The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is Africa’s largest open and distance learning institution. Established in 1983 and reactivated in 2002, NOUN provides flexible, accessible, and quality tertiary education to learners across Nigeria and beyond. With over 100 study centres and a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, NOUN enables students to pursue academic degrees without attending a conventional classroom.
One major concern for students, especially those new to distance learning, is the cost of education. Unlike traditional universities, NOUN operates a unique fee system. This guide provides a thorough breakdown of NOUN school fees across programmes, levels, and faculties. Whether you’re a prospective student or returning learner, understanding NOUN’s school fee structure is essential for planning and academic success.
NOUN School Fees Structure Overview
NOUN fees are structured based on a pay-as-you-register model. This means students pay per semester based on the number of courses they register for. There are no hostel or accommodation fees since NOUN does not offer on-campus living.
Core Components of NOUN School Fees:
- Registration Fee
- Course Material Fee
- Examination Fee
- Library Fee
- ICT Fee
- Project/Seminar Fee (where applicable)
- Practicum/Industrial Training Fees
Unlike conventional schools, NOUN allows flexibility in fee payment. However, all relevant fees must be paid before course registration and examinations each semester.
NOUN School Fees by Programme Level
a. Undergraduate Programmes
- Undergraduate courses span Education, Science, Management, Arts, and Social Sciences.
- New Students: Pay between ₦36,000 and ₦50,000 in the first semester.
- Returning Students: Pay from ₦18,000 to ₦25,000 per semester, depending on the number of registered courses.
b. Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)
- Initial payment: ₦40,000 – ₦50,000
- Subsequent semesters: ₦20,000 – ₦30,000
c. Master’s Programmes
- First semester: ₦60,000 – ₦80,000
- Later semesters: ₦35,000 – ₦45,000
d. Doctorate Programmes
- Initial semester: ₦100,000 – ₦120,00
- Subsequent semesters: ₦70,000 – ₦90,000
- Additional costs for thesis supervision and external examination
NOUN School Fees for Fresh Students
Undergraduate (New Students):
- Admission Fee: ₦5,000
- Registration Fee: ₦6,000
- Caution Deposit: ₦3,500
- Orientation Fee: ₦1,500
- Library Fee: ₦3,000
- ICT Fee: ₦7,500
- E-Book and Course Materials: ₦10,000 (estimated)
- Examination Fee: ₦1,000 per course
- Total Estimate: ₦36,000 – ₦50,000 depending on the number of courses.
NOUN School Fees for Returning Students
Returning students are expected to pay semester-by-semester based on their course load.
Fee Breakdown:
- Registration: ₦6,000
- Library: ₦3,000
- ICT: ₦7,500
- Course Material: ₦1,500 per course
- Examination: ₦1,000 per course
- General Administrative Charges: ₦2,00
- Estimated Total: ₦18,000 – ₦25,000 per semester.
NOUN School Fees by Faculty
NOUN’s faculties include:
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Management Sciences
- Faculty of Sciences
- Faculty of Social Sciences
Science-based and professional faculties like Health Sciences, Science, and Law may attract additional practicum and laboratory charges.
NOUN Law and Nursing School Fees
a. Faculty of Law
- Tuition Fees: Higher due to external regulations
- Estimated Per Semester: ₦30,000 – ₦45,0
- Moot Court Charges: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
b. Nursing Programme
- Clinical Practicum Fee: ₦20,000 – ₦25,000 (per session)
- Nursing Council Registration Fee: Paid externally
NOUN Project and Seminar Fees
All final-year and postgraduate students must pay for project and seminar supervision.
- Undergraduate Project: ₦15,000
- PGD Project: ₦20,000
- Master’s Thesis: ₦25,000
- PhD Thesis: ₦50,000 – ₦75,000
- Seminar: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000 depending on level
NOUN Industrial Training (SIWES) Fees
Applicable to students in Science, Agriculture, and Technology disciplines.
- SIWES Registration: ₦5,000
- Logbook and Supervision: ₦3,000
- Evaluation and Defence: ₦2,000
NOUN Practicum/Teaching Practice Fees
Education students are required to complete a teaching practicum.
- TP Registration: ₦5,000
- Supervision Fee: ₦5,000
- Teaching Materials (self-provided): ₦3,000 – ₦5,000
Payment Procedure for NOUN School Fees
How to Pay NOUN Fees:
1. Visit www.remita.net
2. Click on “Pay FGN and State TSA”
3. Select “National Open University of Nigeria” as MDA
4. Choose the purpose of payment (e.g., Admission Fee, Tuition Fee)
5. Generate RRR (Remita Retrieval Reference)
6. Make payment via card, bank transfer, or physical bank deposit
7. Return to www.nouonline.net and upload the payment receipt
Read Also: NOUN Post UTME Form: Guide to NOUN Admission 2025
Tips:
- Confirm the amount due before generating RRR
- Use only your official student details
- Retain receipts for clearance and exams
NOUN Refund Policy and Fee Adjustments
NOUN does not routinely refund fees unless:
- The course is discontinued
- Double payment is made
Refund Process:
- Submit a formal request with evidence
- Attach RRR and bank details
Processing time: 4–6 weeks
Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities
While NOUN doesn’t offer in-house scholarships, students can benefit from:
- Federal Government Bursary: For education students
- State Government Bursaries: For indigenes
- NGO Scholarships: MTN Foundation, Shell, NNPC, etc.
- Employer Sponsorship: For working professionals
NOUN Study Centre Fees and Local Charges
Some study centres may impose extra administrative charges:
- Centre ID Card: ₦1,000 – ₦2,000
- Internet/Wi-Fi Usage: ₦500 – ₦1,000
- Practical Facilitation: ₦1,500 – ₦3,000
These charges are minor and vary by location.
NOUN School Fees for International Students
NOUN admits foreign-based students who follow the same academic structure online.
- Fees are slightly higher due to exchange rates
- International tuition: $300 – $500 per semester (converted to Naira)
- Payment is made via approved international Remita gateways
Breakdown of Common NOUN Charges
Fee Type Amount (₦)
Registration Fee 6,000
Course Material Fee: 1,500 per course
Examination Fee: 1,000 per course
Library Fee 3,000
ICT Fee 7,500
Project Fee (UG) 15,000
Seminar Fee (PG/Masters) 5,000 – 10,000
Practicum/TP Fee 5,000 – 10,000
FAQs on NOUN School Fees
Q1: Can I pay NOUN fees in instalments?
A: No. All fees must be paid in full before registration.
Q2: Are NOUN fees refundable?
A: Only in specific cases like double payment or cancelled programs.
Q3: Is there a payment deadline?
A: Yes. Payment must be made before registration and exams.
Q4: Can I reuse a course fee if I fail?
A: No. You must re-register and pay for that course.
Q5: Do all centres charge the same?
A: Core fees are uniform; minor centre charges may vary.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Incorrect RRR generation: Always verify the category before payment
- Delayed uploads: Submit payment proof immediately
- Unregistered courses: Register for courses only after payment confirmation
- Payment via unauthorised agents: Always use Remita or the NOUN portal
19. Annual Fee Reviews and Updates
NOUN occasionally adjusts fees due to economic conditions.
- 2022: ICT and material fees reviewed upward
- 2023: Minor increases in project and practicum fees
Students are advised to check the NOUN portal for the latest fee bulletin before each session
Conclusion
NOUN’s fee system is transparent, affordable, and flexible. Students only pay for what they register for, allowing for financial control over their academic journey. By understanding the structure—from registration to practicum and thesis fees—students can plan effectively and avoid interruptions. Whether you’re pursuing a first degree, postgraduate program, or professional training, NOUN remains one of Nigeria’s most cost-effective tertiary education options.
For real-time updates, always consult www.nou.edu.ng or visit your study centre.
