If you are planning to study Nursing Science in Nigeria, one of the most important things to consider before accepting admission is the cost of schooling. Nursing Science school fees in Nigerian universities vary widely depending on the university, whether it is federal, state or private, your level of study, and the additional charges attached to the programme.
This guide explains what prospective nursing students and parents should know about Nursing Science school fees in Nigeria, including examples of current fees, other expenses to budget for, differences between public and private universities, and how to confirm the correct amount before making payment.
Important: University fees can change from one academic session to another. The figures used in this article are examples from official university fee information and should not be treated as a universal fee for every Nigerian university.
How Much Is Nursing Science School Fees in Nigerian Universities?
There is no single amount for Nursing Science school fees across Nigerian universities.
For the 2026/2027 academic session, official university information shows significant differences between institutions. For example, the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun lists Nursing Science charges of ₦485,000 for 100 Level and ₦305,000 for 200 Level through 500 Level.
Private universities generally charge considerably more. Nile University lists Nursing Sciences at ₦1,750,000 per semester, or ₦3,500,000 per academic session for 2026/2027.
Wellspring University, another private university, lists B.NSc. Nursing tuition of ₦1,506,600 for 100 Level, ₦1,445,000 for 200 Level, ₦1,300,000 for 300 Level, and ₦1,225,000 for both 400 and 500 Level for the 2026/2027 session.
These examples show why students should check the official fee schedule of their chosen university rather than relying on a general figure found online.
Nursing Science School Fees in Federal Universities
Federal universities are usually among the more affordable options for students because many government-owned institutions do not charge the same level of tuition as private universities.
However, this does not mean that studying Nursing Science at a federal university is completely free.
Students may still pay charges for registration, examinations, medical services, identification cards, laboratory or clinical activities, development levies, technology services, accommodation and other university-approved services.
For example, the University of Lagos has previously published a schedule showing that undergraduate students in programmes involving laboratories can have additional mandatory charges. Its published schedule included registration, identity card, examinations, library services, laboratory/studio charges, medical services, sports and other items.
This is important because the amount a student pays during registration may be higher than what they consider to be “school fees.”
For Nursing Science students, practical training and clinical education can also create additional costs that students should include in their budget.
Nursing Science School Fees in State Universities
State universities also have different fee structures.
Some state-owned universities may be relatively affordable for indigenes of the state, while non-indigenes may pay different charges. Other institutions may have separate fees for professional programmes such as Nursing Science.
The exact amount can also depend on the level of the student.
A newly admitted Nursing Science student may pay more than a returning student because first-year students can have additional charges such as acceptance fees, registration, medical screening, matriculation, identity card and other one-time payments.
Before accepting an admission offer, students should therefore ask:
- How much is the tuition or approved school charge?
- Is the amount for one semester or the full academic session?
- Are new students and returning students charged differently?
- Are there separate clinical or laboratory charges?
- Is accommodation included?
- Are there compulsory departmental charges?
- Are there one-time acceptance or registration fees?
Getting answers to these questions can prevent unexpected expenses after resumption.
Nursing Science School Fees in Private Universities
Private universities are generally more expensive than federal and many state universities, but they may offer different facilities, payment structures, accommodation options and academic environments.
The cost of Nursing Science in a private university can run into several millions of naira per academic session.
For instance, Nile University currently lists Nursing Sciences at ₦3.5 million per session for 2026/2027.
Wellspring University provides another example of a private university with a level-based Nursing fee structure, with B.NSc. Nursing tuition ranging from ₦1.225 million to ₦1.5066 million, depending on the level.
These figures demonstrate that there is no standard “private university Nursing fee.”
Two universities can offer the same Nursing Science degree but have completely different fee schedules.
Students should also remember that tuition may not represent the total cost of attendance. Accommodation, feeding, textbooks, transportation, clinical materials and other personal expenses may be separate.
What Is Included in Nursing Science School Fees?
The answer depends on the university.
Some institutions publish a single figure that combines tuition and several mandatory charges. Others separate tuition from registration, accommodation and other student charges.
Common items that may appear on a university fee schedule include:
1. Tuition or Academic Charges
This is the main cost associated with the academic programme. In some universities, particularly private institutions, tuition forms the largest part of the student’s annual bill.
2. Registration Fees
Students may be required to pay a registration charge every academic session.
3. Examination Fees
Some universities include examination charges in their general fees, while others list them separately.
4. Medical Charges
Nursing students may have compulsory medical screening or health-related charges, particularly at the point of admission.
5. Laboratory and Clinical Charges
Nursing is a practical course. Students require laboratory learning and clinical experience, so some universities may have laboratory, practical or clinical-related charges.
6. Accommodation
Hostel accommodation is often separate from tuition.
If you plan to live on campus, confirm the hostel fee before preparing your total budget.
7. Acceptance Fee
Newly admitted students may be required to pay an acceptance fee to confirm their admission.
The University of Ibadan, for example, announced a ₦50,000 non-refundable acceptance fee for candidates offered admission for the 2025/2026 admission exercise.
The amount varies by institution and session.
Example of Current Nursing Science Fees
The following examples illustrate how widely Nursing Science fees can differ:
| University | Academic Session | Nursing Science Fee Example |
|---|---|---|
| Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun | 2026/2027 | ₦485,000 for 100 Level |
| Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun | 2026/2027 | ₦305,000 for 200L–500L |
| Wellspring University | 2026/2027 | ₦1,506,600 for 100 Level |
| Wellspring University | 2026/2027 | ₦1,225,000 for 400L and 500L |
| Nile University | 2026/2027 | ₦3,500,000 per session |
The figures above come from university-published fee information.
They should be used as examples rather than a nationwide fee table because universities review their charges at different times.
How Many Years Does Nursing Science Take?
A Bachelor of Nursing Science programme commonly requires several years of university education, including classroom learning, laboratory work and clinical training.
For example, Nile University lists Nursing Sciences as a 10-semester, five-year programme.
The actual duration and structure can depend on the admission route and the university’s approved programme.
Students should not assume that every Nursing Science programme has exactly the same academic structure. Always check the admission information published by your chosen institution.
Does a Higher School Fee Mean Better Nursing Education?
Not necessarily.
A higher fee does not automatically mean that a university provides a better Nursing Science programme.
When choosing a university, prospective students should consider several factors, including:
- Programme accreditation status
- Quality of teaching staff
- Clinical training opportunities
- Teaching hospitals and clinical facilities
- Laboratories and simulation facilities
- Learning resources
- Student support
- Location
- Accommodation
- Total cost of attendance
- Admission requirements
- Academic reputation
Accreditation is particularly important when choosing a professional programme.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) publishes accreditation information for academic programmes in Nigerian universities. For example, NUC accreditation reports show full accreditation for Nursing Science programmes at institutions including the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Federal University Lokoja, Obafemi Awolowo University and several others.
However, accreditation status can change, so prospective students should verify the current status before making a final decision.
Other Costs Nursing Students Should Budget For
Looking only at school fees can give students an incomplete picture of the cost of studying Nursing Science.
You may also need money for:
Accommodation:
If you do not live with your parents or guardians, hostel or off-campus accommodation can become a significant part of your annual budget.
Feeding:
Food costs vary according to location and personal lifestyle.
Transportation:
Students may need transportation between their residence, campus and clinical placement locations.
Textbooks and learning materials:
Nursing students use textbooks, lecture materials and other educational resources throughout the programme.
Clinical items:
Depending on university requirements, students may need items such as uniforms, footwear and other approved clinical materials.
Internet and technology:
Online learning resources, research and academic communication may require regular internet access.
Professional and academic activities:
Students may also encounter charges connected to practical activities, departmental programmes or other approved academic requirements.
Because these expenses differ from one student to another, it is better to create a personal yearly budget instead of relying only on the university’s tuition figure.
How to Confirm the Correct Nursing School Fees
The safest way to confirm Nursing Science school fees is to use information published by the university itself.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official University Website
Look for the admissions, bursary, students’ affairs or school fees section.
Step 2: Check the Academic Session
Make sure the fee schedule is for the correct academic year.
A fee schedule for 2024/2025 should not automatically be used for 2026/2027.
Step 3: Confirm Your Level
New students and returning students may have different charges.
Step 4: Read the Entire Fee Schedule
Do not look at tuition alone. Check whether accommodation, registration, acceptance fees and other charges are separate.
Step 5: Confirm Payment Instructions
Only use official university payment channels.
Be careful when someone sends you a personal bank account or unofficial payment link and claims that it is for university fees.
Step 6: Contact the University If Anything Is Unclear
If the information on the website is confusing, contact the university’s official admissions or bursary office.
This is especially important when a large amount of money is involved.
Are There Affordable Universities for Nursing Science in Nigeria?
Yes. There are universities where the published charges are substantially lower than the fees of some private institutions.
The Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun is one example. Its official 2026/2027 schedule lists Nursing Science at ₦485,000 for 100 Level and ₦305,000 for subsequent listed levels.
However, “affordable” should not mean looking at fees alone.
A university with lower tuition may still involve accommodation, transportation and other personal expenses. Similarly, a university with higher tuition may offer facilities or accommodation arrangements that affect the overall cost calculation.
The best approach is to compare the total estimated cost of studying Nursing Science, not just tuition.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Nursing University
Before accepting admission, prospective students should have clear answers to these questions:
- What is the current Nursing Science school fee?
- Is the amount per semester or per session?
- What is the fee for 100 Level?
- What are the fees for returning students?
- How much is the acceptance fee?
- Is accommodation compulsory?
- How much is hostel accommodation?
- Are laboratory and clinical charges included?
- Are examination and registration fees included?
- What other compulsory payments should students expect?
- Is the Nursing Science programme currently accredited?
- What hospitals or clinical facilities are available for training?
- Can the school fees be paid in instalments?
- Are scholarships or financial aid available?
- What is the total estimated cost for one academic year?
Answering these questions before paying an acceptance fee can help students and parents make better financial decisions.
Final Thoughts on Nursing Science School Fees in Nigeria
The cost of studying Nursing Science in Nigeria depends heavily on the university you choose.
Current official fee schedules demonstrate a wide range, from hundreds of thousands of naira at some public institutions to several millions of naira per session at some private universities. For example, the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun lists ₦485,000 for 100 Level Nursing Science for 2026/2027, while Nile University lists ₦3.5 million per academic session for Nursing Sciences.
This difference makes it important to research each university individually.
Do not choose a Nursing Science university based on school fees alone. Consider accreditation, clinical training, academic facilities, location, accommodation and the total cost of completing the programme.
Most importantly, confirm the latest fee schedule directly from the university before making payment. University charges can change, and information posted on unofficial websites or social media may become outdated.
For prospective Nursing Science students, careful planning can make the admission process easier and help families prepare realistically for the financial commitment involved in obtaining a nursing degree in Nigeria.
