Last Updated on 1 month ago by Haruna Ayuba
How much are Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) school fees for 2026/2027? The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) does not charge tuition fees for Regular Course cadets, as education, accommodation, feeding, and medical care are fully funded by the Federal Government. However, new cadets pay an acceptance fee and minor administrative charges. This guide details costs, payment procedures, and budgeting tips for NDA’s 77th Regular Course.
NDA School Fees Breakdown for 2026/2027
NDA, a military university in Kaduna, provides free education for Regular Course cadets (undergraduate programs). Based on recent sources, including Legit.ng and myschoolgist.com, the cost structure for 2026/2027 is:
| Category | New Cadets (₦) | Returning Cadets (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, Accommodation, Feeding | 0 (Free) | 0 (Free) |
| Acceptance Fee (New Cadets Only) | 20,000–35,000 | N/A |
| Administrative Levies (e.g., medical, library, sports, ID card) | 5,000–15,000 | 5,000–15,000 |
Notes:
- Acceptance Fee: A non-refundable payment of ₦20,000–₦35,000 (varies by source) is required for new cadets to confirm admission. Sources like backtoschool.com.ng report ₦20,000, while nigerianprice.com cites ₦35,000.
- Administrative Levies: Include medical, sports, library, and ID card fees, ranging from ₦1,000–₦5,000 each, totaling ₦5,000–₦15,000, as per mytertiarynews.org.ng.
- Total Estimated Cost for New Cadets: ₦25,000–₦50,000, depending on levies and acceptance fee.
- Returning Cadets: Pay only administrative levies (₦5,000–₦15,000).
- Cadets receive a monthly stipend (approximately ₦50,000, per scholarsnaija.com.ng) to cover personal expenses.
- Verify exact figures on www.nda.edu.ng.
Additional Costs
- Personal Expenses: Cadets may need to purchase uniforms, books, and personal items, estimated at ₦20,000–₦50,000 per session, as noted in Legit.ng.
- Application Form: The NDA 77th Regular Course application form costs ₦7,000, payable via Remita during registration (November 6, 2026–April 30, 2026), per myschoolgist.com.
- Hostel Accommodation: Included in the free package; no separate hostel fee, unlike earlier reports of ₦40,000–₦45,000, which are outdated.
Postgraduate School Fees
For postgraduate programs (PGD, Masters, PhD), NDA charges tuition. The estimated fee for 2026/2027 is ₦150,000 per session, as per mytertiarynews.org.ng, though exact amounts vary by program. Contact info@nda.edu.ng for details.
How to Pay NDA Fees
Payments are made through the Remita platform via NDA’s portal:
- Visit the Portal: Go to www.nda.edu.ng and access the payment section.
- Generate RRR: Log in with your application or cadet ID to generate a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) code.
- Pay: Pay via Remita at banks (e.g., Zenith, UBA) or online with a debit card.
- Submit Proof: Upload payment receipt on the portal and download e-receipt.
- Acceptance Fee Deadline: Pay within 2–4 weeks of admission offer to secure your spot.
Notes:
- Payments must be made only through NDA’s official portal; avoid agents or third-party platforms.
- Late payment may incur penalties or risk forfeiture of admission, per teezab.com.
- Contact: Email info@nda.edu.ng or call 09058009994.
People Also Ask (PAA)
NDA Regular Course cadets pay no tuition fees; new cadets pay ₦20,000–₦35,000 acceptance fee plus ₦5,000–₦15,000 in levies.
The acceptance fee ranges from ₦20,000 to ₦35,000, depending on the academic session.
Do NDA cadets pay for accommodation?
The application form for the 77th Regular Course costs ₦7,000, payable via Remita.
Yes, cadets receive a monthly stipend of approximately ₦50,000 for personal expenses.
Why Are NDA School Fees Free?
NDA’s Regular Course is fully funded by the Federal Government to train officers for the Nigerian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force). Key reasons include:
- Military Investment: Free education ensures access to quality training for future officers, as per scholarsnaija.com.ng.
- National Service: Cadets commit to serving in the military post-graduation, justifying the subsidy.
- Competitive Selection: Rigorous admission (JAMB cut-off: 180 for most courses, 210 for Engineering) ensures only qualified candidates benefit.
This contrasts with other federal universities (e.g., UNILAG, with fees of ₦70,000–₦100,000), making NDA uniquely cost-free for undergraduates.
Budgeting Tips for NDA Cadets
- Total Cost: Budget ₦25,000–₦50,000 for new cadets (acceptance + levies) and ₦20,000–₦50,000 for personal expenses.
- Application Cost: Set aside ₦7,000 for the application form (November 2026–April 2026).
- Early Payment: Pay acceptance fees promptly to avoid penalties.
- Personal Expenses: Use the ₦50,000 monthly stipend for uniforms, books, and essentials.
- Scholarships: Explore merit-based or need-based scholarships via NDA’s finance office, as noted in mytertiarynews.org.ng.
Your Next Steps
NDA’s tuition-free education, monthly stipend, and world-class military training make it a top choice for aspiring officers. Pay the ₦20,000–₦35,000 acceptance fee, prepare for the May 24, 2026 screening test, and join Nigeria’s premier military university in Kaduna!
Planning for NDA? Share your dream course and JAMB score in the comments—let’s see how you’re preparing for Kaduna! Share this guide and drop any questions. We’ll respond within 24 hours!
