Studying Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria is a dream for many students who want to become doctors and build a career in healthcare. However, one of the biggest questions students and parents ask before accepting admission is: how much are the school fees for Medicine and Surgery in Nigerian universities?
The answer is not the same for every university. Medicine and Surgery school fees can vary significantly depending on whether the university is federal, state-owned, or private. Other charges such as registration, laboratory fees, medical examinations, accommodation, acceptance fees, and other compulsory payments can also increase the total amount a student needs to budget.
For the 2026/2027 academic session, official university fee schedules show considerable differences. For example, Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun lists Medicine and Surgery at ₦500,000 for 100-level students and ₦320,000 for subsequent listed levels, while some private universities charge several million naira annually.
This guide explains Medicine and Surgery school fees in Nigerian universities, what students should budget for, the difference between public and private universities, and important things to check before paying any school fees.
How Much Is Medicine and Surgery School Fees in Nigerian Universities?
There is no single fixed fee for Medicine and Surgery across Nigerian universities.
Generally, students attending federal and some state universities may pay considerably less in direct university charges than students attending private universities. However, the actual amount depends on the institution, academic session, student level, and the charges included in the school’s official fee schedule.
For example, the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun’s approved 2026/2027 charges list Medicine and Surgery at ₦500,000 for 100 level and ₦320,000 for 200 level through 500 level.
At the private end of the market, Mercy Medical University’s published 2026/2027 fee schedule lists ₦6,500,000 tuition for 100-level Medicine and Surgery, with additional college, practical, registration, and medical-test charges bringing the stated total to ₦6,670,000.
Mudiame University, another private institution, lists Medicine and Surgery at ₦3,150,000 per year for new students for the 2025/2026 session, consisting of tuition and other charges.
These examples demonstrate why students should always check the latest official fee schedule of the university they intend to attend rather than relying on a general figure found online.
Medicine and Surgery School Fees in Federal Universities
Federal universities are often among the more affordable options for Nigerian students, although fees and other charges vary from one institution to another.
Some federal universities may have low or no tuition charges but still require students to pay registration, examination, laboratory, medical, ICT, library, accommodation, and other approved charges.
For example, the Federal University of Technology, Minna’s undergraduate fee schedule shows tuition as free for fresh Medicine and Surgery students while listing separate charges such as registration, teaching support, library services, laboratory services, examination fees and other university charges.
Similarly, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike lists tuition as free for Medicine and Surgery freshmen but has other compulsory charges. Its published 2025/2026 schedule puts the total listed charges for Medicine and Surgery freshmen at ₦155,500, excluding items that may not apply or are separately handled.
This means that the phrase “tuition free” does not necessarily mean that studying Medicine is completely free. Students should look at the full schedule of charges before preparing their budget.
Medicine and Surgery School Fees in State Universities
State-owned universities can also offer Medicine and Surgery, but their fees differ widely.
The cost may depend on whether the student is an indigene of the state, a non-indigene, or an international student. Some institutions may also have different charges for newly admitted students and returning students.
Because university charges can change from one academic session to another, prospective students should visit the official university website and look for the current school fees schedule, students’ charges, bursary notice, or admission information.
It is also important to confirm whether the amount advertised is the actual school fee or only the tuition component.
Medicine and Surgery School Fees in Private Universities
Private universities generally charge substantially higher fees for Medicine and Surgery than many public universities.
This is largely because private institutions operate under a different funding model and may include more institutional charges within their fee structure.
For instance, Wellspring University’s published 2026/2027 schedule lists ₦4,650,000 tuition for 100-level MBBS students. When accommodation and listed sundry charges are included, the stated total is ₦5,273,500.
Mercy Medical University’s 2026/2027 schedule lists a total of ₦6,670,000 for 100-level Medicine and Surgery after adding college, practical, registration and medical-test charges to tuition.
At Mudiame University, the published 2025/2026 fee for new Medicine and Surgery students is ₦3,150,000 per year, including tuition and other listed charges.
These figures should not be interpreted as a universal private university fee. They are examples from individual institutions, and fees can change.
Example of Medicine and Surgery Fees in Nigerian Universities
The following examples illustrate the differences between institutions and academic sessions:
| University | Academic Session | Medicine and Surgery Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun | 2026/2027 | ₦500,000 for 100 Level |
| Federal University of Technology, Minna | Published schedule | Tuition listed as free, with other charges |
| Alex Ekwueme Federal University | 2025/2026 | ₦155,500 listed total for Medicine freshmen |
| Mudiame University | 2025/2026 | ₦3,150,000 for new students |
| Wellspring University | 2026/2027 | ₦5,273,500 stated 100-level total |
| Mercy Medical University | 2026/2027 | ₦6,670,000 stated 100-level total |
The figures above are not a ranking of the universities. They simply show how much Medicine and Surgery fees can differ across Nigerian institutions. Students should confirm the current official fee before making payment.
What Is Included in Medicine and Surgery School Fees?
When searching for Medicine and Surgery school fees in Nigeria, do not look only at the tuition figure.
A university may have several compulsory charges, including:
- Tuition
- Registration fee
- Acceptance fee
- Examination fee
- Laboratory or practical fee
- Medical examination fee
- Library fee
- ICT fee
- Development levy
- Student handbook
- Matriculation fee
- Sports fee
- Insurance
- Accommodation
- College or faculty charges
- Departmental charges
Not every university charges all these fees, and some institutions combine several charges into one payment.
For example, Wellspring University’s published fee breakdown includes tuition, accommodation and sundry charges for MBBS students.
Students should therefore ask for the complete fee breakdown instead of assuming that the advertised tuition is the final amount they will pay.
Other Costs of Studying Medicine in Nigeria
School fees are only one part of the financial commitment involved in studying Medicine and Surgery.
Students should also budget for accommodation, feeding, transportation, textbooks, medical equipment, practical materials, clothing and other personal expenses.
Depending on the university, students may need items such as laboratory coats, scrubs, appropriate footwear, medical instruments, textbooks and stationery.
Accommodation can be particularly important for students attending universities outside their home state.
For example, Wellspring University’s 2026/2027 published schedule separately lists hostel accommodation at ₦250,000.
The total cost of becoming a medical student can therefore be significantly higher than the advertised tuition fee.
Is Medicine and Surgery Expensive to Study in Nigeria?
Medicine and Surgery can be expensive, particularly in private universities.
However, describing the course as simply “expensive” does not tell the whole story. The actual financial burden depends on the university and the student’s circumstances.
A student admitted into a federal university with relatively low compulsory charges may spend far less on university fees than a student attending a private medical university where annual tuition runs into several million naira.
Parents and students should therefore compare the complete cost of attendance, not just tuition.
A cheaper university may also have additional accommodation or living costs, while a more expensive university may include certain services within its overall charges.
How Many Years Does Medicine and Surgery Take in Nigeria?
Medicine and Surgery is a professional programme and generally requires a long period of university study and clinical training.
The exact structure and duration can depend on the university’s curriculum and applicable professional requirements.
Students should understand that paying school fees for the first year is only the beginning of the financial commitment. The programme involves several years of academic and clinical education.
For this reason, families should prepare a realistic long-term financial plan rather than budgeting only for 100 level.
How to Choose an Affordable Medical School in Nigeria
If your major concern is finding an affordable university to study Medicine and Surgery, consider the following factors.
1. Compare the complete fee schedule
Do not compare tuition alone. Add registration, laboratory, accommodation, acceptance fees and other compulsory charges.
2. Check whether the university is accredited
Accreditation is extremely important when choosing a medical programme.
The National Universities Commission publishes accreditation information for programmes in Nigerian universities. Its records, for example, show full accreditation for Medicine and Surgery at institutions such as Obafemi Awolowo University, Bingham University and the University of Port Harcourt.
Students should verify the current status of the specific programme before accepting admission.
3. Consider living expenses
A university with lower school fees may not necessarily be the cheapest overall if accommodation, transportation and feeding are expensive.
4. Ask about payment arrangements
Some universities may permit students to pay approved charges in instalments or by semester, while others may require full payment at registration. Check the university’s current policy.
For example, Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun states that 100-level students pay 100% at registration, while students from 200 to 500 level pay 60% in the first semester and 40% in the second semester under its published 2026/2027 schedule.
5. Avoid unofficial payment information
School fees should be paid only through the payment channels approved by the university.
Be careful with social media posts, unofficial blogs, agents or individuals who provide bank account details that do not appear on the university’s official platforms.
Why Medicine School Fees Change
It is common for university fees to change from one academic session to another.
Changes may result from adjustments in university charges, operational costs, accommodation charges, laboratory requirements, regulatory requirements and other institutional expenses.
This is why an article published several years ago may contain figures that are no longer accurate.
If you are applying for the 2026/2027 academic session, prioritize a fee schedule published by the university for 2026/2027.
Important Things to Check Before Paying Medicine School Fees
Before making any payment, confirm these details:
- The exact name of the university.
- The academic session.
- Your programme is Medicine and Surgery or MBBS.
- Your student category, such as fresh or returning student.
- The amount for your level.
- Acceptance and registration charges.
- Accommodation charges.
- Laboratory and practical fees.
- Payment deadline.
- Official payment account or portal.
- Refund policy, where applicable.
- Current accreditation status of the programme.
This simple checklist can help prevent costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicine and Surgery School Fees
How much is Medicine and Surgery school fees in Nigeria?
There is no single amount. Current official examples range from relatively low charges in some public universities to several million naira in private universities. For instance, Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun lists ₦500,000 for 100-level Medicine and Surgery for 2026/2027, while Mercy Medical University lists ₦6,670,000 as its stated 100-level total for the same session.
Which university has the cheapest Medicine and Surgery school fees in Nigeria?
It is difficult to name one university permanently because fees change and universities have different fee structures. Some federal universities have very low tuition or list tuition as free, but students still pay other approved charges. The best approach is to compare current official schedules.
How much is Medicine and Surgery in private universities?
Private university fees vary considerably. Current published examples include ₦3.15 million at Mudiame University for new students for 2025/2026, ₦5.2735 million as the stated 100-level total at Wellspring University for 2026/2027, and ₦6.67 million as the stated 100-level total at Mercy Medical University for 2026/2027.
Do federal universities charge tuition for Medicine?
Some federal universities may list tuition as free while charging other compulsory fees. For example, Federal University of Technology, Minna lists tuition as free in its published Medicine and Surgery fee schedule but includes several other charges.
Are accommodation fees included in Medicine school fees?
Not always. Some universities list accommodation separately, while others may include it in a broader fee package. Always check the institution’s official fee breakdown.
Can Medicine and Surgery students pay school fees in instalments?
Payment arrangements differ by university. Some institutions may permit payment in stages, while others may require full payment at registration. Check the official payment policy for your institution.
Final Thoughts
The cost of studying Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria depends heavily on the university you choose.
Public universities can offer comparatively affordable options, while private universities may charge several million naira annually. But school fees are only part of the total cost. Accommodation, feeding, textbooks, medical materials, transportation and other expenses should also be included in your budget.
Most importantly, do not choose a medical school based on fees alone. Check the university’s admission requirements, academic reputation, facilities, clinical training opportunities, current accreditation status and complete fee schedule.
For students planning to study Medicine and Surgery in the 2026/2027 academic session, the safest approach is to confirm the latest information directly from the university before making any payment. University fees can change, and the amount shown on an unofficial website may not represent the current approved charge.
Whether you are searching for Medicine and Surgery school fees in Nigeria, MBBS school fees in Nigerian universities, cheapest universities to study Medicine and Surgery, or private university Medicine and Surgery fees, always compare official figures carefully and plan for the full cost of your medical education.
