoff scores vary by program and year. Programs like BS Accountancy and BS Computer Science tend to have higher cutoff scores due to demand.
