AbdulThe Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna has long stood as a premier institution for military-oriented and postgraduate education in Nigeria and across Africa. For academic excellence combined with strategic leadership training, the NDA continues to attract candidates seeking advanced degrees in disciplines that respond to national defense, security studies, engineering, management, and social sciences.
If you are looking for information on NDA Postgraduate Admission for the 2025/2026 academic session, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need, from available programmes and eligibility requirements to the application process, fees, and career outcomes.
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, has officially opened the sale of application forms for admission into its Postgraduate Programmes for the 2025/2026 academic session.
The online application process runs from 15th December 2025 to 15th March 2026.
NDA’s postgraduate programmes are designed to equip learners with:
- Advanced analytical skills
- Strategic leadership competencies
- Defence and security expertise
- Academic depth in chosen disciplines
Whether you are a serving military officer, government official, or civilian seeking advanced education in defence, management, or technology, NDA postgraduate programmes offer both academic rigor and practical relevance.
Why Choose NDA for Postgraduate Studies in 2025/2026?
Several compelling features make NDA a leading choice for postgraduate students:
1. Accredited Academic Programmes
NDA’s postgraduate degrees are accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), ensuring international recognition and academic credibility.
2. Unique Military-Academic Blend
The curriculum blends standard academic theory with defence, security, and leadership perspectives.
3. Research Opportunities
Postgraduate students have access to research facilities and supervision that support advanced dissertation work in areas like defence management, strategy, and public policy.
4. Career Advancement
Graduates often enjoy enhanced career opportunities in public service, defence industries, research institutions, international security agencies, and academic roles.
Academic Programmes Available for Postgraduate Admission 2025/2026
The Nigerian Defence Academy offers postgraduate programmes at the Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Master’s (M.Sc.), and Doctoral (Ph.D.) levels.
List of Available Academic Programmes
ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Department of Defence And Security Studies
- PhD Defence and Strategic Studies (DSS)
- M.Sc. Defence and Strategic Studies (DSS)
- MPhil Defence and Strategic Studies (DSS)
Department of Geography
- PhD Geography (Remote Sensing & GIS)
- PhD Geography (Environmental Management)
- PhD Geography (Climatology)
- M.Sc. Geography (Urban)
- M.Sc. Geography (Remote Sensing & GIS)
- M.Sc. Geography (Environmental Management)
- M.Sc. Geography (Climatology)
- MPhil Geography (Climatology)
- MPhil Geography (Environmental Management)
- MPhil Geography (Remote Sensing & GIS)
Department of History And War Studies
- PhD History (International Studies)
- PhD History (Military History)
- M.A. History (International Studies)
- M.A. History (Military History)
- MPhil History (International Studies)
- MPhil History (Military History)
Department of Languages
- M.A. English
- M.A. French
- M.A. Arabic
- PhD Arabic
- MPhil Arabic
Department of Political Science
- PhD Political Science
- M.Sc. Political Science
- PhD in Public Policy and Administration
- PhD in International Relations and Strategic Studies
- M.Sc. in Public Policy and Administration
- M.Sc. in International Relations and Strategic Studies
- MPhil in International Relations and Strategic Studies
- MPhil in Public Policy and Administration
- MPhil Political Science
Department of Psychology
- M.Sc. Clinical Psychology
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
- M.Eng. Civil Engineering (Water Resources and Environmental Engineering)
- M.Eng. Civil Engineering (Structures)
- M.Eng. Civil Engineering (Geotechnics)
Department of Electrical/Electronics Engineering
- PhD Electrical/Electronic Engineering (Electronic and Communications)
- PhD Electrical/Electronic Engineering (Power and Machine)
- M.Eng. Electrical/Electronic Engineering (Electronics and Communications)
- M.Eng. Electrical/Electronic Engineering (Power and Machine)
Department of Mechanical Engineering
- PhD Mechanical Engineering (Thermofluid and Energy)
- PhD Mechanical Engineering (Production)
- M.Eng. Mechanical Engineering (Production)
- M.Eng. Mechanical Engineering (Thermofluids & Energy)
- MPhil Mechanical Engineering (Production)
- MPhil Mechanical Engineering (Thermofluid and Energy)
Department of Mechatronic Engineering
- M.Eng. Mechatronic Engineering
MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
Department of Accounting
- PhD Accounting
- M.Sc. Accounting
- MPhil Accounting
Department of Economics
- PhD Economics
- M.Sc. Economics
- MPhil Economics
Department of Management Studies
- PhD Management
- M.Sc. Management
MILITARY SCIENCE AND INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
Department of Computer Science
- M.Sc. Computer Science
- PhD Computer Science
- MPhil Computer Science
Department of Intelligence And Security Science
- M.Sc. in International Security
SCIENCE
Department of Biology
- PhD Medicinal & Poisonous Plants Studies
- M.Sc. Parasitology
- M.Sc. Medicinal & Poisonous Plants Studies
Department of Biotechnology
- M.Sc. Biotechnology
- PhD Biotechnology
- MPhil Biotechnology
Department of Chemistry
- PhD Chemistry (Environmental)
- PhD Chemistry (Analytical)
- M.Sc. Chemistry (Organic)
- M.Sc. Chemistry (Material Science & Explosives)
- M.Sc. Chemistry (Inorganic)
- M.Sc. Chemistry (Environmental)
- M.Sc. Chemistry (Analytical)
- PhD Chemistry (Material Science and Explosives)
- PhD Chemistry (Inorganic)
- PhD Chemistry (Organic)
- MPhil Chemistry (Analytical)
- MPhil Chemistry (Environmental)
- MPhil Chemistry (Inorganic)
- MPhil Chemistry (Material Science and Explosives)
- MPhil Chemistry (Organic)
Department of Mathematical Sciences
- M.Sc. Mathematics (Pure Mathematics)
- M.Sc. Mathematics (Applied Mathematics)
- PhD Mathematics (Pure Mathematics)
- PhD Mathematics (Applied Mathematics)
- MPhil Mathematics
- MPhil Mathematics (Applied Mathematics)
- MPhil Mathematics (Pure Mathematics)
Department of Physics
- PhD Physics (Solid State)
- PhD Physics (Nuclear and Radiation)
- M.Sc. Physics (Theoretical)
- M.Sc. Physics (Solid State)
- M.Sc. Physics (Nuclear and Radiation)
- PhD Physics (Theoretical)
- MPhil Physics (Theoretical)
- MPhil Physics (Nuclear and Radiation)
- MPhil Physics (Solid State)
List of Available Professional Programmes
ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Department of Defence And Security Studies
- Postgraduate Diploma in Strategy and Security Administration (PGDSSA)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Conflict Resolution and Peace Building (PGDCRPB)
- Master in Conflict Resolution and Peace Building (MCRPB)
- Master in Strategy and Security Administration (MASSA)
- Master in Defence Security and Strategic Studies (MDSSS)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Defence Security and Strategic Studies (PGDDSSS)
- Master in International Security and Humanitarian Studies (MISHS)
Department of Geography
- Postgraduate Diploma in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (PGDRS/GIS)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management (PGDEM)
- Master in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (MRSGIS)
- Master in Enviromental Management (MEM)
Department of History And War Studies
- Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership Studies (PGDLS)
- Master in Leadership Studies (MLS)
- Master in Development Studies (MDS)
- Master in Conflict Security & Development (MCSD)
Department of Languages
- Postgraduate Diploma in French (PGDF)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arabic (PGDA)
- Postgraduate Diploma in English and Literary Studies (PGDELS)
Department of Political Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration (PGDPA)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Conflict Management and Peace Studies (PGDCMPS)
- Master in Public Administration (MPA)
- Master in International Affairs and Strategic Studies (MIASS)
- Master in Conflict Management and Peace Studies (MCMPS)
- Postgraduate Diploma in International Affairs and Strategic Studies (PGDIASS)
- Master in Policy and Diplomatic Studies (MPDS)
Department of Psychology
- Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy (PGDCP)
- Master in Criminology and Forensic Psychology (MCFP)
- Master in Managerial Psychology (MMP)
- Master in Counseling and Psychotherapy (MCAP)
Department of Center for Critical Thinking Teaching and Learning
- Master in Critical Thinking (MCT)
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
- Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Management (PGDCM)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering (PGDCE)
- Master in Construction Management (MCM)
- Master in Project Management (PM)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Estate and Facility Management (PGDEFM)
- Master in Facility Management (MFM)
Department of Electrical/Electronics Engineering
- Postgraduate Diploma in Electrical Engineering (PGDEE)
- Master in Power System Engineering (MPSE)
- Master in Telecommunication Engineering (MTCE)
Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Postgraduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (PGDME)
- Master in Production Management (MPM)
- Master in Renewable Energy Management and Auditing
Department of Mechatronic Engineering
- Postgraduate Diploma in Mechatronic Engineering
MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
Department of Accounting
- Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting and Finance (PGDAF)
- Master in Taxation and Treasury Management (MTTM)
- Master in Forensic Accounting (MFA)
- Master in Accounting and Finance (MAF)
Department of Economics
- Master in Health Economics (MHE)
- Master in Financial Economics (MFE)
- Master in Innovations and Development Studies.
Department of Logistics And Supply Chain Management
- Postgraduate Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (PGDLSCM)
- Master in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (MLSCM)
Department of Management Studies
- Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PGDM)
- Master in Industrial and Labour Relations (MILR)
- Master in Entrepreneurship and Business Management (MEBM)
- Master in Business Administration (MBA)
- Master in Human Resource Management (MHRM)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Business Management (PGDEBM)
MILITARY SCIENCE AND INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
Department of Computer Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology (PGDIT)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science (PGDCS)
- Master in Information Technology (MIT)
- Master in Computer Science (MCOS)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science (PGDDAS)
- Master in Data Science (MDAS)
- Master in Software Engineering (MSE)
- Master in Artificial Intelligence (MAI)
Department of Cyber Security
- Postgraduate Diploma in Cyber Security (PGDCS)
- Master in Cyber Security
- Master in Digital Forensics (MDF)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Forensics (PGDDF)
- Master in Information Security and Privacy (MISP)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Information Security and Privacy (PGDISP)
Department of Intelligence And Security Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Intelligence and Security Studies (PGDISS)
- Master in Intelligence and Security Studies (MISS)
Department of Military Science
- Masters in Military and Security Studies (MMSS)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Military and Security Studies (PGDMSS)
SCIENCE
Department of Biology
- Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Biology (PGDEB)
- Master in Environmental Biology (MEB)
Department of Biotechnology
- Master in Biotechnology (MBT)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology (PGDBT)
Department of Chemistry
- Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science (PGDFS)
- Master in Forensic Science (MFS)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science Lab Tech (PGDSLT)
Department of Mathematical Sciences
- Postgraduate Diploma in Statistics and Data Analysis (PGDSDA)
- Master in Statistics and Data Analysis (MSDA)
- Master in Operations Research (MOR)
Department of Physics
- Master in Nuclear Security Safety and Safeguard (MNSSS)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Physics
Department of Centre for Renewable Energy
- Postgraduate Diploma in Renewable and Sustainable Energy
- Master in Renewable and Sustainable Energy
General Admission Requirements
NB: All candidates for admission into Ph.D, M.A, M.Ed, M.Sc and M.Eng Programmes must provide records of their Academic Transcripts.
POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Five (5) credit passes including English Language and Mathematics at ‘O’ Level in not more than two sittings.
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant area from a recognized University not lower than a third class.
- Bachelor’s Degree with at least second class (Lower Division) in an area not related to the programme applied or
- Higher National Diploma (HND) with a minimum of Lower Credit.
PROFESSIONAL MASTERS’ PROGRAMMES ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Five (5) credit passes including English Language and Mathematics at ‘O’ Level in not more than two sittings.
- Bachelor’s Degree with at least Second Class Honours (Lower Division) from a recognised university or
- Higher National Diploma (HND) with a minimum of Lower Credit/ Third Class Bachelor’s Degree.
- Such candidates must have obtained a Postgraduate Diploma (a minimum of Lower Credit) in relevant area from a recognised university.
ACADEMIC MASTERS’ (MA/ MEng/ MSc) PROGRAMMES ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Five (5) credit passes including English Language and Mathematics at ‘O’ Level in not more than two sittings.
- Bachelor’s Degree in relevant area with at least Second Class Honours (Lower Division) from a recognised university or
- Higher National Diploma (HND) with a minimum of Upper Credit/ Third Class Bachelor’s Degree.
- Such candidates must have obtained a Postgraduate Diploma (a minimum of Upper Credit) in relevant area from a recognised University.
MPhil/PhD ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Five (5) credit passes including English Language and Mathematics at ‘O’ Level in not more than two sittings.
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area from a recognised University not lower than a Second Class honours degree.
- Academic Master’s Degree from a recognised University with a CGPA between 3.0 – 3.49 (on a scale of 5) or equivalent percentage required for PhD.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Programmes ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Five (5) credit passes including English Language and Mathematics at ‘O’ Level in not more than two sittings.
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant area with a minimum of Second Cllass Honours degree from a recognised University.
- Academic Master’s Degree with a CGPA of at least 3.5 on a scale of 5 or 60% from a recognised University.
NOTE
In line with National University Commission’s Requirements on postgraduate admissions and duration of programmes in Nigerian Universities, the following shall apply:
- Candidates with Professional Masters are not qualified to be admitted into MPhil/ PhD or PhD programmes.
- The durations for all weekend (Friday – Saturday) MPhil/ PhD programs shall be double the duration of full-time programmes.
Application Procedure
Register your account (Step 1)
- Start by using the NDA postgraduate portal registration page
- Enter name, email and password
- Check the email inbox for the verification link and click it to activate the account
- Note: the process won’t move on until the email is verified
Make your payment (Step 2)
- Log in to the application portal using the email and password from Step 1
- Click on “payments”
- The portal will take the applicant to the payment page
- Use “Card” or “Bank Transfer” and finish payment
- The portal will send the applicant back after payment
- Click on payment again to see the receipt (some people miss this bit)
Update Profile (Step 3)
- Log in, then click on “Profile”
- Click on “Bio-data” and enter Date of Birth, Phone Number, Gender, Marital Status, then upload Passport Photograph
- Click on “Submit Biodata”
- Click on “Contact Details”, enter contact address and permanent home address, then “Save Contact Details”
- Click on “Update Personal Details”, enter full name, Nationality, State, Local Government, and Home town, then “Save Personal Details”
Choose Your Preferred Programme (Step 4)
- Log in, click on “Academics”
- Click on “Select Programme”
- Pick faculty, department, and programme
- Service records: this is for serving Military Personnel only, others can ignore it
- Click on “Save Programme Details”
Provide O’Level Result details (Step 5)
- Click on “Academics”
- Click on “Add O’level Result”
- Select “Exam Body”, “Examination type”, and “Examination year”
- Choose sitting “first” or “second” (only two sittings can be used)
- Enter grades for “English Language” and “Mathematics”
- Add three other relevant subjects and grades
- Click on “Submit O level result”
- Repeat for the second sitting (choose “second sitting”)
Add O’Level Verication Cards (Step 6)
- Upload an O Level verification card for each sitting already added
- Click on “Academics” then “Add Verification Cards”
- Enter exam details, card pin, and card serial number
- Choose “first” sitting or “second” sitting
- Click on “Submit Verification Card”
- Repeat for the other sitting
Add Referees (Step 7)
- A minimum of two referees is needed
- Click on “Referee”
- Enter referee’s name and valid e-mail
- The referee will get an email link to fill the online referee form (it’s meant to be quick)
- Click on “Submit Confidential Referee”
- Add the second referee the same way
- Referees can be deleted and replaced if they have not responded yet
- The same page shows who has responded and who has not
Provide Your Academic qualifications (Step 8)
- Click on “Qualifications” then “School”
- Enter Certificate Type, Awarding Institution, Qualification Obtained, Class, and Year Obtained
- Click on “Save”
- Repeat for all academic qualifications
Provide your professional qualifications (Step 9)
- Click on “Qualifications” then “Professional”
- Enter Certificate Type, Awarding Institution, Qualification Obtained, Certificate Number (No), Issue Date, and Expiry Date
- Click on “Save”
- Repeat for all professional qualifications
Preview your application form (Step 10)
The portal will not allow preview until these are done:
- Payment has been made
- Everything in the Profile section is filled
- At least one O’Level sitting is uploaded
- O’Level verification cards are uploaded for all sittings used
- At least two referees are added, and both have responded (if one won’t reply, swap them)
- At least two academic qualifications are added
- Uploads are provided (if required)
After preview, the applicant can still go back and fix errors.
Submit Your Form (Step 11)
- Click on “Submit Form”
- Follow the instructions to complete submission
- Note: changes can’t be made after submission, so it’s better to check and recheck before sending it in
If there is any inquiry or difficulty, the help line(s) are 08077037807 (08:00am to 6:00pm) or email pgenquiries@nda.edu.ng.
Career Opportunities After NDA Postgraduate Programs
Graduates of NDA postgraduate programmes are well positioned for advanced careers across:
- Government and defence agencies
- Security and intelligence sectors
- Strategic planning and policy development
- Academia and research institutions
- International organisations and NGOs
- Public administration and leadership roles
- Technology and engineering sectors
A postgraduate qualification from NDA enhances professional credentials, leadership potential, and competitiveness in both public and private sectors.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is NDA postgraduate admission competitive?
Yes. Admission into NDA postgraduate programmes is highly competitive due to quality standards and limited slots.
Do civilian applicants get admitted?
Yes. NDA postgraduate programmes are open to civilian candidates with the requisite academic qualifications.
Can I apply for multiple programmes?
Candidates should verify specific guidelines. Some applicants apply to different programmes if they meet individual eligibility criteria.
Is the NDA postgraduate degree recognised internationally?
Yes. NDA postgraduate degrees are recognised by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and accepted in academic and professional environments globally.
Conclusion: Your Pathway to Advanced Leadership at NDA
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna Postgraduate Admission 2025/2026 presents a tremendous opportunity for aspiring scholars, defence professionals, and thinkers seeking to expand their knowledge and leadership impact. With accredited programmes, strategic research opportunities, and a unique blend of discipline and academic excellence, NDA continues to set the standard for postgraduate education in Nigeria.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply early, prepare well, and engage with official NDA communication channels for updates to guarantee a seamless application experience and academic success.
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