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.
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.
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.
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
