Are you planning to further your education at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka? Understanding the UNN postgraduate school fees is the first step towards proper financial preparation for your advanced degree. As one of Nigeria’s premier federal universities and the first autonomous university in the country, UNN attracts thousands of graduates seeking quality postgraduate education every year.
The College of Postgraduate Studies at UNN offers a wide range of programmes across multiple disciplines, from Postgraduate Diplomas (PGD) to Master’s degrees and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes. Each programme comes with specific fee requirements that every prospective student must understand before applying.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about UNN postgraduate school fees for the 2026/2027 academic session. Whether you are interested in science, arts, engineering, management, or any other discipline, you will find detailed fee breakdowns, payment procedures, and practical tips to help you plan your postgraduate journey.
Why Choose UNN for Postgraduate Studies?
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka remains a top choice for postgraduate education in Nigeria. Established in 1960, UNN operates campuses in Nsukka, Enugu, and Ituku-Ozalla, with each location offering specialized programmes. The university’s motto, “To Restore the Dignity of Man,” reflects its commitment to producing well-rounded graduates who contribute meaningfully to society.
Many students prefer UNN because of its relatively affordable UNN postgraduate school fees compared to many state universities. As a federal institution, UNN benefits from government funding, which helps keep costs manageable for students. Additionally, the university maintains experienced faculty members, modern research facilities, and a reputation for academic excellence that employers recognize nationwide.
UNN Postgraduate Acceptance Fee
Before discussing tuition, every newly admitted postgraduate student must pay an acceptance fee. The UNN postgraduate acceptance fee is a flat rate of N25,000 for all programmes. This one-time payment confirms your acceptance of the admission offer and secures your place in the programme.
You must pay this fee immediately after receiving your admission notification. Failure to pay within the stipulated timeframe may result in forfeiture of your admission. Payment is made through the Remita platform via the UNN student portal at unnportal.unn.edu.ng.
Complete Breakdown of UNN Postgraduate School Fees
The UNN postgraduate school fees structure varies based on several factors: programme type (PGD, Masters, or PhD), field of study (science or non-science), and student status (fresh or returning). Below is a detailed breakdown for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) Fees
PGD programmes serve as a bridge for candidates who need to upgrade their qualifications before proceeding to Master’s programmes. These programmes typically run for 18 months (four semesters minimum).
| Student Category | Amount (Naira) |
| Fresh PGD Students (All Courses) | N100,400 |
| Returning PGD Students | N85,000 – N90,000 |
Master’s Degree (M.Sc./M.A./MBA) Fees
Master’s programmes at UNN run for a minimum of 18 months (four semesters). The fees differ based on whether you are studying a science-related or non-science course.
| Student Category | Amount (Naira) |
| Fresh Students – Science Courses | N95,400 |
| Fresh Students – Non-Science Courses | N90,400 |
| Returning Students – Science Courses | N80,000 |
| Returning Students – Non-Science Courses | N75,000 |
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Fees
PhD programmes at UNN require a minimum of 3 years (full-time) and a maximum of 5 years. Part-time students have up to 6 years to complete their doctoral studies. The UNN postgraduate school fees for PhD programmes follow a similar structure to Master’s programmes.
| Student Category | Amount (Naira) |
| Fresh Students – Science Courses | N95,400 |
| Fresh Students – Non-Science Courses | N90,400 |
| Returning Students – Science Courses | N80,000 |
| Returning Students – Non-Science Courses | N75,000 |
Understanding Science vs Non-Science Course Categories
The UNN postgraduate school fees differ between science and non-science courses because science programmes typically require laboratory work and specialized equipment. Here is how courses are categorized:
Science-Related Courses: Engineering (all branches), Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Pharmacy, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture, Computer Science, and other laboratory-based disciplines.
Non-Science Courses: Management Sciences, Arts, Education, Social Sciences, Law, Mass Communication, Political Science, Economics, and other humanities-based disciplines.
Other Fees and Charges
Beyond the basic tuition, several additional charges apply to all postgraduate students at UNN:
| Fee Type | Amount (Naira) |
| Application Form Fee | N26,700 – N27,600 |
| Acceptance Fee | N25,000 |
| Entrepreneurship Fee | Varies by programme |
| PGC 601 (Masters Course) | Applicable |
| PGC 701 (Doctorate Course) | Applicable |
| Departmental Charges | Varies by department |
| Project/Thesis Binding | N15,000 – N25,000 |
How to Pay UNN Postgraduate School Fees
Paying your UNN postgraduate school fees requires following these steps carefully to avoid errors:
Step 1: Visit the UNN portal at unnportal.unn.edu.ng and log in with your username (application number) and password.
Step 2: Click on the School Fees menu and select “Get PG School Fees Invoice.”
Step 3: Select the appropriate session and level, then click the Generate button to create your invoice.
Step 4: Note the Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) number on your invoice.
Step 5: Make payment at any commercial bank using the RRR number, or pay online using your ATM card.
Step 6: Return to the portal, navigate to “Pay PG School Fees,” and enter your RRR to confirm payment.
Step 7: Generate and print your school fees receipt for your records.
Popular Postgraduate Courses at UNN
UNN offers postgraduate programmes across virtually every academic discipline. Some of the most popular programmes include:
Faculty of Engineering: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Agricultural Engineering.
Faculty of Management Sciences: MBA, M.Sc. Accounting, M.Sc. Banking and Finance, M.Sc. Marketing, and M.Sc. Public Administration.
Faculty of Social Sciences: M.Sc. Economics, M.Sc. Political Science, M.Sc. Psychology, M.Sc. Sociology, and M.Sc. Mass Communication.
Faculty of Education: M.Ed. Educational Administration, M.Ed. Guidance and Counselling, and PGDE programmes.
Faculty of Arts: M.A. English, M.A. History, M.A. Philosophy, M.A. Religious Studies, and M.A. Linguistics.
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences: M.Sc. Pharmacology, M.Sc. Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and M.Sc. Clinical Pharmacy.
Admission Requirements for UNN Postgraduate Programmes
Before budgeting for UNN postgraduate school fees, ensure you meet the admission criteria:
For PGD: A recognized Bachelor’s degree (minimum Third Class) or HND (minimum Lower Credit) in a relevant discipline, plus five O’Level credits including English Language.
For Master’s: A Bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class Honours (Lower Division) or a PGD with a minimum credit pass from a recognized institution.
For PhD: A Master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 5-point scale in a relevant discipline from a recognized institution.
General Requirements: Valid NYSC discharge certificate or exemption letter, official transcripts, and successful completion of the postgraduate aptitude test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UNN postgraduate school fees paid per session or semester?
UNN postgraduate fees are paid per session, not per semester. This means you pay the full amount once for each academic year. However, recent arrangements allow for instalment payments across two semesters to ease the financial burden.
Can I pay UNN postgraduate fees in instalments?
Yes, UNN now allows students to pay fees in two instalments across the two semesters. This arrangement follows recent agreements between the university management and student representatives to make payments more manageable for students and their families.
What is the total cost of a Master’s degree at UNN?
For a standard 18-month Master’s programme, expect to pay approximately N175,000 to N200,000 in total tuition fees (two sessions). Add the acceptance fee (N25,000), application fee (N27,600), and other charges, and budget around N250,000 to N300,000 for the entire programme, excluding accommodation and personal expenses.
When does UNN postgraduate application open?
UNN postgraduate applications typically open between March and July each year. For the 2026/2027 session, check the official College of Postgraduate Studies website at spgs.unn.edu.ng for exact dates and deadlines.
Are there accommodations for postgraduate students at UNN?
Accommodation for postgraduate students at UNN is limited. Many students arrange off-campus housing in Nsukka town. Note that accommodation fees remain unchanged for the 2025/2026 session following recent management-student agreements. Budget separately for housing costs.
How do international students pay UNN postgraduate fees?
International students pay higher fees than Nigerian students. The exact amount varies, but expect to pay in USD equivalent. Contact the College of Postgraduate Studies directly for current international student fee schedules and payment procedures.
Conclusion
Understanding UNN postgraduate school fees is essential for anyone planning to pursue advanced studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. As a federal institution, UNN offers relatively affordable postgraduate education compared to many state and private universities, making it an attractive option for graduates seeking quality education without excessive financial burden.
Remember that fees are subject to change, and you should always verify current rates directly from the university before making financial commitments. Visit the official UNN portals at unn.edu.ng and spgs.unn.edu.ng for the most up-to-date information on fees, application procedures, and programme availability.
Start your preparation early, ensure you meet all admission requirements, and budget adequately for your postgraduate journey. With proper planning and dedication, your investment in UNN postgraduate education will open doors to greater career opportunities and professional advancement.