Benue State University (BSU), also referred to as BSUM, is one of Nigeria’s prominent state‑owned universities located in Makurdi, Benue State. Each year, thousands of hopeful applicants search for what courses are offered, how much the school fees are, and how to plan financially before applying — and that’s exactly what this guide will help you with.
Whether you’re a prospective student, a parent planning ahead, or someone researching Nigerian university fees, this article explains everything.
What You Need To Know About Benue State University
Benue State University was established to provide high‑quality education to Nigerians and international students. It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties such as Arts, Sciences, Management Sciences, Law, Social Sciences, and Health Sciences.
BSU aims to ensure that learning is affordable and accessible, while still maintaining academic standards that prepare students for the workforce or further studies after graduation.
Courses Offered At BSU (2025/2026)
BSU offers many popular and high‑demand courses. Here’s a simplified list of some of the major programs available:
| Faculty | Courses / Programs |
|---|---|
| Arts & Education | English Language, History & International Studies, Languages & Linguistics, Performing Arts, Philosophy, Social Studies Education, Arts Education |
| Science | Biology & Biotechnology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Microbiology |
| Management Sciences | Accounting, Banking & Finance, Business Administration, Marketing, Public Administration |
| Law | Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – Common & Commercial Law |
| Social Sciences | Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Mass Communication, Political Science |
| Health Sciences | Medicine & Surgery, Nursing Science, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Science |
This is not an exhaustive list, but highlights the most popular undergraduate courses students apply for each year.
BSU Fees Breakdown (2025/2026 Academic Session)
One of the first questions students ask is: “How much will I pay?” The answer varies depending on your faculty, status (indigene or non‑indigene), and whether you’re a new or returning student.
Undergraduate Fees — Indigene vs Non‑Indigene
Benue State University has different fee rates for indigenous students (from Benue State) and non‑indigenes, with non‑indigenes paying slightly higher fees, as is common practice in many Nigerian universities.
Fresh Undergraduate Students (100 Level / Direct Entry 200 Level)
| Course Category | Indigene (₦) | Non‑Indigene (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Arts & Education | 66,100 | 119,100 |
| Law | 70,100 | 123,100 |
| Sciences, Social/Management/Environmental | 67,900 | 120,900 |
| Medicine & Surgery | 92,900 | 145,900 |
| Nursing / Pharmacy | 92,900 | 145,900 |
Returning Undergraduate Students
Once students proceed to 200 level and above, fees may be slightly reduced since certain one‑time charges are not applied again:
| Course Category | Indigene (₦) | Non‑Indigene (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Arts & Education | 46,200 | 77,600 |
| Law | 50,200 | 81,600 |
| Sciences & Management | 47,900 | 79,300 |
| Medicine & Health Sciences | 72,900 | 104,300 |
These figures include tuition, examination fees, ICT levy, and other academic charges managed via the BSU e‑payment platform.
Postgraduate Fees
Postgraduate students typically pay based on program and status, often paying significantly more than undergraduates. Specific program fees (like MSc or PhD) depend on the faculty and may run into several hundred thousand naira per session, with additional bench or fieldwork fees for sciences.
Admission Requirements & Cut‑Off Marks
To gain admission into BSU:
General Requirements
- You must score at least the JAMB UTME cut‑off mark, which is usually 150 or above depending on the year.
- You need five O’Level credits, including Mathematics and English.
- BSU must be chosen as your first choice institution on JAMB CAPS.
Cut‑Off Marks by Faculty
Some competitive courses require higher UTME scores:
- Medicine & Surgery, Law, Pharmacy may have higher cut‑offs (often 200–220+).
- Other courses may require between 150–180 UTME score.
Meeting these criteria doesn’t guarantee admission, but it improves your chances significantly.
How To Pay BSU School Fees
BSU uses an online e‑payment portal where students log in with their JAMB registration number and complete payments using debit cards (Verve, Visa, Mastercard).
Here’s how it works:
- Visit the official BSU portal.
- Log in with your JAMB registration number.
- Select your program and pay the listed fees.
- Print your fee receipt and confirmation slip.
Always use the official school website or BSU student portal for transactions — this protects you from scams and ensures receipts are valid.
Other Fees And Charges To Expect
In addition to school fees, students often pay:
- Acceptance Fee for new students
- Departmental Charges
- Student ID Card
- Faculty Dues & Levies
- Hostel Accommodation Fees (if applicable)
- Caution Deposits (refundable in some cases)
Understanding these helps you budget holistically rather than only focusing on tuition.
Planning Your University Budget
Studying at BSU can be affordable compared to private universities, but planning is still key.
Tips for budgeting:
- Start saving in advance of admission year.
- Account for accommodation, transport, books, and food.
- Consider part‑time jobs or scholarships, if eligible.
- Verify fees each session — they may increase annually.
Frequent Asked Questions – FAQs
Is BSU School Fees Affordable?
Yes — compared to many private universities, BSU offers competitive tuition with state university benefits.
Do Indigenes Pay Less?
Yes — indigenes usually have lower fees than non‑indigenes.
Are Hostel Fees Included?
Usually not — accommodation is separate and depends on facility and availability.
Why Benue State University Might Be The Right Choice
Choosing a university is more than fees — consider:
- Quality of education
- Range of programs
- Career opportunities after graduation
- Campus environment and facilities
BSU has remained a strong choice in Nigeria due to its wide program offerings and affordable fee structure, making it a great option for many applicants.
Is There A Scholarship In BSU?
Yes, BSU offers scholarships and financial aid to deserving students. These are usually merit-based or need-based, and the criteria and application procedures are announced on the official BSU portal. Students are encouraged to check the university’s website regularly for updates.
How Much Is The Tuition Fee In BSU Per Semester
Tuition fees vary depending on your course of study and whether you are an indigene or non-indigene of Benue State. On average, undergraduate fees per semester range from ₦46,200 to ₦92,900 for indigenes and ₦77,600 to ₦145,900 for non-indigenes, depending on the faculty.
How Much Is A Semester At BSU?
A semester generally includes all tuition and school fees for that session. Fees differ by course category, but typically for returning students, indigenes pay between ₦46,200 and ₦72,900, while non-indigenes pay ₦77,600 to ₦104,300.
How Much Are BSU Fees?
BSU fees depend on your program and level. For fresh undergraduate students, fees range from ₦66,100 to ₦92,900 for indigenes and ₦119,100 to ₦145,900 for non-indigenes. Returning students pay slightly lower amounts since some one-time charges are not repeated.
How Much Is The Tuition Fee For BS Nursing
For the Nursing program, tuition fees for fresh undergraduate students are ₦92,900 for indigenes and ₦145,900 for non-indigenes. Returning students pay ₦72,900 for indigenes and ₦104,300 for non-indigenes per semester.
