Every year, thousands of Nigerian graduates consider advancing their academic qualifications at one of the country’s most respected federal universities. Understanding the UNIBEN Postgraduate Courses and requirements is the first and most critical step in that journey. The University of Benin (UNIBEN), located in Benin City, Edo State, has a well-structured School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) that offers programmes spanning virtually every academic discipline.
Whether you are a fresh graduate eager to pursue a Master’s degree or an experienced professional targeting a Ph.D., this guide gives you a clear, factual, and up-to-date breakdown of every major aspect of postgraduate study at UNIBEN — from the full course listing and entry criteria to programme durations, application steps, and fees.
About UNIBEN School of Postgraduate Studies
UNIBEN’s School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) operates as the central body overseeing all graduate-level academic programmes across the university’s colleges, faculties, institutes, and centres. The school runs four categories of postgraduate awards: Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Master’s Degree (M.A., M.Sc., MBA, M.Ed., M.Phil.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).
All programmes offered through the SPGS carry full National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation, making every UNIBEN postgraduate degree valid for national and international recognition. Admission into any programme falls under the authority of the Dean and the Board of the Postgraduate School. This structure ensures that all academic standards are consistently maintained and that every candidate who gains admission meets the verified entry benchmarks.
Complete Postgraduate Programme Listing by Faculty
The breadth of UNIBEN Postgraduate Courses and requirements covers fourteen faculties, two colleges, and multiple institutes. Below is the comprehensive faculty-by-faculty course listing for the 2026/2027 academic session:
| Faculty / College | Available Postgraduate Programmes |
| Faculty of Agriculture | Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension & Rural Development, Animal Science, Crop Science, Soil Science, Fisheries |
| Faculty of Arts | English & Literature, History, International Studies & Diplomacy, Linguistics, French, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Theatre Arts |
| Faculty of Education | Adult & Non-Formal Education, Educational Management, Guidance & Counseling, Measurement & Evaluation, Curriculum Studies, Health Education, Physical & Health Education, Library & Information Science, Early Childhood Education, Educational Psychology, Special Education, Technical Education |
| Faculty of Engineering | Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical/Electronic, Mechanical, Petroleum, Production, Structural & Environmental Engineering |
| Faculty of Environmental Sciences | Architecture, Estate Management, Geomatics, Quantity Surveying, Urban & Regional Planning |
| Faculty of Law | Public Law, Private Law, International Law, Business Law |
| Faculty of Life Sciences | Biochemistry, Microbiology, Plant Biology & Biotechnology, Environmental Management & Toxicology, Animal & Environmental Biology |
| Faculty of Management Sciences | Accounting, Banking & Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, MBA |
| Faculty of Physical Sciences | Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Industrial Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Petroleum Geology |
| Faculty of Pharmacy | Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacy Practice, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Pharmaceutics |
| Faculty of Social Sciences | Economics, Geography & Regional Planning, Political Science, Sociology & Anthropology, Psychology |
| College of Medical Sciences | Anatomy, Medical Biochemistry, Physiology, Pharmacology, Public Health, Community Health, Health Economics, Medical Lab Science, Nursing Science |
| Institute of Public Admin. & Extension Services | Public Administration, Social Work |
| Centre of Excellence (CERHI) | Nursing Science (Reproductive & Family Health), Health Economics, Reproductive Health |
General Admission Requirements
The UNIBEN Postgraduate Courses and requirements include a set of baseline criteria that every applicant must satisfy before their application is processed. These apply across all faculties and levels:
- Minimum of five (5) O’level credit passes in WASC, NECO, or GCE — credits in English Language and Mathematics are compulsory.
- Alternatively, four O’level credits combined with OND (not a Pass grade), NCE, IJMB, or Advanced Level passes or their recognised equivalents.
- Holders of a Pass degree or diploma are not eligible for admission into any postgraduate programme.
- Candidates with a Third-Class degree must complete a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) with at least Upper Credit standing before qualifying for a Master’s programme.
- Master’s degree holders with a Weighted Average Score (WAS) between 55% and 59% are eligible only for the M.Phil. programme initially, not direct Ph.D. admission.
- D. applicants require a minimum WAS of 60% in their Master’s degree.
- Candidates from other universities applying for a Ph.D. who have not completed UNIBEN-equivalent compulsory courses must take and pass those courses at 60% or above after admission.
- A valid NYSC discharge, exemption, or exclusion certificate is mandatory for clearance into all postgraduate programmes.
Level-Specific Entry Requirements at a Glance
Each programme level carries distinct academic benchmarks. The table below summarises what each level demands:
| Level | Minimum First Degree Requirement | WAS / Grade Needed | NYSC Required |
| PGD | Any recognized degree (Pass or above) | N/A | Yes |
| M.Sc. / M.A. / MBA | 2nd Class Lower (2:2) minimum | N/A | Yes |
| M.Phil. | Master’s degree with WAS 55–59% | 55–59% | Yes |
| Ph.D. | Master’s degree (any recognized institution) | Min. 60% WAS | Yes |
Programme Durations
Knowing how long each level runs helps you plan your finances and career timeline. The standard durations for UNIBEN Postgraduate Courses and requirements programmes at UNIBEN are as follows:
| Programme | Full-Time Duration | Part-Time Duration |
| Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) | Min. 2 sem. / Max. 4 sem. | Min. 4 sem. / Max. 6 sem. |
| Professional Master’s (e.g., MBA) | Min. 2 sem. / Max. 4 sem. | Min. 4 sem. / Max. 6 sem. |
| Academic Master’s (e.g., M.Sc.) | Min. 4 sem. / Max. 6 sem. | Min. 6 sem. / Max. 8 sem. |
| M.Phil. | Min. 4 sem. / Max. 6 sem. | Min. 6 sem. / Max. 8 sem. |
| Ph.D. | Min. 6 sem. / Max. 10 sem. | Min. 6 sem. / Max. 12 sem. |
| PGDE (Education) | 1 academic session (2 sem.) | 2 long vacation periods |
Note: The M.Sc. in Geosciences and Petroleum Engineering runs on a full-time basis over 18 calendar months — 12 months of academic coursework followed by a mandatory 6-month industry internship. Always confirm your specific programme duration on the official UNIBEN SPGS portal.
How to Apply for UNIBEN Postgraduate Admission
The entire application process is digital. Follow these steps precisely:
- Visit the UNIBEN admissions portal at unibenportal.com or the official website at www.uniben.edu and navigate to the Postgraduate Admissions section.
- Purchase the online application form using a valid VERVE or MasterCard ATM. The application fee is ₦22,000 (current 2025/2026 rate).
- Fill in the application form accurately, selecting your intended faculty, programme, and mode of study (full-time or part-time).
- Upload all required documents: O’level result, first degree certificate or statement of result, NYSC certificate, and recent passport photograph.
- Submit the completed form online, then print both the application form and referee forms directly from the portal.
- Request your two academic referees to mail their completed referee report forms directly to: The Secretary, School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Benin. No application processes without referee reports.
- Request your former institution to send your official academic transcript to the SPGS Secretary within 8 weeks of the application date.
- Monitor the UNIBEN website and SPGS notice boards for entrance examination schedules (applicable to some departments) and admission list releases.
UNIBEN Postgraduate Application and School Fees
Financial planning is an important part of preparing for postgraduate study. Here is a concise breakdown of key charges:
| Charge | Amount (₦) |
| Application / Processing Fee | ₦22,000 |
| Acceptance Fee (Fresh Students) | ₦30,000 |
| Tuition Fee — PGD / M.Sc. | ₦130,000 – ₦160,000 |
| Tuition Fee — Ph.D. | ₦160,000 – ₦200,000 |
| Library & ICT Levy | ₦15,000 |
| Research & Lab Development Fee | ₦15,000 – ₦20,000 |
| Medical & Student Welfare Charge | ₦5,000 |
All payments are made exclusively through the official UNIBEN student portal. Instalment payments are not permitted. Note: Fee schedules are reviewed each academic session — always confirm current charges at www.uniben.edu before making any payment.
Tips to Boost Your Postgraduate Admission Chances at UNIBEN
- Confirm your desired programme is listed in the approved UNIBEN programme catalogue before purchasing the form.
- Apply early — forms open mid-year and close before November/December; late applicants often miss out.
- Arrange your referee letters at least 6 weeks before the deadline so they reach the SPGS Secretary in time.
- Third-class degree holders must complete PGD first — applying directly to a Master’s programme wastes your application fee.
- Ensure your O’level results contain a credit in both English Language and Mathematics, as these are non-negotiable across all programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the general UNIBEN Postgraduate Courses and requirements for admission?
Every applicant must hold a minimum of five O’level credits including English and Mathematics, possess an NYSC certificate, and hold at least a second class degree for Master’s programmes. The UNIBEN Postgraduate Courses and requirements also demand specific grade thresholds depending on the level — 60% WAS for Ph.D. and upper credit PGD standing for third-class graduates entering a Master’s.
- Can a candidate with a third-class degree apply for a Master’s degree at UNIBEN?
Not directly. A third-class degree holder must first complete a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) at UNIBEN or a recognised institution and obtain at least Upper Credit before qualifying for any Master’s programme admission consideration.
- How much does the UNIBEN postgraduate application form cost?
The UNIBEN postgraduate application form currently costs ₦22,000 for the 2025/2026 session. Payment is made online using a valid VERVE or MasterCard debit card on the official admissions portal.
- Is it possible to study postgraduate programmes at UNIBEN part-time?
Yes. Most Master’s and Ph.D. programmes at UNIBEN are available in both full-time and part-time modes. Part-time programmes have longer durations — for example, a part-time M.Sc. runs 6 to 8 semesters compared to 4 to 6 semesters for full-time.
- When is the UNIBEN postgraduate admission form usually released?
Forms are typically released in the second or third quarter of the year (around July–September) and close by November. For the 2025/2026 session, the closing date was November 30, 2025. Always monitor www.uniben.edu for exact dates.
- Are there entrance examinations for UNIBEN postgraduate programmes?
Some departments require a written entrance examination as part of the selection process, while others rely entirely on academic qualifications. UNIBEN publishes the list of programmes requiring entrance exams on the SPGS website — check your specific department before applying.
- Is NYSC compulsory for UNIBEN postgraduate admission?
Yes. All Nigerian applicants must hold a valid NYSC discharge, exemption, or exclusion certificate to complete clearance into any UNIBEN postgraduate programme. Without this document, your admission cannot be processed regardless of academic performance.
- Can foreign nationals apply for postgraduate programmes at UNIBEN?
Yes. The University of Benin accepts international applicants regardless of nationality, colour, or religion, provided they meet the stated academic requirements. International students must secure a valid Nigerian visa before arriving for registration and must also register in person on campus.
- How long does a Ph.D. programme take at UNIBEN?
A full-time Ph.D. at UNIBEN runs for a minimum of 6 semesters (3 years) with a maximum of 10 semesters. The part-time route runs a minimum of 6 semesters with a maximum of 12 semesters, depending on research progress and departmental requirements.
- Where can I verify the current UNIBEN Postgraduate Courses and requirements?
The most reliable source for current UNIBEN Postgraduate Courses and requirements is the official UNIBEN website at www.uniben.edu and the School of Postgraduate Studies portal. You can also visit the SPGS office directly or contact your target faculty’s postgraduate coordinator for programme-specific updates.
Conclusion
Navigating the full range of UNIBEN Postgraduate Courses and requirements does not have to be complicated. UNIBEN offers one of the widest selections of postgraduate programmes in Nigeria, and its SPGS maintains clear, transparent admission standards. Whether your target is a PGD to bridge a qualification gap, a Master’s degree to sharpen your expertise, or a Ph.D. to build a research career, UNIBEN has a structured pathway for you.
Start by confirming your course of interest, verify your eligibility against the stated requirements, purchase the application form early, and follow the process diligently. For the latest updates on UNIBEN Postgraduate Courses and requirements, visit www.uniben.edu or walk into the School of Postgraduate Studies at the Benin City campus.