Planning to study at Benson Idahosa University and trying to figure out how much you’ll actually need? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of students and parents search for a clear, honest breakdown of BIU school fees — and most of what they find are outdated tables with little context.
This guide is different. You’ll get the full BIU school fees schedule for the 2025/2026 academic session, covering every faculty and every level. But we’re going beyond the numbers. You’ll also learn what the fees cover, how the installment plan works, what scholarships are available, and how to budget realistically for life at BIU in Benin City.
Whether you’re a fresh 100-level student preparing for resumption or a parent trying to plan ahead, this is the most complete resource you’ll find on Benson Idahosa University school fees today.
What You’re Actually Paying For — Understanding the BIU Fee Structure
Before you look at the numbers, it helps to understand why BIU school fees are structured the way they are. Many students assume they’re just paying for lectures. They’re not.
Tuition Fees vs. Institutional Levies: What’s the Difference?
The “school fees” you pay at BIU is actually a bundle. It combines your tuition with a range of institutional charges that the university bills together. These bundled charges typically include:
- Tuition (academic instruction)
- Registration and examination fees
- ICT fees (for access to the university’s digital systems)
- Library charges
- Sports and recreation fees
- Medical fees
- Laboratory fees (for science-based courses)
- Security fees
- Utility charges
- Development levy
This is why two students in different departments pay vastly different amounts even when they’re in the same year. A 300-level Computer Science student uses labs and ICT-heavy resources. A 300-level English student doesn’t. So the fees reflect the actual cost of delivering their programmes.
Why Fees Differ Across Departments
The biggest factor driving fee differences at BIU is resource intensity. Courses that require lab consumables, clinical placements, or specialized equipment cost more to run. That’s why Medicine and Surgery tops the fee chart while Agriculture and Humanities sit at the lower end.
Faculty, level of study, and whether you’re a fresh or returning student also play a role.
BIU School Fees 2025/2026 — Full Schedule by Faculty and Level
The figures below are drawn from the officially released BIU school fees schedule for the 2025/2026 academic session. All amounts are in Nigerian Naira (₦).
Faculty of Law School Fees
Law is the most expensive non-medical programme at BIU. Fresh students pay significantly more than those in upper levels.
| Level | Sessional Fee |
|---|---|
| 100 Level / Direct Entry | ₦1,921,000 |
| 200 Level | ₦1,836,000 |
| 300 Level | ₦1,532,000 |
| 400 Level | ₦1,280,000 |
| 500 Level | ₦1,306,000 |
Faculty of Social Sciences — Accounting, Business Administration, Mass Communication, Political Science
These are some of BIU’s most popular programmes. The fees are moderate compared to Law and the sciences.
| Level | Sessional Fee |
|---|---|
| 100 Level / Direct Entry | ₦886,000 |
| 200 Level | ₦801,000 |
| 300 Level | ₦832,000 |
| 400 Level | ₦858,000 |
Economics, Banking and Finance
| Level | Sessional Fee |
|---|---|
| 100 Level / Direct Entry | ₦823,000 |
| 200 Level | ₦738,000 |
| 300 Level | ₦737,000 |
| 400 Level | ₦762,000 |
Sociology
Sociology is one of the most affordable Social Science options at BIU.
| Level | Sessional Fee |
|---|---|
| 100 Level / Direct Entry | ₦652,000 |
| 200 Level | ₦567,000 |
| 300 Level | ₦566,000 |
| 400 Level | ₦591,000 |
International Studies and Diplomacy
| Level | Sessional Fee |
|---|---|
| 100 Level / Direct Entry | ₦785,000 |
| 200 Level | ₦698,000 |
| 300 Level | ₦673,000 |
| 400 Level | ₦674,000 |
Faculty of Humanities — English, English Education, Education, Library & Information Science
| Level | Sessional Fee |
|---|---|
| 100 Level / Direct Entry | ₦545,000 |
| 200 Level | ₦460,000 |
| 300 Level | ₦459,000 |
| 400 Level | ₦484,000 |
Faculty of Agriculture
Agriculture is the most affordable faculty at BIU, which surprises many students. It’s a great option if budget is a major concern.
| Level | Sessional Fee |
|---|---|
| 100 Level / Direct Entry | ₦522,000 |
| 200 Level | ₦437,000 |
| 300 Level | ₦436,000 |
| 400 Level | ₦436,000 |
| 500 Level | ₦462,000 |
Faculty of Engineering — Mechanical, Electrical, Civil Engineering
Engineering fees are higher than most, and they actually increase as you progress into higher levels. This is because of the practical components and lab work at 400 and 500 level.
| Level | Sessional Fee |
|---|---|
| 100 Level / Direct Entry | ₦949,000 |
| 200 Level | ₦964,000 |
| 300 Level | ₦964,000 |
| 400 Level | ₦990,000 |
| 500 Level | ₦1,015,000 |
Faculty of Science — Computer Science
| Level | Sessional Fee |
|---|---|
| 100 Level / Direct Entry | ₦987,000 |
| 200 Level | ₦902,000 |
| 300 Level | ₦956,000 |
| 400 Level | ₦956,000 |
Chemistry, Physics, Geophysics, Mathematics
| Level | Sessional Fee |
|---|---|
| 100 Level / Direct Entry | ₦732,000 |
| 200 Level | ₦647,000 |
| 300 Level | ₦646,000 |
| 400 Level | ₦697,000 |
Microbiology and Biochemistry
| Level | Sessional Fee |
|---|---|
| 100 Level / Direct Entry | ₦828,000 |
| 200 Level | ₦743,000 |
| 300 Level | ₦769,000 |
| 400 Level | ₦768,000 |
Nursing Science
Nursing is among BIU’s most respected programmes — and among the priciest. The fees actually rise as you progress because of clinical attachment costs.
| Level | Sessional Fee |
|---|---|
| 100 Level / Direct Entry | ₦1,563,000 |
| 200 Level | ₦1,785,000 |
| 300 Level | ₦1,785,000 |
| 400 Level | ₦1,891,000 |
| 500 Level | ₦1,891,000 |
Medical Laboratory Science
| Level | Sessional Fee |
|---|---|
| 100 Level / Direct Entry | ₦933,800 |
| 200 Level | ₦1,310,300 |
| 300 Level | ₦1,335,600 |
| 400 Level | ₦1,436,600 |
| 500 Level | ₦1,436,600 |
Note the sharp jump from 100 level to 200 level for Medical Lab. That’s when the clinical components kick in.
Medicine and Surgery — The Highest Fees at BIU
There’s no sugarcoating it. Medicine and Surgery at BIU is expensive — as it is at virtually every private university in Nigeria. But BIU’s medical programme has produced MDCN-certified graduates and passed multiple accreditation reviews.
| Level | Sessional Fee |
|---|---|
| 100 Level / Direct Entry | ₦3,613,800 |
| 200 Level | ₦3,653,000 |
| 300 Level | ₦4,006,000 |
If you’re planning to study Medicine at BIU, a realistic budget needs to factor in hostel, feeding, textbooks, and clinical supplies on top of these figures.
Anatomy and Physiology
| Level | Sessional Fee |
|---|---|
| 100 Level / Direct Entry | ₦733,000 |
| 200 Level | ₦764,000 |
Other Mandatory Fees Every BIU Student Must Know
These charges are separate from your course-based tuition. Skipping them isn’t an option.
Acceptance Fee for Newly Admitted Students
If you’ve just received your BIU admission, you must pay a non-refundable acceptance fee of ₦50,000 before anything else. This fee is payable to any of the following banks:
- Fidelity Bank — BIU Collections A/C: 4150022201
- First Bank — BIU Collections A/C: 2022815280
- Zenith Bank — BIU Collections A/C: 1014109363
Don’t delay this payment. It’s what formally confirms your acceptance of the offer.
BIU Hostel Fee
Students who choose to live on campus pay a flat hostel fee of ₦200,000 per session. The on-campus accommodation is within BIU’s secure, faith-based environment in Benin City, making it a practical choice for many students — especially freshers.
Off-Campus Permit Fee — What It Is and Who Pays It
Here’s something many guides skip: if you choose not to live in the hostel, you don’t just walk away freely. You must obtain an off-campus permit and pay ₦50,000 for it.
This is BIU’s way of keeping track of students living outside the campus. It’s a Christian university with a pastoral interest in student welfare, so they require all students to formally register their accommodation arrangements, whether on or off campus.
Late Registration Fee and Penalty for Missing Deadlines
If you don’t pay your school fees within two weeks of resumption, you’ll be charged a ₦25,000 late registration fee per semester. That’s an avoidable cost — and it adds up if you’re late for both semesters.
Beyond the financial penalty, late payment can affect your ability to register for courses and, ultimately, your eligibility to sit exams.
Installment Payment Plan — How BIU Helps You Spread the Cost
One of the most student-friendly aspects of BIU’s fee policy is the installment option. You don’t have to pay everything at once.
First and Second Installment Breakdown
BIU splits the academic year fee payment into two parts:
- First installment: At least 60% of your total sessional fee, paid before first-semester registration
- Second installment: The remaining 40%, paid before second-semester resumption
This split aligns roughly with the semester calendar, giving families time to plan between installments.
Early Payment Discount — How Much Can You Save?
Students who pay their full sessional fee upfront (in one complete payment) receive a discount. The discount percentage varies by department, but for Law students for example, the discount structure represents a meaningful saving on an already high fee. It’s worth checking with the BIU Bursary Department for the exact discount applicable to your faculty.
CGI/CGMI Member Rebate — Who Qualifies?
Active members of the Church of God Mission International (CGMI) — the church founded by Archbishop Benson Idahosa — receive a rebate on their school fees. The specific rebate amount differs per faculty but represents a concrete benefit for members of the church.
If you or your family are CGMI members, bring your church membership documentation to the BIU Bursary Department when making payment. The rebate doesn’t apply automatically — you have to claim it.
Year-by-Year Cost: How BIU Fees Change as You Progress
100 Level vs. 200–400 Level — Why Fees Drop (or Rise)
A pattern you’ll notice across most faculties: the 100-level fee is usually the highest, then fees drop from 200 level onward, before slightly rising again at 400 level. This is normal. Freshmen are charged higher because of one-time administrative and registration costs that don’t recur in subsequent years.
The exception is in clinically intensive programmes like Nursing, Medical Lab, and Engineering — where fees actually increase as coursework becomes more practical and resource-heavy.
True Cost of Attending BIU — Beyond Tuition
Here’s what you need to think about if you want a realistic picture.
Estimated Total Annual Budget (Tuition + Hostel + Feeding + Books)
Let’s take a 200-level Business Administration student as an example:
| Item | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition (200L, Business Admin) | ₦801,000 |
| Hostel Fee | ₦200,000 |
| Feeding (₦15,000/month × 10 months) | ₦150,000 |
| Textbooks and materials | ₦50,000–₦80,000 |
| Transportation (if off-campus) | ₦30,000–₦60,000 |
| Personal expenses | ₦60,000–₦100,000 |
| Estimated Total | ₦1,291,000–₦1,391,000 |
For Medicine students, the same calculation easily exceeds ₦4.5–₦5 million annually once you factor in clinical supplies, accommodation, and living costs.
Planning around the full cost — not just the tuition line — saves families from being caught off-guard mid-session.
Cheapest Courses at BIU
If affordability is your primary concern, these are the programmes with the lowest sessional fees:
- Agriculture — as low as ₦436,000 (300 and 400 level)
- Education / English — ₦459,000 at 300 level
- Sociology — ₦566,000 at 300 level
Most Expensive Courses at BIU
- Medicine and Surgery — up to ₦4,006,000 per session
- Nursing — up to ₦1,891,000 per session
- Faculty of Law — up to ₦1,921,000 at 100 level
How to Pay Your BIU School Fees in 2025/2026
BIU offers two payment methods. Both are officially accepted, but the online route has become the preferred option for most students.
Online Payment via BIU Student Portal (Step-by-Step)
- Go to the official BIU website at www.biu.edu.ng
- Click on “Student Portal”
- Log in using your matriculation number and password
- Navigate to the “Pay Fees” section
- Select the relevant fee type (tuition, hostel, etc.)
- Enter the amount you’re paying
- Complete the payment using your debit card or bank transfer
- Save and print your payment receipt
Important: your payment isn’t considered valid until you’ve completed registration at both the ICT Unit and the Bursary Department. Paying without registering leaves your account unverified.
Bank Payment Method
If you prefer paying directly at the bank:
- Request a BIU school fees payment teller at any BIU-designated bank
- Fill in your name, matric number, level, faculty, fee type, and amount
- Pay the required sum at the bank cashier
- Collect your stamped teller and bank printout
- Take both documents to the BIU Bursary Department for verification and clearance
Payment Deadlines You Must Not Miss
| Milestone | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees — returning students | April 30 |
| Acceptance fee — new admits | August 31 |
| 2nd semester school fees | December 15 |
Missing these dates doesn’t just mean a ₦25,000 fine. It can delay your registration, freeze your access to course materials, and in extreme cases, prevent you from sitting exams. Set reminders.
Scholarships at BIU — Can You Study for Less?
Yes, and more students should be taking advantage of these.
Archbishop Benson Idahosa Scholarship
This is a full scholarship — covering tuition, accommodation, and other fees. To qualify, you need either:
- A UTME score above 300, or
- A CGPA above 4.0 in your previous level of study
It’s competitive, but it’s real. Students who consistently perform at the top of their class should apply formally through the BIU Scholarship Committee before the deadline.
Church of God Mission International (CGMI) Scholarship
Active CGMI members who score above 250 in UTME or maintain a CGPA above 3.5 are eligible for a partial scholarship covering 50% of their tuition. That’s a significant reduction — especially for Law, Nursing, or Engineering students.
Edo State Government Scholarship
This one is for Edo State indigenes. If you score above 200 in UTME or have a CGPA above 3.0, you may qualify for a scholarship covering 25% of your tuition fee for the duration of your programme. Visit the Edo State Scholarship Board for application details.
Other External Scholarships for BIU Students
Various individuals, foundations, and organizations also award scholarships to BIU students. These are merit-based or need-based and typically announced during the academic session. Watch the BIU notice board and official social media pages for announcements.
BIU Fees vs. Other Private Universities in Nigeria — Is It Worth It?
Let’s be honest — BIU isn’t the cheapest private university in Nigeria. But it’s not trying to be. It positions itself as a mid-to-high-end faith-based institution with genuine academic standards.
Compared to Covenant University (Ota), BIU is notably more affordable — Covenant’s fees can easily hit ₦2–₦3 million per session for non-medical programmes. Compared to universities like Landmark or Redeemer’s, BIU is roughly comparable in the mid-range, with better recognition in medicine-related fields specifically.
What you’re paying for at BIU includes a strike-free environment (no ASUU disruptions), NUC-accredited programmes, a serene Benin City campus, and the institutional prestige of an Archbishop Idahosa-founded university. For many families, that trade-off is worth it.
Practical Tips to Manage Your BIU School Fees Without Stress
- Start saving before admission. Don’t wait for the acceptance letter before you begin setting aside funds. If you’re in SS3 and targeting BIU, start preparing financially now.
- Use the installment plan wisely. Pay 60% on time at the start of session, then plan the 40% around your December 15 deadline.
- Apply for every scholarship you’re eligible for. Many BIU students don’t even try for the Archbishop Scholarship because they assume they won’t qualify. Apply anyway.
- Check your department’s fees, not a generic figure. A lot of confusion comes from students reading someone else’s fees. Always confirm your exact department and level figure.
- Claim your CGMI rebate if you’re a member. It doesn’t come automatically — you have to bring documentation and request it at the Bursary.
- Don’t ignore the off-campus permit fee if you’re living off campus. Failing to pay it has academic consequences.
- Budget for the full year, not just tuition. Add hostel or off-campus rent, feeding, books, and transport when you’re planning.
Frequently Asked Questions About BIU School Fees
How much is Benson Idahosa University school fees for 2025/2026? BIU school fees range from ₦436,000 to ₦4,006,000 per session, depending on your faculty and level of study. Agriculture students pay the least; Medicine students pay the most.
Can I pay BIU school fees in installments? Yes. BIU allows a two-installment plan — 60% before first-semester registration and 40% before second semester. You need to apply through the Bursary Department if you’re opting for this arrangement.
What is the acceptance fee at BIU? All newly admitted students pay a non-refundable acceptance fee of ₦50,000. This is separate from your tuition and must be paid before any other fee.
How much is BIU hostel fee? The hostel fee is a flat rate of ₦200,000 per session for students living on campus. Students choosing to live off campus must pay an off-campus permit fee of ₦50,000.
What is the cheapest course to study at BIU? Agriculture is the most affordable faculty at BIU, with sessional fees as low as ₦436,000 for 300 and 400-level students.
What happens if I pay my BIU school fees late? A late registration fee of ₦25,000 per semester applies to payments made more than two weeks after resumption. Late payment can also affect your ability to register for courses and sit for examinations.
Is there a scholarship available at BIU? Yes. BIU offers the Archbishop Benson Idahosa Scholarship (full scholarship), the CGMI Scholarship (50% tuition), and the Edo State Government Scholarship (25% tuition for Edo indigenes), among other external scholarships.
Does BIU school fees cover everything? No. Your sessional fee covers tuition and institutional charges. Hostel fees, acceptance fees, off-campus permit fees, and late registration fees are all billed separately.