UNILORIN Postgraduate Courses and Their Fees 2026/2027
University of Ilorin Postgraduate Courses and Their Fees 2026/2027
Every year, thousands of Nigerian graduates turn to one question that shapes their academic future: what are the University of Ilorin postgraduate courses and their fees? If you are among those curious minds searching for clarity, you are in the right place.
The University of Ilorin — popularly called UNILORIN — is one of Nigeria’s most consistent and highly ranked federal universities. It sits in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, and has earned a solid reputation for academic excellence, strong research output, and an environment that genuinely supports learning at every level. For postgraduate students specifically, UNILORIN offers one of the most structured and well-supervised advanced degree systems in the country.
This article breaks down everything — the programmes, the fees, the requirements, and the process — so you can walk into your application with full confidence.
Why UNILORIN Is a Top Choice for Postgraduate Studies
Before diving into the University of Ilorin postgraduate courses and their fees, it helps to understand why this institution consistently ranks among Nigeria’s best.
UNILORIN holds a first-class NUC accreditation record and regularly features in African university rankings. The university’s School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) coordinates one of the largest and most organised postgraduate systems among Nigerian federal universities. Students benefit from experienced faculty, active research centres, a well-stocked library with digital access, and a campus culture that takes academic integrity seriously.
Beyond academics, Ilorin is one of Nigeria’s most peaceful and affordable cities — a combination that makes student life significantly less stressful than in Lagos or Abuja.
Categories of Postgraduate Programmes at UNILORIN
The University of Ilorin postgraduate courses and their fees fall under three main academic categories, each serving a different academic purpose and career goal.
Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) A one-year programme for graduates seeking to explore a new field, upgrade professional skills, or qualify for entry into a master’s programme. It is one of the most flexible options UNILORIN offers.
Master’s Degree This covers M.Sc., M.A., M.Ed., MBA, M.Eng., LLM, and other specialised master’s qualifications. Programmes run between 12 and 24 months depending on the faculty and whether the student enrolls full-time or part-time.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) UNILORIN’s Ph.D. programmes are research-driven and typically span three to five years. They are ideal for students who want to contribute original knowledge to their disciplines and pursue careers in academia or high-level research.
University of Ilorin Postgraduate Courses by Faculty
Here is a faculty-by-faculty breakdown of the postgraduate programmes UNILORIN offers. This list reflects the broad scope of University of Ilorin postgraduate courses and their fees across disciplines.
Faculty of Arts
- M.A. and Ph.D. in Arabic and Islamic Studies
- M.A. and Ph.D. in English
- M.A. and Ph.D. in History
- M.A. and Ph.D. in Linguistics
- M.A. and Ph.D. in French
- M.A. and Ph.D. in Yoruba
- M.A. and Ph.D. in Religious Studies
Faculty of Social Sciences
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Economics
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Political Science
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Sociology and Anthropology
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Psychology
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Mass Communication
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Geography and Environmental Management
Faculty of Education
- M.Ed. and Ph.D. in Educational Management
- M.Ed. and Ph.D. in Guidance and Counselling
- M.Ed. and Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies
- M.Ed. and Ph.D. in Educational Technology
- M.Ed. and Ph.D. in Science Education
- M.Ed. and Ph.D. in Adult and Non-Formal Education
Faculty of Law
- LLM (Master of Laws)
- Ph.D. in Law
Faculty of Business and Social Sciences / Management Sciences
- MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- M.Sc. in Accounting
- M.Sc. in Finance
- M.Sc. in Business Administration
- M.Sc. in Marketing
- M.Sc. in Entrepreneurship
Faculty of Sciences
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biology
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Chemistry
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Computer Science
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Mathematics
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Microbiology
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Physics
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Statistics
Faculty of Engineering and Technology
- M.Eng. and Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering
- M.Eng. and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering
- M.Eng. and Ph.D. in Computer Engineering
- M.Eng. and Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- M.Eng. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
- M.Eng. and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering
Faculty of Agriculture
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Agronomy
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Animal Production
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Crop Science
College of Health Sciences / Faculty of Clinical Sciences
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Anatomy
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Physiology
- M.Sc. in Community Health and Primary Care
- M.Sc. in Medical Microbiology and Parasitology
- Residency programmes in clinical specialties
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- M.Pharm. and Ph.D. in Pharmacology
- M.Pharm. and Ph.D. in Clinical Pharmacy
- M.Pharm. and Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics
University of Ilorin Postgraduate Fees 2026/2027
Now to the section that every applicant needs most. The University of Ilorin postgraduate courses and their fees structure covers several components, and understanding each one helps you plan your finances effectively.
The figures below represent estimated fee ranges based on UNILORIN’s fee patterns for recent academic sessions. Because the university senate reviews fees periodically, always confirm exact amounts with the Bursary Department or the School of Postgraduate Studies before payment.
Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) — Fee Estimate
| Fee Component | Amount (₦) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 10,000 – 15,000 |
| Tuition Fee | 75,000 – 110,000 |
| Development Levy | 20,000 – 30,000 |
| ICT and Library Fee | 10,000 – 15,000 |
| Student Union Dues | 5,000 |
| Estimated Total | 120,000 – 175,000 |
Master’s Degree — Fee Estimate
| Fee Component | Amount (₦) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 15,000 – 20,000 |
| Tuition Fee | 110,000 – 200,000 |
| Development Levy | 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Research/Laboratory Fee | 20,000 – 40,000 |
| ICT and Library Fee | 10,000 – 20,000 |
| Estimated Total | 185,000 – 330,000 |
Ph.D. Programmes — Fee Estimate
| Fee Component | Amount (₦) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 20,000 – 25,000 |
| Tuition Fee | 170,000 – 280,000 |
| Development Levy | 40,000 – 60,000 |
| Research/Laboratory Fee | 30,000 – 60,000 |
| ICT and Library Fee | 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Estimated Total | 275,000 – 450,000 |
Important: Professional programmes such as the MBA and LLM typically carry higher tuition fees. International students pay a premium above the standard Nigerian student rate. Part-time students in most faculties enjoy the option of semester-based installment payments.
When you consider the quality of education against the cost, the University of Ilorin postgraduate courses and their fees offer exceptional value — especially for science, engineering, and health-science students who require well-equipped laboratory facilities.
Admission Requirements for UNILORIN Postgraduate Programmes
Knowing the requirements puts you ahead. Here is what the University of Ilorin postgraduate courses and their fees admission process demands across each programme level.
Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)
- A minimum of Second Class Lower (2:2) Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university in a relevant discipline
- NYSC discharge certificate or exemption letter
- Valid means of identification
- Two academic or professional referees
Master’s Degree
- A minimum of Second Class Lower (2:2) Bachelor’s degree, or a PGD with at least a Merit grade
- NYSC discharge certificate or exemption letter
- Relevant academic transcripts (official copies)
- A statement of purpose or research interest (required by select departments)
- Two or three referee letters
- Work experience may be required for MBA and some professional programmes
Ph.D.
- A Master’s degree in a relevant field from a recognised institution
- A well-developed research proposal
- At least two or three academic referees
- NYSC discharge certificate or exemption letter
- Some departments conduct proposal defence interviews as part of screening
How to Apply for UNILORIN Postgraduate Admission
The application process for the University of Ilorin postgraduate courses and their fees is entirely online. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official UNILORIN website at www.unilorin.edu.ng or the dedicated postgraduate portal.
- Register with a valid and active email address.
- Select your programme of interest and the relevant academic session (2026/2027).
- Pay the non-refundable application fee online through the Remita platform or any designated bank.
- Complete the online application form and upload all required documents — degree certificate, transcript, NYSC certificate, and passport photograph.
- Submit and monitor your registered email for screening invitation, admission letter, or further instructions.
Apply as early as possible. Popular programmes such as the MBA, LLM, and M.Sc. Computer Science receive high volumes of applications and fill up before the deadline.
Scholarships and Financial Support for UNILORIN Postgraduate Students
Funding your postgraduate education should never be the reason you give up on it. Several financial support options align with the University of Ilorin postgraduate courses and their fees cost structure.
- TETFund Postgraduate Scholarship: Designed primarily for academic staff of public tertiary institutions in Nigeria, TETFund sponsorships cover tuition and research costs. If you are a staff member, enquire through your institution’s TETFund desk.
- PTDF Scholarship: The Petroleum Technology Development Fund supports Nigerians studying oil-and-gas related and STEM postgraduate programmes both locally and abroad.
- UNILORIN Graduate Assistantship: Some faculties offer paid graduate teaching assistant positions that partially offset tuition costs for Ph.D. students.
- African Development Bank (AfDB) Scholarships: Targeted at high-achieving African postgraduate students in development-related fields.
- Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship: Supports collaborative research between African universities and diaspora scholars — useful for UNILORIN Ph.D. candidates seeking international mentors.
- Private and State Government Bursaries: Kwara State and several other state governments offer bursary awards for their indigenes studying at the postgraduate level.
Academic Life and Research at UNILORIN
Choosing where to study involves more than fees and courses. The University of Ilorin postgraduate courses and their fees come with an environment specifically designed to support serious academic work.
UNILORIN’s library system includes an e-library portal with access to databases like JSTOR, Springer, and Elsevier — essential for postgraduate research. The university also houses multiple research institutes and centres, including the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies and the Institute for Education in Africa, which support interdisciplinary research.
The postgraduate student body at UNILORIN is vibrant and collaborative. There are active departmental seminars, thesis defence workshops, and academic conferences throughout the year. Ph.D. students in particular benefit from supervisory committees that guide research from proposal to final submission.
Ilorin as a city adds to the appeal — it is quieter and more affordable than Lagos or Abuja, meaning your money stretches further and your mind stays focused.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are the school fees for postgraduate students at the University of Ilorin?
Fees range from approximately ₦120,000 to ₦450,000 per academic year, depending on the programme. PGD programmes are the most affordable. Ph.D. programmes carry the highest costs due to research and laboratory components. Confirm current figures directly with the UNILORIN Bursary Department.
Q2: Does UNILORIN offer part-time postgraduate programmes?
Yes. The University of Ilorin postgraduate courses and their fees include both full-time and part-time pathways for PGD and master’s programmes. Part-time students typically attend evening and weekend sessions, which suits working professionals and civil servants perfectly.
Q3: How long does a master’s degree take at UNILORIN?
Full-time master’s programmes take a minimum of 12 months. Part-time students typically complete within 18 to 24 months. Extensions are possible for students who need additional time for thesis completion, subject to faculty approval.
Q4: Is UNILORIN postgraduate application done online?
Yes, entirely. From form submission to document upload and fee payment, the process runs through the UNILORIN online postgraduate portal. There is no need to submit physical documents at the time of application.
Q5: Can I gain UNILORIN postgraduate admission with a Third Class degree?
Generally, no. The standard minimum entry requirement is a Second Class Lower (2:2). However, applicants with Third Class degrees who later obtained a relevant Postgraduate Diploma with Distinction or Merit from a recognised institution may be considered in some departments. This varies by faculty and is not guaranteed.
Q6: Are international students eligible to apply to UNILORIN for postgraduate study?
Yes. The University of Ilorin postgraduate courses and their fees welcome international applicants. International students pay higher tuition rates and must submit authenticated copies of their academic credentials along with proof of equivalency where applicable.
Q7: What is UNILORIN’s postgraduate application deadline for 2026/2027?
Application deadlines vary by session and are published on the official UNILORIN website. Typically, applications open between January and March for programmes starting in the second half of the year. Always check www.unilorin.edu.ng for the most current deadline information.
Final Thoughts
The University of Ilorin postgraduate courses and their fees represent a serious academic opportunity that no ambitious Nigerian graduate should overlook. Whether your goal is a career in research, academia, the public sector, or corporate leadership, UNILORIN has a postgraduate programme designed to sharpen your thinking and elevate your credentials.
The fee structure is affordable relative to the quality of education on offer. The admission process is transparent and fully online. The academic environment is structured, research-active, and professionally rewarding. And Ilorin as a city offers the kind of calm that serious study demands.
Take the step. Gather your documents, review your options across the faculties above, and visit the official UNILORIN portal to begin your application for the 2026/2027 session. The University of Ilorin postgraduate courses and their fees are your gateway to the next level of your academic and professional life.