Do you have a desire to join the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) or are you interested in its school fees for the 2025/2026 academic session? The NDA is Nigeria’s most prestigious military institution and is a training ground for officials for those in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This article covers everything you need to know about NDA school fees along with payment methods and tips for future cadets. This article offers clear and accurate details to assist you in planning your way towards becoming an officer in the military.
What is the Nigerian Defence Academy?
The Nigerian Defence Academy, located in Kaduna, Nigeria, was established on the 5th of February 1964 to provide personnel for the Nigerian Armed Forces. It’s a highly regarded military institution that offers both academic and military training. The NDA offers a 5-year program (four years of academics and one year of military for Army Cadets and four years for the Navy/Air Force) that leads to a bachelor’s degree in areas such as engineering sciences, arts, social sciences, and management.
With more than 2,000 cadets at a time , the NDA is extremely competitive and requires physical and academic performance and a strong character. Unlike regular universities, the NDA is fully funded by the Federal Government, which affects its fee structure significantly.
Understanding NDA School Fees
It is unique because the NDA is unique in that it doesn’t charge tuition fees as traditional for its regular course cadets. In fact, the Federal Government of Nigeria covers the majority of expenses, such as education, accommodation, food, and medical expenses, since cadets are taught to serve their country. There are, however, some required costs for administrative and personal expenses. The fees are according to:
- Programming Type Regular Course (undergraduate) Cadets pay a minimal amount of charges, while postgraduate students are charged higher fees.
- Students’ Status Students who are new (freshers) pay a one-time fee similar to acceptance, while returning cadets pay less.
- Other Costs Cadets pay for individual items and uniforms, as well as additional services.
For 2025/2026, the fee structure is affordable compared to other universities, but exact amounts must be verified on the official NDA website (nda.edu.ng) or application portal (ndaapplications.net). Below, we break down the costs in light of recent information.
Breakdown of Fees for Regular Course (Undergraduate) Cadets
The NDA’s Regular Course is for undergraduates training to become military officers. Here’s the fee structure for the 2025/2026 session in Nigerian Naira (₦). Note that these are estimates, as the NDA emphasizes free education for cadets.
Fees for New Cadets (100 Level)
New cadets pay minimal fees, mostly for administrative purposes.
Item | Amount (₦) |
|---|---|
Acceptance Fee | 20,000–35,000 |
Application Fee | 7,000 |
Medical Fee | 1,000–5,000 |
Sports Fee | 1,000–5,000 |
Library Fee | 1,000–5,000 |
Identity Card Fee | 1,000–5,000 |
Development Fee | 1,000–5,000 |
Total Estimated Cost: ₦25,000–50,000 for freshers, including acceptance and minor levies.
Notes:
- The acceptance fee ranges from ₦20,000 (reported by some sources) to ₦35,000 (others), depending on the academic session.
- The application fee (₦7,000) is paid during admission via Remita on the NDA portal.
- Tuition, accommodation, feeding, and uniforms are free, funded by the government.
- Cadets receive a monthly stipend of about ₦50,000 for personal expenses like books or toiletries.
Fees for Returning Cadets (200–500 Levels)
Returning cadets pay even less, as one-time fees are not required.
Item | Amount (₦) |
|---|---|
School Fees | 0 (Free) |
Medical Fee | 1,000–5,000 |
Sports Fee | 1,000–5,000 |
Library Fee | 1,000–5,000 |
Development Fee | 1,000–5,000 |
Total Estimated Cost: ₦20,000–30,000 per session for minor levies.
Notes:
- Tuition, accommodation, and feeding remain free.
- The monthly stipend (₦50,000) continues for personal needs.
- Departmental or faculty fees (e.g., ₦10,000–20,000) may apply for courses like Engineering.
Fees for Postgraduate Students
Postgraduate programs (e.g., Master’s, PhD) are not part of the free Regular Course and have higher fees. Examples for 2025/2026:
Program | Amount (₦) |
|---|---|
Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) | 150,000 |
Master’s Programs | 150,000 |
PhD Programs | 150,000–200,000 |
Additional Postgraduate Fees:
- Application Fee: ₦10,000 (non-refundable).
- Acceptance Fee: ₦30,000 (non-refundable).
- Departmental Fee: ₦10,000–20,000 (e.g., ₦20,000 for Engineering).
- Faculty Fee: ₦10,000 (e.g., Social Sciences).
- Other Levies: Medical, sports, library, and development fees (₦1,000–5,000 each).
Total Estimated Cost: ₦180,000–250,000 per session, depending on the program.
Check the NDA Postgraduate School portal (spgs.nda.edu.ng) for specific fees.
Additional Costs to Budget For
While the NDA covers major expenses, cadets should plan for:
- Personal Expenses: ₦20,000–50,000 per session for uniforms, books, and toiletries (covered partly by the stipend).
- Hostel Maintenance: Included in free accommodation, but a caution deposit (₦5,000, refundable) may apply.
- Travel Costs: Getting to Kaduna for screening or training (budget ₦10,000–20,000).
- Screening Test: No extra cost, but printing the exam card requires internet access.
Total additional costs for freshers: ₦30,000–70,000. Always confirm details on nda.edu.ng to avoid scams.
How to Pay Fees Using the NDA Portal
NDA NDA uses its own online payment portal to ensure security and convenience. Take these measures:
- Access the Portal Go to ndaapplications.net (Regular course) and spgs.nda.edu.ng (Postgraduate).
- Sign In Log in using your number of application (new Cadets) or your matric number (returning) and password.
- Generate invoice Invoices: Click “Payments” or “Fees,” choose 2025/2026 session and then select your program. The website displays your cost.
- Select the payment method Pay online with Remita by using a debit or credit card (Visa, MasterCard) or create an Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) to pay via bank.
- Make Payment:
- Online Enter the card’s details and verify with an OTP.
- Bank Go to banks that have been approved (e.g., Zenith, First Bank) with your RRR.
- Payment Confirmation Log in to the portal, input the reference to your payment or RRR and confirm. Take a photocopy of your receipt.
- Proceed The payment unlocks additional steps, such as screening or course registration.
Tips:
- Make sure you pay only on the official NDA portals or through banks to avoid frauds.
- Make payments early, since the portal is busy at times of deadlines (e.g. the 30th of April 2025 and April 30 to submit applications).
- For issues, contact the NDA admissions office via nda.edu.ng or email registrar@nda.edu.ng.
Payment Deadlines and Penalties
Deadlines are strictly enforced to ensure discipline:
- Application Fee Pay N7,000 at the time of the application process (November 6, 2024 to April 30 2025).
- Acceptance Fee Payment is due within 3 weeks after the offer of admission.
- Additional Fees to be paid before the semester begins (August/September 2025).
- Late payment Penalties can be assessed (N5,000-10,000) In addition, unpaid fees could delay enrollment or training.
Go to the NDA site or portal for the exact dates. By paying on time, you can ensure an easy beginning.
Financial Aid and Support
Because NDA Regular Course is fully funded, NDA Regular Course is fully funded the financial aid available is limited:
- government sponsorship The grant covers lodging, tuition and meals for cadets in the Regular Course.
- Stipend Monthly: N50,000 to pay for personal expenses.
- Postgraduate Scholarships The following are limited scholarships that are based on merit, or those sponsored by military. Contact the Postgraduate School.
- External Assistance Certain states or organizations provide bursaries to natives.
Postgraduate students can explore NELFUND loans on portal.nelf.gov.ng. Start early to apply for assistance through NDA’s finance office. NDA Finance Office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does NDA charge tuition fees?
A The answer is no tuition fees are charged for Regular Course Cadets. The cost is paid by the federal government.
Q: What is the fee for acceptance?
A: N20,000-30,000 for newly commissioned Cadets; A: N30,000 to postgraduate student.
Q: Do cadets get paid?
Answer: Absolutely, you can receive a monthly stipend of N50,000 for personal expenses.
Q Can I pay for charges in installments?
A: Not usually because fees are not high. Verify that with your NDA bursary.
Question: What are the best ways to can I stay clear of frauds?
A: Make payment only through ndaapplications.net or spgs.nda.edu.ng as well as verifying the bank’s details at nda.edu.ng.
Q What’s the procedure for applying?
A: Apply through ndaapplications.net Score at least 180 points (210plus for Engineering) on JAMB and then be able to pass the NDA screening test.
Conclusion
Nigerian Defence Academy school fees in 2025/2026 will be minimal for Regular Course cadets, with government covering the tuition as well as accommodation and food. New cadets are required to pay N25,000-50,000 for admission and levies and postgraduate students pay between N150,000 and 250,000. The NDA portal allows for easy payments however it is essential to make sure you use authentic channels to avoid fraud. With a monthly stipend of N50,000 and top-quality training, the NDA offers an unique chance to give back to Nigeria. Are you interested in joining? Go to nda.edu.ng and make sure you are ready for the screening exam and get started on your journey! Use this guide and ask questions in the comments below.
