OAU Postgraduate Courses and Fees for 2026/2027 Academic Session
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), established in 1962, is a prestigious federal university located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. Renowned for its academic excellence and research contributions, OAU has been a leader among African universities since the 1970s and 1980s. The institution offers a wide array of postgraduate programmes, attracting over 5,000 postgraduate students annually. For the 2026/2027 academic session, prospective students can explore various postgraduate courses and associated fees to advance their studies.
Key Takeaways for OAU Postgraduate Programmes
OAU provides diverse postgraduate options at diploma, master's, M.Phil., and PhD levels across multiple faculties. Estimated tuition fees range from ₦150,000 to ₦300,000 per year, depending on the programme. Applications are submitted online through the postgraduate portal and can be made year-round before semester deadlines. It is crucial for applicants to regularly check university announcements for updates on official course lists and fee schedules, as these may change.
General Requirements for OAU Postgraduate School
To qualify for postgraduate studies at OAU, applicants must meet specific academic criteria. A bachelor's degree in arts, letters, philosophy, science, or an equivalent from an approved university is required. For master's degree admission, a minimum of second-class lower division or a grade point average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) is necessary. Admission to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme requires a second-class upper division, while doctorate degrees demand an MPhil or master's degree with a research thesis and at least a 60% weighted average in coursework.
Breakdown of OAU Postgraduate Courses
OAU offers postgraduate courses across various faculties, catering to different academic and professional interests. The programmes are structured into three main categories:
- Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates: These short-duration programmes provide specialized knowledge in fields such as Financial Management, Management Studies, Public Administration, International Relations, and Local Government Studies.
- Masters Degrees: OAU offers a broad range of master's programmes, including Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of International Relations (MIR), and Master of Science (MSc) in specializations like Accounting and Ophthalmology. Other options include Master of Arts (MA), Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Education (MEd), and Master of Fine Arts (MFA). The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a research-based programme designed to prepare students for doctoral studies.
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): PhD programmes at OAU, available in disciplines such as Ophthalmology and Energy Systems Science and Engineering, equip students with skills for independent, original research.
Estimated OAU Postgraduate School Fees
Postgraduate fees at OAU vary by programme and are subject to change. Based on recent academic sessions, estimated tuition fees are as follows: Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) programmes cost approximately ₦150,000 per year, master's degrees (M.Sc., M.A., M.Tech., etc.) are around ₦200,000 per year, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes are estimated at ₦300,000 per year. These figures cover tuition only, and additional fees will increase the total cost.
Additional Fees for Postgraduate Students
Beyond tuition, postgraduate students at OAU incur several additional charges. Fresh students must pay an acceptance fee of about ₦40,000 and a caution fee of approximately ₦10,000. Optional university accommodation ranges from ₦40,000, depending on room type. Application processing fees are ₦15,000 for regular postgraduate programmes and ₦20,000 for professional programmes, with some specialized courses having higher fees. Payments are made online through the university's official portal using a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR), and proof of payment is required for course registration.
Admission and Application Details
OAU has not officially announced departmental cut-off marks for the 2026/2027 admission period, but in the previous session, the cut-off was set at 200 for UTME and Direct Entry applicants. The application fee is ₦15,000 for regular programmes and ₦20,000 for professional programmes. Applications are submitted year-round via the OAU postgraduate portal, where candidates create an account, fill out forms, and pay fees online. OAU also offers part-time courses, particularly through the Faculty of Education, to support professional development for practising teachers.
Financial Support and University Ranking
Financial assistance is available for exceptional postgraduate students at OAU, including fellowships, doctoral research grants, and allowances for academic staff pursuing further education. According to EduRank, OAU ranks 4th in Nigeria and 1608th globally, with strong programmes in agricultural and mining engineering. This recognition underscores the university's commitment to high educational standards and research excellence.
Prospective students are encouraged to visit the OAU website for the most current information on courses, fees, and admission requirements to ensure a smooth application process for the 2026/2027 academic session.
