How Much is UNILAG Acceptance Fee 2025/2026? Admission & Hostel Costs

How Much is UNILAG Acceptance Fee 2025/2026? Complete breakdown of admission costs, hostel fees, and payment procedures for new students. Get accurate figures and payment deadlines here.

UNILAG Acceptance Fee 2025: How Much New Students Pay for Admission

Congratulations on being accepted to the University of Lagos (UNILAG)! The UNILAG acceptance fee is among your first financial responsibilities as a new student. This required payment guarantees your spot at the university and validates your acceptance of the admission offer.

The precise amount of the acceptance fee and how it varies from other university fees are questions that many potential students have. Everything you need to know about the UNILAG acceptance fee for the 2025/2026 academic year, including the entire new student fee schedule, is covered in this extensive guide.

What is UNILAG Acceptance Fee?

The UNILAG acceptance fee is a mandatory one-time payment of ₦20,000 that every newly admitted student must pay to confirm their acceptance of the admission offer. This fee is separate from tuition and other academic fees, and it’s your first step toward becoming an official UNILAG student.

Key Facts About UNILAG Acceptance Fee:

• Amount: ₦20,000 (Fixed for all courses)
• Payment Timeline: Must be paid within the admission deadline
• One-time Payment: Only paid once during your entire university program
• Non-refundable: Cannot be refunded if you later decline admission
• Universal: Same amount for all undergraduate programs

Why Do You Need to Pay Acceptance Fee?

The acceptance fee serves several important purposes:

1. Confirms Your Interest – It shows the university you are serious about attending
2. Secures Your Slot – Reserves your place in your chosen program
3. Administrative Processing – Covers the cost of processing your admission
4. Prevents Speculation – Discourages people from accepting multiple offers
5. Revenue for University – Contributes to university operations and student services

Without paying the acceptance fee, your admission is considered incomplete, and you won’t be able to proceed with course registration or other academic activities.

Read Also: LAUTECH Tuition Fees 2025/2026: Complete Guide for Indigenous & Non-Indigenous Students + Admission Requirements

Key Fee Components

Before diving into specific amounts, it’s important to understand what makes up the total fee structure:

• Tuition fees – Core academic charges
• Registration fees – Course and academic registration
• Acceptance fees – One-time payment for new students
• Development levy – University infrastructure development
• Library, IT, and laboratory fees – Access to academic resources
• Sports and medical fees – Health and recreational services

Complete New Student Fee Breakdown 2025/2026

While the acceptance fee is ₦20,000 for all students, your total first-year cost will depend on your course of study. Here is what new students (freshers) need to budget for:

Total Cost for New Students by Course Type

As you can see, the acceptance fee represents a significant portion of your first-year costs. The good news is that this is a one-time payment, and returning students don’t pay this fee.

How to Pay UNILAG Acceptance Fee 2025/2026

Paying your acceptance fee is straightforward, but you must use official channels only. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Official Payment Methods

1. Online Payment (Recommended)
   • Visit www.unilag.edu.ng
   • Log into your student portal
   • Select “Payment” section
   • Choose “Acceptance Fee”
   • Pay using Remita platform
   • Cards accepted: Mastercard, Visa, Verve
2. Bank Payment
   • Visit any UNILAG-approved commercial bank
   • Request for UNILAG acceptance fee payment
   • Provide your admission number
   • Pay ₦20,000 plus bank charges
   • Collect payment receipt
3. Campus Payment Centers
   • Visit UNILAG Akoka campus
   • Go to designated payment points
   • Pay with cash or bank draft
   • Obtain official receipt

Important Payment Guidelines

WARNING: Never pay acceptance fees to unauthorized agents or individuals claiming to help you. This is a common fraud tactic targeting new students.

Always remember:

• Only pay through official channels
• Keep your payment receipt safe
• Verify payment status on student portal
• Payment confirmation may take 24-48 hours to reflect

Common Acceptance Fee Mistakes to Avoid

1. Paying to Wrong Accounts

Many fraudsters create fake accounts claiming to be UNILAG representatives. Always verify account details from the official website.

2. Missing Payment Deadlines

The acceptance fee must be paid within the specified deadline in your admission letter. Late payment may result in admission cancellation.

3. Not Keeping Payment Proof

Always keep your payment receipts and confirmation emails. You all need them for future reference and verification.

4. Paying Multiple Times

Check your payment status before making additional payments. Double payments are common due to delayed confirmations.

 Other Fees for New Students

Beyond the acceptance fee, new UNILAG students should understand the complete fee structure:

What the ₦55,500 (Science) and ₦53,500 (Non-Science) Covers

Beyond your ₦20,000 acceptance fee, the additional fees include:

• Tuition fees – Core academic charges
• Registration fees – Course and academic registration
• Development levy – University infrastructure development
• Library and IT fees – Access to academic resources and internet
• Laboratory fees – For science students requiring practical work
• Sports and medical fees – Health services and recreational facilities
• Student union dues – Student government and activities
• Examination fees – Assessment and certification costs

Fee Structure for Returning Students (For Comparison)

While new students pay the acceptance fee only once, it’s helpful to understand what you’ll pay in subsequent years. Returning UNILAG undergraduate students typically pay between ₦100,750 to ₦190,250 annually, depending on their course of study and year level.

The good news? You’ll never pay the acceptance fee again, making subsequent years slightly more predictable in terms of costs.

When to Pay UNILAG Acceptance Fee

Timing is crucial when paying your acceptance fee. Here’s what you need to know:

Payment Timeline

• Immediate Payment Recommended: Pay within 48 hours of receiving admission
• Maximum Deadline: Check your admission letter for specific dates
• Late Payment Consequences: Risk of admission cancellation
• Peak Periods: Avoid paying during last-minute rush to prevent technical issues

Academic Calendar Considerations

The UNILAG academic calendar affects when you need to pay your acceptance fee:

• UTME Admissions: Usually August-October deadlines
• Direct Entry: Often September-November deadlines
• Late Admissions: May have tighter deadlines

What Happens After Paying Acceptance Fee?

Once you have successfully paid your ₦20,000 acceptance fee, several things happen:

Immediate Benefits

1. Admission Confirmation – Your place at UNILAG is secured
2. Student Portal Access – Full access to academic systems
3. Course Registration Eligibility – Can proceed to register for courses
4. Student ID Processing – Becomes eligible for student identification
5. Orientation Participation – Can attend new student orientation programs

Next Steps After Payment

1. Print Payment Receipt – Keep for your records
2. Complete Course Registration – Register for your first semester courses
3. Medical Examination – Required for all new students
4. Accommodation Application – Apply for hostel if interested
5. Orientation Attendance – Participate in freshers’ orientation

UNILAG Accommodation Options After Paying Acceptance Fee

After paying your acceptance fee, you will want to consider accommodation. UNILAG offers both university-owned and private hostel options:

University-Owned Hostels

The university provides affordable accommodation options for students:

UNILAG Male Hostels

There are six (6) male hostels in the University of Lagos Campus. These are their names:

1. Eni Njoku Hall
2. King Jaja Hall
3. Mariere Hall
4. Saburi Biobaku Hall
5. Sodeinde Hall
6. The El Kanemi Hall

UNILAG Female Hostels

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) provides seven dedicated female residential halls, each offering unique features and accommodation styles to suit different student preferences and academic needs.

Overview of UNILAG Female’s Hostels

UNILAG’s female accommodation facilities house thousands of undergraduate students across strategically located halls. Each hostel maintains its own character while providing essential amenities for academic success and comfortable campus living.

Complete List of Female Halls:

• Fagunwa Hall
• Kofo Ademola Hall
• Madam Tinubu Hall
• Honours Hall
• Queen Amina Hall
• Makama-Bida Hall
• Queen Moremi Hall

Detailed Hostel Profiles

Fagunwa Hall: Modern Four-Student Living

Fagunwa Hall features contemporary four-occupant rooms equipped with two double-deck bunk beds. The facility stands out for its exceptional cleanliness standards and beautifully maintained surroundings. Students consistently praise the hall’s well-organized room arrangements and peaceful atmosphere conducive to academic pursuits.

Key Features:

• Four students per room
• Double bunk bed configuration
• Excellent maintenance standards
• Quiet study environment

Kofo Ademola Hall: Spacious Education Quarter Accommodation

Located in the Education area adjacent to Biobaku Hall, Kofo Ademola Hall (affectionately called “Madam Kofo”) offers generously sized rooms that provide ample personal space. While the location requires a longer walk to main campus facilities, the comfortable living conditions make it worthwhile for dedicated students.

Location Benefits:

• Proximity to Faculty of Education
• Spacious room layouts
• Comfortable living arrangements
• Quiet academic environment

Madam Tinubu Hall: New Hall Excellence

Known by residents as “MTH” or “Alhaja’s Hall,” this modern facility in the new hall complex accommodates four students per room. The hostel maintains high cleanliness standards with excellent sanitary facilities, creating an optimal environment for focused study and comfortable living.

Distinguishing Features:

• Four-person occupancy
• Modern new hall location
• Superior sanitary facilities
• Conducive study atmosphere

Honours Hall: Gateway Location with Challenges

Strategically positioned near UNILAG’s second gate in the DLI area, Honours Hall offers convenient campus access despite being on the campus periphery. However, residents should be prepared for occasional water supply inconsistencies and quality concerns that require proactive management.

Location Advantages:

• Close to second gate entrance
• Easy campus access
• Peripheral location benefits

Queen Amina Hall: Compact Main Gate Convenience

This four-occupant hostel features compact room designs with external storage lockers, maximizing internal living space. Its prime location near the main gate and Faculty of Education makes it particularly attractive for Education students seeking convenient lecture hall access.

Strategic Benefits:

• Main gate proximity
• Faculty of Education access
• Compact efficient design
• External storage solutions

Makama-Bida Hall: Basic Four-Student Housing

Featuring the standard two double-bunk bed arrangement, Makama-Bida Hall provides fundamental housing needs at affordable rates. While water supply and hygiene standards present ongoing challenges, the basic accommodation serves students prioritizing budget-friendly housing options.

Basic Amenities:

• Four students per room
• Double bunk configuration
• Budget-friendly option
• Essential housing services

Queen Moremi Hall: Premier Female Accommodation

As UNILAG’s largest female hostel by compound size, Queen Moremi Hall sets the standard for women’s campus accommodation. The facility offers unprecedented room variety with 4-person, 6-person, 8-person, and 10-person options to suit different social preferences and budgets.

Premium Features:

• Multiple room capacity options (4, 6, 8, 10 occupants)
• Excellent water supply system
• Superior facility maintenance
• Common recreational areas
• Spacious compound design
• Vibrant social atmosphere

The hall’s reputation for housing confident, socially active students creates a dynamic community environment perfect for networking and campus involvement.

UNILAG Mixed Gender Graduate Housing

The university provides specialized accommodation for postgraduate students through two mixed-gender facilities:

Graduate Housing Options:

• Henry Carr Hall – Postgraduate mixed accommodation
• Erastus Akingbola Hall – Advanced degree student housing

These facilities cater exclusively to graduate-level students requiring mature living environments conducive to advanced research and study.

Private Hostel Options

Due to limited space in university hostels (approximately 8,000 bed spaces for over 40,000 students), many students opt for private accommodation:

Important Note: Private hostel fees have increased significantly due to high demand and operational costs. Students are advised to budget accordingly and apply early for university-owned accommodation.

Popular UNILAG Hostel Areas

• Akoka Campus Hostels – Main university hostels
• Yaba Campus – Distance Learning Institute accommodation
• Private hostels around Akoka – Various options near campus
• Off-campus apartments – Shared apartments in nearby areas

Part-Time Students and Acceptance Fee

If you are admitted to UNILAG’s Distance Learning Institute (DLI) for part-time studies, the fee structure is different:

DLI Acceptance and Program Fees

Part-time students don’t pay a separate ₦20,000 acceptance fee like full-time students. Instead, acceptance is confirmed through the program registration process.

Part-Time Program Features

• Flexible schedule – Weekend and evening classes
• No entrance examination – Direct admission based on qualifications
• Affordable payment plans – Annual payment structure
• Quality education – Same standard as full-time programs

The part-time programs are designed for working professionals and offer the same quality education as full-time programs. Students can pursue undergraduate degrees in various fields including Business Administration, Accounting, Economics, and other disciplines.

Budgeting Tips for New UNILAG Students

Understanding the acceptance fee is just the beginning. Here are practical budgeting tips for new students:

First-Year Financial Planning

Immediate Costs (First Month):

• Acceptance fee: ₦20,000
• Remaining tuition fees: ₦53,500 – ₦55,500
• Medical examination: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
• Student ID and materials: ₦3,000 – ₦5,000

Semester Costs:

• Textbooks and materials: ₦25,000 – ₦50,000
• Accommodation (if needed): ₦43,000 – ₦500,000 (varies greatly)
• Feeding and personal expenses: ₦75,000 – ₦150,000

Money-Saving Tips

1. Pay Early – Avoid last-minute bank charges and technical issues
2. Keep Records – Maintain all payment receipts and confirmations
3. Budget Wisely – Plan for additional costs beyond the acceptance fee
4. Explore Aid – Look into scholarship opportunities early
5. Compare Accommodation – University hostels are much cheaper than private options

Official Payment Channels (Recap)

Remember, always use these official channels for paying your ₦20,000 acceptance fee:

1. Online Payment – Through www.unilag.edu.ng using Remita (Most convenient)
2. Bank Payment – At UNILAG-approved commercial banks
3. Campus Payment – At designated university payment points

Critical Reminders About Acceptance Fee Payment

• Always verify account details from official UNILAG website
• Never pay to individuals claiming to represent the university
• Keep payment confirmation emails and receipts
• Check payment status on your student portal after 24-48 hours
• Contact UNILAG directly if you encounter payment issues

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond the official university fees, students should budget for:

Academic Materials and Supplies

• Textbooks and reference materials: ₦50,000 – ₦100,000 per session
• Laboratory equipment and consumables: ₦20,000 – ₦50,000
• Project and research materials: ₦15,000 – ₦30,000

Living Expenses (For Students Not in University Hostels)

• Private accommodation: ₦200,000 – ₦500,000 per session
• Feeding and meals: ₦150,000 – ₦300,000 per session
• Transportation: ₦50,000 – ₦100,000 per session
• Personal expenses: ₦50,000 – ₦100,000 per session

Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities

UNILAG offers various financial assistance programs for deserving students:

Merit-Based Scholarships

• Academic excellence awards
• Faculty-specific scholarships
• Alumni-sponsored scholarships
• Corporate scholarships

Need-Based Assistance

• Work-study programs
• Payment plan options
• Emergency financial aid
• Student loan facilitation

Students are encouraged to explore these opportunities through the Student Affairs office and various departments.

Hints for Managing UNILAG Fees

For Fresh Students

1. Plan early – Start saving or securing funding before admission
2. Apply for accommodation early – University hostels are limited
3. Explore scholarship opportunities – Apply for available financial aid
4. Budget comprehensively – Include all associated costs

For Returning Students

1. Pay fees early – Avoid late payment penalties
2. Monitor fee updates – Stay informed about any changes
3. Maintain good academic standing – Qualify for merit-based aid
4. Consider cost-effective accommodation – Compare hostel options

Recent Updates and Important Notices

The UNILAG management regularly reviews fee structures to align with economic realities while maintaining educational quality. Recent developments include:

• Hostel accommodation allocation for second semester opens in late April
• Private hostel fees have seen significant increases due to high demand
• Part-time program fees remain relatively stable
• New payment options may be introduced for student convenience

Students are advised to regularly check the official UNILAG website and student portal for the most current information and updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much is UNILAG acceptance fee for new students in 2025/2026?

The UNILAG acceptance fee is ₦20,000 for all newly admitted undergraduate students, regardless of their course of study. This is a one-time payment that must be made to confirm your acceptance of the admission offer. The fee is the same whether you’re studying Science, Arts, Social Sciences, or any other program at UNILAG.

2. What is the total amount new students pay in their first year at UNILAG?

New students pay a total of ₦75,500 for Science courses and ₦73,500 for Non-Science courses in their first year. This includes the ₦20,000 acceptance fee plus ₦55,500 (Science) or ₦53,500 (Non-Science) for tuition and other mandatory fees. Additional costs like accommodation, textbooks, and personal expenses are separate.

3. Can I get a refund of my UNILAG acceptance fee if I don’t proceed with admission?

No, the UNILAG acceptance fee of ₦20,000 is non-refundable. Once you pay this fee, it confirms your acceptance of the admission offer, and the university considers your slot reserved. If you later decide not to attend UNILAG, you cannot recover this payment, so ensure you’re committed before making the payment.

4. When is the deadline for paying UNILAG acceptance fee?

The deadline for paying acceptance fee varies but is typically specified in your admission letter. Generally, you have 2-4 weeks from the admission date to pay. It’s strongly recommended to pay within 48 hours of receiving admission to avoid any complications. Late payment may result in admission cancellation.

5. Do part-time (DLI) students also pay the ₦20,000 acceptance fee?

No, part-time students admitted to UNILAG’s Distance Learning Institute (DLI) do not pay the separate ₦20,000 acceptance fee that full-time students pay. Instead, their acceptance is processed through the program registration system, and their fees are structured differently with a total session cost of approximately ₦350,000.

6. What should I do if my acceptance fee payment is not reflecting on the portal?

Check your payment receipt and confirmation email first if, after 48 hours, your acceptance fee payment hasn’t appeared. After that, check the status by logging into your student portal.

Bring your proof of payment to the Bursary department or get in touch with UNILAG’s IT support if the problem continues. Be patient but persistent in your follow-up, as technical delays are common during periods of high admission.

For new students in 2025/2026, this guide offers thorough information on the UNILAG acceptance fee and associated expenses. Always check information on the official UNILAG website at www.unilag.edu.ng or get in touch with the university directly for the most up-to-date and official information.