The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) continues to stand as the country’s premier open and distance learning institution, offering unrivalled flexibility and affordability. As Nigeria’s largest university by enrollment—with over 515,000 students—it empowers learners to pursue higher education “at any place, at your pace.” Here is everything prospective and returning students need to know about the NOUN 2025/2026 academic session, with a focus on fees, courses, entry rules, and financial structure.
Fee structure breakdown
NOUN divides its fees into two main categories: compulsory charges (registration, ICT fees, etc.) and course/exam-related fees (tuition, projects, exam per course).
Undergraduate students
| Fee Category | Amount (₦) |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | 6,000 |
| Caution Deposit | 3,500 |
| Orientation Fee | 1,500 |
| Matriculation Fee | 1,500 |
| ID Card | 500 |
| Library Fee | 3,000 |
| ICT Administrative Fee | 5,000 |
| E-Facilitation Fee | 4,000 |
| JAMB Regularisation | 6,000 |
| Result/Verification Fee | 5,000 |
| Total Compulsory Fees | 36,000 |
- Returning students
- Returners pay a flat ₦18,000 for registration, library, ICT, and e-facilitation.
- Additional charges
- Project fee: ₦15,000
- Exam fee: ₦1,000 per course
Postgraduate students
- New postgraduates (per semester)
Similar compulsory fees totalling ₦35,000, including the same categories as undergraduates, plus a ₦10,000 result verification fee. - Returning postgraduates
Same ₦18,000 compulsory fees as returning undergrads. - Project and exam fees
- PGD: ₦25,000
- Master’s project: ₦40,000
- PGD/Master’s exam: ₦2,000 per course.
Note: Some sources cite additional postgraduate fees (higher ICT, etc.) for 2024/2025, but NOUN’s official 2025 schedule confirms the core figures above.
Tuition fees vary
Course tuition is charged separately and depends on your program and credit units. It’s calculated per unit or course—students must add this to the compulsory charges when budgeting for the semester.
Duration and requirements
Course faculties & programme durations
NOUN offers a wide spectrum of courses across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, housed in eight main faculties:
- Agricultural Sciences
- Arts
- Education
- Health Sciences
- Law
- Management Sciences
- Sciences
- Social Sciences
Undergraduate durations
- 100‑level entry: minimum 4 years, maximum 8 years
- 200‑level direct entry: minimum 3 years, maximum 8 years.
The flexible design allows students to finish faster or spread their studies across multiple years, matching diverse lifestyles and responsibilities .
Postgraduate timelines
- PGD: often completed in 1 year (two semesters)
- Master’s: typically 2–3 years, depending on pace and research demands
- PhD/Doctorate: no fixed timeline, though formal entry and completion processes extend over several years
Entry requirements
Undergraduate admission criteria
- Minimum of 5 O-level credits, including English and Mathematics (WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB), achieved in no more than two sittings.
- Minimum age: 16 years.
- Though no entrance exam is required, JAMB regularisation is compulsory after admission.
- Supporting documents: birth certificate, O-level results, transcripts (if applicable), passport photo, NYSC certificate, professional credentials for specialised programs.
Postgraduate admission criteria
- PGD: Relevant bachelor’s degree or HND with a minimum pass/Lower Credit. Some professional PGDs may require professional body memberships.
- Master’s programs: First degree with at least a Second Class Lower (2:2); relevant work experience may be required; professional qualifications acceptable in select streams (e.g., MBA).
- PhD: Master’s degree with at least 60% average or CGPA ≥3.5/5.0; applicants must submit research proposals, CV, reference letters, and evidence of payment.
Why NOUN stands out
- Ultimate flexibility: No rigid timetables. Students learn through printed materials, online modules, assignments, radio/TV broadcasts — at their own pace.
- No strike disruptions: As a distance-learning institution, NOUN is unaffected by union strikes like ASUU, making it a reliable path to graduation.
- Wide nationwide coverage: With over 75 study centres, plus e-learning platforms and a dedicated radio station (105.9 FM), support is well within reach.
- NYSC eligibility: NOUN graduates under 30 years are qualified for the mandatory National Youth Service Corps program.
Application process summary
- Check eligibility – Ensure you meet O-level or degree requirements.
- JAMB registration – For undergraduates, pick NOUN as your choice.
- Online application – Apply via the NOUN portal, choose your program and level, and generate Unique ID.
- Pay application fee via Remita – ₦5,000 for undergrads; ₦7,500 for PGD/Masters; ₦10,000 for PhD.
- Continue payment with RRR code – Finalise and submit form.
- Admission outcome – Typically received within days to weeks
- Register courses/exams – Pay compulsory fees and register for modules via e-course portal.
Academic support & learning resources
NOUN ensures comprehensive support through:
- E‑courseware across all faculties and levels.
- Tutor‑marked assignments that form 30% of assessment; exam performance accounts for 70%.
- Access to the e‑library at the University’s Lagos HQ, with journals, past projects, and theses.
- Dedicated student support via centres, facilitators, and a responsive call centre.
What lies ahead for 2025/2026 applicants?
- Steady compulsory fee structure remains ₦36,000 for new undergrads and ₦35,000 for new postgrads, with returning students at ₦18,000 per semester. Some increases in ICT or admin charges have been hinted at but not confirmed.
- Course tuition remains variable, so applicants should consult the portal for per-unit costs.
- Entry criteria unchanged, but prospective students should watch for program‑specific requirements and documentation deadlines.
- Application windows typically open in January 2025, with both undergraduate and postgraduate admissions ongoing.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re a fresh school leaver or a working professional, NOUN’s 2025/2026 academic calendar offers structured flexibility, reliable financial planning, and accessible admission pathways. Keep an eye out for portal updates and deadlines. Begin by ensuring your credentials and finances align with NOUN’s outlined structure.
For a smooth journey, your checklist should include:
- Confirmed O‑level or degree qualifications
- Budget for ₦36,000 (new undergrad) or ₦35,000 (new postgrad) + tuition + project/exam fees
- JAMB regularisation (undergrad only)
- Updated documents, photographs, and IDs
- Timely application via the portal
Embrace the journey—with NOUN, your degree is fully within your reach: anytime, anywhere.
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