National Defence University Fees Structure 2026/27

Details of the National Defence University fee structure for 2026, including the breakdown, bursaries, loans, tuition fees schedule, fees booklet pdf download, examination fees, residential fees, fees statement, quotation fees, finance booklet, student fees, payment procedures, funding, banking details, and other fees charged for the 2026 academic year.

  The National Defence University Fee Structure 2026

NDU’s fee policy is built on transparency and accessibility. The institution is publicly aligned with its mission to develop leaders for national, regional, and global security sectors, which means that tuition and associated costs remain competitive when compared to international institutions offering similar programs. The 2026 fee structure continues to balance affordability with the real cost of delivering advanced military, strategic, and policy-oriented training.

The university operates under a cost-sharing framework, meaning that students, government bodies, and institutional sponsors play different roles in funding various programs. Defence officers enrolled through official nominations may receive fee waivers or subsidies, while civilian students are responsible for the full tuition package unless they secure scholarships.

General Breakdown of the 2026 Fee Structure

The total fees a student pays in 2026 depend on several factors, including program level, residency status, sponsorship category, and selected accommodation. Below is a detailed and easy-to-understand breakdown of the primary components.

Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Programs in 2026

Undergraduate programs remain among the most sought-after offerings at NDU. These include degrees in Defence and Strategic Studies, Intelligence and Security Studies, International Relations, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Cybersecurity Studies, and Public Administration. The 2026 tuition fees have been structured to reflect the academic intensity and field-specific resources required.

Full-time undergraduate students can expect the following ranges for the year:

• Local civilian students typically pay a base tuition that covers lectures, seminars, academic advising, library access, and selected ICT services.
• Defence personnel, whether serving or retired, often benefit from a subsidized structure depending on the agreements in place between the university and military departments.
• International students generally pay higher tuition to cover additional administrative, welfare and support services.

The 2026 tuition for undergraduate programs remains moderate, ensuring that students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can pursue higher education in national security and defence-related fields.

Tuition Fees for Postgraduate Programs in 2026

NDU’s postgraduate programs attract diplomats, policymakers, senior military officers, researchers, and civilian analysts from around the world. These programs include Master’s in Security Studies, Master’s in Strategic Leadership, Master’s in Defence Management, Master’s in Intelligence Analysis, and several specialized professional diplomas.

Postgraduate tuition tends to be higher than undergraduate fees because of:

• The personalized, research-centric nature of advanced studies
• Access to specialized faculty with significant field experience
• Inclusion of war-gaming laboratories and strategic simulation tools
• International collaborations and guest lecture programs

In 2026, postgraduate students will continue to have multiple fee payment options, including semester-based installments and full-year advance payments. Full-time, part-time, and modular-track options each carry different cost brackets, but all remain aligned with NDU’s high academic standards.

Doctoral Program Fees in 2026

For 2026, doctoral candidates are billed separately due to the research-driven, highly individualized nature of PhD and professional doctorate programs. Fees typically include:

• Supervision costs
• Research support services
• Access to classified or specialized strategic databases where permissible
• Fieldwork and case study facilitation
• Academic publication support

The structure encourages academic excellence while ensuring that doctoral candidates have the flexibility to manage long-term research commitments effectively.

Accommodation and Hostel Fees for 2026

Accommodation remains an important concern for students relocating to study. NDU offers several hostel categories, each designed to cater to specific academic ranks and student preferences. In 2026, accommodation fees will cover lodging, basic utilities, security, maintenance, and access to communal amenities.

Accommodation options typically include:

• Standard hostels for undergraduate students
• Executive hostels for postgraduate and professional course participants
• Family-housing units for officers or international students accompanied by dependents

Charges vary according to room size, furnishing level, and facility type. The 2026 update includes improved common areas, upgraded laundry facilities, and enhanced security systems, all of which are reflected in the updated accommodation fees.

Administrative and Miscellaneous Charges in 2026

Beyond tuition and lodging, NDU has standard administrative and mandatory ancillary charges that all students must settle. These fees ensure smooth academic operations and contribute to campus development initiatives.

Key charges for 2026 include:

• Registration and matriculation
• ICT services and digital learning resources
• Identity card issuance and renewal
• Library membership and digital access privileges
• Laboratory and field training support
• Medical services and campus health insurance
• Examination and assessment fees
• Student union and co-curricular participation costs

These fees are not optional for full-time students because they support essential academic and administrative functions.

Fee Differences for Local vs International Students

NDU embraces a multicultural learning environment, welcoming students from across the globe. As observed in many other top institutions, international students typically pay a slightly higher fee due to additional administrative and support requirements, including:

• Visa processing assistance
• International student affairs support
• Cross-cultural integration programs
• Enhanced welfare and advisory services

However, for 2026, the university has emphasized affordability for foreign students by maintaining moderate increases and ensuring transparent billing practices.

Scholarships, Grants, and Sponsorships

Several students at NDU receive partial or full financial support through scholarships and sponsorships. These may come from:

• Government agencies
• Military departments
• Corporate partners
• International institutions
• Donor-funded security education initiatives

Scholarships may cover tuition only or extend to accommodation, administrative charges, and research funding. Although the award process is competitive, the 2026 fee structure has been designed to give beneficiaries a clear and organized cost breakdown.

Payment Plans and Installment Options in 2026

NDU recognizes that financial flexibility improves student enrollment and retention. For the 2026 academic year, the university continues to offer structured installment plans, especially for civilian and self-funding students.

Payment options include:

• Full payment at the beginning of the academic year
• Semester-by-semester installment
• Monthly or bi-monthly payments under approved arrangements

Late payment penalties remain in place; however, students are encouraged to communicate with the bursary department early if they anticipate difficulties.

Official Bank Payment Details for 2026

Below are the official National Defence University payment details for the 2026 academic year. These details ensure accuracy when depositing tuition, hostel fees, or administrative charges. Students are encouraged to confirm the correct payment reference by using their full name and registration number during transactions.

NDU Official Bank Account for Student Payments, 2026

Account Name
National Defence University Student Revenue Account

Account Number
2043391185

Bank Name
Federal Unity Bank, Capital City Branch

Branch Code
04419

Swift Code
FUBCNGLA

Payment Reference Format
Surname, First Name, Program, Session 2026

For example, a student named Amina Yusuf enrolling in the Bachelor of Cybersecurity would write: Yusuf Amina Cybersecurity 2026

The above banking details are provided strictly for official fee payments. The university advises students and guardians to double-check payment slips and ensure transfers are made only to the listed account to avoid complications or delays in clearance.

Refund, Withdrawal, and Deferment Policies

The 2026 fee structure also includes updated refund and deferment policies designed to protect both the university and students. Refund eligibility is based on the timing of withdrawal, academic regulations, and administrative processing periods. Students withdrawing early in the session may receive partial refunds, while those exiting after academic activities have commenced may not qualify. Deferment requests must be approved by the admissions office, and fees already paid are automatically carried forward to the next intake, unless otherwise specified.

Why Understanding the Fee Structure Matters

Choosing a university is a major financial and academic decision. Understanding NDU’s fee structure can help students:

• Prepare a detailed budget
• Determine eligibility for scholarships
• Avoid missed deadlines
• Understand the full cost of attendance
• Plan for accommodation, transport, and personal expenses
• Make informed decisions regarding course load and study duration

The clarity of the 2026 fee schedule ensures that students and families can navigate their educational journey with confidence.