NOUN School Fees 2025/2026: Complete Guide to Calculating What You Will Pay
NOUN School Fees 2025/2026: Complete Guide to Calculating What You Will Pay
One of the most common questions from both prospective and returning NOUN students is: "How much are NOUN school fees?" The answer is not a single number — it depends on your faculty, programme level, and sometimes the number of credit units you are taking. This guide breaks down exactly how NOUN fees work, what the different components are, and how to calculate what you personally will pay each semester.
Why NOUN Fees Are Different Each Semester
Unlike conventional universities that charge a fixed annual tuition, NOUN's fee structure is per-semester and varies by faculty and programme level. This is actually a feature of the ODL model: you only pay for what you are studying in a given semester, and the institution scales fees according to the cost of running your specific programme.
The main variables that affect your fee are:
- Programme level — Undergraduate fees are different from Postgraduate fees.
- Faculty — A student in the Faculty of Law pays differently from a student in the Faculty of Arts.
- Number of credit units registered — Some components of NOUN fees are charged per credit unit.
- Whether you are a fresh student or a returning student — New students typically pay an additional acceptance fee and registration fee in their first semester.
Components of NOUN School Fees
Your total NOUN school fees in any semester are made up of several mandatory charges:
| Fee Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Tuition fee | Main academic fee — varies by faculty and level |
| Development levy | Contribution to university infrastructure |
| Library fee | Access to NOUN e-library and study centre reading rooms |
| Examination fee | Covers your examination registration and marking |
| Student union fee | Mandatory contribution to the NOUN Students' Union |
| Acceptance fee | One-time fee paid only in your first semester |
| Late registration penalty | Only applicable if you register after the standard window |
The exact amounts for each component are updated each academic session. Always verify the current amounts on the official NOUN portal or through your study centre.
Approximate Fee Ranges by Faculty (Undergraduate)
The following are approximate per-semester fee ranges for undergraduate students. Actual figures may differ slightly based on the specific programme and credit units registered.
| Faculty | Approximate Semester Fees (Returning Student) |
|---|---|
| Faculty of Arts | ₦25,000 – ₦35,000 |
| Faculty of Education | ₦25,000 – ₦38,000 |
| Faculty of Sciences | ₦30,000 – ₦45,000 |
| Faculty of Social Sciences | ₦25,000 – ₦35,000 |
| Faculty of Management Sciences | ₦28,000 – ₦40,000 |
| Faculty of Law | ₦35,000 – ₦55,000 |
| Faculty of Health Sciences | ₦35,000 – ₦55,000 |
| Faculty of Agriculture | ₦28,000 – ₦42,000 |
These figures are estimates for guidance only. Use our Fee Calculator for the most accurate current figures based on your specific programme and level.
Fresh Student vs. Returning Student Fees
Fresh students (first semester only) pay additional one-time charges:
- Acceptance fee — paid after receiving your admission letter
- First-year registration fee — covers administrative setup of your student record
- ID card fee — for your NOUN student identity card
These charges can add ₦10,000–₦20,000 to your first-semester bill compared to returning student fees.
Returning students pay the standard per-semester tuition and levies only (unless they are reactivating a deferred or suspended account).
Postgraduate Fees
Master's degree and PGD students pay higher fees than undergraduates. Postgraduate fees also vary by faculty, but as a general guide:
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGD): ₦60,000 – ₦90,000 per semester
- Master's degree (M.Sc / M.A / MBA / M.Ed): ₦75,000 – ₦120,000 per semester
- Ph.D: Contact the Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for current rates
How to Calculate Your Exact Fees
The most accurate way to know your current semester fees is to use the NOUN Fee Calculator on NOUN Student Hub:
- Visit Fee Calculator
- Select your programme (Undergraduate / Postgraduate)
- Select your faculty
- Select your level (100L, 200L, etc.)
- The calculator shows your estimated semester fees based on current NOUN fee schedules
Alternatively, log in to the NOUN student portal and navigate to Payments — your fee invoice for the current semester is generated there automatically once course registration is open.
How to Pay NOUN School Fees
NOUN accepts payments through several channels:
1. Online via the Student Portal (Recommended)
- Log in to nou.edu.ng
- Navigate to Payments → Generate Invoice
- Select the current semester and payment type
- Choose your payment method (Remita, bank transfer, card)
- Complete the payment and save your receipt
2. Bank Branch (Remita)
- Generate your Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) on the student portal
- Take the RRR to any bank branch and make a cash or transfer payment
- Your payment is reflected in your portal within 24–48 hours
3. Mobile Banking / USSD
Many Nigerian banks now support Remita payments through their apps or USSD codes. Use your RRR to make the payment.
Always generate your invoice from the NOUN portal first, before going to the bank. Never pay into unofficial accounts. NOUN will never request direct bank transfers to personal accounts.
What Happens If You Don't Pay Fees?
- Course registration will not be accessible until fees are cleared.
- Your TMA portal access may be restricted.
- You will not be allowed to sit for examinations.
- An outstanding balance from the previous semester carries over and must be cleared before any new-semester registration.
Frequently Asked Questions About NOUN Fees
Can I pay fees in instalments?
NOUN's official policy is full payment before course registration opens. However, some study centres have historically accommodated partial payments in exceptional circumstances. Speak to your study centre officer.
What if I pay but my portal doesn't reflect the payment?
Allow 24–48 hours for Remita/bank payments to process. If it still does not reflect after 48 hours, take your bank teller or payment receipt to your study centre and contact NOUN's student records office.
Do I pay fees if I defer my studies?
If you formally defer (apply for a leave of absence), you typically do not pay fees for that semester. However, a deferral must be formally approved before the semester begins. Returning from deferral may require a reactivation fee.
Are NOUN fees the same for all states?
Yes — NOUN's fee schedule is national and does not vary by state. However, study centre administrative charges may differ slightly.
Summary
NOUN school fees are among the most affordable at any accredited Nigerian university, especially for the quality and flexibility of education offered. The fee structure rewards students who plan ahead: register on time, avoid late penalties, and use the fee calculator to budget correctly each semester.
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