Benue State University (BSU), located in Makurdi, is a renowned state-owned institution offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. As a university that attracts students from within and outside Benue State, understanding its fee structure is vital for both prospective and returning students. BSU school fees are structured based on several factors, including the student’s level, faculty, course of study, and indigene or non-indigene status.
Tuition and associated fees directly influence a student’s ability to enrol and complete their education, making early financial planning critical. This comprehensive article provides an in-depth analysis of BSU school fees across different faculties and programs, helping students and guardians plan effectively.
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BSU School Fees Breakdown by Faculty
Fees at BSU vary across faculties due to differences in departmental requirements, laboratory usage, materials, and course duration. Below is a breakdown of school fees based on the faculties:
Faculty of Arts
Students in this faculty generally pay moderate fees, reflecting the theoretical nature of most courses. Fees include registration, ICT, library, and development levies.
Faculty of Science
Science students pay slightly higher fees due to laboratory components and practical sessions. Additional charges cover laboratory maintenance and consumables.
Faculty of Social Sciences
The fees are comparable to the Faculty of Arts, with added costs for departmental journals and seminars.
Faculty of Education
Education students benefit from relatively low tuition fees, although those in Science Education may incur additional practical fees.
Faculty of Management Sciences
This faculty includes departments like Accounting, Business Administration, and Banking & Finance. Fees may include charges for fieldwork and professional body registration.
Faculty of Law
Law students typically pay higher tuition due to their program’s professional and intensive nature. Additional costs include moot court charges, law reports, and journals.
College of Health Sciences
This faculty encompasses Medicine, Anatomy, and Physiology. Medical students pay the highest fees due to the extensive use of laboratories, clinical rotations, and equipment.
Faculty of Environmental Sciences
Courses like Urban & Regional Planning, Architecture, and Geography often include studio fees, fieldwork levies, and drawing materials.
BSU School Fees for New (Fresh) Students
Freshers at BSU are required to pay several fees before commencing academic activities:
- Acceptance Fee: Ranges from ₦60,000 to ₦70,000, depending on the course.
- Departmental Registration Charges: These include an ID card, orientation, a matriculation gown, and medical screening.
- Tuition Fee: Varies by faculty. For example, Arts students may pay ₦100,000, while medical students pay upwards of ₦300,000.
- Library and ICT Charges: Usually around ₦15,000–₦20,000.
- Total Estimate: For most fresh students, total first-year fees range between ₦150,000 and ₦400,000.
Freshers are also advised to keep receipts of all payments for record-keeping and future reference.
BSU School Fees for Returning Students
Returning students typically pay lower fees since acceptance and some registration charges are not repeated.
- Tuition Fee: Varies per faculty. Arts/Social Sciences may pay ₦80,000–₦100,000. Health Sciences can pay over ₦250,000.
- Departmental and Faculty Dues: Usually between ₦5,000 and ₦15,000.
- Other Levies: These include examination, development, ICT, and sports levies.
- Payment Deadline: Fees must be paid before registration deadlines to avoid penalties.
BSU Postgraduate School Fees
Postgraduate students at BSU pay differently based on program type:
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGD): Total fees can range from ₦150,000 to ₦200,000.
- Master’s Degree: Ranges from ₦200,000 to ₦400,000 depending on the course.
- Ph.D. Programmes: Can cost between ₦300,000 to ₦500,000 or more.
- Research/Thesis Supervision Fee: Additional charges apply for project or thesis supervision, proposal defence, and final defence.
These fees are payable annually and may vary depending on research intensity.
Indigene vs Non-Indigene School Fees
Benue State University offers subsidised tuition for indigenes:
- Indigene Tuition Fee: Generally lower by 25% to 40% compared to non-indigenes.
- Non-Indigene Fee: Applies to students from outside Benue State.
- Indigene Verification: Requires a certificate of origin, a local government letter, and confirmation from the state indigene board.
BSU Sandwich and Part-Time Programme Fees
Students enrolled in part-time and sandwich programmes pay based on modular terms:
- Sandwich Programmes: Fee ranges between ₦150,000 and ₦250,000 per contact session.
- Part-Time Degrees: May cost ₦200,000 to ₦300,000 annually.
- Instalment Options: Some programs allow for payment in two or three instalments per session.
BSU School Fees Payment Procedures
Fees at BSU are paid via its electronic portal. Steps include:
1. Visit the BSU e-Payment portal (https://portal.bsum.edu.ng)
2. Login with your Matric number or JAMB Reg. No.
3. Generate a payment invoice.
4. Choose your payment method (Remita, online banking, POS, or bank deposit).
5. Make payment and print your receipt.
Ensure all payments are completed through authorised channels to avoid fraud.
Penalty for Late Payment and Other Financial Policies
Failure to pay fees on time may result in:
- Late Registration Penalty: Usually between ₦10,000 and ₦20,000.
- Denial of Course Registration: Students can be barred from online course registration.
- Exam Disqualification: Only fully registered students are allowed to sit exams.
- Account Deactivation: Portal access may be revoked until all fees are cleared.
Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities
BSU students can access various financial support options:
- Benue State Bursary: For verified indigene students.
- Federal Government Scholarships: Offered by agencies like PTDF, NDDC, and TETFund.
- BSU Internal Scholarships: Occasionally offered to best-performing students.
- NGO/Private Scholarships: MTN Foundation, Shell, Agbami, and others sponsor eligible students.
Acceptance Fee and Other One-Time Charges
Besides the acceptance fee, other one-time charges include:
- Medical Screening: ₦10,000 to ₦15,000.
- Matriculation Gown: Refundable deposit of ₦3,000.
- Student ID Card: ₦2,000 to ₦3,000.
- Orientation Materials: ₦5,000 (estimated).
These fees are mandatory and must be paid before academic clearance.
BSU Hostel Accommodation Fees
BSU provides limited hostel accommodation:
- Cost Range: ₦50,000 to ₦75,000 per session.
- Application Procedure: Online through the student portal.
- Room Types: Shared rooms (4 to 6 occupants).
- Facilities: Common kitchen, bathrooms, security, and reading rooms.
Hostel spaces are competitive and given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Additional Fees and Levies
Beyond tuition, students pay for several services:
- Examination Fee: ₦5,000.
- Medical Insurance: ₦3,000.
- Entrepreneurship Fee: ₦4,000.
- ICT & Portal Fee: ₦10,000.
- Sports Development Fee: ₦1,500.
These fees support student welfare, digital access, and campus operations.
Fee Schedule by Academic Session (Yearly Review)
2021/2022 Academic Session
- Slight increment due to inflation and increased service costs.
2022/2023 Academic Session
- Further review in the Medical Sciences and Law faculties.
2023/2024 Academic Session
- Unified payment gateway adopted.
- E-receipt introduced for all payments.
Regular fee reviews are subject to state government approval.
Refund and Withdrawal Policies
BSU allows partial fee refunds for students who withdraw early:
- Conditions: Withdrawal within 3 weeks of resumption.
- Non-Refundable Fees: Acceptance, registration, and bank charges.
- Required Documents: Application letter, original receipts, proof of admission withdrawal.
- Refunds are processed within 4 to 6 weeks of approval.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on BSU School Fees
Q: Can I pay my fees in instalments?
A: Some programs (especially part-time) allow for instalment payments
Q: What if I miss the payment deadline?
A: A late registration fee applies, and access to registration may be blocked.
Q: Are there discounts for indigent students?
A: BSU doesn’t offer formal discounts, but encourages applying for scholarships.
Q: How can I confirm payment?
A: Login to your portal and print the transaction history or receipt.
Q: Is the acceptance fee refundable?
A: No, it is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Conclusion
Understanding the BSU school fees structure is crucial for financial preparedness and successful academic progression. From acceptance fees to tuition, hostel charges to late payment penalties, each aspect plays a role in a student’s educational journey. By staying informed and planning early, students and parents can navigate BSU’s financial requirements with ease and confidence. Always consult the official BSU portal or bursary unit for the most recent and accurate fee updates.
