University of Calabar (UNICAL) School Fees 2026/2027 | Full Breakdown

University of Calabar (UNICAL) School Fees 2026/2027: Are you a prospective student or parent preparing for admission into the University of Calabar (UNICAL) for the 2026/2027 academic session? With the recent activation of the new payment portal and updates to the acceptance fees, it’s essential to have accurate financial information for your planning. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the projected school fees, acceptance fees, hostel accommodation charges, and a step-by-step payment guide for both new (freshers) and returning students.

Estimated UNICAL School Fees for 2026/2027 Session

Unlike private universities, UNICAL (a federal university) does not charge tuition fees. Instead, students pay “Service Charges” that cover registration, examinations, library access, medical services (TSHIP), sports, and municipal services. The fees vary significantly based on your department (Science vs. Non-Science) and level of study.

1. New Students (Freshers)

New students incur the highest fees due to one-time costs such as the acceptance fee, matriculation gown, and ID card.

Faculty / Category	Estimated Total Fees (Freshers)
Science-Based Courses	₦65,000 – ₦75,000
Non-Science Courses	₦60,000 – ₦70,000
Medicine & Surgery / Nursing	₦90,000 – ₦105,000
Computer Science / Engineering	₦75,000 – ₦85,000

• Note on the “Suspended Hike”: In late 2023, management proposed an increase to a salary range of ₦155,000 to ₦190,000. However, this proposal was suspended following protests. While you should budget for this range, be prepared for a possible adjustment back toward the higher proposed rates if the suspension is lifted.

2. Returning Students (200L – Final Year)

Returning students typically pay a lower fee because they have already fulfilled their entry requirements.

• Science Students: ₦50,000 – ₦60,000

• Non-Science Students: ₦45,000 – ₦55,000

• Final Year Students: Budget an additional ₦15,000 for Project Supervision, Convocation, and Alumni fees

Other Compulsory Fees (One-Time Payments)

Newly admitted students are required to pay mandatory fees immediately after admission, in addition to the sessional school charges.

1. Acceptance Fee (Confirmed Increase)

This is a non-refundable fee paid to confirm your acceptance of the admission offer.²

• Current Amount: ₦40,000

• Note: This fee has recently increased from ₦25,000. It must be paid before you can print your admission letter or proceed to pay your main school fees.

2. Post-UTME / Screening Charges

• Amount: ₦2,000 (Paid online during the application process).

• Result Verification: ~₦3,000 (Paid during physical clearance).

3. Departmental Dues

These are smaller dues paid directly to your student association accounts (e.g., NAGES, NAMS, NUSS) for handbook and association maintenance.

• Estimated Cost: ₦3,000 – ₦5,000 per session.

UNICAL Hostel Accommodation Fees

Hostel accommodation at UNICAL is optional but highly competitive due to the campus location.

• Estimated Fee: ₦20,000 – ₦35,000 per bed space (per session).

• Allocation Rule: Allocation is strictly on a “first-come, first-served” basis.

• Critical Requirement: You can only apply for hostel space after successfully paying your school fees. The portal (unicalhostels.com) usually opens in October or November for booking.

How to Pay UNICAL School Fees Online (Step-by-Step)

All payments are made digitally through the university’s portal. Do not pay cash to any individual or “admission agent.

1. Visit the Portal: Go to the official portal at myunical.edu.ng or portal.unical.edu.ng.

2. Generate Invoice:

   • Click on “School Fees Payment”.

   • Input your JAMB Registration Number (Freshers) or Matric Number (Returning).

   • Select the 2026/2027 Academic Session.

   • Generate your payment invoice to get a Bill Number or Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR).

3. Make Payment:

   • Option A (Bank): Print the invoice and visit any commercial bank (First Bank, Zenith, UBA, Unical Microfinance Bank) to pay via E-Transact/Remita.

   • Option B (Online): Pay instantly with your ATM card on the portal.

4. Verify Payment:

   • After payment, return to the portal and log in.

   • The system should automatically update your status to “Paid.”

   • Print your School Fees Receipt. You will need this for your physical clearance and course registration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I pay UNICAL school fees in instalments? A: At UNICAL, full payment (100%) is typically required at the start of the session before course registration. The registration portal often prevents you from registering for courses until all fees are cleared.

Q: Is the Acceptance Fee part of the School Fees? A: No. The Acceptance Fee of ₦40,000 must be paid separately to secure your admission slot before the main school fees.

Q: When is the deadline for payment? A: The registration portal typically closes 4 to 6 weeks after resumption. Late registration may incur a penalty fee of ₦3,000 to ₦5,000.

Q: I saw a document online saying fees are N1.3 million. Is this true? A: No. That document is likely intended for a private university, such as Wellspring University, or a special program. UNICAL is a federal institution where regular undergraduate fees are subsidized. For accurate billing, please refer to the official portal.

If you have any questions or need further clarification on any topic, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments section below. Our team is here to assist you and ensure you have all the information you need. We appreciate your engagement and look forward to helping you!