Are you planning to study at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife for the 2025/2026 academic session and wondering about the school fees per semester? At Thrifty Scholar, we’re dedicated to helping Nigerian students make budget-smart choices for quality education. OAU, a top federal university, offers competitive fees compared to private institutions like Godfrey Okoye University (₦300,000–₦720,000). This guide breaks down OAU’s school fees per semester for all courses, payment options, additional costs, and why it’s a thrifty choice. Let’s dive in!
Why Choose OAU?
Founded in 1961 as the University of Ife, OAU is a federal university in Ile-Ife, Osun State, renowned for academic excellence and a student population of over 30,000. With 13 faculties, including Arts, Law, Medicine, Engineering, and Sciences, OAU offers NUC-accredited programs and a vibrant campus. Its low fees and flexible payment options make it ideal for budget-conscious students compared to LASU (₦140,000–₦251,000 for non-indigenes) or NTIC (₦1.6M–₦3.8M).
OAU School Fees Per Semester for 2025/2026
OAU’s school fees are charged per academic session but can be paid in two equal installments per semester, as approved by the university. Based on the 2024/2025 fee structure from sources like oauife.edu.ng, myschoolgist.com, and mytertiarynews.org.ng, and accounting for potential increments, here’s an estimated breakdown for 2025/2026 per semester for undergraduates. Note that fees vary by faculty and student status (freshers or returning).
Undergraduate Fees Per Semester
- Faculties of Arts, Law, Humanities, Education, Social Sciences:
- Freshers: ₦75,600 – ₦80,600 (full session: ₦151,200 – ₦161,200)
- Returning: ₦44,600 – ₦49,600 (full session: ₦89,200 – ₦99,200)
- Faculties of Technology, Science, Agriculture:
- Freshers: ₦81,600 – ₦86,600 (full session: ₦163,200 – ₦173,200)
- Returning: ₦50,600 – ₦55,600 (full session: ₦101,200 – ₦111,200)
- Faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Dentistry, Pharmacy:
- Freshers: ₦95,100 – ₦100,100 (full session: ₦190,200 – ₦200,200)
- Returning: ₦64,100 – ₦69,100 (full session: ₦128,200 – ₦138,200)
Additional Fees (One-Time or Per Session)
- Acceptance Fee: ₦20,000 (freshers only, one-time, non-refundable).
- Development Levy: ₦18,000 (freshers only, one-time).
- TISHIP (Health Insurance): ₦2,000 per session (₦1,000 per semester).
- Hostel Accommodation: ₦15,000 – ₦30,000 per session (₦7,500 – ₦15,000 per semester, optional, first-come, first-served).
- Other Levies: ₦10,000 – ₦20,000 per session (₦5,000 – ₦10,000 per semester, includes library, exam, and ICT fees).
Total Estimated Cost Per Semester for Freshers
- Arts, Law, Humanities: ₦95,600 – ₦110,600 (includes acceptance, development levy).
- Science, Technology: ₦101,600 – ₦116,600
- Medicine, Pharmacy: ₦115,100 – ₦130,100
- Returning Students: ₦49,600 – ₦84,100 (depending on faculty).
Postgraduate Fees Per Semester
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGD): ₦75,000 – ₦100,000 per session (₦37,500 – ₦50,000 per semester).
- Master’s Programs: ₦100,000 – ₦150,000 per session (₦50,000 – ₦75,000 per semester).
- Ph.D. Programs: ₦150,000 – ₦200,000 per session (₦75,000 – ₦100,000 per semester).
Note: These are estimates based on 2024/2025 data from oauife.edu.ng, myschoolgist.com, and mytertiarynews.org.ng, adjusted for potential 5–10% increments. Verify exact fees on www.oauife.edu.ng or contact the bursary at 0806-063-0928. Fees are per session, but OAU allows splitting into two semesters.
How to Pay OAU School Fees
- Visit the OAU E-Portal: Go to https://eportal.oauife.edu.ng.
- Log In: Use your JAMB registration number (freshers) or matric number (returning students) and password.
- Generate Payment Slip: Navigate to “Payment Activities,” select “Pay Fees,” and download the slip for tuition, acceptance, or accommodation.
- Pay via Remita: Pay online using a debit/credit card or at any bank supporting Remita (e.g., GTBank, Zenith). Ensure ₦500 extra for bank charges.
- Submit Receipt: Input the RRR number on the portal, download the receipt, and present it during registration.
Tip: Pay early (typically within 2–3 weeks of resumption, around November 2025) to avoid penalties like exam bans. OAU allows two equal installments per semester but not partial payments within a semester. Use only official channels to avoid scams.
Why OAU is a Thrifty Choice
- Low Fees: Non-indigene fees (₦89,200–₦200,200 per session) are lower than LASU (₦140,000–₦251,000) or GOUNI (₦300,000–₦720,000).
- Flexible Payments: Two-installment option eases financial strain.
- Quality Education: Ranked among Nigeria’s top universities, OAU offers NUC-accredited programs.
- Scholarships: Federal and external scholarships (e.g., MTN, Agbami) available for eligible students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much are OAU school fees per semester for freshers?
Arts/Law: ₦95,600–₦110,600; Science/Technology: ₦101,600–₦116,600; Medicine/Pharmacy: ₦115,100–₦130,100.
Can I pay OAU fees in installments?
Yes, fees can be split into two equal installments per semester (e.g., ₦75,600 per semester for Arts freshers).
What is OAU’s acceptance fee?
₦20,000, paid once by freshers.
How much is OAU hostel accommodation per semester?
₦7,500–₦15,000, depending on the hostel, paid per session.
Where can I verify OAU fees?
Check www.oauife.edu.ng or call 0806-063-0928 for the latest schedule.
Conclusion
OAU school fees per semester for 2025/2026 range from ₦44,600–₦130,100, depending on faculty and status, making it one of Nigeria’s most affordable federal universities. Compared to KWASU (₦100,000–₦230,000) or UMYU (₦60,000–₦100,000), OAU offers exceptional value. Apply now at www.oauife.edu.ng, pay through official channels, and start your academic journey scam-free!
Got questions about OAU fees or admissions? Drop them in the comments, and the Thrifty Scholar team will respond fast!