PMA (Philippine Military Academy) is the AFP's academy for officer cadets, at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City. Cadets complete a four-year program, earn a bachelor's degree and are commissioned as Second Lieutenants (Army and Air Force) or Ensigns (Navy).
Entry requirements (recent cycles):
- Pass the PMA Entrance Examination (Mathematics, English and the SPMA abstract-reasoning test)
- Natural-born Filipino, single with no children
- 17 to 22 years old on the date of admission
- SHS graduate with a general average of at least 85%
- 5'0" to 6'4" tall
During cadetship: education is free and cadets receive base pay (₱40,284/month in 2026 under the MUP Base Pay Schedule).
Recent cycle: the 2026 exam ran from 11 July to 6 September in five regional legs; 5.82% passed in 2025.
What it means for you:
- A demanding four years of military and academic training
- Graduates start as commissioned officers — a Second Lieutenant earns ₱46,020/month in base pay in 2026