The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) stands as one of Nigeria’s most respected federal universities, and its postgraduate division attracts hundreds of qualified applicants from across the country each year. Understanding the University of Maiduguri postgraduate courses and fees is essential for anyone planning to pursue a higher degree — whether a Postgraduate Diploma, Masters, or PhD — through UNIMAID’s School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS).

Whether you are a fresh graduate exploring advanced study options, a working professional seeking a Masters degree, or a researcher targeting a PhD in a specialist field, this guide covers everything you need. From the list of available programmes across all faculties to the application form cost, tuition fees, entry requirements, and step-by-step admission process, this article is your single reference point for University of Maiduguri postgraduate courses and fees in the 2026/2027 academic session.

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About the UNIMAID School of Postgraduate Studies

The School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) at the University of Maiduguri coordinates all postgraduate-level academic programmes across the university’s 12 faculties and the College of Medical Sciences. Established alongside the university in 1975, SPGS has grown to become one of the most active postgraduate schools in northern Nigeria, offering programmes in sciences, arts, social sciences, engineering, law, agriculture, medicine, and education.

UNIMAID’s postgraduate programmes are fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the university maintains active research partnerships with institutions in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. The university’s proximity to Lake Chad, the Sahel zone, and cross-border communities in Cameroon, Niger, and Chad gives its research environment a distinctive regional depth — particularly in areas like environmental science, agriculture, peace studies, and Islamic studies.

Types of Postgraduate Degrees Offered at UNIMAID

The University of Maiduguri postgraduate courses and fees structure covers three main categories of postgraduate qualifications:

Postgraduate Diploma (PGD): Typically one year in duration. Programmes include PGDM (Management), PGDE (Education), PGDNSS (Natural and Social Sciences), and PGDA (Agriculture). Designed for graduates who want specialist skills or a stepping stone to a full Masters degree.
Masters Degrees: Cover MA, MSc, MEd, MBA, MLS, M.Eng., LLM, MHPM, and MASS. Duration is typically two years of full-time study or three years part-time. These programmes combine taught coursework with independent research and a dissertation.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): The highest academic qualification, requiring a minimum of three years of supervised original research. Available across most departments that offer Masters programmes. A PhD from UNIMAID is recognised nationally and internationally.

University of Maiduguri Postgraduate Courses — Full Programme List

The following table covers the approved postgraduate programmes available across UNIMAID’s faculties and colleges as part of the University of Maiduguri postgraduate courses and fees schedule for 2026/2027:

Faculty / College	Masters Programmes	PhD Programmes
College of Medical Sciences	MSc Human Anatomy, MSc Physiology	PhD Human Anatomy
Faculty of Agriculture	MSc Agric Economics, MSc Agric Extension, MSc Fisheries	PhD Agriculture
Faculty of Arts	MA Islamic Studies, MA Linguistics, MA Kanuri, MA Hausa, MA English Lit., MA History	PhD Islamic Studies, PhD Linguistics, PhD English Lit., PhD History
Faculty of Engineering	MSc / MEng Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering	PhD Engineering
Faculty of Law	LLM (Law)	PhD Law
Faculty of Management Sciences	MBA, MHPM, MASS	PhD Management Sciences
Faculty of Education	MEd (various specialisations), PGDE	PhD Education
Faculty of Science	MSc Microbiology, MSc Environmental Management	PhD Microbiology, PhD Science
Faculty of Social Sciences	MSc Peace & Diplomatic Studies, MSc Political Science, MSc Economics	PhD Social Sciences

Note: This list reflects programmes advertised for recent sessions. New programmes may be added and others temporarily suspended each academic year. Confirm availability with the UNIMAID School of Postgraduate Studies before applying.

Full Fee Structure by Programme Level

The University of Maiduguri postgraduate courses and fees structure charges students at the time of application and at the start of each academic session. The table below provides an estimated fee breakdown for the three postgraduate levels:

Fee Component	PGD	Masters	PhD
Application / PG Form Fee	₦15,000	₦15,000	₦15,000
Tuition Fee (per session)	₦80,000–₦120,000	₦100,000–₦180,000	₦150,000–₦250,000
Research / Dissertation Levy	N/A	₦20,000–₦40,000	₦30,000–₦60,000
Registration / Admin Charge	₦10,000	₦10,000	₦10,000
ICT / Library Fee	₦5,000	₦5,000	₦5,000
ESTIMATED TOTAL (per session)	≈ ₦110,000–₦150,000	≈ ₦130,000–₦250,000	≈ ₦210,000–₦340,000

Important: These are estimates based on the latest available UNIMAID postgraduate fee patterns. Professional programmes such as MBA and MHPM may carry higher charges. The application form fee of ₦15,000 is paid at UNIMAID Microfinance Bank and is non-refundable. Always confirm current session fees on the official UNIMAID portal at unimaid.edu.ng before making any payment.

Admission Requirements for UNIMAID Postgraduate Programmes

Entry requirements vary by programme level. Confirm the specific requirements for your chosen course from the School of Postgraduate Studies, but the general criteria within the University of Maiduguri postgraduate courses and fees structure are as follows:

PhD Programmes

Candidates must hold a relevant Masters degree — MA, MEd, MSc, MEng, or LLM — with a minimum CGPA of 4.00 on a 5.00 scale, or at least 60% (B grade) from a recognised university. The programme also requires a detailed research proposal, a supervisor endorsement, and in most departments, an oral interview or screening test.

Masters Programmes (MA, MSc, MEd, MBA, LLM, etc.)

A First Class, Second Class Upper, or Second Class Lower degree from a recognised university qualifies candidates directly. Applicants with a Third Class degree may still apply provided they hold a relevant Postgraduate Diploma with a minimum of Merit from a recognised institution. The MBA, MHPM, and MASS additionally require a Second Class degree in a business or social science discipline.

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDE, PGDM, PGDA, PGDNSS)

A degree in any relevant discipline from a recognised university, or an HND with a minimum Lower Credit classification from an accredited polytechnic, qualifies applicants for PGD admission. These programmes are an excellent entry point for candidates who wish to upgrade their qualifications before proceeding to a Masters degree.

How to Apply for UNIMAID Postgraduate Admission

The application process for the University of Maiduguri postgraduate programmes follows a clearly defined sequence. Here is the step-by-step guide:

Step	Action Required
1	Visit the UNIMAID School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) office on campus, or check unimaid.edu.ng for online application portal updates
2	Pay the non-refundable application form fee of ₦15,000 at UNIMAID Microfinance Bank or through the designated online payment gateway
3	Collect or download the application form after payment confirmation. Complete all sections accurately and attach required documents
4	Attach certified copies of your degree certificate(s), academic transcripts, NYSC discharge/exemption certificate, and O’Level results
5	PhD applicants must attach a research proposal (minimum 2,000 words) and two academic referee letters
6	Submit the completed form to the Secretary, School of Postgraduate Studies before the stated closing date
7	Attend the screening interview or entrance examination if scheduled for your chosen programme
8	Check the UNIMAID portal or SPGS notice board for admission list release and proceed to pay session fees upon acceptance

Documents Required for UNIMAID Postgraduate Application

Every candidate applying for any of the programmes within the University of Maiduguri postgraduate courses and fees framework must present the following:

Completed and signed postgraduate application form
Certified true copies of all degree certificates and academic transcripts (First Degree and above)
O’Level result(s) — WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB — showing at least five credits including English Language
NYSC Discharge Certificate, Exemption Certificate, or Exclusion Letter
Birth certificate or statutory declaration of age
Two recent passport photographs
Two confidential academic referee letters (addressed directly to the Secretary, SPGS)
Research proposal — mandatory for all PhD applicants
Payment receipt of the ₦15,000 non-refundable application fee

Why Choose UNIMAID for Your Postgraduate Studies?

Several compelling factors make the University of Maiduguri postgraduate courses and fees a strong value proposition for advanced degree seekers in Nigeria:

Affordability: UNIMAID’s postgraduate fees are significantly lower than comparable federal and private university programmes elsewhere in Nigeria. The application form alone costs only ₦15,000, versus ₦30,000 to ₦50,000 at many other institutions
NUC Accreditation: All postgraduate programmes are fully accredited by the National Universities Commission, ensuring your degree is nationally and internationally recognised
Research Infrastructure: UNIMAID hosts research centres in areas including environmental science, Islamic studies, Kanuri and Sahel studies, and agricultural science, giving postgraduate students access to robust research ecosystems
Regional Relevance: Proximity to Lake Chad, the Sahel, and three international borders creates unique research opportunities in ecology, conflict resolution, cross-border trade, and regional development — fields where UNIMAID researchers are globally cited
Experienced Faculty: The university’s academic staff include professors and senior lecturers with PhDs from top universities in Nigeria, the UK, USA, Germany, and the Arab world
Teaching Hospital: The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), one of the largest in northern Nigeria, supports health sciences postgraduate research and clinical training

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does the UNIMAID postgraduate application form cost?

The application form for all UNIMAID postgraduate programmes costs ₦15,000. Payment is made at UNIMAID Microfinance Bank, and the fee is non-refundable regardless of whether admission is offered.

What are the general entry requirements for UNIMAID Masters programmes?

A minimum of Second Class Lower (2:2) degree from a recognised university in a relevant discipline is required for most Masters programmes. Candidates with Third Class degrees may apply if they hold a relevant Postgraduate Diploma with Merit. The MBA and related professional Masters additionally require a Second Class degree in a relevant social science or business field.

Can I apply for a UNIMAID PhD without a Masters degree?

No. All PhD programmes at UNIMAID require a Masters degree — MA, MSc, MEd, MEng, LLM, or equivalent — with a minimum CGPA of 4.00 on a 5.00 scale or at least 60% average from a recognised university. Direct PhD entry from a first degree is not permitted.

How long do UNIMAID Masters and PhD programmes take?

Full-time Masters programmes run for a minimum of two academic sessions (approximately 18 to 24 months). Part-time Masters programmes take three sessions. PhD programmes require a minimum of three sessions (approximately 36 months) for full-time candidates, and up to five sessions for part-timers. Programme duration may extend depending on research progress and departmental approval.

Does UNIMAID offer postgraduate programmes online or part-time?

UNIMAID offers selected postgraduate programmes on a part-time basis for working professionals, particularly in education, management, and social sciences. Full online delivery is not currently the primary mode; most programmes are campus-based with part-time scheduling to accommodate professionals. Confirm the mode of study for your chosen programme directly with SPGS.

When does the UNIMAID postgraduate application window open each year?

The School of Postgraduate Studies typically announces the opening of postgraduate applications between January and April each year, with a closing date usually six to eight weeks later. Admission lists are released after screening interviews and form review. Candidates are advised to monitor the official UNIMAID website at unimaid.edu.ng for session-specific dates.

Are UNIMAID postgraduate certificates recognised for employment and further study abroad?

Yes. UNIMAID is a fully accredited federal university under the National Universities Commission (NUC). Its postgraduate degrees are recognised by Nigerian employers, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and international institutions. Many UNIMAID PhD graduates hold academic positions at universities globally, and Masters graduates successfully gain admission to doctoral programmes abroad.

Conclusion

The University of Maiduguri postgraduate courses and fees package offers one of the most affordable and academically rich postgraduate environments in northern Nigeria. With programmes spanning medical sciences, engineering, arts, law, agriculture, education, and social sciences, UNIMAID’s School of Postgraduate Studies caters to a wide range of career and research interests.

From the ₦15,000 non-refundable application form to session tuition fees that remain competitive compared to most federal and private universities, UNIMAID makes advanced education genuinely accessible. If you plan to apply, gather your documents early, confirm programme availability on the official portal, and submit your application before the closing date. Your postgraduate journey at UNIMAID starts with the right information — and this guide gives you exactly that.

University of Maiduguri Postgraduate Courses and Fees 2026/2027