How NOUN School Fees Are Structured
One major thing that sets NOUN apart from most federal universities is that there is no single flat fee for all students. Fees are calculated based on several factors, including:
- Programme of study (Arts, Education, Sciences, Law, Health-related courses, etc.)
- Number of credit units registered per semester
- Level of study (100 level, returning student, postgraduate)
- Mandatory institutional charges
This flexible model means students only pay for what they register, making NOUN appealing to working-class Nigerians and those combining school with other commitments.
General Breakdown of National Open University School Fees
Below is a realistic breakdown of the key components that make up NOUN fees. While exact figures may vary slightly across sessions, the structure remains largely consistent.
1. Registration Fee
This is a compulsory charge paid by all students each academic session. It covers administrative processing and access to the university portal. On average, registration fees fall within the range of ₦6,000 – ₦10,000.
2. Course Material Fee
NOUN students pay for officially developed course materials, which replace traditional lecture notes. This fee is calculated per course and usually ranges between ₦2,000 – ₦3,000 per course, depending on the programme.
3. Tuition / Course Fee (Per Credit Unit)
Tuition at NOUN is charged per credit unit. Most undergraduate courses carry between 2 and 3 credit units. On average:
- Arts & Education courses: ₦1,500 – ₦2,000 per credit unit
- Science & Management courses: ₦2,000 – ₦2,500 per credit unit
- Law & Health-related courses: ₦3,000 and above per credit unit
This system allows students to control their total fees by adjusting the number of courses they register per semester.
4. Examination Fee
Examination charges are embedded within course registration. Students are not billed separately later, which helps reduce last-minute financial pressure during exams.
5. ICT and E-Learning Charges
Since NOUN operates largely online, students pay ICT-related fees that support the learning management system, online facilitation, and digital resources. This usually falls between ₦3,000 – ₦5,000 per session.
Estimated Total School Fees by Programme
To give a clearer picture, here is a general estimate of what students pay per session, depending on their programme:
- Arts & Education Programmes: ₦35,000 – ₦45,000
- Management & Social Sciences: ₦40,000 – ₦55,000
- Science & Technology Courses: ₦45,000 – ₦65,000
- Law Programme: ₦65,000 – ₦80,000
Postgraduate programmes usually attract higher charges, especially professional and science-based courses.
Fees for New Students vs Returning Students
Fresh students typically pay slightly more in their first year due to additional charges such as:
- Acceptance fee
- Student handbook and orientation materials
- Initial ICT onboarding
Returning students usually enjoy lower total fees since they only pay registration, course-related charges, and ICT fees.
Payment Method and Flexibility
One of the advantages of NOUN is its transparent payment system. All payments are made online through the official university portal, eliminating the risk of fraud.
Students can also spread course registrations across semesters, which indirectly reduces the financial burden at once. This flexibility is a major reason many working professionals prefer NOUN.
Why National Open University School Fees Are Considered Affordable
Compared to many federal and private universities in Nigeria, NOUN remains one of the most cost-effective options. There are no accommodation fees, no transportation costs for daily lectures, and no hidden departmental dues.
When combined with the ability to work while studying, the value proposition becomes even stronger.
Important Notes for Prospective Students
- School fees may be adjusted slightly due to economic factors.
- Always confirm figures from the official NOUN portal before payment.
- Failure to complete payment on time can delay course registration.
Helpful Resources
For more academic and admission-related guides, you may find these resources useful:
JAMB Past Questions and Study Materials
Post UTME Past Questions for Nigerian Universities
WAEC Past Questions and Answers
You can also verify official updates directly from the
National Open University of Nigeria website
and admission guidelines on the
JAMB official portal
.
