AbdulIf you’ve just been offered admission into the University of Lagos (UNILAG), congratulations! You’ve crossed one of the biggest hurdles. But right now, your next question is probably, “How much is UNILAG school fees for freshers this year?”
Let’s walk through the complete breakdown of the UNILAG tuition fees for 2025/2026, what each charge covers, and what you should expect to spend as a new student.
Read Also: Comparison: OAU vs UNILAG Admission Procedures & Admission Requirements (2025 Guide)
Acceptance & Initial One-Time Fees
Every newly admitted student in UNILAG must pay an acceptance fee before full registration. For the 2025/2026 academic session, the official acceptance fee is ₦20,000.
This fee confirms your admission and gives you access to proceed with screening and course registration. Be aware that it’s non-refundable, so don’t rush to pay until your admission is fully verified on the official UNILAG portal.
Apart from the acceptance fee, you’ll likely pay small one-time charges for medical screening and ID processing — usually between ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 depending on your department.
Quick Tip:
Only make payments through the university’s official website or Remita portal. Avoid personal bank accounts or third-party links shared on social media.
Tuition & Mandatory Academic Levies
Now, let’s break down the actual tuition fees and what you’ll be paying each session.
UNILAG separates its tuition and levies based on your programme type. Students in courses with labs or studios (like Engineering, Architecture, or Sciences) typically pay a bit more than those in non-lab courses like Law, Arts, or Social Sciences.
For Non-Lab/Studio Students
Students in programmes without laboratory or studio components will pay an estimated ₦126,325 as core tuition and levies.
Here’s how that amount typically breaks down:
| Fee Item | Amount (₦) |
| Registration | 25,000 |
| ID Card | 5,000 |
| Result Processing | 5,500 |
| Examination | 15,000 |
| Library | 15,000 |
| IT/Entrepreneurship | 15,000 |
| Student Handbook | 5,000 |
| Miscellaneous/Other Levies | 40,825 |
| Total | ₦126,325 |
However, when you include other compulsory charges like utility and medical fees, the total often climbs to around ₦146,000.
For Lab/Studio-Based Courses
Students in Engineering, Sciences, Architecture, and related departments usually have additional lab or studio fees due to materials, maintenance, and equipment usage.
Their tuition and levies add up to about ₦176,325, and when you include utility and screening charges, the total can go up to roughly ₦196,000.
Here’s a breakdown example:
| Fee Item | Amount (₦) |
| Registration | 25,000 |
| ID Card | 5,000 |
| Result Processing | 5,500 |
| Examination | 15,000 |
| Library | 15,000 |
| IT/Entrepreneurship | 15,000 |
| Studio/Lab Fee | 49,975 |
| Miscellaneous | 26,850 |
| Total | ₦176,325 |
Utility, Screening & Other Compulsory Charges
Besides tuition, UNILAG has a few compulsory charges that all students — both freshers and returning — must pay.
- Utility Charge: ₦20,000
- Toxicology Test (for new students): ₦10,000
- Medical Screening: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
- Student Welfare & Departmental Levies: ₦5,000 – ₦15,000 depending on your faculty
These fees are mandatory and must be cleared before full registration or access to online services.
Freshers’ Total Estimated Cost
When you put it all together, here’s what your total cost as a UNILAG fresher will roughly look like:
| Programme Type | Acceptance Fee | Tuition & Levies | Other Charges | Estimated Total |
| Non-Lab Course | ₦20,000 | ₦126,325 | ₦20,000 – ₦30,000 | ₦166,000 – ₦180,000 |
| Lab/Studio Course | ₦20,000 | ₦176,325 | ₦20,000 – ₦30,000 | ₦210,000 – ₦225,000 |
Keep in mind that this does not include accommodation, books, or transportation yet. Let’s look at that next.
Accommodation & Living Costs
If you’re planning to live in the school hostel, the cost will depend on the hall you’re assigned to:
- Undergraduate Halls: ₦25,000 – ₦65,000 per session
- Postgraduate/Private Hostels: ₦80,000 – ₦150,000 depending on the facility
Off-campus accommodation around Akoka or Yaba can range from ₦200,000 to ₦400,000 annually, depending on proximity and comfort.
Also budget at least ₦20,000 – ₦40,000 monthly for feeding and transport if you’ll be commuting.
Payment Terms & How to Pay Safely
UNILAG allows instalment payments for tuition and related levies. The structure is as follows:
- 50% at the beginning of the first semester
- 20% before first semester exams
- 30% before second semester registration
All payments are made online through the official UNILAG portal or Remita using your Matric number or JAMB registration number.
Important:
Always print and keep your payment receipts. You’ll need them for clearance and registration confirmation.
Steps You Should Take Right Now
- Confirm your admission on the official UNILAG portal before paying anything.
- Pay your acceptance fee of ₦20,000 to secure your spot.
- Check your faculty’s fee breakdown — some departments have slightly different charges.
- Plan your total budget using the estimates above and add extra for textbooks and personal needs.
- Follow UNILAG’s payment instructions strictly — no shortcuts or third-party agents.
Final Thoughts
UNILAG remains one of Nigeria’s most reputable federal universities, and while fees have increased slightly in recent years, the quality of education and exposure still justify the cost.
The key is to plan early and stay updated. Always check your portal and official announcements before making payments.
If you’re already admitted, how are you planning to manage your tuition and living expenses this year? Are you staying on campus or off-campus? Your answer could shape how much you really spend per session.
Abdul
