How to Apply for Postgraduate Studies in Nigeria

In Nigeria, postgraduate education has gained more significance to those who are in need of career development, academic performance, professionalism, and increased earning capacity. As competition in the employment sector becomes more competitive year in year out, a postgraduate degree like a PGD, Masters degree, MPhil, or PhD can make you stand out and predisposes you to greater opportunities either locally or abroad.

Nevertheless, most of the potential students find it hard trying to know how to apply to postgraduate studies in Nigeria, what is required, when, and how much it costs, and what mistakes to avoid. This guide is a detailed manual on how to go about the application of postgraduate programs in Nigerian universities stepwise.

Table of Contents

Understanding Postgraduate Studies in Nigeria

Post graduate studies are academic programs, which are pursued after a bachelors degree or other relevant qualification. In Nigeria, such programs are governed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and are accepted in the federal, state, and privately owned universities, and selected accredited research institutions.

Postgraduate education in Nigeria is designed to:

Deepen subject knowledge
Develop research and analytical skills
Prepare candidates for academic, professional, or leadership roles
Promote innovation and problem-solving

Types of Postgraduate Programs in Nigeria

Before applying, it is important to understand the different postgraduate programs available and their purposes.

1. Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)

The PGD is designed for:

Candidates with Third Class degrees
HND holders
Graduates changing academic disciplines

Duration: 1–2 years

2. Master’s Degree

Master’s programs are the most popular postgraduate option in Nigeria.

Common degrees include:

Master of Science (MSc)
Master of Arts (MA)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Education (MEd)
Master of Engineering (MEng)

Duration: 1.5–2 years

3. Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

The MPhil is a research-focused program, often a transition between a Master’s degree and a PhD.

Duration: 2–3 years

4. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD is the highest academic qualification and focuses heavily on original research.

Duration: 3–5 years

Why Choose Nigeria for Postgraduate Studies?

Nigeria remains a top destination for postgraduate education in Africa due to several advantages:

Wide range of accredited universities
Affordable tuition compared to foreign institutions
Courses tailored to local and global challenges
Flexible study modes (full-time, part-time, sandwich)
Strong academic reputation of top federal universities

General Requirements for Postgraduate Admission in Nigeria

Although requirements vary by institution and program, the following are commonly required by most Nigerian universities.

Academic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
Minimum of Second Class Lower (2:2) for Master’s programs
PGD for candidates with Third Class degrees or HND
Master’s degree for PhD applicants

Supporting Documents

Applicants are typically required to provide:

Degree certificate or statement of result
Academic transcripts
NYSC discharge, exemption, or exclusion certificate
O’Level results (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or equivalent)
Birth certificate or declaration of age
Passport photographs
Letters of recommendation

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Postgraduate Studies in Nigeria

Step 1: Research and Choose the Right University

The first and most important step is choosing the right university and program. Not all universities offer the same postgraduate courses, and admission requirements may differ.

Factors to consider include:

NUC accreditation status
Course availability
Tuition and additional fees
Program duration
Location and learning environment
Academic reputation

Popular Nigerian universities for postgraduate studies include:

University of Ibadan (UI)
University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)

Step 2: Review Postgraduate Admission Guidelines

Once you select a university, visit the official website and carefully read the Postgraduate School admission brochure. This document contains essential information such as:

Course-specific entry requirements
Minimum CGPA
Application deadlines
Mode of study available

Skipping this step is a common mistake that leads to disqualification.

Step 3: Confirm Application Timeline

Postgraduate admission in Nigeria usually opens:

Between March and August for most universities

Deadlines vary, but applications typically remain open for 6–12 weeks. Early application is strongly advised.

Step 4: Purchase the Postgraduate Application Form

Most Nigerian universities sell postgraduate forms online through their portals.

The process usually involves:

Creating an applicant account
Generating a payment invoice
Paying the application fee via bank or online payment

Application fees range from ₦10,000 to ₦30,000, depending on the institution.

Step 5: Complete the Online Application Form

Carefully fill in all required details, including:

Personal information
Academic background
Choice of program
Referee details

Ensure all information matches your documents exactly.

Step 6: Upload Required Documents

You will be required to upload scanned copies of documents such as:

Degree certificate or statement of result
NYSC certificate
O’Level results
Passport photograph
Research proposal (for MPhil and PhD)

All documents should be clear, legible, and properly labeled.

Step 7: Prepare and Submit a Research Proposal (If Required)

For research-based programs, applicants must submit a research proposal outlining:

Research topic
Background and problem statement
Objectives of the study
Methodology
Expected contribution to knowledge

A strong proposal significantly increases your chances of admission.

Step 8: Request Academic Transcripts Early

Academic transcripts must be sent directly from your previous institution to the postgraduate school.

Important tips:

Apply for transcripts immediately after submitting your form
Follow up regularly with your former school
Keep proof of transcript request

Transcript delays are one of the most common causes of postgraduate admission issues in Nigeria.

Step 9: Attend Entrance Examination or Interview

Some universities conduct:

Written entrance exams
Oral interviews
Departmental screening

Exams may cover:

Undergraduate course content
Research methods
General aptitude

Preparation is essential.

Step 10: Check Admission Status

Admission lists are released:

On the university website
On the postgraduate portal
Via email or SMS

Successful candidates must:

Accept the admission
Pay acceptance fees
Begin registration

Cost of Postgraduate Studies in Nigeria

The cost of postgraduate education varies widely depending on the institution and program.

Estimated Tuition Fees

Federal universities: ₦100,000 – ₦500,000 per session
State universities: ₦200,000 – ₦800,000 per session
Private universities: ₦500,000 – ₦3,000,000 per session

Additional costs may include:

Registration fees
Departmental dues
Research and project costs

Duration of Postgraduate Programs in Nigeria

Program	Duration
PGD	1–2 years
Master’s	1.5–2 years
MPhil	2–3 years
PhD	3–5 years

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

Applying without reading admission guidelines
Submitting incorrect or incomplete documents
Delaying transcript requests
Missing application deadlines
Writing weak research proposals

Conclusion

The process of applying to postgraduate in Nigeria is a guided procedure which needs planning, corresponding attention and prior arrangement. With the right knowledge, taking the right procedures and shunning typical pitfalls, you will gain a lot of success in getting an admission to your dream college.

Postgraduate school is an effective investment into your future. Using the appropriate information and preparation, you will be able to go through the postgraduate admission system in Nigeria successfully and attain your academic and career objectives.

How to Apply for Postgraduate Studies in Nigeria

Understanding Postgraduate Studies in Nigeria