The UP Asian Center is now accepting applications for the January/February 2026 intake (Second Semester, Academic Year 2025-2026). The deadline for applications is 30 November 2025.
APPLICATION PERIOD NOW OPEN!
The application for the Asian Center’s graduate programs is NOW OPEN. The deadline for application is on 30 November 2025.
For more information about the requirements and instructions, please visit bit.ly/admissionsac.
For questions and concerns, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
ASIAN STUDIES PROGRAM
The Asian Studies Master of Arts and Master's programs are inter- and multi-disciplinary graduate degree programs that promote a deeper understanding and a wider perspective on Asia through area studies methodologies from diverse disciplines. These provide students with learning opportunities to acquire research, writing, and presentation abilities in the different approaches towards informed inquiries on the political, economic, cultural, and social discourse and questions confronting contemporary Asian states, cultures, and societies from a Philippine perspective.
The Asian Studies program offers thesis and non-thesis tracks in four cultural areas of specialization: Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and West Asia. Students must choose a core country or sub-region for specialization within the chosen culture area.
Master of Arts in Asian Studies (Thesis) • Master of Asian Studies (Non-thesis)
PHILIPPINE STUDIES PROGRAM
The Philippine Studies Master of Arts and Master's programs uphold Philippine Studies (Araling Pilipino) as a distinct discipline. Through inter- and multi-disciplinary approaches and methodologies, it studies Filipino society and culture and its constituent ethnolinguistic groups and problematizes the distinct identity of Filipinos. The program seek to produce specialists capable of identifying and studying Filipino or Philippine problems, expose students to different disciplinal perspectives, and impart a holistic approach to Philippine problems.
The Philippine Studies program also offers thesis and non-thesis tracks. Students enrolled are required to choose among three sub-specialization areas: Development Studies, Foreign Relations, and Socio-Cultural Studies.
Master of Arts in Philippine Studies (Thesis) • Master of Philippine Studies (Non-thesis)
BRIEF LIST OF REQUIREMENTS
Below is the list of requirements for the Asian Center’s graduate programs. The deadline for applications is 30 November 2025.
Applicants are REQUIRED to submit BOTH SOFT AND HARD COPIES of all application documents.
1. Applicants' Directory – M.A. Programs @ UP Asian Center (You can fill out this form while completing your requirements)
2. Application Letter addressed to: Prof. Noel Christian A. Moratilla, Ph.D. (Dean, UP Asian Center)
3. Research Plan (for Thesis option) or an Essay (for Non-Thesis option)
4. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
5. Student Directory
6. Duly Accomplished Recommendation Forms – Minimum of TWO (2)
a. SOFT COPY : Recommender must send the recommendation directly to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
b. HARD COPY : Must be submitted to the Asian Center in a sealed envelope
7. Transcript of Records (TOR) – Original AND Photocopy
8. Certificate of Transfer Credentials – For non-UP applicants only
9. Birth Certificate (PSA Copy) – Original AND Photocopy
10. Marriage Certificate – For female married applicants only
11. Two (2) pieces of passport-sized photos
12. Computation of GWA
13. PHP100.00 (USD 25 for Foreign Applicant) College Admission Fee.
Billing Statement available upon request from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Applicants are REQUIRED to submit BOTH SOFT AND HARD COPIES of all application documents.
For Soft Copy Submission
STEP 1: Email Address: Send all required documents in a zipped folder to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
STEP 2: Email Subject Line Format: SURNAME_AC Application_2nd Sem, 25–26_[MA Program]
Example: ORCENA_ AC Application_2nd Sem, 25–26_MAAS
STEP 3: Include in the body the request for College Admission Fee for Billing Statement preparation of AC-OCS
For Hard Copy Submission
STEP 1: Place all of your documents in a long brown envelope.
STEP 2: At the back of the envelope, write your full name: Surname, First Name, Middle Name
Example: ORCENA, MIKEE, DELA CRUZ
STEP 3: Submit or mail to:
Office of the College Secretary - Asian Center Hall of Wisdom,
GT-Toyota Asian Cultural Center Magsaysay Ave. cor. Katipunan Avenue,
University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines 1101
For questions and concerns, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
