Pan-Atlantic University School Fees 2025/2026 – Full Breakdown for All Courses

If you’re seriously considering Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) as your next academic home, the first question that comes to mind — and rightly so — is, “How much does it actually cost?” You’re not alone. Thousands of Nigerian students and their parents search for Pan-Atlantic University school fees every single year, and many of them come away more confused than when they started. Some sites show outdated numbers. Others give vague breakdowns without telling you what those fees actually cover or what they don’t.

This guide changes that. We’ve put together the most complete, up-to-date breakdown of PAU school fees for the 2025/2026 academic session — including undergraduate fees by department, postgraduate fees, acceptance fee details, accommodation costs, payment methods, and scholarship options. Whether you’re a fresh JAMB candidate or a returning student trying to plan your finances, you’ll find everything you need here.

What Makes PAU One of Nigeria’s Most Talked-About Private Universities

Pan-Atlantic University sits on a sprawling campus along Km 52 of the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos. It was established in 2002 and grew out of the Lagos Business School, which has been running since 1991. The university is a private, non-profit institution — which is a bit unusual for a Nigerian private school — and it’s accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

What sets PAU apart isn’t just the prestige tag. The institution is known for its industry-focused curriculum, small class sizes, and strong ties to the business world through the Lagos Business School. It consistently ranks among the top private universities in Nigeria and recently earned a spot in the QS World University Rankings for Sub-Saharan Africa. Programmes are available across three main schools — Management and Social Sciences, Media and Communication, and Science and Technology.

All of that sounds great. But yes, it comes at a price. Let’s get into the numbers.

How PAU School Fees Are Structured

Before we show you the actual figures, you need to understand how PAU structures its fees. This is where a lot of confusion starts, and most articles don’t bother explaining it clearly.

What the Tuition Actually Covers

PAU’s tuition is what they call an all-in fee for academic activities. It covers reading materials (so no buying separate course packs), library access, lab use (for science students), studio facilities (for media students), internet access on campus, and other academic facilities. You’re not going to be hit with a separate exam fee or a lab fee later in the semester.

What Is NOT Included in Your Tuition

This part matters a lot for budgeting. Your tuition at PAU does not cover accommodation, feeding, health insurance, or transportation. Health insurance is actually invoiced separately, so factor that in. There are no hidden charges for graduation, development levies, or extracurricular activities — PAU officially states this — but accommodation is a very real additional cost that can add significantly to your annual bill. We’ll cover the numbers in detail later.

Pan-Atlantic University Undergraduate School Fees 2025/2026 — Course by Course

PAU organises its undergraduate programmes under three schools. Your fees depend on which school your course falls under, and they vary slightly from one programme to another. Fees are paid per session (academic year) in two equal instalments — one before each semester.

School of Management and Social Sciences (SMSS)

The SMSS is home to some of PAU’s most popular programmes. Here’s the fee breakdown for 2025/2026:

You’ll notice the fees actually decrease as you move from Year 1 to Year 4. That’s a deliberate structure, not a typo. Returning students in later years generally pay less than fresh students.

School of Media and Communication (SMC)

SMC students pay slightly higher fees than their SMSS counterparts, likely due to the studio equipment and production facilities involved.

School of Science and Technology (SST)

The SST houses PAU’s engineering and tech programmes, and it tends to carry some of the highest fees in the institution.

Mechatronics is a relatively new programme, so fees for later years are still being finalised. If you’re applying for Mechatronics, check the official PAU website (pau.edu.ng) for updates.

PAU School Fees for New Students vs Returning Students

One thing PAU makes clear is that fresh students — whether admitted through UTME (100-level) or Direct Entry (200-level) — all pay the same tuition. There’s no premium for DE students. Your year of study, not your entry level, determines your fee.

As a general rule, Year 1 students pay the highest fees. Fees reduce gradually each year, so by Year 4, you’re paying less than you did in your first year. For the 2025/2026 session, new students are looking at fees starting from around ₦3,989,100 (for SMSS programmes) up to ₦4,447,464 (Mechatronics), while returning students in their final year may pay as low as ₦3,217,907 depending on their department.

Acceptance Fee — What You Need to Know Before Paying

Before you can fully secure your admission at PAU, you’ll need to pay an acceptance fee. For the 2025/2026 session, this stands at ₦250,000.

A few important points:

• It’s 100% non-refundable. Don’t pay it unless you’re sure you’re taking the offer.
• It’s not a separate charge on top of your first semester’s fees. It forms part of your first semester tuition, so you won’t be paying twice.
• It applies to both 100-level (UTME) students and 200-level (Direct Entry) students in their first year.
• Transfer students admitted from another institution also pay the acceptance fee.

Think of it as your commitment deposit. Pay it, and your place is secured.

The Real Total Cost of Attending PAU

Here’s where we go beyond what most articles will tell you. Your tuition is just one part of the financial picture. To properly plan for PAU, you need to account for the full cost of attendance.

Accommodation Costs at Pan-Atlantic University

PAU doesn’t run its own official student hostels — at least not in the traditional sense. The university has allocated land on its Ibeju-Lekki campus for private developers to build hostels, and those developers set their own prices. The good news is that the hostels are within walking distance of academic buildings, and the university enforces standards on them.

According to available data, hostel fees at PAU-adjacent hostels range from around ₦650,000 to ₦1,000,000 per session, depending on the room type (single, double, or shared). Some hostel providers also charge a refundable caution deposit. It’s worth contacting the university’s housing office or visiting the campus before committing, since prices can change.

Other Living and Personal Expenses to Budget For

Beyond accommodation, you’ll need to factor in:

• Feeding: Campus cafeterias are available, but costs vary. Budget at least ₦150,000–₦300,000 per semester for meals, depending on your lifestyle.
• Health Insurance: PAU invoices this separately. Confirm the current amount from the admissions office.
• Transportation: The campus is in Ibeju-Lekki, which is fairly removed from central Lagos. If you’re commuting rather than living on campus, transport costs can be significant.
• Personal items and stationery: While course materials are included in tuition, you’ll still need personal notebooks, internet data (for off-campus use), and other day-to-day expenses.

A conservative total cost estimate for a Year 1 student at PAU (tuition + acceptance fee + accommodation) would land somewhere between ₦4,900,000 and ₦5,500,000 per session, depending on programme and lifestyle choices.

Pan-Atlantic University Postgraduate Fees

PAU also offers postgraduate programmes, and these come with their own separate fee structure. Here’s what’s available and what it costs.

MSc in Media and Communication

The MSc programme in Media and Communication is run through the School of Media and Communication. For the 2026 modular full-time intake, total fees are set at ₦6,000,000. You can pay this in full upfront or through instalments:

• Plan A (Full Payment): ₦6,000,000 on admission
• Plan B (Three Instalments): ₦2,000,000 at the start of each of the three semesters
• Plan C (Spread Payments): ₦1,000,000 on admission, then two additional instalments of ₦500,000 per semester

PhD in Media and Communication

The PhD programme runs for three years — two semesters of coursework in Year 1, followed by research, field work, thesis writing, and seminars in Years 2 and 3. Fees cover tuition and course materials (excluding textbooks). Payment for each session can be made in full or in instalments. Contact the SMC admissions team at msc@smc.edu.ng or call 0816 4820 228 for the current fee schedule.

MBA and Other Postgraduate Programmes

PAU’s MBA is run through the Lagos Business School (LBS), which is one of the most reputable business schools in Africa. LBS fees are separate from the PAU undergraduate structure and can be significantly higher. Prospective MBA students should check directly at lbs.edu.ng for the latest programme fees and intake dates.

How to Pay Pan-Atlantic University School Fees Online

PAU has made it easier over the years to settle your fees without queuing at a bank all day. Here are the three main payment channels.

Payment via Remita

The most current and recommended payment channel is through Remita, accessible via the student portal at sims.pau.edu.ng.

• Log in to your student portal
• Navigate to the fee payment section and locate Remita
• Input the exact fee amount and generate a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) code
• Use the RRR to pay online with your debit card or visit any bank branch to pay over the counter
• After payment, log back into the portal and download your receipt

Make sure you have a stable internet connection when generating the RRR code, and don’t forget to save or print the receipt — you’ll need it during registration.

Payment via Quickteller

Quickteller is another option PAU officially supports:

• Visit quickteller.com
• Search for Pan-Atlantic University in the payment options
• Enter your student details (name and invoice number)
• Confirm the fee amount and proceed to pay with your card
• A “Transaction Successful” message confirms your payment

Payment at the Bank Branch (CollegePay)

If you prefer the over-the-counter route, PAU accepts payments through the CollegePay system at branches of major Nigerian banks. These include First Bank, Fidelity Bank, Diamond Bank (now Access Bank), and others. You’ll need your invoice number — this is a unique number found on your student portal or in the automated email sent to you after admission.

Fill in the deposit slip with your full name, invoice number, and payment amount. Always collect your e-receipt from the teller before leaving the bank. Without it, your payment cannot be verified easily.

Scholarships and Financial Aid at PAU

One thing PAU doesn’t shout about enough is that it does have scholarship and financial aid programmes. If the fees feel daunting, you should know your options before making any final decisions.

Need-Based Tuition Scholarships

PAU offers tuition fee assistance to up to 15% of its total student body. Of this, 5% receive full scholarships while the remaining 10% receive partial scholarships. To qualify, you’ll need to demonstrate both financial need and strong academic performance. Value alignment with the university’s mission is also assessed — so it’s not purely academic.

Scholarship decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, and you need to apply through the official admissions process. Don’t assume automatic consideration; actively flag your interest early.

Sibling Discount Policy

If your family has more than one child enrolled at PAU at the same time, the discounts are quite generous:

• 1st child: full tuition (no discount)
• 2nd child: 10% discount on tuition
• 3rd child: 50% discount on tuition
• 4th child: 98% discount on tuition

This is a legitimate policy from the university, not a rumour. If you’re one of several siblings all applying to PAU, this could make a significant financial difference.

Work-Study Programme

PAU runs a work-study scheme where students can take up paid jobs within the university — in departments, facilities, or administrative offices — and earn money during the academic year. It’s not a full scholarship, but it helps offset costs for students on partial aid or those simply looking to reduce financial pressure on their families.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

PAU participates in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which offers transformative, fully funded scholarship opportunities to talented young Africans from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. If you meet the eligibility criteria — strong academic history, demonstrated leadership, clear financial need — this programme is absolutely worth applying for. It covers tuition, accommodation, and other essential costs.

Details change per intake cycle, so check pau.edu.ng or the Mastercard Foundation website for the latest application window.

PAU School Fees Compared to Other Top Private Universities in Nigeria

A lot of people want to know how PAU stacks up financially against other well-known private universities in Nigeria. Here’s a quick comparison to give you perspective.

PAU is clearly on the higher end of the private university fee spectrum in Nigeria. But what you’re paying for is a focused, industry-linked education, small class environment, and one of the strongest graduate employment records among Nigerian private universities. Whether that justifies the cost depends on your financial situation, career goals, and the scholarship options you can access.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pan-Atlantic University School Fees

How much is Pan-Atlantic University school fees for 2025/2026?

For Year 1 (fresh) students, fees range from ₦3,989,100 (SMSS programmes like Accounting and Business Admin) to ₦4,447,464 (Mechatronics). For returning students in their final year, fees can be as low as ₦3,217,907 depending on the department.

Is Pan-Atlantic University one of the most expensive in Nigeria?

Yes, it is. PAU consistently ranks among the most expensive private universities in Nigeria. However, unlike many institutions, it has no hidden fees — no lab fees, exam fees, development levies, or graduation charges beyond the stated tuition.

How much is the PAU acceptance fee?

The acceptance fee is ₦250,000 and is non-refundable. It forms part of your first semester’s tuition, so you won’t pay it again on top of your regular fees.

Does PAU have accommodation on campus?

Not in the traditional sense. The university has allocated land to private hostel developers who manage the facilities. These hostels are close to campus and regulated by PAU, but not owned by the university. Hostel fees range from approximately ₦650,000 to ₦1,000,000 per session.

Does PAU offer scholarships?

Yes. PAU offers need-based tuition scholarships to up to 15% of students (5% full, 10% partial), a sibling discount policy, a work-study programme, and participates in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Can I pay PAU school fees in instalments?

Absolutely. Tuition is split into two equal instalments, one paid before each semester begins. For postgraduate programmes, there are three-instalment and other flexible payment plans available.

What is the cheapest course at PAU?

In terms of fees, courses in the School of Management and Social Sciences — like Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, and Finance — carry the lowest tuition, starting at ₦3,989,100 for Year 1 students.

How do I pay PAU school fees online?

Log in to your student portal at sims.pau.edu.ng, generate a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) code under the payment section, then pay online with your debit card or at any bank branch. You can also pay via Quickteller at quickteller.com. Always download your receipt after successful payment.

So there you have it — the most thorough breakdown of Pan-Atlantic University school fees you’ll find anywhere online. The numbers are significant, no question about that. But knowing exactly what you’re paying, what it covers, and what options exist to bring those costs down puts you in a much stronger position to plan. If PAU is where you want to be, start early, explore the scholarship routes, and use the official portal at pau.edu.ng to confirm current figures before making any payments.