The University of Ibadan, founded in 1948, stands as Nigeria’s oldest and one of its most respected universities. Its reputation for academic rigor and historical significance makes it a dream destination for thousands of applicants each year. But beyond academic aspiration lies a crucial question every family faces: how much does it really cost to study at UI?
This guide explores the full range of expenses you’ll encounter as a prospective or returning student in the 2025 academic year. It breaks down the costs associated with admission, tuition, accommodation, and other mandatory levies. It also provides practical advice on managing payments, avoiding common mistakes, and accessing support options like bursaries or scholarships.
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| University of Ibadan (UI) School Fees, Payment Procedures, and Financial Tips for 2025 |
Admission Stage Costs: Post-UTME and Direct Entry Payments
Before you can officially become a UI student, you must pass through the Post-UTME or Direct Entry screening stage. This is the first financial step in your journey.
For the 2025/2026 academic session, the University of Ibadan has maintained its dual-fee structure:
Portal Access Fee: ₦3,000
Screening Fee: ₦2,000
These payments are made through the official admissions portal. Candidates can pay via debit card, online transfer, or at any commercial bank using a generated Remita code.
Once the payment is completed, candidates must print the payment slip immediately. This document serves as official proof and is required during physical verification. Losing it can cause delays during admission clearance.
Why UI Uses a Two-Part Fee
The portal access fee helps maintain the online system that processes tens of thousands of applications annually, while the screening fee supports the logistics of verifying documents, setting up the screening environment, and cross-checking examination data with JAMB.
Payment Tips for Applicants
Always verify that the RRR (Remita Retrieval Reference) code on your receipt matches the transaction code on your bank alert. If they differ, contact the ICT helpdesk through the portal. Network failures sometimes result in duplicate payments, so ensure you check your dashboard after 24 hours for confirmation.
Acceptance Fee: Securing Your Admission
Once admitted through JAMB CAPS, you must pay an acceptance fee of ₦50,000. This payment is non-refundable and confirms your intention to take up the admission offer. Without this step, the university may withdraw your admission and replace your slot with another candidate on the waiting list.
Why Acceptance Fee Matters
The acceptance fee covers the administrative cost of processing student files, verifying submitted documents, and officially assigning you a matriculation number. It is not a random charge; it is a binding step in formalizing your place in the university record.
How to Pay Safely
You can pay via the student portal or through Remita. Always log in directly from admissions.ui.edu.ng to avoid phishing sites. After payment, print your acceptance letter immediately and keep a physical copy for your records.
Tuition and Academic Fees for Fresh and Returning Students
UI’s tuition remains one of the most affordable among Nigeria’s top-ranking universities. The cost structure is divided based on the student’s level and faculty.
For Fresh Students (100 Level)
First-year students pay between ₦34,300 and ₦36,800 depending on faculty. This sum covers tuition, library access, technology fees, examination charges, and departmental dues. Courses in Medicine, Pharmacy, and Engineering are usually at the upper end of this range due to higher lab and equipment costs.
For Returning Students (200 Level and Above)
Returning students pay between ₦20,000 and ₦32,000 per session. The reduced cost reflects that most one-time setup charges, like matriculation and identity card fees, apply only in the first year.
What Tuition Covers
Tuition at UI is not only for lectures but includes access to academic databases, laboratory consumables, faculty handbooks, and student ID card renewal. The technology levy funds Wi-Fi maintenance, digital classroom systems, and online result uploads.
Postgraduate Fees (PGD, Masters, and PhD Programs)
Postgraduate students at UI pay more, reflecting the advanced facilities, research supervision, and library access required for graduate studies.
Fresh Postgraduate Students: ₦75,000 to ₦170,000 per session
Returning Postgraduate Students: ₦50,000 to ₦120,000 per session
Factors Affecting Postgraduate Fees
Fields like Medicine, Law, and Engineering often cost more due to specialized lab use, research material access, and supervision costs. Social Science and Education programs are at the lower end.
Graduate students are also expected to pay separate charges for thesis defense, external examination, and convocation gown rental.
Accommodation and Living Expenses
UI offers on-campus accommodation in several halls of residence. Most undergraduate hostels cost ₦30,000 per session, while Alexander Brown Hall for medical students costs up to ₦80,000 due to its superior facilities and proximity to the University College Hospital (UCH).
Hall Options and What They Offer
Each hall has its personality. Mellanby and Queen Elizabeth Halls are close to lecture areas and suitable for freshmen. Independence Hall and Sultan Bello are known for social activities, while Idia Hall remains a top choice for female students seeking quiet and security.
Accommodation fees cover utilities like water, electricity, and hall maintenance. Students must still budget for personal items, meal plans, and laundry expenses, which can add ₦100,000 to ₦150,000 per year, depending on lifestyle.
Payment Procedure: How to Complete Transactions Without Errors
UI operates through its secure student and admissions portals. Here’s the proper flow:
1. Visit student-portal.ui.edu.ng.
2. Log in using your institutional email or matriculation number.
3. Navigate to “Fees and Payment.”
4. Generate a Remita code and make payment through card, transfer, or bank deposit.
5. Return to the portal to confirm your transaction and print your receipt.
Always ensure you pay using your own student details. Payments made with another student’s RRR can create long delays.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Late Payment: Fees paid after the deadline may attract penalties or portal restrictions.
Using Agents: Avoid third-party agents; many students have lost funds to fraud.
Ignoring Receipts: Always save both digital and physical copies of all receipts for verification.
In June 2025, the Students’ Union negotiated a two-week extension for tuition payment and course registration, moving the original deadline from June 6 to June 20. Students are encouraged to complete payments early as such extensions are not always granted.
Scholarships, Bursaries, and Financial Support
UI offers several internal scholarships through its Advancement Centre and Faculties. External sponsors like the Federal Government, TETFund, and private organizations also provide aid.
Popular funding options include:
UI Senate Scholarship for best-performing students
Shell Undergraduate Scholarship
NNPC/Total Scholarship
Federal Government Bursary for Education students
Students can apply through the official university website or departmental offices. Early application improves success chances, as most scholarships close before mid-session.
Comparing UI’s Fees with Other Nigerian Universities
In comparison, UNILAG’s tuition for similar programs ranges from ₦50,000 to ₦120,000. Obafemi Awolowo University averages ₦43,000, while the University of Nigeria Nsukka sits near ₦38,000. This makes UI one of the most affordable options among first-generation universities despite its academic prestige.
Managing Finances as a Student
Financial discipline is key to thriving at UI. Students are advised to:
Create a semester budget covering meals, books, and transport.
Save small amounts monthly toward next session’s fees.
Use student-friendly digital wallets like PalmPay or Opay for controlled spending.
Seek part-time roles within the university, such as research assistance or departmental errands.
This lifestyle not only reduces financial stress but builds responsible habits.
Conclusion
The University of Ibadan remains a symbol of academic tradition and accessibility in Nigeria. Understanding its cost structure helps families plan better and prevents surprises during registration. From admission to graduation, transparency in payment and consistent communication with official channels will ensure a smooth academic journey.
Disclaimer
All information in this article is accurate as of October 2025. Students should always verify updates through the official UI admission and student portals, as the university reserves the right to revise fees or deadlines without prior notice.
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