If you just got admission into Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University or you are a returning student preparing for the 2026/2027 academic session, this guide breaks down the current ATBU school fees so you know exactly what to budget for.
As a federal university in Bauchi, ATBU is one of the more affordable university options in Nigeria. The fees are subsidised by the federal government, which means students spend far less compared to what is paid in most state and private universities. That said, the university made adjustments to its fee structure in late 2024, so it is important to have the latest figures before heading to the portal.
This post covers ATBU school fees for fresh students, returning students, course-specific variations, hostel charges, and how to complete your payment.
How Much Is ATBU School Fees?
For the 2026/2027 academic session, ATBU school fees for most undergraduate courses fall between ₦55,000 and ₦80,000 for fresh students, depending on your faculty and programme. Returning students generally pay less because they do not pay one-time charges like caution deposit, entry qualification verification, orientation fee, and ID card fee.
Students in Medicine and Surgery and Veterinary Medicine pay higher fees due to the nature of their programmes. Fresh students in these faculties can expect to pay above ₦100,000 when all charges are combined.
The university reviewed its fee structure in December 2024, specifically increasing the Municipal Services Fee and the Sports Levy. All other components remained unchanged.
See Also: Coal City University School Fees
ATBU School Fees for Freshers
Fresh students (100 level and Direct Entry) pay a higher total than returning students because of additional one-time charges that apply only at entry. Below is the breakdown of ATBU school fees for freshers:
Note that the exact total may vary slightly depending on your faculty and department. Students in science and engineering programmes may have additional lab or practical charges. Always confirm the final figure on the ATBU student portal before making payment.
ATBU School Fees for Returning Students
Returning students (300 level and above) do not pay several of the one-time charges that freshers pay, making their total considerably lower. Below is the expected breakdown for returning students:
These figures are based on the revised fee structure following the December 2024 update. Returning students should log into the ATBU portal to view the exact amount generated for their level and department before proceeding to pay.
ATBU School Fees for All Courses
For most courses at ATBU, the fee structure follows a standard pattern. However, professional and clinical programmes attract higher charges due to practical, laboratory, and training components. Here is an overview by programme category:
These are estimated ranges based on available fee data. The university portal generates the exact amount for each student at the point of registration, which may include additional departmental or faculty charges not listed here.
Other Fees Students Should Prepare For
Beyond the standard school fees, there are other costs worth including in your budget:
- Hostel Fee: Fresh students pay ₦15,000 per bed space in Block C or ₦20,000 in Block D and E. Hostel booking is done through the ATBU e-hostel portal after completing course registration.
- Acceptance Fee: Fresh students must pay the acceptance fee before school fees. The amount is ₦40,000 for MBBS and ₦33,000 for all other courses.
- Departmental Dues: Some departments collect additional levies separately. Check with your department for specific charges.
- Practical/Lab Fee: Engineering, sciences, and health science students may face additional practical or lab costs per semester.
- Foreign Students: International students pay significantly higher fees. Fresh foreign students pay approximately ₦99,600 while returning foreign students pay around ₦86,100.
How to Pay ATBU School Fees
ATBU uses an online payment system through its official portal. Here is how to complete your payment:
- Visit the ATBU student portal at atbu.edu.ng and click on “My Dashboard.”
- Log in with your JAMB registration number as your username. Your default password is also your JAMB registration number (note that it is case sensitive).
- Fill in the required information and generate a REMITA payment reference (RRR).
- Proceed to pay using your ATM card, mobile banking, or at any commercial bank nationwide.
- Return to the portal after payment to complete your course registration.
- Print your acknowledgement slip as proof of payment and keep it safe.
Your REMITA reference must be generated through the ATBU portal. Payments made with a reference not generated from the university portal will not be recognised by the system.
Important Notes for Students
- Always confirm the exact fee amount on the ATBU student portal before making payment. Do not rely solely on third-party figures.
- Fresh students must pay the acceptance fee before proceeding to school fees payment.
- Hostel booking must be completed within 48 hours of payment confirmation, otherwise the booking will be cancelled automatically.
- Late registration may attract additional charges or affect your ability to sit for semester examinations.
- Beware of anyone offering to help you pay fees outside the official portal. All payments are processed through Remita only.
- Fee figures can change between sessions without public notice. Always verify directly from the school portal.
- The 2026/2027 official fee circular will be confirmed once the university releases it. The estimates in this guide are based on the current verified fee structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is ATBU school fees for freshers?
Fresh students at ATBU pay between ₦55,000 and ₦80,000 for most courses, depending on their faculty. Students in Medicine and Surgery and Veterinary Medicine pay higher fees. Log in to the ATBU portal to generate your exact fee statement after securing your admission.
How much is ATBU school fees for returning students?
Returning ATBU students pay between ₦40,000 and ₦55,000 per session for most courses. The lower amount compared to freshers is because returning students do not pay one-time charges like caution deposit, ID card, and orientation fee.
What is the ATBU school fees for medicine and surgery?
ATBU school fees for Medicine and Surgery are higher than other programmes. Fresh MBBS students typically pay above ₦100,000 when all charges are combined. The acceptance fee for MBBS students is ₦40,000.
What is the ATBU school fees for nursing?
Nursing students at ATBU pay slightly more than students in arts or management courses due to clinical and practical components. Fresh nursing students can expect to pay approximately ₦75,000 to ₦90,000. Confirm on the portal for your exact figure.
What is the ATBU school fees for veterinary medicine?
ATBU school fees for Veterinary Medicine are among the highest in the university due to the practical and laboratory-intensive nature of the programme. Fresh students in Veterinary Medicine can expect to pay between ₦90,000 and ₦110,000.
What is the ATBU school fees for mass communication?
Mass Communication at ATBU falls under the standard fee category. Fresh students typically pay between ₦55,000 and ₦65,000. Returning students pay lower, around ₦40,000 to ₦48,000 per session.
How much is the ATBU hostel fee?
ATBU hostel fee is ₦15,000 per bed space for Block C and ₦20,000 for Block D and E. Hostel spaces are limited, so students should book early through the e-hostel portal after completing course registration.
Did ATBU increase school fees recently?
Yes. ATBU revised its fees in December 2024. The changes affected the Municipal Services Fee and the Sports Levy specifically. Fresh students now pay ₦20,000 for municipal services and ₦1,000 for sports, while returning students pay ₦15,000 and ₦200 respectively. All other fee components remained unchanged.
Conclusion
ATBU school fees remain relatively affordable compared to most Nigerian universities, which makes it a solid choice for students who want quality education without excessive financial pressure. Whether you are a fresh student budgeting for your first session or a returning student planning ahead for 2026/2027, understanding the full cost helps you prepare without surprises.
Always generate your exact fee statement from the official ATBU portal before making any payment. The figures in this guide are based on the current verified fee structure, but the portal remains your most reliable reference for session-specific amounts.
