PRIVACY INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS FOR ADMISSION

(Faculty of Medicine and Surgery – Doctor of Medicine Program)

YOUR PRIVACY MATTERS

Overview

Introduction

Information we collect

Why we process your data

How we use your data

How we share information

Your choices and obligations

Other important information

Introduction

The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, the Catholic University of the Philippines, is committed to protecting the personal privacy of its stakeholders. It is the policy of the University that information collected from its stakeholders be stored, maintained, and used by the University only for appropriate, necessary, and clearly defined purposes, and that such information be controlled and safeguarded in order to ensure the protection of personal privacy to the extent permitted by law.

To be consistent with data protection laws, we ask you to take a moment to review the key points in this privacy policy. By availing of the University’s services, you consent to the use of your data under this privacy policy.

Information we collect

We collect relevant personal information online through the Application portal. Likewise, we collect supporting documents submitted in electronic forms (e.g., transcript of records, birth certificate, certificate of good moral, etc.).

Why we process your data

We use your personal data, together with the results of your application, to determine your eligibility for admission to the Doctor of Medicine program of the University. We also utilize your data for educational, research, and institutional quality assurance purposes, such as in establishing trends in admission to the program in order to inform our decisions on future program offerings and projected resource needs.

How we process your data

We may use your personal information to contact you on matters about your application for admission. We determine your individual eligibility for admission by evaluating your credentials against the program standards.

We conduct data analytics of all admission data annually for the purposes mentioned above, and we compare aggregate data with that of previous years to compare trends. We may conduct predictive and prescriptive analytics for future decision-making regarding our program offerings. These aggregate analyses do not identify you individually. We retain depersonalized information after qualified applicants have already enrolled. This information feeds models for 10-year predictive and prescriptive analyses for future decision-making.

However, we retain names and email addresses of those who have not qualified for admission so we can provide you with information on continuing professional development (CPD) programs, graduate programs, or any other University activity open to the public, which may be of interest to you in the future. You may opt not to receive this information by unticking the choice below, and we will not keep your data for these marketing purposes.

How we share information

The Office for Admissions (OFAD) is the Personal Information Controller (PIC) of all admissions-related data. The OFAD may share your personal information and results with the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, and they may contact you about matters about your potential admission to the University.

With the permission of the University’s Data Protection Officer (DPO), subject to compliance with research ethics and data privacy, the OFAD may share your depersonalized information with academic researchers who may request such, and institute measures that will not allow you to be individually identified. You may opt not to grant these academic researchers access to your personal information by unticking the choice below.

We may need to share your data when we believe it is required by law or to protect your and our rights, welfare, and security. We may likewise need to share your data if required by regulatory agencies such as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) or by local and international accrediting agencies (e.g., PACUCOA, PAASCU, AUN-QA), as part of the monitoring and/or evaluation process.

Once you qualify for admission, your personal information will be shared with the Office of the Registrar, so you will only need to provide additional information necessary for enrollment.

Your choices and obligations

You have the option not to grant the use of your personal information for institutional marketing purposes or for research done by individuals or groups by unticking the options below.

You have the obligation to ensure the completeness and accuracy of all information provided to the University. Provision of fraudulent information, if proven to be deliberate, may prevent you from being admitted to the University.

Other important information

We implement security safeguards designed to protect your data. We regularly monitor our systems for possible vulnerabilities and attacks and apply necessary measures to protect your data.

You may contact us through the Office of the University Data Protection Officer to communicate any concerns you may have regarding our privacy policy.

The UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery prides itself with more than 150 years of academic excellence. It is recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of the Philippines as a Center of Excellence, where students receive not only quality education but extensive training in research as well. Admission to the medical school is competitive. Since the yearly number of applicants is significantly high, a set of criteria and guidelines are employed to screen and select qualified prospective first year medical students. These guidelines are aligned with the mission and vision of both the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and the University of Santo Tomas. 

1. About four hundred and eighty (480) candidates are accepted into the First-Year level of the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program each academic year. A certain percentage of slots is reserved for UST graduates. Foreign students comprise about 5% to 7% of the total first year population.          

2. Anyone wishing to enter the Doctor of Medicine program must have a strong foundation in the biological sciences during their undergraduate/college years. Without such background, it would be difficult to catch up with the intense demands of studying Medicine. Hence, the preferred preparatory programs for entry into medical school are Biological Sciences programs that are primarily structured as pre-medicine courses such as B.S. Biology (and its equivalents in various University systems) and Allied Sciences programs like B.S. Medical Technology, B.S. Pharmacy, B.S. Nursing, B.S. Public Health, and B.S. Physical Therapy. Other bachelor's degree holders may still apply but it is highly recommended that they take supplemental units in the Biological Sciences, Chemistry (including Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry) and Physics.

It is understood that successful applicants are required to have completed their respective bachelor’s degree without deficiencies or pending issues before enrollment.

3. As first-year admission slots are limited, admission is highly competitive. As a rule, scholastic standing and NMAT performance are given the biggest weight when narrowing the probable candidates for admission. Hence, to have a good head start, the applicant must present a scholastic performance recorded average of at least 2.00/B+/86%, WITH NO FAILURES before the period of application; and a National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) score of in at least eighty-five percentile (85%ile).                                

4. Once the results have been released, no appeal for reconsideration will be entertained for those who failed to submit all the application requirements on time.        

5. In addition to the NMAT, the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery reserves the right to require other forms of diagnostic examination/s deemed necessary to further assess the intellectual, psychological, moral, and physical competencies of the applicants, as a supplementary screening procedure.

6. English is the medium of instruction in the Faculty. Non-English-speaking international applicants must present TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language/ESL (English as a Second Language) results with a total TOEFL score of 93 (and its equivalent in ESL) with a minimum score of 22 for Writing and Speaking. In addition, international students and non-Filipino (non-Tagalog) speaking applicants are expected to learn to speak Filipino, as this becomes an essential requirement from the second to the fourth year levels, when they begin actual patient encounters in hospital wards and ambulatory clinics.

7. All required certificates of good moral character must be submitted on or before the last day of the application period.  No other written/verbal endorsements from individuals other than those listed below will be accepted. The two (2) Certificates of good moral character should come from the following:

• (1) School Administrator, and
• (1) Professor

8. Professional license issued by the Government Licensure Agency (e.g. Professional Regulation Commission for local applicants and its equivalent for international applicants) and certifications of the applicant’s leadership credentials and involvement in socio-civic/religious missions or volunteer work as well as other graduate/post-graduate diplomas will be given appropriate credit during the admission screening process. Likewise, alumni and children of alumni and/or faculty/administrative staff of UST are given appropriate point credits.                        

9. As a rule, the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery does NOT accept transferees from any other medical school nor any applicant who has previously taken units in the Doctor of Medicine Program of another school.                                                                

10. Applicants with records of being convicted of any crime or felony are not eligible for admission.                                                                   

11. Upon enrollment, the student shall be required to sign a waiver stating that any inconsistency or falsification in the submitted application documents, once verified, shall be grounds for dismissal from the medical school at any time, regardless of the year level. Examples of such infractions include, but are not limited to:

• Incorrect entry of grades or course units
• Inaccurate entry of personal data
• Falsified certificates, diplomas, and other documents

NOTE: This application is for first year Medicine proper only.

Welcome! The UST Office for Admissions (OFAD) and the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery thank you for your interest in our medical school.

Our values focus on academic excellence, integrity, and compassionate care. We put a premium on academic honesty, thus please be advised that any falsification of data entered in the online application portal will result in your disqualification from the admission process.

In order to avoid mistakes, please take time to read and enter all the required information accurately. You may modify and save your work at any time; however, once you click the “Submit” button, your application is considered final and no further modifications will be allowed.

Thank you.

Who can apply for admission to the Doctor of Medicine program of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery?

• Holders of a bachelor's degree conferred by a duly recognized institution.
• College students currently enrolled in a bachelor's program of a recognized institution and are expected to graduate at the end of the Academic Year, and before the actual enrollment schedule of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.

Who are NOT eligible to apply?

• Those who have incurred more than eight (8) units of failure in their College program.
• Those who have taken advanced credits in Medicine.
• Those with criminal record.

Which applications will NOT be processed?

• Incomplete information and/or requirements
• Applications, including payments, received after the deadline of submission

1. Click "Register" to start your online application.

2. Complete the Pre-registration to get your: 

a. Reference Number

b. Health Questionnaire

3. Log back in using your reference number and registered email address to your application portal to continue and complete your application for admission.

4. Prepare all application requirements for uploading. Refer to the list of application requirements.

5. Upload your application requirements.

6. Click the "Submit" button in the Documents Uploading tab to complete your application.

7. Wait for 3 to 5 working days for your application to be verified. OFAD will send an email informing you of the status of your application.

8. Pay the application fee, which is NON-REFUNDABLE, through the University Online Payment Gateway (OPG). Check your application portal after paying to receive your Acknowledgment Receipt. 

9. Download the Acknowledgement Receipt. You become an official applicant once you have an Acknowledgement Receipt with an Applicant Number. 

10. Results shall be announced in April 2026.

Category 1: FILIPINO UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS FROM LOCAL SCHOOLS (currently enrolled in college)

1. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or National Statistics Office (NSO) certified true copy of the birth certificate. 
2. Certified true copy of Transcript of Records.
   1. For graduating students, grades for your final year may not have been encoded yet at the time of application. This is acceptable. However, please note that if you should get a failing grade on your last year, your admission slot will be forfeited.
   2. Applicants from UST who have not taken any course/s outside UST need NOT submit a copy of their transcripts of records.
3. NMAT Result. Please check the list of NMAT dates that will be considered for the present application process.
4. Two (2) certificates of good moral character. (cf. Admission Policies #6)
   1. 1 copy from School Administrator
   2. 1 copy from Professor
5. Accomplished Health Questionnaire Form duly signed by a licensed physician.
6. Baptismal certificate (for Catholics).
7. Certificate of naturalization, if a naturalized Filipino.
8. Parent’s/parents’ diploma/s, if UST graduate/s.
   1. Alternative document: Alumni ID, Transcript of Records, Certificate of Graduation.
9. Application fee of three thousand six hundred (PHP 3,600)

Category 2: FILIPINO GRADUATES FROM LOCAL SCHOOLS

1. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or National Statistics Office (NSO) certified true copy of the birth certificate. 
2. Certified true copy of Transcript of Records of a completed four-year Bachelor’s degree program.  (NOTE: Applicants from UST who have not taken any course/s outside UST need NOT submit a copy of their transcripts of records.)
3. NMAT Result. Please check the list of NMAT dates that will be considered for the present application process.
4. Two (2) certificates of good moral character. (cf. Admission Policies #6)
   1. 1 copy from School Administrator
   2. 1 copy from Professor
5. Accomplished Health Questionnaire Form duly signed by a licensed Physician.
6. Baptismal certificate (For Catholics).
7. Certificate of naturalization, if a naturalized Filipino.
8. Parent’s/parents’ diploma/s, if UST graduate/s.
   1. Alternative documents: Alumni ID, Transcript of Records, Certificate of Graduation.
9. Professional Licensure certificate, if applicable
   1. Alternative documents: PRC ID, Certificate of Rating, or Certificate of Passing.
10. Post-graduate (masters/doctorate) diploma, if applicable.
    1. Alternative documents: Alumni ID, Transcript of Records, Certificate of Graduation.
11. Application fee of three thousand six hundred (PHP 3,600)

Category 3: FILIPINO UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS FROM FOREIGN SCHOOLS

1. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or National Statistics Office (NSO) certified true copy of the birth certificate. 
2. Certified true copy of Transcript of Records.
   1. For graduating students, grades for your final year may not have been encoded yet at the time of application. This is acceptable. However, please note that if you should get a failing grade on your last year, your admission slot will be forfeited.
   2. Applicants from UST who have not taken any course/s outside UST need NOT submit a copy of their transcripts of records.
3. NMAT Result. Please check the list of NMAT dates that will be considered for the present application process.
4. Two (2) certificates of good moral character. (cf. Admission Policies #6)
   1. 1 copy from School Administrator
   2. 1 copy from Professor
5. Accomplished Health Questionnaire Form duly signed by a licensed Physician.
6. Baptismal certificate (For Catholics).
7. Parent’s/parents’ diploma/s, if UST graduate/s.
   1. Alternative documents Alumni ID, Transcript of Records, Certificate of Graduation.
8. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language/ESL (English as a Second Language) results for non-English speaking international students
   * Note Admission Policies #5 regarding the language requirement for English and Filipino (Tagalog)
9. Application fee of three hundred twenty US Dollars (USD 320) or seven thousand six hundred pesos (PHP 17,600).

Category 4: FILIPINO GRADUATES FROM FOREIGN SCHOOLS

1. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or National Statistics Office (NSO) certified true copy of the birth certificate.
2. Transcript of records of a completed four-year Bachelor’s Degree program. *
3. NMAT Result. Please check the list of NMAT dates that will be considered for the present application process.
4. Two (2) certificates of good moral character. (cf. Admission Policies #6)
   1. 1 copy from School Administrator
   2. 1 copy from Professor
5. Accomplished Health Questionnaire Form duly signed by a licensed Physician.
6. Baptismal certificate (For Catholics).
7. Certificate of naturalization, if a naturalized Filipino.
8. Parent’s/parents’ diploma/s, if UST graduate/s.
   1. Alternative documents: Alumni ID, Transcript of Records, Certificate of Graduation.
9. Professional Licensure certificate, if applicable.
   1. Alternative documents: PRC ID, Certificate of Rating, or Certificate of Passing.
10. Post-graduate (masters/doctorate) diploma, if applicable.
    1. Alternative documents: Alumni ID, Transcript of Records, Certificate of Graduation.
11. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language/ESL (English as a Second Language) results for Non-English speaking international students
    * Note Admission Policies #5 regarding the language requirement for English and Filipino (Tagalog)
12. Application fee of three hundred twenty US Dollars (USD 320) or seven thousand six hundred pesos (PHP 17,600).

Category 5: RESIDENT ALIENS

1. Certified true copy of the birth certificate (a notarized copy is acceptable).
2. Certificate of citizenship.
3. Certified true copy of Transcript of Records. 
   1. For graduating students, grades for your final year may not have been encoded yet at the time of application. This is acceptable. However, please note that if you should get a failing grade on your last year, your admission slot will be forfeited. 
   2. If the applicant is a graduate, a certified true copy of the Transcript of Records of a completed four-year Bachelor’s degree program is required. 
   3. Applicants from UST who have not taken any subject/s outside UST need NOT submit a copy of their transcripts of records.
4. NMAT Result. Please check the list of NMAT dates that will be considered for the present application process.
5. Two (2) certificates of good moral character. (cf. Admission Policies #6)
   1. 1 copy from School Administrator
   2. 1 copy from Professor
6. Accomplished Health Questionnaire Form duly signed by a licensed Physician.
7. Baptismal certificate (For Catholics).
8. Certificate of naturalization, if a naturalized Filipino.
9. Parent’s/parents’ diploma/s, if UST graduate/s.
   1. Alternative documents: Alumni ID, Transcript of Records, Certificate of Graduation.
10. ACR I-Card. 
11. Notarized Affidavit of Support. 
12. Professional Licensure certificate, if applicable.
    1. Alternative documents: PRC ID, Certificate of Rating, or Certificate of Passing.
13. Post-graduate (masters/doctorate) diploma, if applicable.
    1. Alternative documents: Alumni ID, Transcript of Records, Certificate of Graduation.
14. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language/ESL (English as a Second Language) results for non-English speaking international students
    * Note Admission Policies #5 regarding the language requirement for English and Filipino (Tagalog)
15. Application fee of Three Hundred Twenty US Dollars (USD 320) or Seven Thousand Six Hundred Philippine Pesos (PHP 17,600).

Category 6: NON-RESIDENT ALIENS

1. Certified true copy of birth certificate (a notarized copy is acceptable).
2. Certificate of citizenship.
3. Certified true copy of Transcript of Records.* 
   1. Applicants from UST who have not taken any subject/s outside UST need NOT submit a copy of their transcripts of records.
   2. If the applicant is a graduate, a certified true copy of the Transcript of Records of a completed four-year Bachelor’s degree program is required. 
   3. For graduating students, grades for your final year may not have been encoded yet at the time of application. This is acceptable. However, please note that if you should get a failing grade on your last year, your admission slot will be forfeited. 
4. NMAT Result. Please check the list of NMAT dates that will be considered for the present application process.
5. Two (2) certificates of good moral character (cf. Admission Policies #6). 
   1. 1 copy from School Administrator
   2. 1 copy from Professor
6. Accomplished Health Questionnaire Form duly signed by a licensed Physician.
7. Baptismal certificate (For Catholics).
8. Parent’s/parents’ diploma/s if UST graduate/s.
   1. Alternative document: Alumni ID, Transcript of Records, Certificate of Graduation.
9. Professional Licensure certificate, if applicable.
   1. Alternative document: PRC ID, Certificate of Rating, or Certificate of Passing.
10. Post-graduate (masters/doctorate) diploma, if applicable.
    1. Alternative document: Alumni ID, Transcript of Records, Certificate of Graduation.
11. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language/ESL (English as a Second Language) results for non-English speaking international students

*Note Admission Policies #5 regarding the language requirement for English and Filipino (Tagalog).

12. Notarized Affidavit of Support with bank statement. *
13. Personal History Forms
14. Police clearance from place of residence. *
15. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language/ESL (English as a Second Language) results for Non-English speaking international students
    * Note Admission Policies #5 regarding the language requirement for English and Filipino (Tagalog)
16. Application fee of three hundred twenty US Dollars (USD 320) or seven thousand six hundred pesos (PHP 17,600).

* Transcript of records, notarized affidavit of support, and police clearance must be authenticated by the Philippine Consulate or Embassy.

** Accepted applicants belonging to Categories 3, 4, 5, and 6 are required to pay an out-of-state fee of Fifteen Thousand US Dollars (USD 15,000) upon enrolment. The out-of-state fee is a one-time payment upon enrollment and is not refundable. 

The following SCREENING CRITERIA are used in the overall evaluation and selection of applicants for admission to the Medical School: 

1. Scholastic standing
2. NMAT (National Medical Admission Test)
3. Entrance examination, if administered
4. Loyalty (e.g., if parents are alumni, if an applicant is a UST graduate)
5. Extracurricular activities (religious, leadership, civic, volunteer work)
6. Professional licensure certificates and other graduate/post-graduate diplomas

1. What are the requirements for admission to the medical school?

Click here to view the requirements

2. What if I do not have the necessary requirements?

If the required documents cannot be submitted within the application period, your application will not be processed. 

3. How do I submit my requirements?

All requirements must be uploaded in the application portal. Personal submission of requirements or submission through courier will NOT be entertained by the Office for Admissions (OFAD).

4. How will I know if I got accepted into the medical school?

Log in to the application portal on the day of release of the results to view your application result.

5. Is there an age limit on who may be accepted into medical school?

There is no age limit on who may be accepted into the medical school. However, additional procedures (e.g., medical clearance, interview, etc.) may be required if the applicant is 50 years or older at the time of application (cf. Admission Policies #4).

6. When is the entrance examination given?

The UST-FMS will not administer an entrance examination to the applicants for entry year 2026-2027. However, applicants must take the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) administered by the Center for Education Measurement (CEM) for AY 2026-2027. Only the results of NMAT administered on the following dates are accepted: January 2025, February 2025, May 2025, October 2025, January 2026, and February 2026. 

Click on the link for more information on the NMAT: https://www.cem-inc.org.ph/nmat/

7. I am studying abroad. Is there any examination that can take the place of the NMAT?

There is no equivalent examination to the NMAT, since the NMAT is a requirement for medical school admission in the Philippines, as mandated by the Board of Medical Education and the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges.

8. Are there any fees to be paid?

Yes. The application fee is three thousand six hundred pesos (PHP 3,600) for Filipino applicants from local schools or three hundred twenty US Dollars (USD 320) or seventeen thousand six hundred pesos (PHP 17, 600) for other applicant categories (Please see Application Requirements).

In addition, the following applicants will have to pay an Out-of-State fee of fifteen thousand US Dollars (USD 15,000) ONLY IF accepted into the medical school:

• Filipino graduates of foreign schools
• Resident aliens
• Non-resident aliens

9. How do I pay for my application?

You may pay the application fee through the University Online Payment Gateway (OPG). The payment link can be accessed in your application portal.

10. When do I pay for my application?

The application fee should be paid only after you have received confirmation that your submitted documents are verified complete.

The Out-of-state fee is paid during enrollment.

11. Are there other fees to be paid?

Aside from the application fee, no other fees are required during the application process.

However, once accepted into the medical school, an admitted applicant must pay a reservation fee of fifty thousand pesos (PHP 50,000) or one thousand US Dollars (USD 1,000) within one (1) week after the release of the admission results.

Please note that the reservation fee is non-refundable but will be credited toward the tuition fee for the first term of the first year.

12. Are the fees refundable or transferable?

The application fee, the out-of-state-fee, and the reservation fee are non-refundable and non-transferable.

13. How are applicants chosen for admission?

Applicants are chosen based on the following criteria:

• General weighted average in college
• NMAT score
• Extracurricular activities (religious, leadership, civic, volunteer work)
• Professional licensure certificates; other graduate/post-graduate diplomas

The order in which these criteria are listed reflects the relative weight assigned to each. Applicants who are graduates of UST and applicants whose parents are alumni of UST, are awarded are awarded loyalty points; however, these points are not sufficient to outweigh poor scholastic performance in college or a low NMAT score.

14. I am presently enrolled in college and will be finishing in July. May I still apply?

You may apply however, if the official transcript of records cannot be released by your school in time for enrollment, you need to secure a certification from the Registrar or the Dean of your school stating that you are expected to graduate by July. This certificate should be submitted together with the other requirements. If you are not able to graduate by July (e.g., due to failures) your slot and the non-refundable fees paid are forfeited in favor of UST. 

For those graduating in August (or beyond), you may apply for the next academic year, instead.

15. Are there applications that are not processed?

Yes, applications from the following will automatically not be processed:

• Those who will not be holders of a bachelor's degree from a duly recognized institution at the time of enrollment. The exception are those students who will be graduating after the enrollment date (but not later than the end of July of the year that they are applying for), provided a certification from the Registrar or the Dean of their school stating that they will be graduating by July is submitted along with the other application requirements.
• Those who have incurred more than eight (8) units of failures.
• Those who have advanced credits in Medicine.
• Those who are transferring from other medical schools.
• Those who have been convicted of any crime.
• Those who are unable to submit their online application and requirements within the application period.

16. What happens if I cannot graduate on time due to failures during my final year in college?

Applicants who completed their online application but failed to graduate on time due to deficiencies or failing grades during their final year in college shall forfeit their admission slot.

17. I made a mistake while entering data. What should I do?

Errors in data encoding may be corrected as long as you have not clicked the “Submit” button.

Once the “Submit” button is clicked, changes in the application can no longer be made. In the unfortunate event that this happens, please contact the UST Office for Admissions at ofad.medadmission@ust.edu.ph.

18. When will the results be released?

The results will be released in April 2026.