The acceptance fee is a one-time payment that confirms you are taking up your admission. Until you pay it, your place is not secure. Many universities give newly admitted students just a few weeks to pay, and candidates who miss the deadline can lose their admission to others on the waiting list.
Acceptance fee vs school fees
| Acceptance fee | School fees | |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays | Fresh students only | All students, every session |
| When | Immediately after admission | Before course registration |
| Purpose | Secures your place | Covers tuition and charges for the session |
| Refundable? | Usually no | Usually no |
How much is the acceptance fee?
Amounts vary widely and change from session to session. In federal universities, acceptance fees are often in the range of tens of thousands of naira. State and private universities may charge more. The only reliable figure is the one shown on your own admission portal. Don’t rely on figures from social media.
How to pay the acceptance fee
- Accept your admission on JAMB CAPS first. See our CAPS guide.
- Log in to your university’s admission portal with your JAMB number.
- Generate the acceptance fee invoice. Most schools use Remita or a similar platform.
- Pay online with your card, by bank transfer, or at a bank using the invoice reference.
- Return to the portal to confirm the payment and print the receipt.
Common mistakes
- Paying into a personal account because someone said it is “faster”. Always pay through the invoice generated on the official portal.
- Paying before confirming the admission is on CAPS.
- Losing the receipt. You will need it during clearance.
Why universities charge an acceptance fee
The acceptance fee confirms that you are serious about taking up the place. It helps universities plan for the actual number of students resuming, and frees up places from candidates who don’t intend to come so they can be offered to others.
Acceptance fee checklist
- Confirm your admission on JAMB CAPS.
- Check the official amount on your university portal.
- Generate the invoice or Remita reference on the portal.
- Pay through the official channel shown on the invoice.
- Confirm payment on the portal and print the receipt.
- Keep both a printed and digital copy for clearance.
Who pays it?
- Fresh UTME and Direct Entry students.
- Pre-degree, JUPEB or foundation students moving into degree programmes may have their own acceptance rules.
- Returning students do not pay it again.
Can the student loan cover it?
The NELFUND loan pays institutional charges approved by your school, but timing matters: the acceptance fee is usually due before loan processing is complete. Plan to pay it yourself, then apply for the NELFUND loan for tuition and other charges.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
Acceptance fees are generally non-refundable.
What if I can’t pay before the deadline?
Write to the admissions office immediately to request an extension. Some schools grant short extensions in genuine cases.
