Admissions

Admission Requirements

REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSESSMENT OF PhD PROGRAM APPLICANTS

  1. Official Transcript of Records and Diploma (.pdf copy) attesting to a Master’s Degree in Theology or a related course
  2. A copy of Master’s Thesis (.pdf form)
  3. Application Letter addressed to The Dean, St. Vincent School of Theology, Adamson University
  4. Two Endorsement Letters: from one’s superior (Bishop, Superior, or Head of Educational Institution)
    and a former professor
  5. Updated Bio-data

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING PhD APPLICANTS

I. Applicants with MA Theology (with Thesis)

  1. The applicant should have a GWA of not lower than 1.50
  2. The applicant has satisfied all of the above requirements

II. Applicants with MA Theology/ Pastoral Ministry/ Ordained Ministry, without MA Thesis

  1. The applicant should have at least 30 units in Theology (Systematic or Morals) and at least 3 units in Research Methods
  2. The applicant should not have a grade lower than 1.75 or its equivalent, and with GWA of not lower than 1.50
  3. Interview with the Dean

III. Applicants with an MA in a Related Course, with a Thesis

  1. Related Courses include Philosophy, Religious Education, Values Education, Catechetics
  2. If the applicant has less than 30 units of Theology (MA level), s/he has to enroll subjects in MA Theology to complete the required units
  3. The applicant will be asked to write a theological paper, equivalent to a thesis.
  4. Interview with the Dean

OTHER ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  1. Copy of Masters Thesis
  2. Entrance Exams
  3. Interview with Director of Admissions/ Dean
  4. Transfer Credentials or Honorable Dismissal from last school attended (TOR to indicate: Copy for Adamson University – original)
  5. Original copy of PSA Birth Certificate
  6. Certificate of Good Moral Character (Last school attended)
  7. ID photos: 2×2 (5pcs.) and 1×1 (2pcs) colored, white background, in corporate attire

SVST BRIDGE PROGRAM FOR PHD IN THEOLOGY

The Bridge Program is for qualified (see II) PhD applicants who still do not have an MA Thesis. The student will be admitted in the PhD program with the condition that s/he would finish and defend a paper equivalent to an MA Thesis during her/his first year. Failure to accomplish this requirement would mean disqualification of the student in the PhD Program.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSESSMENT OF MASTER’S PROGRAM APPLICANTS

  1. Official Transcript of Records attesting to a Bachelor’s Degree (i.e., any four-year university course)
    • Indicate: “Copy for Adamson University” – Original
    • A weighted average of 80% of the entire Bachelor’s course
    • Sufficient Pre-requisites in philosophy and theology obtained in a recognized university or College Seminary
    • For lay people and religious (thesis track): at least 12 units in philosophy AND 12 units in theology
    • For lay people and religious (non-thesis track): at least 12 units in philosophy OR 12 units in theology
    • For seminarians (Curriculum for the Ordained Ministry): at least 51 units philosophy and 15 units theology
  2. SVST Entrance Examinations and Fees
    • English Language Proficiency Test: Grammar & Comprehension
    • Essay Writing: Philosophy and/or Theology
    • Php 400.00 University Entrance Examination Fee
    • Php 5,000.00 Down Payment upon enrollment
  3. Individual Assessments
    • English Language Proficiency Test: Grammar & Comprehension
    • Assessment by the Registrar upon enrollment
    • Interview with the Dean/Coordinator for Recruitment and Admissions (to be scheduled)
  4. Other Required Documents
  5. Individual Assessments
    • Letter of Recommendation from one’s Bishop or Religious Superior (for seminarians and religious)
    • Letter of Recommendation from one’s Rector/Director of Formation (for diocesan seminarians)
    • Certification of Adequate Financial Support
    • Bio-data or Curriculum Vitae
    • Original copy of the applicant’s PSA Birth Certificate
    • Certificate of Good Moral Character
    • Honorable Dismissal (Request from your last school attended)
    • ID Photos: 2×2 (5pcs.) colored, white background with corporate attire and 1×1 (2 pcs.)

REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSESSMENT OF MASTER’S PROGRAM APPLICANTS

  1. Official Transcript of Records attesting to a Bachelor’s Degree (i.e., any four-year university course)
    • Indicate: “Copy for Adamson University” – Original
    • A weighted average of 80% of the entire Bachelor’s course
    • Sufficient Pre-requisites in philosophy and theology obtained in a recognized university or College Seminary
    • For lay people and religious (thesis track): at least 12 units in philosophy AND 12 units in theology
    • For lay people and religious (non-thesis track): at least 12 units in philosophy OR 12 units in theology
    • For seminarians (Curriculum for the Ordained Ministry): at least 51 units philosophy and 15 units theology
  2. SVST Entrance Examinations and Fees
    • English Language Proficiency Test: Grammar & Comprehension
    • Essay Writing: Philosophy and/or Theology
    • Php 400.00 University Entrance Examination Fee
    • Php 5,000.00 Down Payment upon enrollment
  3. Individual Assessments
    • English Language Proficiency Test: Grammar & Comprehension
    • Assessment by the Registrar upon enrollment
    • Interview with the Dean/Coordinator for Recruitment and Admissions (to be scheduled)
  4. Other Required Documents
  5. Individual Assessments
    • Letter of Recommendation from one’s Bishop or Religious Superior (for seminarians and religious)
    • Letter of Recommendation from one’s Rector/Director of Formation (for diocesan seminarians)
    • Certification of Adequate Financial Support
    • Bio-data or Curriculum Vitae
    • Original copy of the applicant’s PSA Birth Certificate
    • Certificate of Good Moral Character
    • Honorable Dismissal (Request from your last school attended)
    • ID Photos: 2×2 (5pcs.) colored, white background with corporate attire and 1×1 (2 pcs.)

REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSESSMENT OF BACHELOR’S PROGRAM APPLICANTS

  1. Original copy of Grade 12 Report Card
  2. Original Certificate of Good Moral Character
  3. Original Copy of PSA Birth Certificate
  4. Letter of Application addressed to the registrar for Applicants not enrolled in college for one year
  5. Two (2) pieces 2×2 ID Picture (colored)
  6. Honorable Dismissal (Request from your last school attended)
  7. Entrance Examination Fee

REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSESSMENT OF MASTER’S PROGRAM APPLICANTS

  1. Official Transcript of Records attesting to a Bachelor’s Degree (i.e., any four-year university course)
    • Indicate: “Copy for Adamson University” – Original
    • A weighted average of 80% of the entire Bachelor’s course
    • Sufficient Pre-requisites in philosophy and theology obtained in a recognized university or College Seminary
    • For lay people and religious (thesis track): at least 12 units in philosophy AND 12 units in theology
    • For lay people and religious (non-thesis track): at least 12 units in philosophy OR 12 units in theology
    • For seminarians (Curriculum for the Ordained Ministry): at least 51 units philosophy and 15 units theology
  2. SVST Entrance Examinations and Fees
    • English Language Proficiency Test: Grammar & Comprehension
    • Essay Writing: Philosophy and/or Theology
    • Php 400.00 University Entrance Examination Fee
    • Php 5,000.00 Down Payment upon enrollment
  3. Individual Assessments
    • English Language Proficiency Test: Grammar & Comprehension
    • Assessment by the Registrar upon enrollment
    • Interview with the Dean/Coordinator for Recruitment and Admissions (to be scheduled)
  4. Other Required Documents
  5. Individual Assessments
    • Letter of Recommendation from one’s Bishop or Religious Superior (for seminarians and religious)
    • Letter of Recommendation from one’s Rector/Director of Formation (for diocesan seminarians)
    • Certification of Adequate Financial Support
    • Bio-data or Curriculum Vitae
    • Original copy of the applicant’s PSA Birth Certificate
    • Certificate of Good Moral Character
    • Honorable Dismissal (Request from your last school attended)
    • ID Photos: 2×2 (5pcs.) colored, white background with corporate attire and 1×1 (2 pcs.)

REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSESSMENT

  1. Two copies of 1×1 and one copy of 2×2 facial photo (colored)
  2. Curriculum Vitae or Biodata
  3. Completed Registration Form (from SVST Registrar)
  4. Interview with the Admissions Director or his Representative

REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSESSMENT

  1. Two (2) copies of 1×1 facial photo (colored)
  2. Curriculum Vitae or Bio-Data
  3. Completed Registration Form (from SVST Registrar)
  4. Honorable Dismissal (Request from your last school attended)
  5. Interview with the Admissions Director or his representative
  6. English Assessment Test

REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSESSMENT

  1. Letter from the Parish Priest (for Scholars)
  2. ID photo (2”x 2”)
  3. Accomplished Student Information Sheet
  4. Accomplished Registration Sheet

A. Requirements Prior to Arrival in the Philippines

  1. Academic Requirements
    • Official Transcript of Records/ Scholastic Records duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s country of origin or legal residence (see “c.3” below). Please provide English translation and grade equivalents. (Only for those who want to register for the Masters program.) Indicate “Copy for Adamson University”-Original.
      • A weighted average of 80% of the entire Bachelors course
      • Sufficient Pre-requisites in philosophy and theology obtained in a recognized university, college or seminary.
      • For lay people and religious (thesis track): at least 12 units in philosophy AND 12 units in theology
      • For lay people and religious (non-thesis track): at least 12 units in philosophy OR 12 units in theology
      • For seminarians (Curriculum for the Ordained Ministry): at least 60 units in philosophy and 15 units in theology
  2. Language Requirements
    • Applicants are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in any of the following process:
      • By proving that some of their previous studies were successfully completed in English,
      • By submitting the results of recognized language proficiency test (TOEFL/Test of English as Foreign Language or IELTS/ International English Language Testing System) or other equivalent tests in the English language.
      • By submitting a certification from a recognized language training center that the student is capable to undertake courses in English.
  3. Endorsements
    • Letter of Endorsement from one’s Superior (Bishop, Superior or Head of Educational Institution)

[When all the above requirements have been sent to our office, we will send the entrance exams materials to the applicant’s superior/formator]

4. SVST Entrance Examinations and Fees

    • Taking the examination under the supervision of the superior/formator
    • Letter on the exam results from the SVST Dean
    • Php 400.00 University Entrance Examination Fee
    • Php 5,000.00 Down Payment, upon enrollment

B. Requirements Upon Arrival in the Philippines

  1. Interview with the Dean/Director (SVST)
  2. Assessment by the Registrar (SVST)
  3. Registration/Enrollment

C. Requirements for Application of Student Visa

The student can apply for ‘student visa’ from one’s country of origin or in the Philippines. We can assist him/her in the application once the following documents are ready.

  1. Letter of Application to enroll addressed to the Registrar. Indicate the course that the applicant intends to enroll and name of school last attended
  2. Five (5) copies of the Students’ Personal History Statement (PHS) duly signed by him, both in English, and his national alphabet accompanied by his personal seal, if any, among others, his left and right thumbprints and a 2×2 inch photograph on plain white background taken not more than six months prior to submission
  3. Official Transcript of Records/ Scholastic Records duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the students’ country of origin or legal residence. NOTE: “Seen and Noted stamp is not considered an authentication and is thereby unacceptable”
  4. Police Clearance duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the students’ country of origin or legal residence
  5. Notarized Affidavit of Support with proof of adequate financial support stating the means to cover expenses for the students’ accommodation, subsistence, school dues and other incidental expenses, duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the students’ country of origin or legal residence.
  6. Photocopy of passport data page (page containing students’ full name, date and place of birth, passport number and photo). must be duly authenticated by the Philippine Foreign Service Post
  7. Photocopy of Quarantine Test (Medical Examination Result)
  8. Four (4) copies of 2×2 I.D. pictures with white background
  9. Php 10,000.00 for Acceptance Fee (one-time payment)
  10. Php 5,000.oo for Foreign Fee (every semester)
  11. University Entrance Examination Fee
Forms
  • Personal Information Sheet
  • Registration Form
  • Personal History Statement Form
Enrollment Procedure
1. Document Submission

•   Submit all the required documents for admission to the Registrar.
•   Get Registration Form from the information counter.

2. Filling in of Forms

•   Proceed to the “Posting Area” to take note of the schedule and the courses being offered for your enrollment.
•   Fill in all the data required in the Registration Form

3. Payment

•   Pay the full or partial payment of the tuition fees and admission fees at the Cashier’s Office.

4. Advising and Encoding

•   Proceed to the Registrar’s Office for approval and encoding of courses to be enrolled.

5. Assessment

•   Get the Official Enrollment form and the Statement of Account of your tuition and other applicable school fees.
•   Verify and counter-check all the data printed on your Official Enrollment Form.

6. ID Card Processing

•   Fill out ID card forms
•   Have your picture taken for the ID card.

FAQs

Yes. SVST still accepts late enrollees until 2 weeks after the start of classes. Please proceed to the SVST Office to submit your requirements.

Freshmen and transferees may use the CFE portal of Adamson University to get their Applicant Number. Physical submission of requirements is still recommended for advising and assessment purposes.

Scholarship Opportunities

SVST Scholar

This scholarship is given preferably to those who intend to pursue a doctoral degree or master’s degree with thesis. It is made available to more capable students who can contribute to the welfare of the school by coming up with research work. Depending on the assessment of the Scholarship Committee, the applicant may receive full scholarship (100%) or partial subsidy or discount (50% or just 25%).

VIN-CHARIS

Vincentian Charity for the Advancement of Religious Institutes and Seminaries (Vin-ChARIS) is a scholarship grant offered to all interested and deserving incoming first-year or currently enrolled first-year students taking up BA Philosophy who belong to a religious congregation. This will likewise help encourage interested students to pursue the religious vocation. 

Foundation Sponsorships

SVST partners with foundations locally and internationally to offer more scholarships to our qualified seminarians and religious people.

Hapag-Layko Scholar

This is offered to lay leaders in parishes who would like to deepen and update their knowledge of the Judeo-Christian Tradition. This serves as a bridge program for those who intends to pursue a Master’s degree in Theology. The scholarship grant is a 50% subsidy or discount given to students who come in groups of 5, endorsed by their parish priest, or heads of any Christian movement, or academic institutions.

AdU Ozanam Scholar

Adamson University, being true to its mission of providing financial assistance to students who perform excellently by obtaining an outstanding general weighted average, has created the Academic Scholarship Program (ASP). This demands scholarly performance and adheres to the highest level of excellence. Hence, only those who meet the requirements are deserving to be awarded this scholarship.

Student Assistant Track

This track is exclusive for finally challenged college students studying Philosophy in SVST. A total of 4 internal SAs shall be accepted periodically, while external SAs are welcome provided that they comply with the grade requirements of the program.

SVST Scholars are made possible thanks to the generous local and international donors and foundation sponsorships supporting our seminarians and students. A seminarian/student may be paired with an angel donor or be endorsed to a partner foundation to fund their education in SVST. The scholarship covers the tuition fees, exclusive of miscellaneous and lodging fees (if applicable). We also initiate fundraising activities like the KAIROS Art Exhibit to develop the scholarship fund and cater to more deserving candidates.

Master’s Program:

This scholarship is given preferably to those who intend to pursue a degree with a thesis. It is made available to more capable students who can contribute to the welfare of the school by coming up with research work. Students can avail the scholarship grant depending on their financial needs and intellectual capacity. If this is properly assessed at the beginning of the program because of a strong recommendation and proof of the applicant’s intellectual capacity, the student can be immediately admitted. Without a solid basis for such assessment, the student will have to first prove his capacity by his or her academic performance for one semester. Only after the applicant is able to prove his intellectual capacity and financial difficulties will he or she be admitted to the scholarship program. Depending on the assessment of the Scholarship Committee, the applicant may receive a full scholarship (100%) or partial subsidy or discount (50% or 25%).

Doctoral Program:

Scholarships for a doctoral degree in Theology are open to those who are involved in teaching Theology, in formation work in the Philippines or in other countries, especially those coming from developing countries. For those who live in the country, it can only be given to applicants who meet all the academic and health requirements for the program, show intellectual capacity, and are financially challenged. For those who come from abroad, the scholarship includes payment for transportation costs (a la retour), accommodation and food allowance (during the period of stay in the Philippines), tuition fees, miscellaneous, and research needs.

In pursuit of “doing theology from the margins”, Adamson University and SVST offers a scholarship grant to all interested and deserving incoming first-year or currently enrolled first-year students taking up BA Philosophy who belong to a religious congregation. This will likewise help encourage interested students to pursue the religious vocation. Full scholarship benefits include free tuition fee and 50% discount in miscellaneous fees for a maximum of eight (8) semesters.

The scholarship is open to all incoming and/or first-year students who are taking BA Philosophy and belong to a religious congregation whose GWA is at least 80%. To maintain the scholarship grant, the scholar-grantee must obtain a minimum grade of 85% for Professional Courses and 80% for Elective Courses.

Other terms and conditions:

  • One plus two (1+2) scheme
    • The scholar-grantee must enroll with two (2) paying co-seminarians or sisters belonging to the same congregation.
    • The number of two (2) paying enrollees accompanying the scholar-grantee must be maintained during the entire duration of the grant of scholarship.
  •  Disqualification
    • A scholar-grantee will be disqualified from the scholarship grant if he/she incurs a failing grade, incomplete or dropped subject, unless the scholar-grantee would be able to justify the reason/s for such academic failures. The Academic Council of SVST will determine the validity of the reasons provided by the scholar-grantee.
    • In case of disqualification, withdrawal, or non-continuance, the scholarship can be transferred to his/her companion seminarian/sister provided that the transferee complies with the following conditions;
      • The one plus two scheme will still be followed, where the transferee will be accompanied by two (2) paying seminarians or sisters; and
      • The transferee can only avail of the remaining semester/s granted to the original scholar-grantee.
    • Must not be a recipient of any other scholarship grant

This scholarship is offered through referrals to senior high graduates and transfer students who intend to study Philosophy and/or enter priesthood, and existing AdU Philosophy students. It covers the entire tuition and miscellaneous fees per semester for the candidate. Student Assistants (SAs) of SVST are exposed to various kinds of work inside and outside of the offices and classrooms, in addition to their responsibilities in their accommodation. They are expected to maintain high marks, have courtesy, take initiative, and display proper decorum. They are categorized as Internal or External, depending on their accommodation preference.

Internal SAs reside in houses/communities within the St. Vincent Compound during their academic journey. They receive free tuition and miscellaneous fees per semester, daily meals at the residence, and a monthly allowance. In exchange, they are required to render service for a fixed number of hours in the offices of their house apart from their duty in SVST.

External SAs reside outside of the St. Vincent Compound during their academic journey. They also receive free tuition and miscellaneous fees per semester and a monthly allowance. Similar to Internal SAs, they are required to be on active duty in the SVST Office or St. Justin de Jacobis Library for a fixed number of hours.

SVST also encourages all students enrolled in degree programs to apply for the Adamson University Academic Scholarship Program (ASP). For the list of available scholarships and other details, please visit the ASP Page.

It is a program offered to lay leaders in parishes who would like to deepen and update their knowledge of the Judeo-Christian Tradition. This program can serve as a bridge program for those who would like to pursue a master’s degree in Theology. The scholarship grant is a 50% subsidy or discount given to students who come
in groups of 5, endorsed by their parish priest or head/s of any Christian movement or academic institutions.

  1. Generally, the scholarship shall apply to the freshman/1st year candidate’s second semester of the school year for all degree programs. The first semester shall be paid personally or through their sponsor/diocese/religious order to provide a basis for intellectual capacity.
  2. 2nd to 4th year SVST students may also apply for scholarships during their academic journey. Implementation of the scholarship shall depend on the date of their acceptance or the agreement reached during the final interview. (Example: a. Date of acceptance: April 2025 of the existing school year. Implementation of scholarship: August 2025 of the next school year; b. Date of acceptance: September 2025 of the existing school year. Implementation of scholarship: January 2026.)
  3. Guidelines and requirements of Adamson University ASP shall be implemented independently from SVST’s guidelines and requirements.
  4. Application periods are as follows:
    • Round 1 – December to January
    • Round 2 – May to June
  5. Interviews shall be scheduled the month after the end of the application period.
  6. Submission of requirements before the application period shall be considered for the next round.

  • Express Your Intention
    Email svst_qc@yahoo.com the following documents:

    • Letter of Intent addressed to the Dean
    • Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the candidate
    • Copy of the Transcript of Records/Report Card
    • Recommendation Letter from their Bishop/Formator/Spiritual Director/Professor
  • Evaluation of Submission
    Wait until your application is acknowledged. This will be forwarded to the Admission Officer/Head of Administrative Services study the merit before endorsing it to the Scholarship Committee.
  • Endorsement of Application
    The Scholarship Committee receives the credentials for deliberation following the criteria set for such a level of scholarship. The Committee will also check on the recommendation or endorsement given by a professor who is an expert in the field.
  • Initial Results
    When the applicant has been considered as a potential candidate for the program, they shall be invited for the final interview. The schedule and mode of the interview will be communicated through email. No reschedules shall be entertained unless a valid reason is presented.
    If an applicant does not meet the criteria set, they shall be informed of their status through email.
  • Final Interview for Qualified Applicants
    Applicants who received an interview schedule meet with three (3) members of the Scholarship Committee, including the Dean, to verify the data given and see the level of motivation and resolve of the candidate to finish the program. If the decision is negative, the applicant is still encouraged to pursue the course, but to find other sources for their education. If the decision is positive, final instructions are given regarding the program, along with the request for additional requirements:

    • NBI Clearance
    • Recent Medical Certificate
  • MOA Signing
    Once the accepted applicant has submitted all the requirements, they shall sign the MOA stating the conditions discussed with them to bind the obligations of both parties.

The candidate has to meet the following requirements to maintain their scholarship:

  1. The scholar/student should be able to maintain their grade indicative of his/her academic performance. They are expected to have a grade not lower than 1.75 per course with a final grade of 1.75 and above. Once the student gets a final grade lower than 2.00 for the second time, s/he may lose his/her scholarship.
  2. When the student is unable to meet the required grade for a course and must retake it, s/he will have to pay for the course s/he is taking up again.
  3. In the event that the scholar is forced by a particular circumstance to stop his/her education for some time and has filed for a leave of absence, s/he may still maintain the scholarship upon re-enrollment. This is allowed until one (1) academic year of absence only. Beyond a year of absence, the scholarship will be terminated.
  4. The student may also lose his/ her scholarship due to a serious offense against the law of the school or have caused scandals.

Scholarship applicants will have to meet the following criteria to be admitted into any of the SVST Scholarship Programs:

  • Must have no final grade lower than 1.5 or 90 in their transcript of records/report card for Master’s and Doctoral Programs
  • Must have no final grade lower than 1.75 or 85 in their transcript of records/report card for the Philosophy Program
  • Proof of Financial Inadequacy
  • Must be determined to pursue thesis if currently taking a non-thesis program

General:

  • Letter of Intent addressed to the Dean of SVST
    • Format:
      • Date Written
      • Heading (Dean’s Name, Position, Institution, Address)
      • Salutation
      • Body (include your intent, reason/s for applying, and family background)
      • Complimentary Close
      • Signature (with email address and contact number)
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) of Candidate/s
  • Copy of the Transcript of Records/Report Card
  • Recommendation Letter from their Bishop/Formator/Parish Priest/Spiritual Director/Professor

Additional Documents if endorsed for Final Interview – For Degree Programs:

  • NBI Clearance
  • Recent Medical Certificate

For Hapag-Layko Program: Endorsement Letter from the Parish Priest or Head/s of Organization