Covenant University School Fees 2025/2026, Full Breakdown for All Courses

If you’ve been searching for a clear, no-confusion breakdown of Covenant University School Fees 2025/2026, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a fresh JAMB candidate, a parent trying to budget, or a returning CU student wondering about your next session’s charges — this guide covers everything.

We’ll look at the actual fees by course, explain every charge line by line, walk you through how to pay, and even show you how to reduce your costs through scholarships. Let’s get into it.

What Makes Covenant University Different (And Why the Fees Reflect That)

Before we talk numbers, it’s worth understanding what kind of school Covenant University (CU) actually is. Because once you understand the model, the fees make a lot more sense.

A Fully Residential, Discipline-Focused Private University

Covenant University is a private Christian university located in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. It was founded on October 21, 2002, by Bishop David Oyedepo — the presiding bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide — with a bold vision: to raise a new generation of leaders who’d transform Africa.

What sets CU apart immediately is that it’s fully residential. Every student must live on campus. There are no commuter students. You eat there, sleep there, study there, and participate in structured campus life there. The school doesn’t just sell you a degree — it’s selling you a total environment.

That environment includes no personal mobile phones on campus (yes, seriously), mandatory chapel sessions, uniform dress codes, entrepreneurship training built into every curriculum, and one of the best university libraries in Nigeria.

What Your Fees Actually Pay For

When you pay Covenant University school fees, you’re not just paying for lectures. The fee bundle typically covers:

• Tuition and examination registration
• On-campus hostel accommodation
• Health insurance and medical access
• ICT infrastructure and internet access
• Library resources (including virtual library access)
• Laboratory and workshop usage (for science and engineering students)
• Books and academic materials
• Utility services (electricity, water, maintenance)
• Cable TV and other campus amenities

This is important context. When people compare CU’s fees to federal universities and call it expensive, they’re often comparing completely different things. Federal universities don’t typically bundle accommodation, health cover, and books into one fee.

Covenant University School Fees for All Courses — 2025/2026 Complete Table

Fresh Students (100 Level) Fee Breakdown

Covenant University organizes its fees by college and course. Fresh students (100 Level) pay the highest fees because they also carry one-time charges that returning students don’t pay again.

For the 2025/2026 academic session, here’s the fee structure for all fresh students:

Note: These figures reflect the 2025/2026 approved session fees for fresh (100 Level) students. Always verify on the official CU admissions portal or at admissions.covenantuniversity.edu.ng before making any payment.

Returning Students — How Fees Reduce by Level

One thing most people miss: Covenant University school fees actually go down as you progress. This is common across private universities in Nigeria, but CU applies it consistently.

Here’s why. Fresh students pay several one-time charges — acceptance fee, ID card, caution fee, matriculation, medical test, TMC & Vision kit, and more. These don’t repeat every year. So by 200 Level and beyond, your total fees drop because those one-time costs are already settled.

For example, if you paid ₦977,500 as a 100 Level student, your 200 Level fees will be noticeably lower — usually because you’re no longer paying for acceptance, matriculation, or the initial medical test.

Why Engineering Students Pay the Most

It’s a fair question. Why does studying Civil or Petroleum Engineering cost more than studying Accounting?

The answer comes down to resources. Engineering programmes require physical labs, workshop equipment, technical tools, and specialized facilities. Lab coats and tools alone add ₦25,000 to engineering fees that management or social science students don’t pay. The infrastructure cost per student is higher, and the fee reflects that.

Every Charge Explained — What’s Inside the CU Fee Structure

One of the most frustrating things about most school fees articles is they just drop a table and vanish. Let’s actually explain what you’re paying for.

Tuition and Exam Registration Fee

This is the core academic fee. For 2025/2026, it’s set at ₦472,000 per session, covering both the first and second semester. This pays for your instruction, access to course materials, and examination registration. It doesn’t repeat per semester — it covers the full academic year.

Hostel and Accommodation Fee

Because all students must live on campus, this is compulsory. The hostel accommodation fee is approximately ₦185,000 per session. This covers your room allocation, utilities, and access to on-campus facilities. You can’t opt out of this — there’s no “I’ll commute from home” option at CU.

One-Time Charges for Fresh Students

If you’re a new student, expect these additional charges on top of tuition and accommodation:

• Acceptance fee: ₦30,000 — paid once to confirm your admission slot
• Matriculation fee: ₦15,000 — one-time, paid before your matriculation ceremony
• ID Card fee: ₦15,000
• Caution fee: ₦25,000 — refundable at graduation if no damage is caused
• Medical test fee: ₦15,000 — for your pre-admission health screening
• Medical deposit: ₦10,000
• TMC & Vision 10-2022 kit: ₦15,000 — related to the university’s enterprise and leadership training tools
• Book fee: ₦15,000
• Results verification fee: ₦5,000
• College dues: ₦2,000

These are all one-time charges. You won’t see most of them again in your second year.

Other Compulsory Charges (Utility, ICT, Labs, etc.)

These are recurring or level-specific charges:

• Utility fee: ₦75,000 per session
• ICT development fund: ₦25,000
• ICT training fee: ₦30,000
• Virtual library: ₦15,000
• Wireless internet: ₦15,000
• Lab/workshop/studio fee: ₦40,000
• EDS fee: ₦6,000
• Field trip: ₦7,500
• Lab coat and tools (Engineering students): ₦25,000
• Lab coat and tools (Biochemistry, Microbiology, Industrial Physics/Maths): ₦7,000

Covenant University Acceptance Fee — What You Pay Before Everything Else

Before you start worrying about tuition, there’s one fee that comes first: the acceptance fee.

Once you receive your admission letter, you must pay ₦30,000 as an acceptance fee. This is non-refundable, and it’s how you “claim” your admission slot. If you don’t pay within the deadline, you risk losing your place.

This is separate from the school fees. Think of it as your first step — it confirms to the school that yes, you’re coming.

Does Covenant University School Fees Include Feeding and Hostel?

This question comes up constantly in CU forums and comment sections, so let’s settle it.

Hostel fees: Yes, accommodation is included in your total fee bundle. You’re required to live on campus, so the hostel fee (about ₦185,000 per session) is part of what you’ll pay.

Feeding: No. Feeding is not included in the standard school fees. You’ll need to budget separately for your meals. The university has cafeteria options on campus, and students typically budget between ₦50,000 and ₦100,000 per semester for feeding, depending on their eating habits.

This is something most school fees articles completely skip over — and it matters a lot for your total budget.

Fees for Returning Students vs. Fresh Students — Key Differences

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of what changes between your first year and subsequent years:

Fresh students pay:

• All tuition and recurring fees
• Acceptance fee (₦30,000)
• Matriculation fee (₦15,000)
• ID card fee (₦15,000)
• Caution fee (₦25,000)
• Medical test and deposit
• TMC & Vision kit (₦15,000)
• Book fee (₦15,000)
• Results verification fee

Returning students (200–500 Level) pay:

• Tuition and exam fee
• Hostel accommodation fee
• Utility, ICT, and recurring service fees
• Level-appropriate lab and workshop fees

The one-time charges that don’t repeat can save returning students anywhere from ₦120,000 to ₦150,000 compared to freshers. That’s a significant difference worth knowing.

How to Pay Covenant University School Fees Online (Step-by-Step)

CU has moved to an almost entirely online payment system. You won’t be walking into any office with a bag of cash. Here’s how it works.

Method 1 — Interswitch Online Payment

This is the faster, more convenient option.

1. Go to the CU student portal at cuportal.covenantuniversity.edu.ng
2. Log in using your student username and password
3. Navigate to the “Student Account” section
4. Click “Make Payment” and select Interswitch
5. You’ll be redirected to the Interswitch payment platform
6. Enter the amount to pay and confirm your details
7. Complete the card payment (Visa, MasterCard, Verve)
8. Once successful, return to the portal and click the Resumption Icon
9. Print your Hall Clearance to confirm payment

Note: Interswitch payments may carry a small transaction charge. Factor this in when generating your invoice.

Method 2 — Bank Payment Using CU PIN

If you prefer going to a bank:

1. Log in to the student portal and navigate to “Make Payment”
2. Select “CU PIN” instead of Interswitch
3. The portal will generate a PIN and reference details
4. Visit any approved bank (Zenith Bank, First Bank, and others are commonly accepted)
5. Tell the cashier you’re making a Covenant University payment
6. They’ll process it and provide a PIN and receipt number — keep these safe
7. Return to the portal and enter your PIN and receipt number to confirm payment
8. Print your receipt once confirmed

Good news: You’re allowed to pay 70% of your total fees first and complete the remaining 30% later. This staggered option gives families some breathing room. But your first instalment must be paid before resumption.

What Happens If You Pay Late

This is where most articles go quiet. CU is serious about late fees.

If you miss the payment deadline, you’ll face extra charges — and more importantly, you won’t be able to register for your courses. No course registration means you can’t sit for your semester examinations. That’s not a minor inconvenience; it can cost you an entire academic semester.

Pay early. The school even advises it explicitly. During peak registration periods, the portal can get congested, so early payment also saves you from technical stress.

Covenant University Scholarships — Can You Study Without Paying Full Fees?

Yes — and this is one of the most under-discussed aspects of CU’s financial landscape. Here are the main scholarship programmes available:

David Oyedepo Foundation Scholarship

This is the flagship scholarship of the David Oyedepo Foundation. It targets academically excellent students from African countries and covers full school fees for up to five years in line with the duration of the chosen programme. The scholarship is structured to develop youth leaders who are ready to contribute to their communities and countries.

CU International Excellence Scholarship

This one is specifically for non-Nigerian Master’s degree applicants. If you’re coming from outside Nigeria to pursue a Master’s programme at CU, this scholarship provides 18 months of support. It’s designed to attract the best international minds to the institution.

CApIC-ACE Scholarship (World Bank-Funded)

This scholarship was created under the World Bank-funded African Centre of Excellence IMPACT project. It targets highly motivated students from Nigeria and West & Central Africa pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees in:

• Bioinformatics
• Computer Science
• Biochemistry
• Information & Communication Engineering

It’s a fully funded programme with the dual goal of building research capacity across Africa and strengthening innovation in critical technology fields.

If you’re considering CU but worried about the fees, these scholarships are worth serious research. The David Oyedepo Foundation in particular has awarded full rides to over a thousand students historically. Your academic record is your ticket.

How to Budget for 4–5 Years at Covenant University

Parents and students who are serious about CU need to think beyond one session. Here’s a realistic multi-year look.

Estimated Total Cost Per Year

For a fresh Engineering student:

For years 2–5, remove the one-time fees (acceptance, matriculation, etc.) and fees drop closer to ₦850,000–₦900,000 per session, plus personal costs.

Over a 5-year engineering programme, you’re looking at a rough total of ₦5 million to ₦6 million, including all costs.

Tips for Managing the Cost

• Apply for scholarships early — before admission, not after
• Use the staggered payment option (70% first, balance later) if cash flow is tight
• Budget specifically for feeding and personal expenses because they’re not in the fees
• Track fee changes annually — there’s typically a “slight upward review” each session as CU has publicly stated
• Start payment early every session to avoid late fees and portal stress

Is Covenant University Worth the Fee? An Honest Look

This is the question nobody else is answering — but it’s the one most prospective students are actually thinking about.

The honest answer: it depends on what you’re looking for.

Covenant University consistently ranks among the top universities in Nigeria and has earned international rankings (breaking into Times Higher Education World University Rankings). It was the first university in Nigeria to introduce a startup incubator, and it was also the first to make entrepreneurship a compulsory course for all students. Its graduates are widely regarded as disciplined, well-rounded, and employment-ready.

The discipline model — no phones, structured daily routines, compulsory chapel — isn’t for everyone. Some students thrive in that environment. Others find it too restrictive. That’s worth knowing before you commit financially.

If you’re looking purely for an academic credential and can’t afford private university fees, federal universities offer strong programmes at a fraction of the cost. But if you want a structured environment, a strong alumni network, quality infrastructure, and a reputation that opens doors — CU delivers that consistently.

Covenant University vs. Other Private Universities — How the Fees Compare

Covenant University generally falls in a mid-to-high range for private universities in Nigeria. Babcock is often considered more expensive for premium programmes like Medicine. AUN is at the top of the price ladder. For the quality and the fully bundled nature of CU fees, many families consider it competitive value.

Frequently Asked Questions About Covenant University School Fees

How much is Covenant University school fees in 2025/2026? Fees range from ₦937,500 to ₦1,002,500 per session for fresh (100 Level) students, depending on your course. Engineering students pay the highest at ₦1,002,500, while students in programmes like Business Administration and Banking & Finance pay the lowest at ₦937,500.

Does Covenant University school fees include hostel and feeding? Hostel accommodation (approximately ₦185,000 per session) is included and compulsory, since all students must live on campus. Feeding is not included — you’ll need to budget separately for meals.

Are the fees different for returning students? Yes. Returning students (200–500 Level) pay significantly less because they no longer pay one-time charges like the acceptance fee, matriculation fee, ID card, caution fee, and medical test. Their fees drop by roughly ₦120,000–₦150,000 compared to freshers.

How can I pay Covenant University school fees? You can pay online via Interswitch on the CU student portal (cuportal.covenantuniversity.edu.ng) using a Visa, MasterCard, or Verve card. Alternatively, you can generate a CU PIN on the portal and pay at approved banks like Zenith or First Bank.

Can I pay CU school fees in installments? Yes. The university allows staggered payment. You can pay 70% of your total fees before resumption and settle the remaining balance later. The first payment must be made before the school resumes.

Does Covenant University offer scholarships? Yes. CU offers the David Oyedepo Foundation Scholarship (full ride for African students), the CU International Excellence Scholarship (for non-Nigerian Master’s students), and the CApIC-ACE Scholarship (World Bank-funded, for postgraduate students in STEM fields).

What is the acceptance fee for Covenant University? The acceptance fee is ₦30,000. It’s a one-time, non-refundable fee paid after receiving your admission letter to confirm your place in the university.

Are fees the same for all courses at Covenant University? No. Fees vary by course and college. Engineering and science-intensive programmes attract the highest fees due to laboratory and equipment costs. Management and social science programmes have relatively lower fees.