Planning to study at the University of Santo Tomas for Academic Year 2027–2028? Then one of the first things you need to prepare for is the USTET.
The University of Santo Tomas Entrance Test, more commonly known as USTET, is the entrance examination administered by UST to applicants seeking admission to the university.
And if you’re searching for “USTET 2027,” here’s something important to know right away: the admission cycle for A.Y. 2027–2028 actually starts in 2026.
College applications opened on August 8, 2026, while applications for Senior High School, Junior High School and Education High School opened on September 8, 2026. Some USTET examinations are also scheduled as early as October 2026, while other testing dates continue into January and February 2027.
So if you’re planning to apply, don’t wait until 2027 before checking the requirements.
Here’s a complete guide to the USTET 2027 schedule, application process, requirements, fees, testing centers, exam coverage and other important details.
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What Is the USTET?
USTET stands for University of Santo Tomas Entrance Test.
UST administers the entrance examination to determine whether applicants are academically prepared for the standards of the university.
For applicants covered by the regular USTET, the overall final rating is composed of:
- 80% USTET score
- 20% computed average of qualifying grades in English, Mathematics and Science
The academic grades are taken from the applicant’s USTET Application Grades Form.
This means your entrance test performance is very important, but your previous academic performance also contributes to your final rating.
USTET 2027 Is for Academic Year 2027–2028
When students search for “USTET 2027,” they are usually referring to admission for Academic Year 2027–2028.
The application and testing period, however, stretches across two calendar years.
Applications begin in 2026, and several examinations are conducted in 2026 before the remaining tests are held in early 2027.
So don’t be confused if you see “USTET 2027” but your actual examination date is October or December 2026.
USTET 2027 Application Schedule
Here are the official application periods announced by UST:
| Applicant Type | Application Period |
|---|---|
| College | August 8, 2026 to January 8, 2027 |
| College with LEAPMed | August 8 to November 27, 2026 |
| UST General Santos | August 8, 2026 to January 13, 2027 |
| Senior High School | September 8, 2026 to January 8, 2027 |
| Junior High School | September 8, 2026 to January 8, 2027 |
| Education High School | September 8, 2026 to January 8, 2027 |
UST strictly implements its deadlines, so I wouldn’t recommend waiting until the final few days before submitting your application.
Your documents still need to be verified, and you need to pay the application fee before your test permit can be issued.
USTET 2027 Exam Dates at UST Manila
The main USTET testing center is the University of Santo Tomas campus along España Boulevard in Manila.
For regular applicants, the officially published Manila testing dates are:
| USTET Date | Applicants | Payment Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| October 18, 2026 | College and College with LEAPMed | October 9, 2026 |
| December 6, 2026 | College, College with LEAPMed, JHS and EHS | November 27, 2026 |
| January 24, 2027 | College, JHS and EHS | January 8, 2027 |
Your exact examination date at UST Manila is system-generated depending on when you complete your application and your application type.
Your examination time is also system-generated and cannot simply be selected by the applicant.
In other words, completing your application early gives you a better chance of being processed for an earlier available testing schedule.
Special USTET Schedule for Current UST Students
Current UST Manila Senior High School, Junior High School and Education High School students have dedicated testing arrangements.
The published dates include:
| Exam Date | Application Type |
|---|---|
| October 18, 2026 | College with LEAPMed |
| December 6, 2026 | College with LEAPMed |
| February 14, 2027 | College and SHS |
For the February 14, 2027 test, the corresponding application/payment deadline is January 8, 2027.
USTET Satellite Testing Centers in Metro Manila
Students who don’t want to take the test at UST Manila may also have satellite testing-center options.
UST lists the following satellite venues:
- UST Angelicum College in Quezon City
- St. Stephen’s High School in Manila
- Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Manila
Published schedules include:
| Date | Application | Testing Center |
|---|---|---|
| October 18, 2026 | SHS | Colegio de San Juan de Letran |
| December 6, 2026 | SHS | UST Angelicum College |
| January 24, 2027 | SHS | UST Angelicum College |
| January 24, 2027 | College | St. Stephen’s High School |
Testing dates and times are subject to the schedules assigned through the USTET system.
USTET 2027 Provincial Testing Centers
One of the good things about USTET is that applicants don’t necessarily have to travel all the way to Manila.
UST has testing centers in different parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Here are the currently announced provincial testing schedules.
Ilocos Region
| Location | Testing Center | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Batac, Ilocos Norte | Immaculate Conception Academy – City of Batac | November 14, 2026 |
| Dagupan, Pangasinan | Dominican School | October 3, 2026 |
| San Fernando City, La Union | Christ the King College | December 12, 2026 |
Cagayan Valley
| Location | Testing Center | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya | Nueva Vizcaya General Comprehensive High School | January 30, 2027 |
| Santiago, Isabela | University of La Salette Inc. | January 31, 2027 |
| Tuguegarao City, Cagayan | Cagayan National High School | January 30, 2027 |
Cordillera Administrative Region
Baguio applicants may take the examination at Berkeley School Baguio on December 13, 2026.
Central Luzon
| Location | Testing Center | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Balanga, Bataan | Bataan National High School | January 30, 2027 |
| Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija | Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology | January 31, 2027 |
| Malolos, Bulacan | Immaculate Conception School of Malolos | November 15, 2026 |
| San Fernando, Pampanga | Pampanga High School | November 14, 2026 |
| Tarlac City | San Sebastian Cathedral School of Tarlac, Inc. | October 4, 2026 |
CALABARZON
| Location | Testing Center | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Calamba, Laguna | Colegio de San Juan de Letran | November 8, 2026 |
| Dasmariñas, Cavite | Vel Maris School, Inc. | October 4, 2026 |
| Lemery, Batangas | Saint Mary’s Educational Institute Inc. | October 3, 2026 |
| Lucena City, Quezon | Holy Rosary Catholic School, Inc. | November 7, 2026 |
| Sta. Rosa, Laguna | UST Manila Annex | December 12, 2026 |
MIMAROPA
Puerto Princesa applicants may take the test at Holy Trinity University on November 21, 2026.
Calapan applicants may take the USTET at Holy Infant Academy of Calapan on December 12, 2026.
Bicol Region
UST-Legazpi hosts the examination on October 4, 2026.
Naga Parochial School in Naga City hosts the examination on October 3, 2026 and is also among the provincial centers accepting LEAPMed applicants.
Western Visayas
| Location | Testing Center | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Kalibo, Aklan | Aklan Catholic College | November 14, 2026 |
| Iloilo City | Angelicum School Iloilo | December 12, 2026 |
Central Visayas
Mandaue City Comprehensive National High School in Cebu hosts the test on November 7, 2026.
Tagbilaran City College in Bohol hosts USTET on January 30, 2027.
Eastern Visayas
Sacred Heart School in Tacloban City hosts the examination on November 21, 2026, including testing for qualified LEAPMed applicants.
Negros Island Region
Bacolod City’s testing center is St. John’s Institute – Hua Ming, with a scheduled College examination on December 13, 2026.
Dumaguete applicants may take the examination at Colegio de Santa Catalina de Alejandria on November 7, 2026.
Mindanao
UST has also announced several Mindanao testing centers:
| Location | Testing Center | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Zamboanga City | Ateneo de Zamboanga University – Senior High School | November 21, 2026 |
| Cagayan de Oro | Nanuri International School | November 14, 2026 |
| Davao City | Immanuel School of Davao, Inc. | November 7, 2026 |
| General Santos | UST General Santos | November 21, 2026 |
Provincial testing-center applications remain subject to slot availability even if the posted deadline has not yet passed, so applying early is definitely the safer option.
USTET International Testing Centers
UST also conducts entrance examinations outside the Philippines.
For the current admission cycle, international testing centers include:
| Location | Testing Center | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Future Generation Philippine International School | January 12, 2027 |
| Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia | International Philippine School in Al-Khobar | January 14, 2027 |
| Dubai, UAE | United International Private School | January 16, 2027 |
These international centers accept College and College with LEAPMed applicants.
UST also advises applicants using international testing centers to make sure they are legal residents of the country or hold the appropriate visa. The university does not provide visa assistance.
Some overseas testing centers may collect an additional local testing fee.
Who Can Apply for the USTET?
For regular College admission, applicants who are currently enrolled in Grade 12 may apply.
For Senior High School admission, applicants currently enrolled in Grade 10 may apply.
Applicants with other circumstances may still be eligible, but additional clearance or requirements can apply.
These include:
- Graduates from previous school years
- PEPT passers
- Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency passers
- Applicants from foreign schools
- Foreign nationals graduating from Philippine schools
Applicants under these categories generally need to secure clearance from the UST Manila Office of the Registrar before their application can proceed.
USTET 2027 Requirements
For a typical graduating Filipino student studying in a Philippine school, the main requirements are straightforward.
You generally need:
- 2″ x 2″ ID picture with name tag
- Completed USTET Application Grades Form
- PSA/NSO birth certificate or valid passport
UST specifically states that a civil-registry-issued birth certificate is not accepted in place of the required PSA/NSO document for the regular Category 1 application.
The exact requirements change depending on your applicant category.
Filipino Applicants From Foreign Schools
Additional requirements include:
- Clearance from the UST Office of the Registrar
- Certified True Copy of Grades or Temporary Transcript of Records
Non-Filipino Applicants
Foreign applicants may need:
- Valid passport
- UST Registrar clearance
- Certified True Copy of Grades or Temporary Transcript of Records
Previous High School Graduates
Filipino applicants who graduated in previous school years generally need:
- 2″ x 2″ ID photo
- USTET Application Grades Form
- PSA/NSO birth certificate or passport
- UST Registrar clearance
- School Registrar/Principal-certified Form 138 or report card
PEPT, ALS and A&E Applicants
Required documents include:
- 2″ x 2″ ID photo
- PSA/NSO birth certificate or passport
- PEPT, ALS or A&E certificate
- Registrar clearance
Because requirements depend on your applicant classification, always follow the category displayed in your USTET application portal.
USTET Application Grades Form
The Application Grades Form is an important part of the USTET application.
Applicants must forward the appropriate form to their school registrar or principal.
The school completes the required grades, then returns the form to the student for uploading through the USTET application portal.
Make sure the form is complete because a portion of your USTET final rating comes from your academic grades. UST warns that incomplete information may prevent the form from being processed.
How to Apply for USTET 2027
The application is completed online.
Here’s the general process.
Step 1: Go to the official USTET application portal
Register through the official University of Santo Tomas admissions system.
Select the level and campus you are applying for.
College applicants can choose between applicable UST campuses, while SHS applicants can select from the available UST schools or programs.
Step 2: Complete previous USTET verification
If you’ve taken the USTET before, indicate this during registration and provide the requested information.
First-time applicants should select the appropriate first-time applicant option.
Step 3: Complete UST student verification
If you’re currently or previously enrolled at UST Manila, provide your student information.
Non-UST students can select the corresponding “None” option.
Step 4: Get your reference number
Complete the initial online registration.
Your reference number is important because you’ll use it to access and track your application.
UST normally sends the reference number to your email address.
Step 5: Complete your online application
You’ll then work through the tasks shown in your Activity Log.
These include uploading your photo, updating school information, entering program preferences and submitting the required documents.
Step 6: Upload the required documents
Make sure scans are readable and complete.
Blurred, incomplete or incorrect documents can delay your application.
Step 7: Encode your grades
Copy the information from your completed USTET Application Grades Form into the application portal.
Check every grade carefully before submitting.
Step 8: Submit your application for verification
Once everything is complete, certify the application conforme and submit your application to UST’s Office for Admissions for verification.
Step 9: Wait for UST OFAD verification
UST OFAD reviews your application and documents.
You’ll receive an email notification once your application has been verified.
Step 10: Select a testing center
Once you’re eligible to proceed, choose from the available testing centers.
Remember that provincial testing centers may fill up before the published deadline.
Step 11: Pay the application fee
Complete the online payment.
The application fee is non-refundable.
Step 12: Download your Test Permit
Your test permit is issued only after your application has been completed, required documents have been submitted and your application fee has been paid.
Save and print the permit as instructed because it contains important information regarding your USTET schedule.
How Much Is the USTET 2027 Application Fee?
For Manila, satellite and provincial testing centers, the published fees are:
| Applicant Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Filipino applicants attending local schools | ₱600 |
| Graduating Filipinos from foreign schools | ₱1,000 |
| Non-Filipino applicants enrolled in Philippine schools | ₱1,000 |
| International students from schools abroad | ₱1,000 |
| Filipino graduates of previous school years | ₱600 |
| PEPT/ALS/A&E passers | ₱600 |
| LEAPMed applicants | ₱3,600 |
| LEAPMed IB applicants | ₱3,600 |
| Applicants using International Credentials | ₱3,000 |
| International Testing Center applicants | ₱6,000 |
| LEAPMed applicants testing abroad | ₱9,000 |
UST also waives the application fee for certain applicants, including qualified public-school students with Highest Honors, eligible College applicants under the Free College Entrance Examinations Act, and children of UST Manila Support Staff.
What Is Covered in the USTET?
For College applicants, the regular USTET covers four areas:
- Mental Ability
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
UST says that an applicant’s preparation from the current and previous grade levels should generally provide the academic foundation needed for the test.
This means reviewing your Senior High School lessons in Mathematics, Science and English is a good starting point.
But because the exam also includes Mental Ability, it helps to practice logical reasoning, patterns and similar aptitude-type questions.
How Is the USTET Score Calculated?
Your final USTET rating isn’t based only on the entrance exam.
According to UST, the overall final rating is composed of:
- Entrance test score: 80%
- Academic grades: 20%
The academic portion is based on the computed average of English, Mathematics and Science grades from the Application Grades Form.
This is why it’s important not only to prepare for the exam but also to make sure the grades you submit are accurate.
Does Passing the USTET Guarantee Admission?
Not necessarily.
Some UST programs have additional admission requirements.
Even if you obtain the required USTET score, certain programs may require:
- Interview
- Audition
- Drawing or talent test
- Other additional screening
Your Priority Program may also have its own cut-off scores and admission criteria.
College applicants are allowed to select two programs:
Priority Program – the program you most want to enter.
Alternative Program – another program where you may be considered if you don’t qualify for your Priority Program.
If you qualify for your Priority Program, your Alternative Program is no longer processed.
What Is LEAPMed?
LEAPMed stands for Learning-Enhanced Accelerated Program for Medicine.
It’s UST’s accelerated medicine program that allows qualified students to complete a two-year BS Basic Human Studies program before proceeding to the four-year medicine proper, making it possible to earn the two degrees in six years.
For the 2027 admission cycle, eligible applicants include qualifying students from STEM, eligible UST GAS-Health Allied students, certain students under the Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum and qualifying International Baccalaureate students.
LEAPMed applicants must meet specific academic requirements.
The program is highly competitive.
UST states that the top 220 qualifiers from the USTET and LEAPMed Entrance Test proceed to the interview process, from which only 90 students are finally admitted.
LEAPMed Exam Coverage
LEAPMed applicants take two examinations on the same day.
The USTET is taken in the morning and covers:
- Mental Ability
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
The LEAPMed Entrance Test follows in the afternoon and covers:
- Anatomy
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Physiology
- Zoology
LEAPMed applicants therefore need more specialized preparation than regular College USTET applicants.
Can You Use SAT, IB, ACT or Other International Credentials Instead of USTET?
Some College applicants with qualifying international credentials may apply through an international-credentials route instead of taking the regular USTET.
UST recognizes qualifying credentials such as:
- International Baccalaureate Diploma
- Cambridge GCE Advanced Level
- Advanced Placement International Diploma/courses
- Victorian Certificate of Education and related Australian credentials
- SAT
- ACT
For example, UST’s published SAT criterion requires a total score of at least 1,200, with both Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Mathematics scores of at least 600.
For the ACT, the published criterion is a composite score of at least 27, with no subject score lower than 24.
Additional rules apply depending on the credential.
Applicants who do not satisfy these international-credential standards may still apply through the regular USTET.
LEAPMed applicants generally must take the USTET even if they hold international credentials, subject to the specific IB provisions published by UST.
Can You Choose Your USTET Date?
Not freely if you’re testing at UST Manila.
The university assigns the nearest available exam schedule based on when you complete your application and the type of application you submitted.
Provincial testing centers generally have specific scheduled examination dates.
Your exact testing time is also system-generated.
Can You Reschedule the USTET?
Yes, under applicable circumstances.
UST says applicants who miss their scheduled examination may request another schedule through the USTET portal.
You’ll need to select an available testing center and schedule and pay the ₱200 rescheduling fee.
Of course, it’s much better to attend your original schedule if possible because alternative slots may be limited.
When Will USTET 2027 Results Be Released?
UST currently states that results for the A.Y. 2027–2028 admission cycle will be announced during the second quarter of 2027.
That means applicants should watch for an official announcement from UST OFAD between April and June 2027 unless the university later announces a more specific release date.
Once UST announces an exact results date, applicants should rely on the official UST admissions portal rather than unofficial social-media posts.
Tips Before Submitting Your USTET Application
I know college entrance applications can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re applying to several universities at the same time.
But USTET becomes much easier to manage if you organize everything early.
Before submitting, check the following:
- Make sure your name matches your birth certificate or passport.
- Use an active email address.
- Save your USTET reference number.
- Prepare a clear 2″ x 2″ ID photo.
- Have your school registrar complete the correct Application Grades Form.
- Scan your documents clearly.
- Double-check the grades you encode.
- Decide your Priority and Alternative programs carefully.
- Apply early if you’re using a provincial testing center.
- Pay before the deadline.
- Download and save your Test Permit.
- Check your portal regularly for announcements.
And don’t forget to check your spam folder. Admission-related emails sometimes end up there.
Frequently Asked Questions About USTET 2027
When does USTET 2027 application start?
College applications for A.Y. 2027–2028 opened on August 8, 2026. Senior High School, Junior High School and Education High School applications opened on September 8, 2026.
When is the deadline for USTET 2027?
For most College, SHS, JHS and EHS applicants, the general deadline is January 8, 2027.
LEAPMed has an earlier application deadline of November 27, 2026.
UST General Santos College applications run until January 13, 2027.
When is the USTET 2027 exam?
There isn’t just one USTET date.
UST Manila exams are scheduled on October 18, 2026, December 6, 2026 and January 24, 2027 for applicable applicant groups.
Current UST Manila students also have a dedicated February 14, 2027 schedule for certain applications.
Provincial and international testing centers have their own dates.
How much is the USTET application fee?
The standard fee for Filipino applicants attending local schools and testing in the Philippines is ₱600.
Different fees apply to foreign-school applicants, international applicants, LEAPMed applicants and those taking the test overseas.
What are the requirements for USTET?
A regular graduating Filipino applicant from a local school generally needs a 2″ x 2″ ID picture with name tag, USTET Application Grades Form and PSA/NSO birth certificate or valid passport.
Additional documents apply to other applicant categories.
What subjects are included in USTET?
For College applicants, the USTET includes Mental Ability, English, Mathematics and Science.
Can I apply to two UST courses?
College applicants choose a Priority Program and an Alternative Program.
If you qualify for your Priority Program, the Alternative Program is no longer processed.
Can transferees take USTET?
The regular USTET is intended for freshman applicants. UST advises transfer applicants to contact the appropriate academic unit regarding transferee admission instead.
When will USTET 2027 results come out?
UST says results will be announced during the second quarter of 2027.
Final Thoughts
If UST is one of your target universities for college or Senior High School, the biggest advice I can give is simple: don’t wait until the deadline.
The USTET 2027 application cycle has already started, and several examination schedules are happening months before 2027 even begins.
For most regular College applicants, applications run from August 8, 2026 until January 8, 2027. Senior High School applications run from September 8, 2026 to January 8, 2027, while LEAPMed has an earlier November 27, 2026 deadline.
Your actual examination date depends on your testing center, application type and when your application is completed.
Prepare your birth certificate or passport, have your school accomplish your Application Grades Form, upload clear documents, choose your programs carefully and complete payment as early as possible.
Most importantly, regularly check the official UST Office for Admissions and USTET portal. Testing-center availability, announcements and other admission details can still be updated during the application cycle.
Getting into UST starts long before the actual entrance exam. A smooth application, complete requirements and enough time to prepare can already make the whole USTET experience much less stressful.
