Doctorate Program

Documentary Admission Requirements:

A. Documents to be mailed to the Office of the University Registrar:

1. A signed hard copy of the application form generated from the Online Application System.

2. Official Transcript of Records (OTR)

Reminders about the OTR:

• • • • Must bear the school’s dry seal and imprint, and the Registrar’s original ink signature.
      • If multiple schools or degrees were attended/earned, submit the OTR from the most recent school, and this OTR must reflect all credentials from previous schools/degrees, both completed and not completed degree programs.

3. Two (2) Letters of Recommendation

These may come from an employer/supervisor, former professor, or former program adviser. Recommenders must use UPOU Form 1a. They can either mail it to:

The Admission Section
Office of the University Registrar
UP Open University
Los Baños, Laguna 4031
Philippines

or they may email the recommendation, using their institutional email address, to [email protected]

4. Photocopy of NSO or PSA-issued Birth Certificate

B. Documents to be uploaded via the Online Application System:

1. Scanned Copy of the OTR (Do not upload a photo of your TOR)
Should reflect all academic credentials from previous schools/degrees.

2. Essay
A 500-word essay stating your reason for applying to UPOU’s distance education programs and your plans after completing your graduate studies.

3. Proof of Payment of the Non-refundable Application Fee

• • • • • PHP 500.00 for applicants in the Philippines
        • USD 100.00 for applicants abroad

Payment instructions are available in the Online Application System.

4. NSO or PSA-issued Birth Certificate

5. Government-issued Identification Cards

6. Photo Requirements

• • • Size: 2×2 inches
    • Color: Colored, with a neutral (white or off-white) background
    • Date Taken: Within the last 4 months
    • Face Visibility: Full face centered, eyes visible; no eyeglasses or accessories that obscure features
    • Labeling: Handwritten name tag in the format:
      First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name, and Extension Name (if any), with signature over printed name

* Photos are AI generated

C. Additional Requirements for Foreign Applicants:

• • Passport and Birth Certificate
    Copy of the passport’s data page (showing date and place of birth), and birth certificate or its equivalent, both authenticated by the Philippine Foreign Service Post.

 Upon admission to the university, the student must submit the following documents in hard copy:

1. Original Official Transcript of Records (OTR) with valid remarks.
   For details on what constitutes valid remarks, please visit: TOR Acceptable Remarks – Office of the University Registrar

1. 2. For applicants with international scholastic records:
      Submit the original copy of the records, duly authenticated by the Philippine Foreign Service Post located in the applicant’s country of origin or legal residence.

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Additional Requirements for the Doctorate Program

The additional documentary requirements must also be uploaded to the Online Application System.

For portfolio and sample works, if the file size exceeds the limit (10MB) please upload a Word or PDF file containing the list of publicly accessible links (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) where the required documents can be accessed.

Additional requirements for Doctor of Communication (DCOMM)

• Statement of Intent:
  A 2,000-word essay outlining the applicant’s research plan, including the proposed research framework and problem (in question form) or topics of interest.

• Portfolio of Written Work:
  A collection of the applicant’s written outputs such as publications, research studies (as sole or senior author), media productions, scripts, etc.

• English Language Proficiency:

Applicants who are non-native English speakers and did not complete prior academic coursework in English must submit proof of passing a valid English proficiency exam (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).

• Computer and Internet Proficiency:
  Demonstration of proficiency in using computer technologies, the Internet, and other ICT tools essential for independent research.

• Special Needs Statement:
  A disclosure of any physical or mental conditions that may require special attention or support services.

Additional requirements for PhD in Education

• Educational Background:
  A master’s degree in basic mathematics/science or a sub-field of Education (e.g., Science Education, Mathematics Education, Distance Education, Language and Literacy Education, Social Studies Education)
• Alignment with Field of Specialization:
  The master’s degree must include at least 15 units aligned with the PhD specialization. Otherwise, the applicant will be required to take supplementary 200-level courses in the chosen field.
• Academic Performance:
  A general weighted average of at least “2.0” or “B” at the undergraduate level, or “1.75” or better at the master’s level.
• Leadership Potential:
  Demonstrated through a statement of purpose, references, and other supporting documents.
• Sample Works:
  Submission of at least two samples of completed creative or research work at the master’s level.
• Research Concept Paper:
  A paper aligned with the intended dissertation topic.
• DE Readiness Module:
  Completion of this module is required for non-UPOU graduates.
• Interview:
  Applicants must demonstrate mental aptitude, language proficiency, and readiness for the program through an interview.

Additional requirements for Doctor of Sustainability (DSus)

• Leadership Potential:
  Demonstrated through the statement of purpose, references, and other supporting documents.
• Scholarly Portfolio and/or Creative Work:
  Includes scholarly or creative work (e.g., publications, policy papers, technical reports), a Curriculum Vitae, and a Certificate of Employment showing relevant work/research experience over the past 5 years.
• Dissertation Concept Proposal:
  A 2,000-word document outlining the research problem and proposed framework.
• English Language Proficiency:
  Required for applicants who are non-native English speakers and did not take prior academic coursework in English. Accepted exams include IELTS or TOEFL.
• Computer and Internet Proficiency:
  Demonstration of capability to use ICT tools essential for independent research.
• Special Needs Statement:
  Disclosure of any conditions requiring special attention or support.
• Midyear Intensive Program:
  Attendance is required.