NOUN University Courses And Fees 2026

Choosing a university is one of the most important decisions anyone can make, especially when cost, flexibility, and course availability are major concerns. If you are searching for NOUN university courses and fees, you are likely trying to understand what the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) offers and how much it costs before making a decision. This guide covers everything you need to know.

What Is NOUN?

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is a federal government–owned university established to provide flexible and affordable higher education. Unlike conventional universities, NOUN operates an open and distance learning (ODL) system. This means students can study without attending daily physical classes, making it ideal for:

• Working professionals
• Business owners
• Stay-at-home parents
• People who need flexible study schedules

NOUN awards recognized certificates, diplomas, undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees, just like other Nigerian universities.

Why Many Students Choose NOUN

Before looking at courses and fees, it helps to understand why NOUN is popular:

• No JAMB competition for admission (direct entry approach)
• Flexible learning schedule
• Affordable fees compared to many universities
• Nationwide study centers
• Recognized degrees by Nigerian authorities

These benefits make NOUN attractive to students who may not fit into the traditional university system.

Overview Of NOUN University Courses

NOUN offers a wide range of programs across different faculties. The courses are designed to meet academic standards while remaining practical and flexible.

Below is a general overview of courses offered at NOUN, grouped by faculties. Please note that course availability may change over time, so always confirm from official NOUN channels.

NOUN University Courses

NOUN University Fees Explained

One of the most searched topics is NOUN university fees, mainly because affordability is a key reason students choose NOUN.

Important Note About Fees

NOUN fees are:

• Pay-per-course, not fixed yearly tuition
• Subject to change by the university
• Dependent on program, level, and number of courses registered

This section gives a general idea, not an official quotation.

General Fee Components At NOUN

Students usually pay for the following:

• Application fee
• Registration fee
• Course material fee
• Examination fee
• Study center charges

There are no hostel fees, as NOUN does not offer on-campus accommodation.

Estimated Cost Range For Undergraduate Programs

On average:

New undergraduate students may spend ₦60,000 – ₦90,000 at the initial stage

Returning students often pay ₦30,000 – ₦60,000 per semester, depending on courses

Science and professional programs may cost slightly more due to materials and practicals.

Estimated Cost For Postgraduate Programs

Postgraduate fees are generally higher than undergraduate fees.

Initial registration may range from ₦80,000 – ₦120,000

Subsequent semesters may be lower, depending on course load

Again, fees vary by program.

Why NOUN Fees Are Considered Affordable

Compared to many public and private universities, NOUN fees are considered reasonable because:

• There are no accommodation or feeding costs
• Students only pay for registered courses
• Learning materials are mostly digital

This makes NOUN cost-effective for long-term study.

Admission Process At NOUN (Brief Overview)

NOUN admission is generally straightforward:

• Choose a course
• Purchase application form
• Submit required documents
• Complete registration
• Begin studies

There is no UTME competition, but candidates must meet basic academic requirements.

Is NOUN Certificate Recognized?

Yes. NOUN is:

• A federal university
• Recognized by NUC
• Accepted for employment and further studies in Nigeria and abroad
• Graduates have successfully completed NYSC and postgraduate programs.

Who Should Consider Studying At NOUN?

NOUN is ideal if you:

• Work full-time
• Run a business
• Need flexible study hours
• Want affordable education
• Prefer self-paced learning

It may not suit those who prefer daily classroom interaction.

Tips Before Applying

Confirm current fees from official sources

Choose a course aligned with your career goals

Understand the self-study nature of NOUN

Plan your time and finances properly

Frequent Asked Questions – FAQs

Where Us NOUN University Located In Lagos?

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) used to have its main headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos, but the main administrative headquarters was relocated to Jabi, Abuja in 2016. However, NOUN still maintains a Lagos campus and study centres in the state, including on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island along with other centres such as Lagos Mainland 1 and Mushin.

Does NOUN University Require JAMB?

Traditionally, NOUN does NOT require JAMB UTME results for admission into most undergraduate programmes. This means you can apply directly with your O’Level results and meet NOUN’s basic requirements instead of writing the UTME.

However, recent guidelines from JAMB suggest that candidates must register with JAMB and provide a JAMB profile code or NIN during registration for non-regular programmes, including distance learning. Therefore, while NOUN itself doesn’t use a JAMB UTME score for entry, you may still be required to have a JAMB registration profile for official record keeping and for NYSC purposes.

Is NOUN A Good University?

The National Open University of Nigeria is a legitimate and recognized federal university that offers accredited degree programmes and has study centres across Nigeria. It is especially valued for its flexible learning model, affordability, national recognition, and accessibility for working adults and part-time learners. However, whether it’s “good” depends on your personal goals:

• If you want flexible, distance-based study while working or handling other commitments, many students find NOUN suitable.
• If you prefer traditional classroom-based learning with daily lectures, NOUN might feel different from conventional universities.
• Overall, it is recognized, accredited, and respected, with many graduates successfully completing programmes and pursuing careers or further studies.

Is NOUN A Private University?

No — the National Open University of Nigeria is a federal public university, not a private institution. It is owned and funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria and operates under the oversight of the National Universities Commission (NUC). This means its degrees are nationally recognized just like those of other federal universities.