Are you preparing for academic life at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) in Rivers State? Whether you're a newly admitted student or a returning undergraduate, understanding the financial commitments is essential. This post will walk you through everything you need to know about UNIPORT school fees, acceptance fees, payment methods, and more.
Does UNIPORT Charge an Acceptance Fee?
Unlike many federal universities in Nigeria, UNIPORT does not charge an acceptance fee for newly admitted students. This unique policy makes it easier for freshers to begin their academic journey without the additional burden of paying a separate acceptance or admission confirmation fee. The university has explicitly stated on several platforms that there is no such fee, and prospective students are warned to avoid fraudulent demands claiming otherwise.
Overview of UNIPORT School Fees (2024/2025 Academic Session)
UNIPORT categorizes its school fees based on a few factors:
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Student level (fresh or returning)
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Course of study
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Type of program (full-time, part-time, sandwich, etc.)
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Citizenship (Nigerian or international student)
Let’s break down each category:
1. Fresh Undergraduate Students (Full-Time)
Freshers typically pay higher fees than returning students due to additional levies for registration, ID cards, orientation, and others.
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Nigerian Students: Between ₦61,000 and ₦80,000, depending on the faculty.
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International Students: From ₦225,000 (residents) to ₦3,000,000 (non-residents).
2. Returning Undergraduate Students
Returning students have already paid one-time levies, so their school fees are generally lower.
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Nigerian Students: Between ₦40,000 and ₦60,000.
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Part-Time Students: Generally pay around ₦90,000, but this can vary by department.
3. Postgraduate Students
School fees for postgraduate programs vary by faculty and type of program (Master’s, PGD, PhD):
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Fees range from ₦150,000 to ₦300,000 per session.
4. Basic Studies/Pre-degree Program
Pre-degree students pay a fixed tuition:
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₦73,500 for the full program.
5. Sandwich Program
Sandwich or holiday-based programs typically cost slightly more per course unit. The actual fee depends on the course and duration.
Other Compulsory Levies
Regardless of the tuition category, some levies apply to most students:
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Technology Fee: ₦49,000
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Student Activity Fee: ₦19,000
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Medical Fee
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Library and ICT Access
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Sports and Recreational Facilities Fee
These levies support student welfare services, campus technology infrastructure, and extra-curricular activities.
What is Included in UNIPORT's School Fees?
The school fees typically cover:
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Tuition
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Registration and examination fees
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Health services
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Library and ICT access
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ID cards and orientation for freshers
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Faculty and departmental dues
Some faculties, especially those in sciences and engineering, may include laboratory fees or studio fees.
Payment Methods and Portal
All fees are paid through UNIPORT's ARIS Portal: https://aris.uniport.edu.ng
Steps to Pay:
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Visit the ARIS portal and log in using your registration number.
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Navigate to the "School Fee Payment" section.
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Choose either full payment or an installment plan (2 or 3 payments).
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Generate an invoice.
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Make payment using ATM cards or online transfer via Remita.
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Print the receipt and keep it safe for future use.
UNIPORT has made the process digital and seamless, with no requirement for in-person bank visits for payments.
Deadlines and Late Payments
UNIPORT generally sets a monthly deadline for school fee payments, often by the last Friday of each month. For instance, the 2023/2024 payment deadline was extended to March 31, 2024, giving students more time.
Failure to meet deadlines can result in:
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10% surcharge on unpaid balances
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Restricted access to course registration
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Delays in exam clearance
Students are advised to pay early and monitor ARIS announcements and their school email regularly.
Budgeting Tips for UNIPORT Students
Managing your budget as a student is just as important as paying your fees. Here are some practical budgeting tips:
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Hostel Accommodation:
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On-campus: ₦30,000 – ₦50,000 per session
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Off-campus: ₦70,000 – ₦150,000 (split rent with friends if needed)
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Books and Materials:
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Budget ₦20,000 per semester for textbooks, printing, and photocopying.
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Feeding and Transport:
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Monthly feeding: ₦15,000 – ₦30,000
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Transportation: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000/month
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Miscellaneous:
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Keep ₦20,000 aside for unexpected expenses.
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Scholarships:
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Explore UNIPORT’s financial aid opportunities and external scholarships to ease the burden.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Does UNIPORT charge acceptance fees? A: No. UNIPORT does not charge any acceptance fee for freshers.
Q2: How can I verify my tuition amount? A: Log into the ARIS portal and generate your personal invoice. Fees are calculated based on your faculty, program, and level.
Q3: What happens if I miss my fee deadline? A: You’ll be charged a penalty and may be blocked from registering for courses or writing exams.
Q4: Can I pay in installments? A: Yes. The ARIS portal allows for 2 or 3-part installment payments.
Q5: Are there hidden charges not listed on the invoice? A: No. All required payments are itemized. Optional services like hostels or extracurriculars are listed separately.
Final Thoughts
Studying at the University of Port Harcourt is a great opportunity, and being financially informed helps ensure a smooth academic journey. From the good news of no acceptance fees to detailed tuition plans and digital payment platforms, UNIPORT provides transparency and accessibility in managing school finances.
Always use the ARIS portal for official updates and payments, and avoid falling victim to scammers. With adequate planning and timely payments, you can enjoy a stress-free academic year.
