Are you a newly admitted student or a returning student at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria? One of the first things you need to sort out before resumption is your school fees — and knowing exactly what to pay and how to pay it can save you a lot of stress.
This guide covers the complete breakdown of ABU Zaria school fees and hostel accommodation fees for both fresh and returning students for the 2025/2026 academic session, including how to make payments and what to expect.
About ABU Zaria
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, is one of the largest and most prestigious federal universities in Nigeria. It consistently ranks among the top five universities in the country. Despite its academic reputation and size, ABU remains one of the most affordable federal universities in Nigeria — making it an excellent choice for students looking for quality education without breaking the bank.
Important Dates for New Students (2025/2026)
Before diving into the fees, here are a few key dates every fresh student should note:
- Physical Screening: Begins 1st December 2025
- Main Registration: Starts 5th January 2026
Make sure your fees are paid before these dates to avoid registration issues.
ABU Zaria School Fees for Fresh (Newly Admitted) Nigerian Students
School fees at ABU vary by faculty and program. Below is a breakdown of what new students should expect to pay:
College of Medical Sciences
Total: ₦78,875 – ₦82,625
This covers courses in Medicine (MBBS), Pharmacy, Dentistry, and related health sciences programs.
Faculty of Arts
Total: approximately ₦75,125
Covering programs in languages, literature, history, and the humanities.
Faculty of Administration
Total: approximately ₦75,125
Covering Business Administration, Public Administration, and related programs.
Faculty of Agriculture
Total: approximately ₦75,125
Faculty of Sciences & Engineering
Tuition Range: ₦66,500 – ₦78,875 Total (including additional fees): ₦86,500 – ₦113,875
Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Tuition Range: ₦70,250 – ₦84,500 Total (including additional fees): ₦85,250 – ₦114,500
Health Sciences & Medical Programs
Tuition Range: ₦81,500 – ₦95,750 Total (including additional fees): ₦111,500 – ₦145,750
Note: For fresh students, your acceptance fee is bundled into your school fees — you are not paying it separately. Your school fees cover everything except the hostel fee.
ABU Zaria School Fees for Returning (Continuing) Students
Returning students generally pay lower fees than fresh students. Typical figures across faculties are around ₦23,000, depending on the department.
School fees at ABU are paid per session (once per academic year), not per semester.
ABU Zaria School Fees for International Students (2025/2026)
International students pay significantly higher fees:
| Program | Tuition (₦) | Additional Fees (₦) | Total Range (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Undergraduate Programs | 225,000 | 50,000 – 70,000 | 275,000 – 295,000 |
International students may also be required to pay for accommodation and health insurance separately.
ABU Zaria Postgraduate School Fees (Nigerian Students)
Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)
| Category | Tuition (₦) | Additional Fees (₦) | Total Range (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGD (All Faculties) | 80,000 – 100,000 | 15,000 – 25,000 | 95,000 – 125,000 |
Master’s Degree Programs
| Faculty / Program | Tuition (₦) | Total Range (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Arts, Social Sciences & Humanities | 75,000 | 100,000 – 115,000 |
| Sciences & Engineering | 225,000 | 255,000 – 275,000 |
| Health Sciences & Medical | 80,000 – 120,000 | 120,000 – 180,000 |
Doctoral (Ph.D.) Programs
| Program | Tuition (₦) | Total Range (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. (All Faculties) | 90,000 – 150,000 | 130,000 – 210,000 |
Other Compulsory Fees (All Students)
In addition to tuition, there are several compulsory fees applicable to all students:
| Fee Type | Amount (₦) |
|---|---|
| Health & Insurance | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Library & Laboratory | 5,000 – 15,000 |
| Registration/Admin Fees | 5,000 – 10,000 |
ABU Zaria Hostel Accommodation Fee for 2025/2026
ABU has 18 halls of residence for both male and female students, but they can only accommodate about 33% of the total student population. Hostel accommodation is not compulsory, but it is strongly advised — especially for fresh students in their first year.
Here is the hostel fee breakdown:
| Item | Amount (₦) |
|---|---|
| Hostel Fee (Per Session) | 20,000 |
| Maintenance Fee | 7,000 |
| Total | 27,000 |
Note: Some sources indicate the hostel fee can be as high as ₦90,000 depending on the hall type and block. Always confirm on the official ABU portal, as figures may vary. Due to limited bed spaces, some students sublet accommodation for between ₦15,000 and ₦35,000.
How to Apply for ABU Zaria Hostel Accommodation
- Log in to the ABU student portal at www.abu.edu.ng using your Matriculation Number and password.
- Follow the on-screen steps to make the hostel payment.
- Take your payment slip/proof to the Student Affairs Division for documentation and official hostel allocation.
How to Pay ABU Zaria School Fees (Step-by-Step)
Paying your school fees is straightforward once you follow these steps:
Step 1 — Visit the Official Website Go to www.abu.edu.ng
Step 2 — Log In to the Student Portal Use your username and password. Fresh students will use their JAMB registration details or the credentials issued upon admission.
Step 3 — Generate a Payment Invoice Navigate to the fees/payment section and generate an invoice for your school fees.
Step 4 — Make Payment ABU accepts payment through multiple channels:
- Remita
- ATM
- Bank transfer
- Online banking/mobile banking apps
Step 5 — Confirm Your Payment After payment, return to the portal and click “I’ve made the transfer” to confirm.
Step 6 — Print Your Receipt Once the system confirms your payment, print your receipt and keep it safe for record purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is hostel accommodation compulsory at ABU Zaria? No, it is not compulsory. However, it is highly recommended for fresh students — at least in the first year — to help them settle into campus life.
Does ABU school fee include the acceptance fee for fresh students? Yes. For new students, the acceptance fee is included in the school fees. You do not pay it separately.
How often is school fee paid at ABU? School fees are paid per session — once every academic year.
Can fees change without notice? Yes. ABU management reserves the right to review school fees upward without prior notice to students or parents. Always confirm the current figures on the official portal.
What if there’s no hostel space available? Due to limited accommodation capacity (about 33% of students), many students resort to off-campus housing. Some students also sublet their hostel beds for between ₦15,000 and ₦35,000 per session.
Final Thoughts
ABU Zaria remains one of the most affordable and reputable federal universities in Nigeria. Whether you are a fresh student planning your budget or a returning student preparing for the new session, understanding your fee obligations early puts you in a strong position to focus on academics without financial surprises.
For the most accurate and up-to-date fee schedule, always visit the official ABU portal at www.abu.edu.ng or contact the Bursary Department directly.
