JoSTUM Postgraduate Courses and Their Fees 2026/2027
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Postgraduate Courses and Their Fees 2026/2027
Choosing the right university for your postgraduate studies is a decision that shapes your entire career. If you are considering furthering your education in Benue State, then understanding Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University postgraduate courses and their fees is exactly where your research should begin. This article gives you a complete, honest, and detailed breakdown — from the available programmes and their admission requirements to the fee structure for each school. Whether you are targeting a Postgraduate Diploma, a Master’s degree, or a PhD, everything you need to know is right here.
About Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University — formerly known as the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi — is a federal university located in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, Nigeria. It operates under the Federal Government of Nigeria and is accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The university was renamed in 2021 to honour the memory of Chief Joseph Sarwuan Tarka, a celebrated Tiv leader and Nigerian statesman who fought tirelessly for the rights of minority groups. Beyond its rich history, the institution is widely respected for its strong agricultural sciences, engineering, management sciences, and social sciences programmes.
Its postgraduate school — the School of Postgraduate Studies — coordinates all master’s, PhD, and postgraduate diploma programmes across its faculties. For any graduate who wants to advance their academic career in a well-established federal university, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University postgraduate courses and their fees deserve serious attention.
Postgraduate Programmes Offered at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University
The university runs postgraduate programmes across multiple faculties. These programmes cover three main categories: Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Master of Science/Arts/Education (MSc/MA/MEd), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Each faculty offers its own set of specialisations.
Below is a structured overview of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University postgraduate courses and their fees by faculty.
Faculty of Agriculture
Agriculture is the institutional backbone of this university, and the postgraduate programmes here are among the most robust in Nigeria.
Available Programmes:
- PGD, MSc, and PhD in Agronomy
- PGD, MSc, and PhD in Soil Science
- PGD, MSc, and PhD in Animal Science
- PGD, MSc, and PhD in Agricultural Extension and Communication
- PGD, MSc, and PhD in Crop Science
- PGD, MSc, and PhD in Horticulture
- MSc and PhD in Agricultural Economics and Farm Management
- MSc and PhD in Food Science and Technology
These programmes attract candidates from across Nigeria and West Africa due to the university’s strong research infrastructure in agricultural sciences.
Approximate Fees:
- PGD: ₦150,000 – ₦180,000 per session
- MSc: ₦180,000 – ₦220,000 per session
- PhD: ₦220,000 – ₦280,000 per session
Faculty of Engineering
The Faculty of Engineering offers postgraduate training in applied and theoretical engineering disciplines. Candidates require a relevant first degree with at least Second Class Lower Division.
Available Programmes:
- PGD, MSc/MEng, and PhD in Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering
- PGD, MSc/MEng, and PhD in Civil Engineering
- PGD, MSc/MEng, and PhD in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- PGD, MSc/MEng, and PhD in Mechanical Engineering
- MSc and PhD in Food Engineering
Approximate Fees:
- PGD: ₦160,000 – ₦200,000 per session
- MSc/MEng: ₦200,000 – ₦250,000 per session
- PhD: ₦250,000 – ₦300,000 per session
Engineering postgraduate fees tend to be slightly higher due to laboratory usage and equipment costs embedded in the academic charges.
Faculty of Management Sciences
This faculty serves business professionals, administrators, and policy-oriented graduates who want to deepen their management expertise.
Available Programmes:
- PGD, MBA, MSc, and PhD in Business Administration
- PGD, MSc, and PhD in Accounting
- PGD, MSc, and PhD in Economics
- PGD, MSc, and PhD in Public Administration
- MSc and PhD in Finance
The MBA programme is particularly popular among working professionals who enrol on a part-time basis.
Approximate Fees:
- PGD: ₦150,000 – ₦180,000 per session
- MBA/MSc: ₦200,000 – ₦280,000 per session
- PhD: ₦250,000 – ₦300,000 per session
Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science offers postgraduate research opportunities in both pure and applied sciences, supported by well-equipped laboratories and experienced faculty researchers.
Available Programmes:
- PGD, MSc, and PhD in Biochemistry
- PGD, MSc, and PhD in Biology
- PGD, MSc, and PhD in Chemistry
- PGD, MSc, and PhD in Mathematics
- PGD, MSc, and PhD in Physics
- PGD, MSc, and PhD in Microbiology
- MSc and PhD in Statistics
- MSc and PhD in Computer Science
Approximate Fees:
- PGD: ₦140,000 – ₦170,000 per session
- MSc: ₦180,000 – ₦220,000 per session
- PhD: ₦220,000 – ₦270,000 per session
Faculty of Education
Education postgraduate programmes at this university prepare candidates for academic, administrative, and counselling roles in Nigeria’s educational system.
Available Programmes:
- PGD, MEd, and PhD in Education (various specialisations including Curriculum Studies, Educational Administration, Guidance and Counselling, Science Education, and Agricultural Education)
- MEd in Adult Education and Community Development
- PhD in Educational Foundations
Approximate Fees:
- PGD: ₦140,000 – ₦160,000 per session
- MEd: ₦170,000 – ₦210,000 per session
- PhD: ₦210,000 – ₦260,000 per session
Faculty of Social Sciences
Available Programmes:
- PGD, MSc, and PhD in Sociology
- PGD, MSc, and PhD in Political Science
- PGD, MSc, and PhD in Geography
- MSc and PhD in Mass Communication (in some iterations offered jointly with Humanities)
Approximate Fees:
- PGD: ₦140,000 – ₦165,000 per session
- MSc: ₦170,000 – ₦210,000 per session
- PhD: ₦210,000 – ₦260,000 per session
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is one of the few in Nigeria to offer postgraduate training in this specialized and high-demand field.
Available Programmes:
- MSc and PhD in Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology
- MSc and PhD in Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology
- MSc and PhD in Animal Production
- MVSc (Master of Veterinary Science) in various specialisations
Approximate Fees:
- MVSc/MSc: ₦220,000 – ₦280,000 per session
- PhD: ₦260,000 – ₦320,000 per session
Veterinary postgraduate programmes carry slightly higher fees due to specialized clinical and laboratory facilities.
Summary of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Postgraduate Courses and Their Fees
| Programme Level | Fee Range Per Session |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) | ₦140,000 – ₦200,000 |
| Master’s Degree (MSc/MBA/MEd/MVSc) | ₦170,000 – ₦280,000 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | ₦210,000 – ₦320,000 |
These are approximate ranges. Final charges depend on the specific faculty and programme. The university may also add supplementary charges such as library fees, ICT levies, student union dues, and acceptance fees during registration.
Admission Requirements for Postgraduate Programmes
Every candidate applying for Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University postgraduate courses and their fees must meet the following entry requirements:
For Postgraduate Diploma (PGD): A minimum of a Third Class Bachelor’s degree or HND Upper Credit in a relevant discipline from an NUC-accredited or equivalent institution.
For Master’s Degree (MSc/MBA/MEd/MA): A minimum of Second Class Lower Division (2:2) Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Some programmes — particularly MBA and competitive MSc programmes — may require Second Class Upper Division (2:1).
For PhD: A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized university. Candidates must also present a credible research proposal at the point of application or during the entrance interview.
All candidates must also provide:
- Authenticated copies of previous academic transcripts
- A completed School of Postgraduate Studies application form
- Two recent passport photographs
- Valid means of identification
- Referee letters (typically two, from academic supervisors or senior professionals)
How to Apply for Postgraduate Admission at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University
The application process is straightforward but requires attention to deadlines:
Step 1 — Visit the official portal. Go to the university’s official website and navigate to the School of Postgraduate Studies section.
Step 2 — Purchase the application form. Application forms are available online. The form fee varies per session but typically falls between ₦10,000 and ₦20,000.
Step 3 — Fill and submit the form. Complete all sections accurately. Upload required documents including your transcripts, certificates, and passport photograph.
Step 4 — Attend screening or entrance examination. Some programmes require candidates to sit an entrance examination or attend an oral interview before admission is granted.
Step 5 — Check your admission status. Results are published on the university’s portal. Successful candidates receive an admission letter and proceed to complete school fees payment.
Why Choose Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University for Postgraduate Studies?
Many universities exist across Nigeria, but Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University postgraduate courses and their fees stand out for several compelling reasons:
It is a federal university, which means its degrees carry national and international recognition. Federal university postgraduate certificates open doors for employment in the public service, academia, and international organisations in ways that many state institutions cannot match.
The university has a strong research culture, particularly in agriculture, environmental science, and engineering — fields with growing relevance in today’s economy. Postgraduate students gain access to research laboratories, experimental farms, and academic mentorship from experienced faculty members.
Its fees, while reflective of a quality federal institution, remain relatively moderate compared to private universities offering similar postgraduate programmes. This makes Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University postgraduate courses and their fees a strong value proposition for budget-conscious graduate students.
Important Note on Fee Verification
The fee figures provided in this article are based on publicly available and credible estimates for the 2026/2027 academic session. University fees in Nigeria are reviewed periodically by the institution’s governing council. Before making any payment, always verify the current official fee schedule directly from the School of Postgraduate Studies office or the university’s official website.
Do not make payments based solely on figures obtained from unofficial sources, as these can be outdated or inaccurate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What postgraduate programmes does Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University offer?
The university offers PGD, Master’s (MSc, MBA, MEd, MA, MVSc), and PhD programmes across faculties including Agriculture, Engineering, Science, Education, Management Sciences, Social Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine.
Q2: What are the fees for postgraduate programmes at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University?
Fees range from approximately ₦140,000 for PGD programmes to ₦320,000 for PhD programmes per session, depending on the faculty and level of study.
Q3: What is the minimum qualification for a Master’s degree admission?
Applicants need a minimum of Second Class Lower Division (2:2) in a relevant Bachelor’s degree. Specific programmes may require a 2:1.
Q4: Can I apply for a PhD without a Master’s degree?
No. A Master’s degree in a relevant field is a compulsory requirement for PhD admission at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University.
Q5: Does the university offer part-time postgraduate programmes?
Yes. The university offers part-time options for certain programmes, particularly the MBA and some MEd programmes, to accommodate working professionals.
Q6: How long does a Master’s programme take at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University?
Full-time Master’s programmes typically run for a minimum of 18 months to 2 years, while PhD programmes take a minimum of 3 years, depending on research progress and supervision.
Q7: Is the postgraduate degree from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University recognized?
Absolutely. As an NUC-accredited federal university, all degrees — including postgraduate qualifications — are fully recognized in Nigeria and by many international academic and professional bodies.
Conclusion
For any graduate ready to take their academic career to the next level, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University postgraduate courses and their fees offer a wide, credible, and affordable pathway. From agriculture and engineering to management sciences and education, the institution covers virtually every major discipline with programmes designed to produce research-competent and industry-ready professionals.
Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University postgraduate courses and their fees, the next step is yours to take. Visit the official university portal, confirm the current fee schedule, prepare your application documents, and begin your postgraduate journey at one of Nigeria’s foremost federal universities.