AbdulThe Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna is one of Nigeria’s most prestigious military institutions, training future officers for the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force while also providing academic degrees. Unlike conventional universities in Nigeria, NDA’s academic fees and costs are structured uniquely because the institution is funded by the Federal Government. This means that tuition and basic costs are substantially subsidized — but cadets still incur certain fees and levies that prospective applicants and parents should understand clearly before admission.
In this guide, we’ll explore NDA academic fees for the 2025/2026 academic session, including:
- What NDA covers for cadets
- Breakdown of fees for new and returning students
- Postgraduate and special programme fees
- Other costs and stipends
- How to pay NDA fees
- Tips for financial planning
1. Overview: Unique Fee Structure at the Nigerian Defence Academy
The Nigerian Defence Academy’s fee structure is unlike that of standard universities because:
- Tuition is essentially free for regular undergraduate cadets — fully funded by the Federal Government
- Basic needs such as accommodation, feeding, and medical care are provided at no direct cost to cadets
- Cadets also receive a monthly stipend (approximately ₦50,000) to cover personal expenses
This model reflects NDA’s mission to train commissioned officers while supporting them financially and academically during their training.
2. What NDA Covers for Regular (Undergraduate) Cadets
As of the 2025/2026 academic session, the NDA covers the following for regular course cadets:
Tuition
- Academic tuition is fully funded by the Federal Government
- There are no tuition fees charged directly to undergraduate cadets
Accommodation & Feeding
- All cadets live on campus
- Accommodation and meals are covered under Federal Government funding
Medical Care
- Routine healthcare and medical services are provided
- Medical fees are usually minimal or included under institutional support
Training & Uniforms
- Uniforms and military kit are provided
- Training courses and practical components are integrated into the NDA package
Due to this model, NDA is one of the most affordable paths to a university degree with military training in Nigeria.
3. Mandatory Fees for New Cadets (100 Level)
While tuition is government-sponsored, new cadets still pay certain fees for administrative and processing purposes:
| Fee Item | Estimated Range (₦) |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Fee (one-time) | 20,000 – 35,000 |
| Application Fee | ~7,000 |
| Medical Levy | 1,000 – 5,000 |
| Sports Fee | 1,000 – 5,000 |
| Library Fee | 1,000 – 5,000 |
| Identity Card & Development Fees | 1,000 – 5,000 |
Estimated Total: ₦25,000 – ₦50,000 for fresh cadets
These costs are largely administrative levies, not tuition.
4. Fees for Returning Cadets (Levels 200–500)
Returning cadets typically pay lower fees compared to freshers because one-time charges like the acceptance fee do not apply each year.
| Fee Type | Estimated Range (₦) |
|---|---|
| Medical Fee | 1,000 – 5,000 |
| Sports Fee | 1,000 – 5,000 |
| Library Fee | 1,000 – 5,000 |
| Development Levy | 1,000 – 5,000 |
Estimated Total: ₦20,000 – ₦30,000 per academic session
Accommodation, feeding, and tuition remain covered by federal funding.
5. Postgraduate Fees at NDA
Unlike regular undergraduate courses, postgraduate programmes at the NDA (such as PGD, Master’s, or PhD) are not fully government-sponsored. Therefore, cadets and civilian postgraduate students pay more in fees:
| Programme | Approximate Annual Fee (₦) |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) | ~150,000 |
| Master’s Degree | ~150,000 |
| PhD Programmes | ~150,000 – 200,000 |
Additional charges (application fees, acceptance fees, departmental levies) are typically required and vary by faculty.
6. Additional Costs to Consider
Even with government support for core services, cadets should plan for other out-of-pocket costs during their NDA journey:
Personal Expenses
- Uniform accessories not directly issued
- Books, stationery and consumables
- Toiletries and personal items
Estimated personal expenses may range from ₦20,000 – ₦50,000 per session.
Travel & Screening Costs
- Travel costs for screening, medical checks, or reporting to the academy (often in Kaduna)
- Printing screening documents
These vary based on your location.
Miscellaneous Levies
- Some departmental or faculty levies may apply, depending on course requirements
7. Monthly Stipend for NDA Cadets
One of the major financial advantages of NDA training is the monthly stipend provided to cadets — approximately ₦50,000 per month. This stipend is meant to help cadets cover personal expenses, minor purchases, and study materials without needing external support.
8. How to Pay NDA Fees (Official Process)
Payment of fees and levies is typically done through the NDA’s official portal. The exact steps generally include:
- Generate an RRR Code
- Visit the NDA https://spgs.nda.edu.ng/
- Log in with your application or matriculation details
- Select Your Fees
- Choose the relevant fees for the session (acceptance, development, medical, etc.)
- Make Payment via Remita
- Use the generated Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) at any bank or online payment channel
- Keep receipts and transaction confirmations
- Upload Payment Evidence
- Submit proof where required (often via portal upload or academy bursary office)
Always use official NDA channels to avoid fraud.
9. Important Tips for Financial Planning
- Confirm exact fees on the official NDA website before payment.
- Pay on time to avoid penalties and delays in registration.
- Keep receipts and proof of payment for clearance and record-keeping.
- Budget for personal and travel costs in addition to official fees.
RELATED ARTICLE
Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna Postgraduate Admission 2025/2026: Requirements
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does NDA charge tuition fees like regular universities?
No. For regular undergraduate cadets, tuition, accommodation, and feeding are funded by the government, making tuition effectively free.
Do returning NDA cadets pay school fees?
They pay minimal levies such as medical, sports, and library fees, but not tuition.
What fees do postgraduate students pay?
Postgraduate students are required to pay fees that are similar to regular academic institutions, as their programmes are not fully government-funded.
Are there other unofficial charges?
No legitimate unofficial charges should be paid. Always verify fees on the official portal to avoid fraud.
Conclusion
The Nigerian Defence Academy offers a highly subsidized and affordable academic pathway for the 2025/2026 session, with most core costs covered by the Federal Government. By understanding the required fees and planning ahead, prospective cadets and postgraduate students can prepare financially and take full advantage of the unique educational and career opportunities NDA provides.
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