How Much is UNICAL School Fees and Cut Off Mark for 2025/2026?
The University of Calabar (UNICAL) is one of Nigeria’s most prestigious federal universities, attracting thousands of applicants yearly. As a prospective student, understanding the financial requirements such as school fees and the academic demands like cut-off marks is crucial to preparing for your academic journey. This article provides a comprehensive, fact-based breakdown of the UNICAL school fees for the 2025/2026 academic session and the cut-off marks for different courses.
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Introduction
The journey to becoming a UNICAL student begins with knowing the cost of tuition and the academic requirements for admission. This article will explore:
- UNICAL school fees for freshers, returning students, and postgraduates.
- Departmental cut-off marks and how to calculate your aggregate score.
- Additional fees, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities at UNICAL.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UNICAL school fees and cut-off marks.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of what it takes to study at UNICAL and how to prepare financially and academically for the 2025/2026 session.
Understanding UNICAL School Fees
UNICAL, being a federal university, offers relatively affordable tuition fees compared to private or state universities. However, the fees vary based on the program of study, level of study, and additional charges like acceptance fees and accommodation.
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Breakdown of UNICAL School Fees for Freshers (2025/2026)
Freshers at UNICAL are required to pay both tuition fees and several one-time charges. Below is a detailed breakdown:
| Fee Description | Amount (₦) |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Fee | 25,000 |
| Tuition Fee | 10,000 |
| Medical Fee | 3,500 |
| Library Fee | 2,000 |
| ICT Fee | 5,000 |
| Development Levy | 5,000 |
| Matriculation Fee | 2,000 |
| Examination Fee | 2,500 |
| Total Fees (Approximate) | ₦55,000 – ₦65,000 |
Note: Fees may vary based on faculty and department. For instance, students in medical or engineering faculties usually pay higher fees due to additional laboratory charges.
Also Read :UNILAG School Fees 2025: Guide for Freshers Returning Students
UNICAL School Fees for Returning Students
Returning students pay lower fees than freshers since they are exempt from one-time payments like the acceptance fee. Here’s the estimated breakdown:
| Fee Description | Amount (₦) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | 10,000 |
| Medical Fee | 2,500 |
| Library Fee | 1,500 |
| ICT Fee | 4,000 |
| Development Levy | 4,000 |
| Examination Fee | 2,000 |
| Total Fees (Approximate) | ₦25,000 – ₦35,000 |
UNICAL Postgraduate School Fees (2025/2026)
Postgraduate students at UNICAL pay higher fees depending on the program type. Below is the average fee structure:
| Program | Fee Range (₦) |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) | 80,000 – 100,000 |
| Master’s Program | 100,000 – 120,000 |
| Ph.D. Program | 120,000 – 150,000 |
Postgraduate fees vary significantly depending on the course. For instance, science-related programs like Biochemistry or Engineering may attract additional fees for laboratory use.
Other Charges and Fees
Aside from tuition, students may incur additional fees depending on their choices or circumstances:
- Hostel Accommodation Fees
- ₦12,000 – ₦15,000 for on-campus accommodation (depending on the hostel type).
- Hostel allocation is competitive, and students are advised to apply early.
- Late Registration Fee
- ₦5,000 for students who fail to register within the stipulated period.
- Departmental and Faculty Dues
- Varies between ₦2,000 and ₦5,000, depending on the department.
- Convocation Fee
- Final-year students pay approximately ₦5,000 to participate in the convocation ceremony.
UNICAL Cut-Off Marks for 2025/2026
The UNICAL cut-off mark is the minimum UTME score required for admission into various courses. Knowing these cut-off marks can help you target the right program and adequately prepare for the Post-UTME screening.
Recommended Article : UNICAL School Fees 2025: Admission Requirements & Cut Off Marks
General Cut-Off Mark
For the 2025/2026 academic session, the general JAMB cut-off mark for UNICAL is 160. Candidates who score below this threshold are not eligible for admission.
Departmental Cut-Off Marks
Some courses are more competitive and require higher scores. Below is a table showing the expected departmental cut-off marks for 2025/2026:
| Faculty/Department | Cut-Off Mark (2025/2026) |
|---|---|
| Medicine and Surgery | 250+ |
| Law | 240+ |
| Pharmacy | 240+ |
| Nursing | 230+ |
| Engineering | 220+ |
| Computer Science | 200+ |
| Business Administration | 190+ |
| Mass Communication | 200+ |
| Education | 160+ |
| Agricultural Science | 160+ |
These figures are derived from historical cut-off marks and trends (JAMB Official Website).
How to Calculate Your Aggregate Score
UNICAL uses a weighted formula to calculate the aggregate score for admission:
Aggregate Score = (UTME Score ÷ 8) + (Post-UTME Score ÷ 2)
For example, if a candidate scores 240 in UTME and 70 in Post-UTME:
- UTME Contribution: 240 ÷ 8 = 30.
- Post-UTME Contribution: 70 ÷ 2 = 35.
- Aggregate Score: 30 + 35 = 65.
Candidates with higher aggregate scores have a better chance of gaining admission, especially for competitive courses.
Scholarships and Financial Aid at UNICAL
1. UNICAL Scholarships
UNICAL offers scholarships to students with exceptional academic performance. These scholarships typically cover tuition fees and may include stipends for living expenses.
2. Federal and State Scholarships
Students can also apply for federal and state government scholarships, such as:
- PTDF Scholarships
- NNPC/Total Scholarships
- Cross River State Government Scholarships
3. Work-Study Programs
UNICAL provides work-study opportunities for students to earn money while studying. These programs help students cover part of their tuition fees.
FAQs About UNICAL School Fees and Cut-Off Marks
1. Is the acceptance fee refundable?
No, the acceptance fee is non-refundable. It is a one-time payment to confirm your admission.
2. What happens if I don’t meet the departmental cut-off mark?
If you fail to meet the cut-off mark for your preferred course, you may be considered for a less competitive course within the same faculty.
3. Can I pay my school fees in installments?
Yes, UNICAL allows students to pay their fees in two installments. However, full payment is encouraged to avoid penalties.
4. Are there additional fees for international students?
Yes, international students typically pay higher tuition fees. The exact amount varies depending on the course and level of study.
5. Does UNICAL offer part-time programs?
Yes, UNICAL offers part-time and sandwich programs for professionals and working-class individuals.
Conclusion
This article has provided a detailed breakdown of the UNICAL school fees and cut-off marks for the 2025/2026 academic session. With school fees ranging from ₦55,000 to ₦65,000 for freshers and a general cut-off mark of 160, UNICAL remains one of the most affordable and accessible federal universities in Nigeria.
To stay updated, regularly visit the official UNICAL website or the JAMB portal. Proper preparation—both financially and academically—will ensure you have a smooth admission process and an excellent academic journey.
