UNICAL Postgraduate Admission Form 2026/2027 | Requirements, Courses & How to Apply

UNICAL Postgraduate Admission Form 2026/2027: The University of Calabar’s Graduate School is open to qualified candidates from all walks of life. Whether you are a professional looking to upskill or an aspiring academic, UNICAL has a pathway for you.

Available Programmes:

• Postgraduate Diploma (PGD): Best for those wanting to bridge a degree gap or pivot to a new field.

• Master’s Degrees (Academic & Professional): Includes M.A., M.Sc., MBA, MPH, etc.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): The ultimate research-based qualification.

Why consider UNICAL?

• Heritage & Prestige: One of Nigeria’s second-generation universities with a long-standing reputation.

• Expert Supervision: UNICAL is home to many world-renowned professors, particularly in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Medical Sciences.

• Beautiful Environment: Calabar is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s cleanest and most welcoming cities for students.

Get an insight into what the UNICAL entrance exam looks like. This is a surefire way to get admitted. Download the UNICAL Postgraduate Past Questions and Answers (PGD, Masters, Mphil & Ph.D) to help you prepare well for the school entrance examination.

Overview of Programmes Offered

UNICAL boasts a wide range of faculties and specialized departments.

Key Faculties

• Agriculture, Forestry & Wildlife Management

• Arts & Humanities

• Biological, Physical, and Social Sciences

• Education (Foundations, Guidance & Counseling, Management)

• Law (Academic and Professional LL.M)

• Management Sciences (Accounting, Business Management, Marketing)

• Medical & Allied Health Sciences (Nursing, Public Health, Biochemistry)

Programme Duration

• PGD: 2 Semesters (1 Year)

• Master’s: 4 Semesters (2 Years)

• PhD: 6 Semesters (3 Years)

• Note: Part-time options usually extend the Master’s to 6 semesters and PhD to 10 semesters.

Admission Requirements

To qualify for the 2026/2027 session, you must meet these benchmarks:

• O’Level: Five (5) credit passes, including English and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings (some medical courses may require one sitting).

• NYSC: A valid Discharge Certificate or Exemption/Exclusion letter is compulsory for all Nigerian applicants.

• Minimum CGPA Requirements:

  • Masters: Usually a minimum CGPA of 3.00 on a 5.0 scale or 2.50 on a 4.0 scale.

  • PhD: A Master’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.50 on a 5.0 scale or 3.00 on a 4.0 scale.

  • PGD: A minimum CGPA of 1.25 on a 5.0 scale or an HND at Lower Credit level.

Application Fee and Portal

The application fee for the 2026/2027 session has not been officially released, but based on recent cycles, the fee is usually between ₦25,000 and ₦40,000.

Official Portal: All applications are conducted via unicalonline.edu.ng.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply

1. Generate PIN: Walk into any commercial bank nationwide and pay for the UNICAL Graduate School Application Form via the E-Tranzact platform. You will be issued a printout with a unique PIN.

2. Log in: Visit www.unicalonline.edu.ng/admissions.

3. Fill the Form: Enter your PIN and surname to access the form. Fill in your bio-data carefully.

4. Concept Note (For Masters & PhD): You will be required to type a “Concept Note” (mini-proposal) online. This should outline your intended research area.

5. Upload Documents: Upload clear scans of your certificates and a passport photograph with a white background.

6. Submit: Review your details twice. Changes are not allowed after submission.

7. Print: Print out your completed application form and payment receipt.

Important Application Details

• Transcripts: You must ensure your former institution sends your official academic transcript to the Secretary, College of Postgraduate Studies, University of Calabar. Admission cannot be confirmed without this.

• Referees: You must provide three (3) referees (at least two academic). They will receive an automated link or form to complete.

• Screening Test: UNICAL usually conducts a Computer Based Test (CBT) for all applicants. The test covers English, Logic, Mathematics, ICT, and General Knowledge. PhD candidates will also face an oral interview.

Deadline and Timeline

The application portal usually opens in the third quarter of the year. Candidates are advised to stay updated via the official portal for the exact closing date, as UNICAL strictly adheres to its timeline.

Admission Tips for Success

1. Concept Note Quality: For PhD and Master’s, the quality of your Concept Note is critical. Ensure your problem statement is clear and your methodology is sound.

2. CBT Practice: Brush up on basic ICT and English skills. The CBT screening is a major filter for competitive departments.

3. Transcript Tracking: Use a reliable courier to send your transcripts and keep the tracking number. This is often the biggest bottleneck for applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does UNICAL accept HND for Master’s? A: No, HND holders must first complete a PGD in a relevant field with a good grade to be eligible for a Master’s degree.

Q: Can I apply for a PhD with a Master’s from another school? A: Yes, provided your Master’s degree is from a recognized institution and your CGPA meets the requirement.

Q: Is the screening test mandatory? A: Yes, all applicants (except certain executive programs) must participate in the screening exercise.