Located within the central business district of Ortigas Center, the University of Asia and the Pacific has been fostering young minds and equipping them with a liberal education since its inception. From its beginnings as the Center for Research and Communication (CRC) in the 1960s up until its expansion to the university we have come to know today, this institution for higher learning has continuously given its small student body a well-rounded education. If you’re considering pursuing studies at UA&P and becoming a Dragon as they call their students, here’s a quick primer:
History of UA&P
Before UA&P or the University & Asia Pacific got its start, it traces its beginnings back to the Center for Research and Communication (CRC), a private, non-profit think-tank established by Dr. Jesus Estanislao and Dr. Bernardo M. Villegas. Its first home was at the offices of the United Coconut Authority of the Philippines, then a second campus in Malate, Manila was opened a year later. The center saw its first batch of students graduate with a Master of Science in Industrial Economics in 1972. It was in 1989, with the establishment of its College of Arts and Sciences that the center started its eventual conversion into a university.
In 1995, the Commission on Higher Education granted CRC its university status and it officially became the UA&P in Ortigas Center as we know it today. The institution only continued to grow, with the installment of the School of Management a year later and the School of Communication a decade after. Currently, the school has five buildings to house its offices and classrooms, offers 15 undergraduate degrees and 11 graduate degrees and two fast-track master’s programs.
Top Courses UA&P Is Known For
UA&P began by offering courses in economics and management, which is why it’s understandable that the school’s more popular courses are within these programs. A pioneering program in the country, UA&P’s Industrial Economics Program was a first of its kind and concentrates on the analysis of industries and business. It combines mathematical expertise and theoretical and application studies on the economy and in business. Meanwhile, the Entrepreneurial Management (EM) Program is another one of a kind offering that helps nurture budding businessmen by providing them with the tools to start their enterprises early on at the college level. Students are then guided through business coaching and in real business applications.
How to Apply at UA&P
The usual entrance exam for UA&P has been waived for the following academic year, and students may now submit their applications online. For those interested in entering UA&P, here are the steps as per their official site:
- Create an online account at the UA&P Online Application site and accomplish the application form.
- Submit the required documents. Download required school forms for your high school and guidance counselor to fill up, and once you receive them back from your high school, upload these to your application page. Here are the requirements for local applicants:
- Online application
- School Record Form
- Guidance Counselor Recommendation Form
- Proof of payment
- Pay a non-refundable application fee through bank transfer or over the counter payment methods. The fee varies per profile: P600 for students from local private schools, P250 for students from local public and science high schools, $50 for students from schools abroad and for those using an international program or test.
- Wait for your application’s acknowledgement email, which you should receive seven days after your payment has been made.
How Much is Tuition and Other Fees at UA&P?
The university is transparent about the tuition fees and all the other miscellaneous fees that come with each program of study, and has released the comprehensive list of fees here. But generally, a semester at UA&P will cost between P95,000 to P146,000, depending on your course. This may be settled whole, in two payments, or in three payments spread throughout the semetral period.Â
There are also a number of options for scholarships, financial aids, grants, and even student loans.Â
- Scholarships - Applicants can submit their appeals for a merit, athletic, or financial scholarship if they qualify with a minimum grade and meet other qualifications
- Financial Aid - Financial aid is granted to Filipino students who have a gross family income of P800,000 and below and have a high school average of at least 86
- Grant - The Dr. Placido Mapa Scholarship grant is a type of merit endowment given to the top five merit scholars and covers their entire tuition and miscellaneous fees, a P8,000 monthly stipend, internet allowance, a laptop, and access to coachingÂ
- Student Loan - The student loan is sort of a study now, pay later deal where qualified applicants may pay their tuition in 12 monthly installments
Famous Alumni from UA&P
In its relatively short history, UA&P has produced outstanding alumni who have served the country through public office or in private means. Among its alumni are former senator Ralph Recto, former DICT undersecretary Dr. Thomas Aquino, former director-general of NEDA Cayetano Paderanga Jr., to name a few. In private corporations, AC Energy Corp.'s president and CEO John Eric Francia and Leechiu Property Consultants’ CEO David Leechiu also hailed from the university in its early days. In popular culture, the university counts among its creative alumni celebrity and host Alex Gonzaga, rapper Abra, and actor and model Diego Gutierrez.
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