The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has commenced the sale of postgraduate admission forms for the 2026/2027 academic session. Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates seeking admission into various postgraduate programmes offered by the institution.

The admission exercise covers programmes leading to the award of Postgraduate Diploma, Master's degree, Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy across different faculties, schools, institutes and centres of the university.

Candidates are advised to review the admission requirements for their preferred programme before starting the application process, as entry qualifications differ across postgraduate study levels.

Available UNIBEN Postgraduate Programmes

The postgraduate admission form covers programmes leading to the award of:

  1. Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)

  2. Master's Degree

  3. Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.)

  4. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Applicants should confirm the specific requirements for their chosen programme before submitting an application.

General Admission Requirements

Candidates applying for postgraduate admission must possess:

  • A minimum of five credit passes in WASC, NECO, GCE Ordinary Level or equivalent qualifications.

The university may also consider:

  • Four O'Level credits plus OND (not Pass)

  • NCE

  • IJMB

  • Advanced Level passes

  • Other recognised equivalent qualifications

Applicants should ensure that their qualifications meet the requirements of their intended programme.

Candidates Not Eligible for Admission

The following candidates are not eligible for admission:

  • Holders of Pass Degrees

  • Holders of Pass Diplomas

Candidates with Third Class Bachelor's Degrees must first obtain a Postgraduate Diploma before they can be considered for admission into Master's degree programmes.

M.Phil. Admission Requirements

Candidates with a Master's Degree and a Weighted Average Score between 55% and 59% may be considered for admission into the Master of Philosophy programme.

Such candidates may later progress according to the postgraduate regulations of the university.

PhD Admission Requirements

Candidates seeking admission into a PhD programme must possess:

  • A Master's Degree with a minimum Weighted Average Score of 60%

Applicants who obtained their Master's Degree from another university and have not taken compulsory courses required by UNIBEN may be required to register for and pass those courses with a minimum score of 60% after admission.

NYSC Requirement

Candidates must possess one of the following before clearance:

  • NYSC Discharge Certificate

  • NYSC Exemption Certificate

  • NYSC Exclusion Certificate

The university requires one of these documents before postgraduate clearance can be completed.

Referee Reports

All applicants are required to submit referee reports.

Candidates should:

  1. Print the referee forms from the application portal.

  2. Complete the forms through their referees.

  3. Ensure the completed forms are returned directly to the Secretary, School of Postgraduate Studies.

Applications will only be processed after the referee reports have been received.

Entrance Examination

Some postgraduate programmes may require a written entrance examination.

Applicants are advised to regularly check the university website for updates regarding courses that require entrance tests.

Important Contact Information

Candidates should use:

  • Their personal email address

  • Their personal phone number

The university will use these details for admission related communication.

UNIBEN Postgraduate Application Fee

Item

Amount

Postgraduate Application Form

₦22,000

The application fee is payable online using a valid Verve or MasterCard ATM card.

How to Apply for UNIBEN Postgraduate Admission

Candidates should follow these steps:

  1. Visit the UNIBEN postgraduate application portal.

  2. Purchase the application form online using a valid Verve or MasterCard.

  3. Complete the online application form accurately.

  4. Submit the application online.

  5. Print the completed application form.

  6. Print the referee forms.

  7. Ensure completed referee forms are returned to the Secretary, School of Postgraduate Studies.

Candidates should note that improperly completed forms will not be processed.

Documents to Print After Application

Applicants are required to print:

  1. Application Form

  2. Referee Forms

These documents should be kept safely for future reference.

Application Deadline

All applications must be completed on or before 31 December 2026. Candidates are advised not to wait until the closing date before completing the application process.

Acceptance Fee

Successful candidates offered admission will be required to pay a non refundable acceptance fee.

Item

Amount

Acceptance Fee

₦60,000

Payment of the acceptance fee is required before clearance can be completed.

Important Checklist Before Submission

Applicants should carefully review the following before submitting the form:

  • Selected programme

  • Personal email address

  • Phone number

  • Academic qualifications

  • Referee details

  • Payment information

  • Printed application documents

Candidates are responsible for ensuring that all information submitted is correct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much is the UNIBEN postgraduate application form?
A: The application form costs ₦22,000.

Q: What postgraduate programmes are available at UNIBEN?
A: The university offers Postgraduate Diploma, Master's Degree, Master of Philosophy and PhD programmes.

Q: Can a holder of a Pass Degree apply for postgraduate admission?
A: No. Holders of Pass Degrees and Pass Diplomas are not eligible.

Q: Can a Third Class graduate apply for a Master's Degree?
A: Such candidates must first obtain a Postgraduate Diploma before being considered for Master's admission.

Q: What is the minimum score required for PhD admission?
A: Applicants must have a minimum Weighted Average Score of 60% at the Master's level.

Q: What score qualifies a candidate for M.Phil. admission?
A: Candidates with a Master's Weighted Average Score between 55% and 59% may be considered for M.Phil.

Q: Is NYSC compulsory for postgraduate clearance?
A: Yes. Candidates must present a discharge, exemption or exclusion certificate.

Q: Are referee reports required?
A: Yes. Applications will only be processed after referee reports have been received.

Q: Does UNIBEN conduct postgraduate entrance examinations?
A: Some programmes may require entrance examinations. Candidates should monitor the university website for updates.

Q: What is the UNIBEN postgraduate application deadline?
A: The deadline for application is 31 December 2026.

Q: How much is the UNIBEN acceptance fee?
A: Successful candidates will pay a non refundable acceptance fee of ₦60,000.

Q: Can I use someone else's email address during application?
A: No. Applicants are advised to use their personal email address and phone number for all admission communications.