If you are searching for UNICAL school fees for the 2026/2027 academic session, you are probably trying to answer one simple question: How much does it cost to study at the University of Calabar (UNICAL)?
The amount you may need to pay depends on your student category, programme and the type of charge involved. Fresh students, returning students and final-year students may not pay the same amount. Some programmes, particularly medical and health-related courses, can also have different charges.
This guide explains the UNICAL school fees, acceptance fee, other possible charges and payment process in simple terms. It is also important to understand that a fee mentioned on an education website should not automatically be treated as your personal payment bill. Students should confirm the amount generated on the official UNICAL payment portal before making payment.
What Is the UNICAL School Fees for 2026/2027?
Several education websites currently report the following figures for the University of Calabar school fees for the 2026/2027 academic session:
| Student Category | Programme Category | Reported Fee Per Session |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh students | Science | ₦35,750 |
| Fresh students | Non-Science | ₦34,750 |
| Fresh students | MBBS | ₦43,250 |
| Fresh students | Nursing | ₦43,250 |
| Returning students | Science | ₦32,000 |
| Returning students | Non-Science | ₦31,000 |
| Returning students | MBBS | ₦39,500 |
| Returning students | Nursing | ₦39,500 |
| Final-year students | Science | ₦35,250 |
| Final-year students | Non-Science | ₦34,250 |
| Final-year students | MBBS | ₦42,750 |
| Final-year students | Nursing | ₦42,750 |
These figures are reported by multiple education-focused sources for the 2026/2027 session. However, students should verify the exact amount displayed on their individual UNICAL portal before payment because university charges can be reviewed or presented differently according to a student’s programme and registration status.
In other words, UNICAL school fees are not necessarily one fixed amount for every student.
UNICAL School Fees for Fresh Students
A fresh student is someone who has newly gained admission into the University of Calabar and is registering for the first time.
Based on the currently reported 2026/2027 fee schedule, fresh students are grouped into different categories.
Fresh Science Students
The reported school fee for fresh science students is ₦35,750 per session.
This category may cover students studying programmes classified under the science-related faculties and departments. However, the exact classification should be confirmed from the student’s payment bill.
Fresh Non-Science Students
Fresh students in non-science programmes are currently reported to pay ₦34,750 per session.
The difference between science and non-science fees means prospective students should not assume that a friend or classmate’s payment amount will be the same as theirs.
Fresh MBBS Students
Students admitted to Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) are reported to have a school fee of ₦43,250 per session.
Medical programmes can have different charges from many other programmes, so students should carefully check the fee information attached to their own account.
Fresh Nursing Students
Fresh Nursing students are also reported to pay ₦43,250 per session under the current published figures.
Again, the safest approach is to check the official payment bill before making a transaction.
UNICAL School Fees for Returning Students
Returning students are students who are already enrolled at UNICAL and are progressing to another academic level.
For the 2026/2027 academic session, the reported figures are:
- Science students: ₦32,000
- Non-science students: ₦31,000
- MBBS students: ₦39,500
- Nursing students: ₦39,500
Returning students should not use an old payment receipt as evidence of the amount required for a new session. University charges can change from one academic year to another.
Before paying, log into the appropriate student portal and check the current bill attached to your account.
UNICAL School Fees for Final-Year Students
Final-year students may have a different fee structure because they are completing their programmes and may have additional academic or graduation-related obligations.
The currently reported figures for 2026/2027 are:
- Final-year science students: ₦35,250
- Final-year non-science students: ₦34,250
- Final-year MBBS students: ₦42,750
- Final-year Nursing students: ₦42,750
The school-fee amount should not be confused with every expense a final-year student may incur. Depending on the programme and stage of study, students may also have project, clearance, graduation or other approved charges.
UNICAL Acceptance Fee
One of the most common questions from newly admitted students is: How much is the UNICAL acceptance fee?
The acceptance fee is different from school fees.
An acceptance fee is generally paid by a newly admitted student as part of accepting an admission offer. School fees, on the other hand, relate to the student’s academic registration and other approved charges for the session.
Some online sources report an acceptance fee of ₦25,000 for the 2026/2027 session. However, the current official UNICAL 2026/2027 Post-UTME announcement confirms the admission process but does not state that undergraduate acceptance amount in the notice. Therefore, newly admitted students should rely on the amount displayed on their official payment portal rather than paying based solely on an online article.
This distinction is important because admission-related fees can change.
Other UNICAL Charges Students Should Know
School fees are not always the only money a student will spend during registration.
Depending on the student’s level and programme, other approved charges may apply. A commonly reported 2026/2027 schedule lists charges such as:
- Acceptance fee — ₦25,000
- Project supervision — ₦3,000
- Portal charges — ₦2,500
- Late registration — ₦3,000
- Academic gown — ₦2,000
Not every student will pay every item on this list. For example, project supervision is more relevant when a student reaches the appropriate stage of the programme, while an academic gown charge may apply in connection with graduation activities.
The best way to know your actual financial obligation is to check the complete bill generated for your student account.
Is UNICAL School Fees the Same for All Courses?
No. UNICAL school fees can differ according to the student’s category and programme.
For example, the reported 2026/2027 figures show a difference between science and non-science students. Medical and Nursing students are also listed separately.
This is why searching for a single figure for “UNICAL school fees for all courses” can sometimes be misleading.
A student studying Accounting should not automatically assume that the amount paid by a Medicine student will apply to them. Likewise, a fresh student’s bill may differ from that of a returning student.
The most accurate figure is the amount assigned to your particular student account.
How Much Should a New UNICAL Student Budget?
If you have just received admission, it is better to budget for more than the basic school-fee figure.
For example, if your reported school fee is ₦34,750 or ₦35,750, you may still need money for other admission and registration expenses. Depending on your circumstances, you may have expenses related to acceptance, portal services, accommodation, transportation, textbooks, feeding, medical needs and other academic requirements.
Students should therefore avoid planning their entire university budget around tuition alone.
A simple budget can include:
- School fees
- Acceptance fee, where applicable
- Registration and portal charges
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Books and study materials
- Feeding
- Departmental or programme-related expenses
- Personal expenses
- Emergency savings
This approach makes it easier to manage your money throughout the academic session.
How to Pay UNICAL School Fees
Students should use the payment instructions provided through the official University of Calabar portal.
A typical process involves the following steps:
Step 1: Access the Official Student Portal
Go to the official UNICAL website or the payment portal provided by the university.
Avoid clicking on payment links sent to you through unofficial social media accounts or unknown websites.
Step 2: Log Into Your Student Account
Use your correct login details to access your student account.
If you are a newly admitted student, follow the instructions given by the university for activating your account.
Step 3: Check Your Payment Bill
Before making payment, carefully review the bill.
Check your:
- Name
- Matriculation or registration details
- Programme
- Level
- Academic session
- Fee description
- Amount payable
If anything appears incorrect, contact the appropriate university office before paying.
Step 4: Make Payment Through the Approved Channel
Follow the payment options provided on the official portal.
Do not transfer money to an individual’s personal bank account because someone claims to be helping you complete your registration.
Step 5: Save Your Receipt
After successful payment, download or print your receipt.
Keep both a digital copy and, where necessary, a printed copy. Your receipt may be required during registration or when resolving a payment issue.
What Happens If You Pay the Wrong Amount?
Students should be careful when using figures found on blogs, social media posts or discussion forums.
If a website says that UNICAL school fees are a particular amount, that figure may be outdated, incomplete or applicable to a different student category.
Before payment, compare the information with the amount displayed on your official student portal.
If you believe the amount on your portal is incorrect, contact UNICAL through an official channel before completing the transaction.
This is particularly important for newly admitted students because several payments may be required during the admission and registration process.
Can UNICAL School Fees Change?
Yes. University fees and other charges can change when management approves a new fee structure or when a new academic session begins.
For this reason, students should be cautious about articles carrying old academic-session information.
For example, figures reported for the 2025/2026 session should not automatically be used to make payments for 2026/2027.
The University of Calabar’s official admission information shows that the university is already processing admission activities for the 2026/2027 academic session, including Post-UTME and Direct Entry screening.
The safest practice is to confirm the current fee directly from your student account.
UNICAL School Fees: Frequently Asked Questions
How much is UNICAL school fees for 2026/2027?
Currently reported figures range from ₦31,000 to ₦43,250 per session, depending on student category and programme. Fresh non-science students are reported at ₦34,750, fresh science students at ₦35,750, while fresh MBBS and Nursing students are reported at ₦43,250.
How much is UNICAL school fees for freshers?
Reported 2026/2027 figures place fresh non-science students at ₦34,750, fresh science students at ₦35,750, and fresh MBBS and Nursing students at ₦43,250 per session.
How much is UNICAL school fees for returning students?
The currently reported figures are ₦31,000 for non-science students, ₦32,000 for science students, and ₦39,500 for MBBS and Nursing students.
Is acceptance fee included in UNICAL school fees?
Generally, an acceptance fee is a separate admission-related payment. Students should check their official bill to see exactly which charges are included in their payment request.
Does every UNICAL student pay the same school fees?
No. The amount can depend on whether the student is a fresher, returning student or final-year student and on the programme being studied.
Where can I confirm the current UNICAL school fees?
The safest place to confirm your actual amount is the official University of Calabar portal and your student payment bill. Do not rely solely on figures published by third-party websites.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the UNICAL school fees for the 2026/2027 academic session can help prospective and returning students prepare financially for the academic year.
Current published figures indicate different amounts for fresh students, returning students and final-year students, with separate figures reported for science, non-science, MBBS and Nursing students. However, these figures should be treated as a guide until you confirm the amount generated for your particular account.
Most importantly, remember that school fees are not necessarily the same as your total cost of studying at UNICAL. Accommodation, feeding, transportation, books, acceptance and other approved charges may increase the amount you need to budget.
If you have received admission, check your official UNICAL portal, review your payment bill carefully and use only approved payment channels. Keeping your receipts and confirming payment before proceeding with registration can also help prevent avoidable problems.
For the most reliable information, always give priority to official University of Calabar announcements and your student portal whenever there is a difference between an online article and the amount shown on your official bill.
