Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), located in Zaria, Nigeria, is one of the most prestigious public universities in the country. Every year, thousands of students enroll in its undergraduate and postgraduate programs, making ABU a popular choice for quality education at an affordable cost.
If you searched for “Ahmadu Bello University school fees,” you are likely trying to find accurate information on how much students pay to study there — whether you’re a newly admitted student, a parent, or a prospective applicant. This article breaks down everything you need to know about ABU school fees.
Has ABU Released an Admission List For 2025–2026?
As of the time most candidates begin searching for this question, Ahmadu Bello University usually releases its admission list in batches, not all at once.
How ABU Admission Lists Are Released
ABU typically publishes admission lists in the following stages:
- Merit List
- Supplementary List
- Special Consideration Lists (such as catchment area or educationally less developed states)
These lists are released after JAMB has approved the admission process and after candidates have completed the required Post-UTME screening.
What Are School Fees At Ahmadu Bello University?
School fees refer to the total amount a student must pay to enroll and remain registered for a semester or academic session. At ABU, fees vary significantly depending on:
- Level of study (undergraduate vs postgraduate)
- Field or faculty (e.g., social sciences vs engineering)
- Student category (Nigerian student vs international student)
- Other charges (e.g., examination fees, acceptance fees)
Let’s go through each category in detail so you know exactly what to expect.
What Is The Cut-Off Mark For Ahmadu Bello University?
The cut-off mark for Ahmadu Bello University varies every year and depends on several factors.General JAMB Cut-Off MarkABU usually adopts the national minimum cut-off mark approved by JAMB, which is often 140 or above for universities. However, meeting the minimum cut-off does not guarantee admission.
Departmental Cut-Off Marks
Each department sets its own cut-off mark based on:
- Number of applicants
- Performance of candidates
- Available admission slots
For example:Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Engineering typically require higher scoresEducation and some Arts courses may accept lower scores
Important Note: Cut-off marks are not fixed permanently. Always check the current admission guidelines released by ABU for the 2025–2026 session.
Undergraduate School Fees At ABU
Undergraduate programs are for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees — typically 4–5 years long depending on the course of study.
Tuition Costs For Nigerian Students
For Nigerian students in the 2025/2026 academic session, tuition varies by faculty:
Faculty / Field Estimated Tuition (₦ per session)
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences ₦70,250 – ₦84,500
- Sciences & Engineering ₦66,500 – ₦78,875
- Health Sciences & Medical Schools ₦81,500 – ₦95,750
This range includes tuition fees but doesn’t always include other compulsory charges such as registration or exam fees.
Tip: Tuition in faculties like Medicine and Veterinary Medicine tends to be higher because of the practical training required.
International Students
If you are an international student, the school fees are higher. Most international undergraduates pay:
- Tuition: Around ₦225,000 per session
- Additional charges: ₦50,000 – ₦70,000
This helps ABU cover higher administrative and academic service costs for non‑Nigerian students.
Other Charges For Undergraduate Students
Aside from the tuition, all students must pay certain compulsory fees each session. These may include:
- Acceptance fee — One‑time fee paid by new students (e.g., ₦12,500).
- Examination fee — Charged every semester (e.g., ₦20,000).
- Miscellaneous fees — Cover various administrative services (e.g., ₦8,000–₦15,000).
- Laboratory & library fees — For courses requiring practicals or research materials.
All these charges together make up your total school fees for each academic year.
Postgraduate School Fees At ABU
Postgraduate programs include Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Master’s degrees, and Doctorate (Ph.D.) programs. Fees here are typically higher than undergraduate fees because of the advanced level of study.
Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)
- Tuition: ₦80,000 – ₦100,000 per session
Additional fees: ₦15,000 – ₦25,000 PGD programs help students gain additional qualifications or transition to postgraduate degrees.
Master’s Degree Programs
Fees vary by faculty:
Program Type Estimated Tuition (₦ per session)
- Arts & Humanities ₦75,000
- Sciences & Engineering ₦225,000
- Health & Medical fields ₦80,000 – ₦120,000
Additional fees for registration, lab access, library services, etc., can apply.
Doctoral (Ph.D.) Programs
Ph.D. programs usually involve extended research and supervision, which can increase fees:
Tuition: ₦90,000 – ₦150,000 per session
Additional fees: ₦40,000 – ₦60,000 (e.g., research charges)
Pro Tip: Doctoral students may also incur research‑specific expenses if their program requires fieldwork, experiments, or specialized materials.
How To Gain Admission Into ABU Zaria
Gaining admission into Ahmadu Bello University requires planning, accuracy, and patience. Below is a step-by-step guide.
Choose ABU As First Choice
ABU gives priority to candidates who select the university as their first choice during JAMB registration.
Score Well in UTME
Although meeting the minimum cut-off is important, higher scores improve your chances, especially for competitive courses.
Meet O’Level Requirements
You must have: At least five O’Level credits
Relevant subjects including English and Mathematics
Results from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB
Awaiting result candidates may apply but must upload results before admission closes.
Register for ABU Post-UTME Screening
Failure to participate in the screening means:Automatic disqualification
No consideration for admission
Upload Correct Documents
Ensure that:Your O’Level results are correctly uploadedNames match across all documentsSubject combinations are accurate
Monitor JAMB CAPS
Admission updates appear first on JAMB CAPS. Candidates should check regularly and respond promptly.
Hostel & Accommodation Fees
ABU offers on‑campus housing in several halls of residence. These typically cost extra on top of school fees.
- Hostel charges: Around ₦90,000 per year
- Maintenance fee: About ₦7,000 annually
Because space is limited, not all students get campus housing — private hostels nearby are common alternatives.
How To Pay Your ABU School Fees
Making your school fee payment at ABU is straightforward. Here’s what most students do:
- Visit the official ABU student portal — login with your credentials.
- Generate a school fees invoice (challan).
- Pay at listed banks or online channels (e‑payment, mobile banking).
- Print your receipt as proof of payment for examinations or registration.
Important: Always pay before the deadline to avoid fines or registration blocks.
Why School Fees Vary
Here are the main factors that influence ABU fees:
Faculty or Program
- Engineering, Medicine, and Sciences generally cost more than Arts or Social Sciences because of infrastructure and lab costs.
Level Of Study
Postgraduate students usually pay more than undergraduates.
Student Category
International students pay higher tuition fees than Nigerian residents.
Government Policies
Public universities periodically adjust fees in response to government regulations and economic factors.
Tips To Plan Your Budget
Here’s how you can stay financially prepared:
- List all components of fees (tuition + extra charges)
- Include hostel costs if you’ll live on campus
- Watch payment deadlines to avoid penalties
- Ask for sponsorship opportunities, if available
- Save early — largest expenses usually come at the start of the session
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