The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) is now accepting applications from prospective postgraduate students.
If you want straightforward and reliable information on how to get admitted to one of Nigeria’s top postgraduate schools, this guide will help you with each step, from eligibility to submission, in simple language.
Contents
Overview of the 2026/2027 UNILORIN Postgraduate Admission
UNILORIN is now accepting applications for its 2026/2027 postgraduate programmes, including PhD, MPhil/PhD, MPhil, Master’s, and Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) options.
Whether you want a PGD to boost your career, a Master’s to focus your expertise, or a PhD to become a researcher, there is a programme for you this year.
The postgraduate session lasts 12 months, from 2 October to 30 September of the next year, starting from your first registration date.
Your academic year begins as soon as you register, so register on time.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility varies slightly by programme, but general requirements apply across the board:
- Applicants must have at least a second class lower division in their first degree.
- Candidates must have completed the mandatory NYSC programme or hold an exemption certificate.
- All applicants need at least 5 O’Level credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics.
Some programmes have extra requirements.
For example, to apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Statistics, you need an honours degree in Science or Social Science, or an HND in Statistics with at least Lower Credit.
Each department is different, so check the requirements for your chosen course before you apply.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the university’s official website and access the UNILORIN postgraduate portal to begin your application.
- Select your faculty and department: choose the faculty and academic department you wish to apply to.
- Complete the online form by entering your personal details, academic history, and programme choice accurately. The university warns that mistakes can affect your application, and they will not be responsible for any errors.
- Scan and upload all required supporting documents as part of your application.
- Pay the application fee. It is ₦25,000 for applicants in Nigeria or $200 for international applicants, and it is non-refundable.
- Submit your research proposal (where applicable). All applicants are required to submit a research proposal of no more than 5 pages to the postgraduate school’s official email.
- After submitting online, send hard copies of your application and supporting documents to the Secretary of the Postgraduate School. Send your academic transcripts separately to the Head of Department for your chosen course. Double-check the addresses, as the Postgraduate School is not responsible for transcripts sent to the wrong place.
- Await the Qualifying Examination: Most applicants (especially for Master’s and PGD programmes) will sit for a qualifying entrance exam as part of the screening process.
- Check your admission status once decisions are made; watch the portal for updates on the postgraduate admission list.
Important Dates to Note
Application closing dates can differ between official adverts and other websites.
Some say late May, others early June for document submission.
Always check the official UNILORIN postgraduate portal for the exact date before you finish your application.
The following dates are generally agreed upon:
- Online forms close in the third or fourth week of May 2026.
- Hard copies and supporting documents should reach the Postgraduate School between the first week of June and the following Friday.
- You must present NYSC discharge certificates by 30th September 2026.
Since these dates can change each year, use any date you see online, including here, as a guide only.
Always confirm the final date from the university’s official advertisement before submitting your application.
What Happens After You Apply?
After your application passes the first screening, this is what usually happens next:
- The department reviews your documents and academic proposal (for research-based programmes).
- Qualifying exam/interview: PhD applicants, in particular, must attend departmental interviews and assessments.
- Approval process: The Dean of the Postgraduate School asks the Vice-Chancellor to approve and publish the list of successful applicants, based on recommendations already approved by the Postgraduate School Board.
- Notification: successful candidates typically receive notification of provisional admission around the second week of September.
- Acceptance: If you are admitted, you should accept your offer within two weeks of being notified and pay the acceptance fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does the UNILORIN postgraduate application form cost?
₦25,000 for Nigerian applicants and $200 for applicants applying from outside Nigeria.
The fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome.
2. Can I apply for more than one postgraduate programme at once?
No. You should choose only the course you are most qualified for and truly interested in.
UNILORIN recommends against applying for courses not listed in the official advertisement for that session.
3. Do I need NYSC before applying?
For most full postgraduate degree programmes, you must have completed NYSC or have a valid exemption certificate.
Some PGD programmes may have more flexible rules, so check with your department.
4. Is the qualifying examination compulsory for all programmes?
Yes, most Master’s and PGD applicants must take the qualifying exam, but requirements can differ by faculty.
PhD applicants usually have interviews and departmental assessments instead of a written exam.
5. What if I studied outside Nigeria? Are my results accepted?
Yes, your results are accepted, but we check non-Nigerian qualifications for equivalency.
If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you must provide proof of English proficiency, like TOEFL or IELTS.
6. Where do I send my academic transcripts?
Send your transcripts directly to the Head of Department for your chosen course, not to the general Postgraduate School address.
If you send them to the wrong office, your application may be delayed or rejected, and the university is not responsible for misdirected documents.
7. How will I know if I’ve been admitted?
You will be notified through the official portal and the email or phone number you provided.
Check your email often, including your spam folder, during the notification period.
8. Can I apply for a part-time postgraduate programme?
Yes, UNILORIN has both full-time and part-time options for most postgraduate programmes.
If you want to study full-time and keep your job, you must submit a letter of release from your employer.
9. What happens if I miss the document submission deadline after applying online?
Submitting only the online application is not enough.
If you do not send hard copies and transcripts within the deadline, your application may be disqualified.
Make sure to complete both steps.
10. Is there a way to check my current level of eligibility before paying the fee?
There is no official pre-check, but you should review your faculty’s specific requirements on the postgraduate portal before paying.
This can help you avoid losing the non-refundable fee.
Final Thoughts
Getting into UNILORIN’s postgraduate school is straightforward if you pay attention to details, like choosing the right programme and sending documents to the correct office.
Read the official advertisement carefully, apply early, and check your email and the portal regularly after you submit.
Good luck with your application.
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