Philippine Military Academy | Tuition Fee and Courses
General Information
Overview
The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) is the premier institution in the Philippines dedicated to developing future officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Located at Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City, PMA traces its origins to 1898 during the First Philippine Republic, making it one of the country’s oldest higher-learning institutions. Over the decades, PMA has evolved into a rigorous, fully residential military and academic establishment, known for its discipline-centered environment and commitment to developing leaders with strong character, academic competence, military excellence, and physical readiness.
Cadets undergo an intensive four-year program that blends classroom learning, leadership training, tactical instruction, and continuous physical development. Upon graduation, they earn a Bachelor of Science degree and are commissioned into the Army, Navy, or Air Force. PMA’s mission emphasizes integrity, courage, and loyalty, values deeply embedded in every aspect of cadet life. The Academy is also known for its structured routines, ceremonial traditions, and emphasis on honor, ensuring that graduates are prepared for both command roles and national service.
Contact Information
Address: Philippine Military Academy, Fort Del Pilar, Loakan Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Phone: (074) 442-5520
Email: ocapma@gmail.com
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1898 (as Academia Militar) |
| Type | Government, Military Academy |
| Motto | Courage, Integrity, Loyalty |
| Degree | Bachelor of Science |
| Campus Size | Approximately 373 hectares |
| First Female Cadets | 1993 (first graduation 1997) |
Philippine Military Academy Rankings
| Ranking Type | Position / Note |
|---|---|
| National (Philippines) | Considered the top military academy in the Philippines |
| Global | Not ranked in major global university rankings due to specialized nature |
Philippine Military Academy Academics
Faculties / Departments
- Department of Military Science and Tactics
- Department of Natural Sciences
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities
- Department of Engineering and Technology
- Department of Management and Leadership
- Physical Training and Athletics Department
- Character Development and Ethics Department
Courses and Programs / Majors
- Bachelor of Science in Management with specialization in National Security Studies
- Army Service Specialization Curriculum
- Navy Service Specialization Curriculum
- Air Force Specialization Curriculum
- Leadership and Command Training
- Military Field Operations Courses
- Ethics and Character Development Courses
Online Learning
The Academy does not offer online learning programs because its curriculum is designed around in-person military training, physical conditioning, and leadership development, all of which require active participation, residency within the campus, and direct supervision. While some academic subjects may use digital materials, PMA remains strictly residential, emphasizing structured routines, hands-on military instruction, and physical capability assessments that cannot be replicated through remote or distance learning formats.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Typical Range / Notes |
|---|---|
| SAT / ACT | Not used; PMA uses its own PMA Cadet Qualification Test (PMACQT) |
| GRE | Not applicable |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Retention and graduation rates are not typically published, but PMA is known for its demanding program, which requires cadets to maintain academic performance, physical fitness, discipline, and adherence to strict regulations. Attrition occurs due to medical, academic, or disciplinary reasons, but graduates who successfully complete the four-year program earn a commission as officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Philippine Military Academy Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Applicants must have a high school general average of at least 85%. SAT or ACT scores are not required, as the Academy uses the PMA Cadet Qualification Test to assess academic aptitude.
Philippine Military Academy Acceptance Rate
| Year | Approximate Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Recent Admissions | Very selective; around 300–350 cadets admitted per year from tens of thousands of applicants |
Philippine Military Academy Application Requirements
Applicants must be natural-born Filipino citizens, single with no children, physically fit, morally upright, and between 17 and 22 years old on April 1 of the admission year. They must meet minimum height requirements, pass the PMA Cadet Qualification Test, and undergo a comprehensive physical examination that includes medical, psychological, and physical evaluations. Academic records should reflect at least an 85% high school average. Successful applicants advance through multiple screening stages before taking their oath as fourth-class cadets.
Application Process
- Register online through the PMA application portal.
- Receive a test permit for the PMA Cadet Qualification Test.
- Take and pass the PMACQT at designated testing centers nationwide.
- Undergo the Complete Physical Examination (CPE).
- Pass psychological and physical fitness tests.
- Undergo final screening and approval.
- Report to PMA for oath-taking and reception ceremonies.
Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Typical Date |
|---|---|
| Application Period Opens | Varies yearly |
| PMACQT Examination | Typically scheduled around August |
| Reporting and Oath-Taking | April 1 of the following year |
Essay Prompt
PMA does not typically require a written essay for application; instead, assessment focuses on test scores, physical examinations, mental evaluation, and character screening.
Philippine Military Academy Scholarships
PMA provides a fully funded scholarship to all cadets. This includes tuition, uniforms, housing, meals, and training expenses. Cadets also receive a monthly allowance and other benefits while undergoing their four-year education and training.
Philippine Military Academy Tuition Fee
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Board | Free |
| Monthly Allowance | Provided to all cadets |
Student Profile and Demographics – Philippine Military Academy
Student Demographics
Cadets of PMA come from diverse regions across the Philippines but must all be natural-born Filipino citizens. The student population consists of young individuals aged 17 to 22, meeting specific academic and physical qualifications. With the admission of women since 1993, PMA continues to maintain gender diversity, though male cadets still outnumber their female counterparts. Unlike civilian universities, PMA’s population is more homogeneous in nationality but diverse in socioeconomic backgrounds, as students from all provinces and economic levels compete for admission.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Because PMA covers the full cost of education, it inherently supports applicants from low-income backgrounds by removing financial barriers. However, applicants with disabilities may face challenges due to the stringent physical and medical standards required for admission and continued training. These standards are essential for military readiness and ensure cadets can perform duties expected of future officers.
Student Body
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Cadets | Approximately 300–350 new cadets admitted yearly |
| International Students | None; admission limited to Filipino citizens |
University Diversity
Diversity in PMA is primarily shaped by regional representation rather than ethnic or international variation. Cadets come from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, bringing a wide range of cultural backgrounds, dialects, and socioeconomic experiences. Although PMA has strict qualification standards, its nationwide recruitment efforts ensure that talented individuals from remote provinces and urban centers alike have the opportunity to join. Gender diversity has increased since women were first admitted, and female cadets continue to take on leadership roles. Diversity is expressed not through nationality but through a shared commitment to service, different regional identities, and varied personal strengths that contribute to the collective leadership culture of the Corps of Cadets.
Average Earnings
Graduates of PMA become commissioned officers, typically beginning their careers as Second Lieutenants or Ensigns in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Their earnings are based on the military pay scale, which includes base pay, subsistence allowance, quarters allowance, hazard pay, and additional benefits depending on assignment. While PMA graduates do not follow corporate salary structures, their compensation grows with rank and service years. The value of PMA education is measured not only in earnings but also in leadership roles, job stability in government service, and opportunities for military scholarships, advanced studies, and specialized training throughout their careers.
Philippine Military Academy Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
PMA’s faculty is composed of a mix of military officers and civilian professors. Military instructors bring practical experience from the field, enabling them to teach tactics, leadership, military history, operations, and military ethics. Civilian faculty handle academic subjects such as engineering, sciences, mathematics, social sciences, and management. Support staff and training officers help maintain discipline, order, and the structured routines that define cadet life.
Faculty Profiles
Many PMA faculty members are seasoned officers who have served in key positions in the AFP. Their backgrounds may include leadership roles, specialized military training, or advanced studies locally and abroad. Civilian faculty often possess master’s degrees or doctorates and contribute to strengthening academic standards. The combination of military and academic expertise ensures that cadets receive well-rounded instruction that prepares them for the complex responsibilities of military leadership.
Philippine Military Academy Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
PMA provides a structured and disciplined environment where cadets reside in barracks throughout their four-year stay. Housing, meals, uniforms, and daily necessities are provided, fostering a community where teamwork, camaraderie, and leadership develop naturally. Cadet life follows a strict schedule grounded in the Graybook, which outlines expected conduct, routines, and responsibilities. Training includes leadership development, drills, physical fitness, and academic coursework. The campus itself spans hundreds of hectares and features classrooms, training fields, parade grounds, athletic facilities, and historical landmarks.
Transportation
The Academy is situated several kilometers from the center of Baguio City. Access to the campus is strictly controlled due to its military nature. Public transportation services the surrounding areas, but cadet movement outside the campus is heavily regulated. Within PMA, cadets move on foot between barracks, academic buildings, and training sites. The campus layout is designed to reinforce order, discipline, and efficient mobility under a structured daily routine.