UNILORIN Postgraduate Courses and Admission Requirements for 2026/2027 Session

University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) postgraduate courses cover a broad range of Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s, M.Phil., M.Phil./Ph.D. and Ph.D. programmes across Agriculture, Arts, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Communication and Information Sciences, Education, Engineering and Technology, Environmental Sciences, Law, Life Sciences, Management Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences and Veterinary Medicine.

You will find the UNILORIN postgraduate courses arranged by faculty and department, followed by the general O’Level requirements, Master’s admission conditions, Ph.D. and M.Phil. pathways, Postgraduate Diploma requirements, programme-specific rules, transcript requirements, qualifying examinations, application fee and application procedure. We also explain programme duration and important points applicants should check before submitting an application.

FUOYE Postgraduate Courses: Full List of Programmes Offered for 2026/2027 Academic Session

About University of Ilorin Postgraduate Programmes

The University of Ilorin, popularly known as UNILORIN, offers postgraduate education through a wide range of academic units. For the 2026/2027 academic session, the university’s official general advertisement lists programmes from Postgraduate Diploma level through Master’s, M.Phil., M.Phil./Ph.D. and Ph.D. levels.

The university specifically advises prospective applicants to select only programmes advertised for the session. This is important because the availability of a postgraduate programme in a previous session does not automatically mean that the programme is available for the current admission cycle.

The 2026/2027 advertisement also states that the postgraduate academic session lasts 12 calendar months, beginning on 2 October and ending on 30 September of the following year. The period starts counting automatically from the candidate’s date of first registration.

UNILORIN Postgraduate Courses for 2026/2027

The following are the postgraduate courses listed in the university’s official 2026/2027 general admission advertisement.

Faculty of Agriculture

Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management

• M.Sc. Agricultural Economics
• Ph.D. Agricultural Economics

Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development

• M.Sc. Agricultural Extension
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Agricultural Extension
• Ph.D. Agricultural Extension

Department of Agronomy

• M.Sc. Agronomy
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Agronomy
• Ph.D. Agronomy
• M.Sc. Soil Science
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Soil Science
• Ph.D. Soil Science

Department of Animal Production

• PGD
• M.Sc. Animal Production
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Animal Production
• Ph.D. Animal Production

Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries

• M.Sc. Aquaculture and Fisheries
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Aquaculture and Fisheries
• Ph.D. Aquaculture and Fisheries

Department of Crop Protection

• PGD
• M.Sc. Crop Protection
• Ph.D. Crop Protection

Department of Forest Resources Management

• M.Sc. Forest Resources Management
• Ph.D. Forest Resources Management

Department of Home Economics and Food Science

• PGD
• M.Sc. Food Science
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Food Science
• Ph.D. Food Science
• M.Sc. Home Economics

The Agricultural faculty therefore provides postgraduate options spanning agricultural economics, crop production, soil science, animal production, fisheries, forestry, food science and related areas.

FUOYE Postgraduate Admission Requirements for PGD, Masters, M.Phil and PhD (2026/2027 Session)

Faculty of Arts

Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts

• M.A. Cultural Studies
• Ph.D. Cultural Studies
• M.A. Creative Arts
• Ph.D. Creative Arts
• M.A. Museum and Archival Studies
• Ph.D. Museum and Archival Studies

Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies

• M.A. Peace and Development Studies
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Peace and Development Studies
• Ph.D. Peace and Development Studies
• M.A. Peace and Strategic Studies
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Peace and Strategic Studies
• Ph.D. Peace and Strategic Studies
• M.A. Peace and Security Studies
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Peace and Security Studies
• Ph.D. Peace and Security Studies

Department of Arabic and Transnational Studies

• M.A. Arabic Language
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Arabic Language
• Ph.D. Arabic Language
• M.A. Literature-in-Arabic
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Literature-in-Arabic
• Ph.D. Literature-in-Arabic

Department of English

• M.A. English Language
• M.Phil./Ph.D. English Language
• Ph.D. English Language
• M.A. Literature in English
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Literature in English
• Ph.D. Literature in English

Department of French

• M.A. French Language
• Ph.D. French Language
• M.A. Literature-in-French
• Ph.D. Literature-in-French

Department of History and International Studies

• M.A. History and International Studies
• M.Phil./Ph.D. History and International Studies
• Ph.D. History and International Studies

Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages

• M.A. Linguistics
• Ph.D. Linguistics
• M.A. Applied Linguistics
• Ph.D. Applied Linguistics
• M.A. Yoruba Literature
• Ph.D. Yoruba Literature

Department of The Performing and Film Arts

• M.A. Performing Arts
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Performing Arts
• Ph.D. Performing Arts

ABU Postgraduate Courses and Admission Requirements 2026/2027 Academic Session

Department of Religions

• M.A. Christian Studies
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Christian Studies
• Ph.D. Christian Studies
• M.A. Comparative Religious Studies
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Comparative Religious Studies
• Ph.D. Comparative Religious Studies
• M.A. Islamic Studies
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Islamic Studies
• Ph.D. Islamic Studies

Institute of Translation Art

• M.A. Translation Art

The Arts programmes provide postgraduate study in languages, literature, cultural studies, religion, peace and strategic studies, history, creative arts and translation.

Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences

Department of Anatomy

• M.Sc. Anatomy
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Anatomy
• Ph.D. Anatomy

Department of Physiology

• M.Sc. Physiology
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Physiology
• Ph.D. Physiology

Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences

Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics

• M.Sc. Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• Ph.D. Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology

• M.Sc. Medical Microbiology and Parasitology
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Medical Microbiology and Parasitology
• Ph.D. Medical Microbiology and Parasitology

Molecular Diagnostic and Research Laboratory (MDRL)

• PG Certificate in Analytic Molecular Biology Techniques

Faculty of Clinical Sciences

Department of Epidemiology and Community Health

• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Master of Community Health (M.Comm.H.)
• Ph.D. Public Health

Department of Nursing Science

• M.Sc. Nursing Science

Department of Paediatrics & Child Health

• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Tropical Paediatrics

Institute of Medical Research and Training

• PGD Sport and Exercise Medicine
• M.Sc. Sport and Exercise Medicine
• M.Sc. Addiction Medicine Study
• M.Sc. Haematology and Transfusion Medicine

These health-related programmes include both conventional academic postgraduate degrees and specialised programmes in public health, medicine, nursing, sports medicine, addiction medicine and transfusion medicine.

Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences

Centre for Cybersecurity and Sustainable Development

• Master in Cybersecurity (Professional)
• PGD Cybersecurity
• M.Sc. Cybersecurity
• M.Phil. Cybersecurity
• Ph.D. Cybersecurity

Department of Computer Science

• PGD Computer Science
• M.Sc. Computer Science
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Computer Science
• Ph.D. Computer Science

Department of Information Technology

• M.Sc. Information and Communication Science
• Ph.D. Information and Communication Science

Department of Library and Information Science

• MLIS
• Ph.D. Library and Information Science

Department of Mass Communication

• M.Sc. Mass Communication
• Ph.D. Mass Communication

Department of Telecommunication Science

• M.Sc. Telecommunication Science
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Telecommunication Science
• Ph.D. Telecommunication Science

Faculty of Education

Department of Arts Education

• M.Ed. English Language Education
• M.Phil./Ph.D. English Language Education
• Ph.D. English Language Education
• M.Ed. Arabic Language Education
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Arabic Language Education
• Ph.D. Arabic Language Education
• M.Ed. History and Policy Education
• M.Phil./Ph.D. History and Policy Education
• Ph.D. History and Policy Education
• M.Ed. History Education
• M.Phil./Ph.D. History Education
• Ph.D. History Education
• M.Ed. Religious Studies Education
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Religious Studies Education
• Ph.D. Religious Studies Education
• M.Ed. Comparative Education
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Comparative Education
• Ph.D. Comparative Education
• M.Ed. Curriculum Development
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Curriculum Development
• Ph.D. Curriculum Development
• M.Ed. Mother Tongue Education
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Mother Tongue Education
• Ph.D. Mother Tongue Education
• M.Ed. Philosophy of Education
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Philosophy of Education
• Ph.D. Philosophy of Education

Department of Adult and Primary Education

• M.Ed. Adult Education
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Adult Education
• Ph.D. Adult Education
• M.Ed. Childhood Education
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Childhood Education
• Ph.D. Childhood Education

Department of Educational Management

• M.Ed. Educational Management
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Educational Management
• Ph.D. Educational Management

Department of Educational Technology

• PGD Educational Technology
• M.Ed. Educational Technology
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Educational Technology
• Ph.D. Educational Technology

Department of Educational Guidance and Counselling

• M.Ed. Educational Guidance and Counselling
• Ph.D. Educational Guidance and Counselling
• PGD Marriage and Family Life Counselling
• PGD Religious Counselling

Department of Health Promotion and Environmental Health Education

• M.Sc. (Ed.) Health Education
• M.Phil. Health Education
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Health Education
• Ph.D. Health Education
• Master of Public Health Education
• Ph.D. Public Health Education

Department of Human Kinetics Education

• M.Sc. (Ed.) Exercise and Sport Science
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Exercise and Sport Science
• Ph.D. Exercise and Sport Science
• M.Sc. (Ed.) Administration and Management of Human Kinetics and Sport
• Ph.D. Administration and Management of Human Kinetics and Sport
• M.Sc. (Ed.) Recreation and Tourism Education
• Ph.D. Recreation and Tourism Education

Department of Science Education

• M.Ed. Agricultural Education
• Ph.D. Agricultural Education
• Ph.D. Curriculum Development (Science)
• M.Ed. Mathematics Education
• Ph.D. Mathematics Education
• M.Ed. Science Education (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
• Ph.D. Science Education (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)

Department of Social Sciences Education

• M.Ed. Curriculum Development in Social Sciences Education
• Ph.D. Curriculum Development in Social Sciences Education
• M.Ed. Educational Psychology
• Ph.D. Educational Psychology
• M.Ed. Educational Research, Measurement and Evaluation
• Ph.D. Educational Research, Measurement and Evaluation
• M.Ed. Sociology of Education
• Ph.D. Sociology of Education
• M.Ed. Social Studies Education
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Social Studies Education

Faculty of Engineering and Technology

Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

• M.Eng.
• Ph.D. Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering — Processing and Storage and Farm Structures options only

Department of Biomedical Engineering

• M.Eng. Biomedical Engineering

Department of Chemical Engineering

• M.Eng.
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Chemical Engineering

Department of Civil Engineering

• M.IWRM Integrated Water Resources Management
• M.Eng.
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Civil Engineering

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

• M.Eng.
• Ph.D. Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering

• M.Eng. Materials and Metallurgical Engineering

Department of Mechanical Engineering

• M.Eng.
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering

Faculty of Environmental Sciences

Department of Architecture

• M.Sc. Architecture

Department of Estate Management

• PGD
• M.Sc.
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Estate Management

Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics

• PGD
• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Surveying and Geoinformatics

Department of Quantity Surveying

• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Quantity Surveying

Department of Urban and Regional Planning

• PGD
• M.Sc.
• M.Phil.
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Urban and Regional Planning

Faculty of Law

Department of Common Law

• LL.M.
• M.Phil.
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Common Law

Department of Islamic Law

• LL.M.
• M.Phil.
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Islamic Law

Institute for Legislative Studies

• PGD Legislative Studies
• M.A. Legislative Studies
• Ph.D. Legislative Studies
• PGD Legislative Drafting
• M.A. Legislative Drafting
• Ph.D. Legislative Drafting
• PGD Constitutional Law and Development
• M.A. Constitutional Law and Development
• Ph.D. Constitutional Law and Development
• PGD Election and Political Party Management
• M.A. Election and Political Party Management
• Ph.D. Election and Political Party Management
• PGD Parliamentary Administration
• M.A. Parliamentary Administration
• Ph.D. Parliamentary Administration

Faculty of Life Sciences

Department of Biochemistry

• PGD
• M.Sc.
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Biochemistry

Department of Microbiology

• M.Sc.
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Microbiology — Environmental, Medical & Industrial Microbiology

Department of Plant Biology

• PGD
• M.Sc.
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Plant Biology

Department of Zoology

• M.Sc.
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Zoology

Faculty of Management Sciences

Centre for Management and Leadership Ilorin

• PGD Management and Leadership
• M.Sc. Community Leadership
• M.Sc. Procurement Regulation and Management
• M.Sc. Leadership and Accountability
• Ph.D. Management and Leadership

Department of Accounting

• M.Sc.
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Accounting

Department of Business Administration

• M.Sc.
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Business Administration

Department of Finance

• M.Sc.
• M.Phil.
• Ph.D. Finance

Department of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management

• M.Sc.
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Employment Relations and Human Resource Management

Department of Marketing

• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Marketing

Department of Public Administration

• PGD
• M.Sc.
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Public Administration

Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry

• PGD
• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry

Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy

• M.Phil.
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy

Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development

• M.Sc.
• M.Phil./Ph.D. Pharmacognosy

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology

• M.Sc. Pharmacology

Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice

• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice

Faculty of Physical Sciences

Department of Chemistry

• PGD
• M.Sc.
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Chemistry

Department of Industrial Chemistry

• M.Sc.
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Industrial Chemistry

Department of Mathematics

• M.Sc.
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Mathematics

Department of Statistics

• M.Sc.
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Statistics

Department of Geology and Mineral Sciences

• PGD Geology
• M.Sc. Applied Geology
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Geology

Department of Geophysics

• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Applied Geophysics

Department of Physics

• M.Sc.
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Physics

Faculty of Social Sciences

Department of Economics

• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Economics

Department of Criminology and Security Studies

• M.Sc. Criminology and Security Studies

Department of Geography and Environmental Management

• M.Sc.
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Geography and Environmental Management

Department of Political Science

• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Political Science

Department of Social Works

• PGD
• M.Sc. Social Works

Department of Sociology

• M.Sc.
• M.Phil.
• M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Sociology, with areas including:
  • Rural and Urban Sociology
  • Industrial Sociology
  • Criminology
  • Medical Sociology
  • Sociology of Development and Social Change
  • Sociology of the Family and Gender Studies
  • Sociology of Entrepreneurship
  • Demography and Population Studies

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Department of Veterinary Anatomy

• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Veterinary Anatomy

Department of Veterinary Medicine

• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Veterinary Medicine

Department of Veterinary Microbiology

• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Veterinary Microbiology

Department of Veterinary Pathology

• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Veterinary Pathology

Department of Veterinary Parasitology & Entomology

• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Veterinary Parasitology

Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology

• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Veterinary Pharmacology
• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Veterinary Toxicology

Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry

• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Veterinary Physiology
• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Veterinary Biochemistry

Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine

• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine

Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology

• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Small Animal Surgery
• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Large Animal Surgery
• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Veterinary Anaesthesiology
• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

Department of Theriogenology and Production

• M.Sc. Animal Production and Health
• M.Sc.
• Ph.D. Theriogenology

UNILORIN Postgraduate Admission Requirements

The University of Ilorin has different entry requirements depending on whether an applicant is seeking a Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s, M.Phil., M.Phil./Ph.D. or Ph.D. programme.

The general requirements below come from the university’s official 2026/2027 postgraduate admission advertisement.

LAUTECH Postgraduate Courses and Admission Requirements for 2026/2027 Academic Session

General O’Level Requirements

All applicants must have five O’Level credit passes in relevant subjects, including:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Three other relevant subjects, depending on the programme

The university makes a special provision for applicants whose O’Level results were obtained before 2015. Such applicants may have a pass in either English Language or Mathematics depending on the programme being applied for.

This means prospective applicants should not simply count the number of O’Level credits they have. They should check whether the particular subjects meet the requirements of their intended postgraduate course.

NYSC Requirement

The university states that all entry certificate requirements must be available when purchasing the application form.

For the 2026/2027 admission cycle, the NYSC Discharge Certificate or Exemption Certificate should be dated and presented on or before 30 September 2026.

Applicants should therefore have their relevant NYSC documentation ready rather than waiting until after submitting the postgraduate application.

Master’s Degree Requirements

Applicants for Master’s degree programmes who graduated from the University of Ilorin or another recognized university must generally have at least a Second Class Honours Degree, Lower Division.

The applicant is normally expected to apply for a Master’s programme related to the subject of their first degree.

However, the university also makes provision for candidates who have a Second-Class Lower degree or higher classification and want to apply for a programme outside the discipline of their first degree.

Such candidates may be admitted if they satisfy the University’s Senate requirements through a qualifying examination.

The university states that the least class of first degree for all academic programme applicants is Second Class Honours Degree, Lower Division.

The Bachelor’s degree must have been obtained from the University of Ilorin or another university recognized by the Senate of the University of Ilorin.

Important point for applicants changing discipline: A candidate with Second-Class Lower or above is not automatically eligible for every Master’s programme. Where the intended Master’s programme is outside the applicant’s first-degree field, the qualifying examination requirement becomes important.

Ph.D. Admission Requirements

Applicants for a Ph.D. programme must possess a relevant Master’s degree from the University of Ilorin or another recognized university.

The official requirement is a minimum average weighted score of 60% or a 4.0 CGPA on a 5-point scale in the Master’s programme.

Shortlisted Ph.D. applicants are required to satisfy the Postgraduate School through qualifying interviews and assessments conducted by the relevant department.

Applicants are therefore expected to interact with the department where they have applied so they can ascertain the interview date for the Ph.D. programme.

The university also requires Ph.D. applicants to arrange for official academic transcripts to be sent to the Head of Department where admission is being sought.

M.Phil./Ph.D. Admission Route

Candidates who obtain between 55.00% and 59.99%, or between 3.50 and 3.99 CGPA on a 5-point scale, can apply for an M.Phil./Ph.D. programme where the programme is available.

The M.Phil./Ph.D. route is available only on a full-time basis.

It has a minimum duration of 12 calendar months and a maximum duration of 24 calendar months.

Candidates on this route may be converted to the Ph.D. programme after a progress assessment by a Panel of Examiners at the end of the first session.

For conversion to Ph.D., candidates are expected to achieve at least 60% aggregate at the end of the first session.

M.Phil. Admission Requirements

Candidates who score between 50.00% and 54.99%, or between 3.00 and 3.49 CGPA on a 5-point scale, can apply for M.Phil. programmes where available.

The M.Phil. programme is available only to full-time candidates.

The programme has a minimum duration of 18 calendar months and a maximum duration of 24 calendar months.

A dissertation is produced after the research work.

Postgraduate Diploma Requirements

The university states generally that Postgraduate Diploma programmes are available to candidates with Third Class Honours degrees.

However, individual PGD programmes can have additional or alternative requirements.

For example, the Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science has specific entry routes.

PGD Computer Science

Applicants must satisfy one of the following:

• A minimum first degree in Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences or Humanities from a recognized university.
• HND in Computer Science or Engineering from a recognized Polytechnic with at least Lower Credit.
• HND in another discipline, preferably from Sciences or Social Sciences, with at least Lower Credit from a recognized Polytechnic or equivalent institution, together with at least one year of cognate experience.

PGD Statistics

Applicants can qualify with:

• A minimum honours degree from a recognized university in any Science or Social Science discipline; or
• HND in Statistics from a recognized Polytechnic with at least Lower Credit.

These programme-specific requirements show why applicants should check their intended department rather than relying only on the general PGD rule.

Programme-Specific Admission Requirements

Some UNILORIN postgraduate courses have additional requirements beyond the general academic rules.

Master of Public Health

Applicants for the Master of Public Health (MPH) must have a first degree in one of the following fields:

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Pharmacy
• Nursing
• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Veterinary Medicine
• Medical Laboratory Science
• Health Information Management
• Public Health
• Microbiology

Applicants must also have at least two years of working experience in a health facility, Ministry of Health, United Nations agency or health-related government or non-governmental agency.

Qualifying Examination

Applicants for Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s degree programmes are generally subject to a qualifying examination, irrespective of the class of degree obtained.

There is an exemption for certain University of Ilorin graduates.

University of Ilorin graduates with a First Class or Second Class Upper Division degree who are applying to a department different from the department in which they graduated are exempted from the qualifying examination.

Applicants should therefore pay attention to this rule because qualifying examinations form part of the admission process for many postgraduate applicants.

FUNAAB Postgraduate Courses and Admission Requirements for 2026/2027 Session

International Applicants

International applicants who are domiciled outside Nigeria and non-Nigerians applying from outside Nigeria are exempted from the qualifying examination irrespective of their degree classification.

However, such applicants are required to submit a research proposal of not more than five pages explaining their intended research interests.

The advertisement states that the proposal should be sent electronically to the Postgraduate School email address by the stated deadline.

English Language Proficiency for Foreign-University Graduates

Higher-degree applicants who attended foreign universities where English was not the medium of instruction must submit evidence of English-language proficiency.

The university gives TOEFL or IELTS as examples of acceptable evidence, provided the scores are still within their validity periods.

Release Letter for Full-Time Programmes

Applicants applying for any of the university’s full-time programmes are expected to present a letter of release from their employers at the point of registration.

This is particularly important for applicants who are currently employed and intend to pursue a full-time postgraduate programme.

Duration of UNILORIN Postgraduate Programmes

The University of Ilorin specifies different durations for its postgraduate qualifications.

Ph.D.

• Full-time: minimum 36 calendar months
• Full-time: maximum 60 calendar months
• Part-time: minimum 48 calendar months
• Part-time: maximum 72 calendar months

Relevant courses may be required, and a thesis is produced at the end of the Ph.D. programme.

M.Phil./Ph.D.

• Full-time only
• Minimum 12 calendar months
• Maximum 24 calendar months

A dissertation is produced, and eligible candidates may subsequently convert to Ph.D. subject to the required assessment.

M.Phil.

• Full-time only
• Minimum 18 calendar months
• Maximum 24 calendar months

Master’s

• Full-time: minimum 18 calendar months
• Full-time: maximum 24 calendar months
• Part-time: minimum 36 calendar months
• Part-time: maximum 48 calendar months

The Master’s programmes are by coursework, followed by research and a dissertation.

Postgraduate Diploma

The university’s general advertisement makes PGD programmes available to candidates with Third Class Honours degrees. The exact duration can depend on the individual programme and applicable postgraduate regulations.

Academic Transcript Requirements

Transcript submission is an important part of the University of Ilorin postgraduate application process.

Applicants are required to apply early for their official academic transcripts to be sent to the Head of Department where admission is being sought.

For Master’s applicants, this applies to the official Bachelor’s degree transcript.

For Ph.D. applicants, the university similarly requires official academic transcripts to be sent to the relevant Head of Department.

Applicants should be particularly careful when providing the destination for their transcript because the Postgraduate School states that it will not be held responsible for misdirected transcripts.

For the 2026/2027 general admission cycle, the advertisement states that supporting documents and the hard copy of the application form should be forwarded to the Secretary, Postgraduate School, while academic transcripts should be addressed to the relevant Head of Department.

UNILORIN Postgraduate Application Fee

The official 2026/2027 postgraduate advertisement states that the non-refundable application fee is ₦25,000 for applicants within Nigeria.

For international applicants, the application fee is US$200.

The fee applies to all programmes covered by the general postgraduate advertisement.

Applicants should pay only through the official University of Ilorin application process and should avoid transferring application money to individuals claiming to be agents or admission representatives.

How to Apply for UNILORIN Postgraduate Admission

The university requires applicants to complete their postgraduate applications online.

Step 1: Check the advertised programme

Before beginning the application, confirm that your intended postgraduate course appears in the official 2026/2027 advertisement.

The university specifically advises applicants to select only courses advertised for the session. https://pg.unilorin.edu.ng/programmes-2/

Step 2: Prepare your credentials

Ensure that your degree certificates, O’Level results, NYSC Discharge or Exemption Certificate and other required documents are available.

Step 3: Complete the application online

Fill in the application form through the University of Ilorin postgraduate application system and provide the required information accurately.

Step 4: Upload your documents

The university requires applicants to submit scanned copies of their credentials together with the online application.

Step 5: Pay the application fee

Pay the applicable non-refundable application fee of ₦25,000 for applicants within Nigeria or US$200 for international applicants.

Step 6: Submit the application

Review the information entered before submitting because the university states that it will not be responsible for mistakes resulting from a wrong application.

Step 7: Print the application

Print the required hard copy after completing the online application.

Step 8: Forward supporting documents

The university’s admission advertisement requires the relevant supporting documents and hard copy of the application to be forwarded as directed by the Postgraduate School.

Step 9: Arrange your transcript

Contact your previous institution early enough for the official transcript to be sent to the relevant Head of Department.

Step 10: Prepare for the qualifying process

Where applicable, prepare for the postgraduate qualifying examination, departmental interview or assessment.

Important Dates in the 2026/2027 Advertisement

The official 2026/2027 advertisement was published by the University of Ilorin for the new postgraduate admission cycle.

The advertisement states that the application forms would close on Friday, 22 May 2026, while the latest date for receipt of supporting documents was stated as Friday, 5 June 2026. Since those dates have now passed, applicants using this article should verify whether the university has issued an extension, supplementary admission notice or another application window before attempting to apply.

The university’s general admission page also advises candidates to study the official advertisement carefully before commencing the application process.

OOU Postgraduate Courses and Admission Requirements 2026/2027 for PGD, Master’s, M.Phil and Ph.D Programmes

Important Things Applicants Should Know

Not every programme accepts every degree background.

Having a Bachelor’s degree does not automatically qualify an applicant for every UNILORIN postgraduate course. The university’s general rule expects Master’s applicants to apply to programmes related to their first degrees, while candidates seeking a different discipline may have to satisfy a qualifying examination.

A Third-Class degree can provide a PGD route.

The general postgraduate advertisement specifically makes Postgraduate Diploma programmes available to candidates with Third Class Honours degrees. Individual programmes can, however, impose additional requirements.

Ph.D. entry is academically demanding.

The general Ph.D. requirement is at least 60% or 4.0 CGPA on a five-point scale at Master’s level, followed by departmental qualifying interviews and assessments for shortlisted candidates.

Transcripts should not be left until the final stage.

The university repeatedly emphasizes early transcript submission. Applicants should contact their previous institutions early and ensure that the transcript is sent to the correct Head of Department.

Full-time applicants may need employer release.

Candidates applying for full-time programmes are expected to present a letter of release from their employers at registration.

The advertised programme list matters.

The university clearly states that only courses available for the particular session are advertised. Applicants should therefore avoid relying solely on old programme lists found on blogs or social media.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the general UNILORIN postgraduate admission requirements?

For most academic postgraduate programmes, applicants must satisfy the relevant O’Level requirements and possess the required previous qualification. Master’s applicants generally need at least Second-Class Lower Division in a relevant Bachelor’s degree, while Ph.D. applicants need a relevant Master’s degree with at least 60% or 4.0 CGPA on a five-point scale.

Can I apply for a UNILORIN Master’s programme with a Third Class degree?

The general Master’s requirement states that the least class of first degree for academic programme applicants is Second-Class Honours Lower Division. However, Third-Class holders may be eligible for selected Postgraduate Diploma programmes.

What CGPA is required for UNILORIN Ph.D. admission?

The university requires a relevant Master’s degree with at least 60% average weighted score or 4.0 CGPA on a five-point scale for general Ph.D. admission.

What is the requirement for M.Phil./Ph.D. admission at UNILORIN?

Candidates with 55.00–59.99% or 3.50–3.99 CGPA on a five-point scale can apply for M.Phil./Ph.D. programmes where available. The programme is full-time and candidates may be considered for conversion to Ph.D. after the required assessment.

What is the UNILORIN postgraduate application fee?

For the 2026/2027 general postgraduate admission advertisement, the application fee is ₦25,000 for applicants within Nigeria and US$200 for international applicants. The fee is non-refundable.

Does UNILORIN require a postgraduate entrance examination?

Yes. Applicants for Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s programmes are generally subject to a qualifying examination. The university provides specific exemptions for certain University of Ilorin graduates.

Does UNILORIN require academic transcripts?

Yes. Applicants are required to arrange for official academic transcripts to be sent to the Head of Department where admission is being sought.

Can international applicants be exempted from the qualifying examination?

Yes. International applicants domiciled outside Nigeria and non-Nigerians applying from outside Nigeria are exempted from the qualifying examination, but the university requires a research proposal of not more than five pages.

Conclusion

The University of Ilorin offers a substantial selection of UNILORIN postgraduate courses for the 2026/2027 academic session, ranging from PGD programmes to Master’s, M.Phil., M.Phil./Ph.D. and Ph.D. qualifications. The programmes cover fields such as Agriculture, Arts, Medical Sciences, Communication and Information Sciences, Education, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Law, Life Sciences, Management Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences and Veterinary Medicine.

The admission requirements vary according to the level and programme. The general Master’s route requires at least Second-Class Lower Division in a relevant Bachelor’s degree, while applicants entering a different field may have to pass the university’s qualifying examination. Ph.D. applicants generally need a relevant Master’s degree with at least 60% or 4.0 CGPA on a five-point scale. Candidates with 55.00–59.99% or 3.50–3.99 CGPA may use the M.Phil./Ph.D. route where available, while candidates with 50.00–54.99% or 3.00–3.49 CGPA may qualify for M.Phil. programmes where offered.

Stay updated on UNILORIN postgraduate courses and admission requirements,  school fees and application deadlines by checking back on masterpg.com.ng. We revise this page whenever new postgraduate information for University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) are released.