Time Limit for Completion of a Degree: Residency Requirement

Students are required to finish their programs of study within the prescribed residency period. Otherwise, they must request for the waiver of MRR. The request is subject to the approval of the Faculty Dean as per recommendation by the Program Chair (PC). The actions may be of the following:

  1. Disapproved;
  2. Re-application to the program. Re-application requires the submission of a new set of application requirements. Refer to the Admissions page for the admission procedure.
  3. To continue with the program, especially if the student is already working on his/her terminal course such as thesis, dissertation, special problem, etc.

The time limit for completion of a degree is inclusive of leaves.



Maximum Residency Rule for UPOU Programs


UPOU ProgramMaximum Residency

Associate in Arts (AA)

7 years
Associate of Arts in Digital Design and Arts (AADDA)7 years
Associate of Arts in Digital Entrepreneurship (AADE)7 years
Associate of Science in Information Technology (ASIT)
7 years
Associate of Science in Instructional Design and Technology (ASIDT)
7 years
Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS)8 years
Bachelor in Education Studies (BES)
8 years
Graduate Certificate in Distance Education (GCDE)
2 years
Graduate Certificate in ASEAN Studies (GCAS)
2 years
Diploma in Computer Science (DCS)
4 years
Diploma in Social Work (DSW)
4 years
Diploma in International Health (DIH)4 years
Diploma in Land Use Planning (DLUP)4 years
Diploma in Land Valuation Management (DLVM)
4 years


Diploma in Environment and Natural Resources Management (DENRM)
4 years
Diploma in Research and Development Management (DRDM)4 years
Diploma in Women and Development (DWD)
4 years
Diploma in Science Teaching (DST)
5 years
Diploma in Mathematics Teaching (DMT)4 years
Diploma in Language in Literacy Education (DLLE)
4 years
Diploma in Social Studies Education (DSSE)4 years
Master of Distance Education (MDE)7 years
Master of Arts in Language in Literacy Education (MALLE)7 years
Master of Arts in Social Studies Education (MASSE)7 years


Master of Development Communication (MDC)
7 years
Master of Information Systems (MIS)7 years
Master of ASEAN Studies (MAS)7 years
Master of Land Valuation and Management (MLVM)7 years
Master of International Health (MIH)
7 years
Master of Social Work (MSW)
7 years
Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN)
7 years
Master of Public Management (MPM)
7 years
Master of Environment and Natural Resources Management (MENRM)7 years
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD Ed)
10 years


Doctor of Communication (DCOMM)
10 years
Doctor in Sustainability (DSus)10 years