Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, offers a wide range of postgraduate programmes for graduates seeking Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s, Master of Philosophy and Doctoral qualifications.
The university’s Postgraduate College (PGC) manages postgraduate admissions, while ABU maintains an official online programme database where applicants can check individual programmes, their departments, study duration, delivery mode and specific admission requirements. The current database contains hundreds of postgraduate programme records across different faculties and qualification types.
This guide covers ABU postgraduate courses and admission requirements, including the general requirements for PGD, Master’s and Ph.D admission, the different postgraduate qualification routes, O’Level conditions, referee requirements and what applicants should check before applying.
Also read: SSU Postgraduate Admission Requirements 2026/2027 (MSc, PGD & PhD): Full Course List and Guide
ABU Postgraduate Courses
ABU does not operate a small postgraduate course catalogue. Its official programme database contains postgraduate offerings under several qualification categories: https://programmes.abu.edu.ng/programmes_list.php
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)
- Academic Master’s degrees
- Professional Master’s degrees
- Master of Philosophy (M.Phil)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)
The university’s programme database currently shows 89 Postgraduate Diploma, 257 Academic Master’s, 42 Professional Master’s, 129 M.Phil and 224 Doctorate programme records. Because the database also records different delivery modes and programme variants separately, applicants should search for their exact programme rather than relying only on a general course name.
Below is a practical breakdown of the major areas in which ABU offers postgraduate study.
ABU Business School
Postgraduate programmes in the ABU Business School include areas such as:
- Accounting and Finance
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Business Management
- Banking and Finance
- Marketing
- Management
- Entrepreneurship and related management fields
For example, ABU’s official programme database lists PGD Accounting and Finance and PGD Management, while Master’s-level records include programmes such as M.Sc Business Administration. The exact entry qualification varies by programme.
Faculty of Agriculture
ABU’s postgraduate agriculture offerings cover a broad range of agricultural disciplines, including:
- Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
- Agricultural Extension
- Agronomy
- Animal Science
- Animal Production
- Crop Production
- Crop Protection
- Soil Science
- Agricultural-related resource and development fields
The official database, for example, lists PGD programmes in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Agricultural Extension, Agronomy, Animal Production, Animal Science and Crop Protection.
Also read: FUWUKARI Postgraduate Courses and Admission Requirements for 2026/2027 Academic Session
Faculty of Arts
Postgraduate study in Arts covers disciplines and specialist areas such as:
- English
- Literature
- Linguistics
- Nigerian Languages
- History
- Archaeology
- Theatre and Performing Arts
- Foreign Languages
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- African Languages and related fields
Applicants should search the official programme database for the exact qualification and specialization because entry requirements can differ significantly between programmes.
Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
ABU also offers postgraduate programmes in Basic Medical Sciences, including fields such as:
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Human Physiology
- Medical Laboratory-related disciplines
- Pharmacology
- Pathology and related biomedical areas
The official database, for example, lists PGD Anatomical Science, while individual Master’s programme records specify additional professional or academic requirements where applicable.
Faculty of Education
Education is another major postgraduate area at ABU. Programmes include fields such as:
- Educational Foundations
- Educational Psychology
- Guidance and Counselling
- Educational Technology
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Science Education
- Arts and Social Science Education
- Educational Administration and Planning
- Physical and Health Education
- Library and Information Science
- Islamic Studies Education
- Language Education
For example, the official programme database lists an M.Ed Islamic Studies programme and an M.Ed Instructional Technology programme. The Instructional Technology programme accepts relevant B.Ed, B.A.Ed and B.Sc.Ed graduates with at least Second Class Lower, subject to the university’s matriculation requirements.
Also read: FUBK Postgraduate Admission Requirements (MSc, PGD & PhD) 2026/2027: Courses Offered and Guide
Faculty of Engineering
ABU has postgraduate engineering programmes in areas including:
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
- Water Resources and related engineering areas
The official programme database lists PGD Chemical Engineering, PGD Civil Engineering, PGD Computer Engineering and PGD Data Communication and Software Engineering, among others.
Faculty of Environmental Design
Postgraduate programmes in Environmental Design include areas such as:
- Architecture
- Building
- Quantity Surveying
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Environmental Design
- Project Management
- related environmental and construction disciplines
For example, ABU’s official programme records include M.Sc Project Management and M.Sc Quantity Surveying. The Quantity Surveying programme has its own specific O’Level and academic qualification requirements.
Faculty of Law
ABU offers postgraduate Law programmes in areas including:
- LL.M
- M.Phil Law
- Ph.D Law
- PGD-related Law programmes
- International Law and Diplomacy
- Islamic Law
- Public Law and related specialist fields
The official programme database should be consulted for the particular Law programme because the academic qualification and supporting requirements vary according to the programme.
Faculty of Life Sciences
Postgraduate opportunities in Life Sciences include areas such as:
- Biochemistry
- Biological Sciences
- Botany
- Zoology
- Microbiology
- related biological and environmental disciplines
The programme database, for example, lists PGD Biochemistry as a postgraduate programme under the Life Sciences area.
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Postgraduate opportunities are also available in pharmaceutical and related disciplines. Applicants should check the official programme database for the available Master’s, M.Phil and Doctoral programmes and the specific first-degree requirements for each.
Faculty of Physical Sciences
Postgraduate courses in Physical Sciences include disciplines such as:
- Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Physics
- Geology
- Polymer and related chemistry fields
The official database lists PGD Analytical Chemistry, PGD Chemistry, PGD Computer Science, PGD Color Chemistry and other programmes in this area.
Faculty of Social Sciences
Social Science postgraduate study covers disciplines including:
- Economics
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Geography
- Mass Communication
- Local Government and Development Studies
- Policy and Development Studies
- related social and development fields
For example, ABU’s official programme records include M.Sc Policy and Development Studies, whose published requirements include five O’Level requirements with English Language credit and at least a Pass in Mathematics, together with a relevant Second Class Lower degree or specified professional Master’s qualifications.
Other postgraduate and interdisciplinary areas
ABU’s programme database also contains programmes that cut across traditional faculty boundaries, including information management, development studies, peace and conflict management, project management and other professional or interdisciplinary programmes.
This is one reason it is better to search the university’s programme database before deciding that ABU does not offer a particular postgraduate course. The official database can be filtered by programme type, faculty, department, delivery mode and other fields.
Also read: ADUSTECH Postgraduate Courses and Admission Requirements for 2026/2027 Academic Session
ABU Postgraduate Admission Requirements
The general ABU postgraduate admission requirements depend on the level of programme being applied for.
ABU’s own Policy on Quality Assurance states the general postgraduate entry requirements, while the Postgraduate College notes that individual departments and faculties may prescribe additional requirements.
O’Level Requirements
Applicants for postgraduate studies must satisfy the university’s basic matriculation requirements.
ABU’s policy specifies a minimum of five relevant O’Level credits or an acceptable combination of relevant O’Level and A’Level qualifications, with English Language and Mathematics required where applicable.
The important point is that O’Level requirements can be programme-specific.
For instance, some programmes may require particular science, social science or technical subjects in addition to English Language and Mathematics.
Applicants should therefore check the individual programme record rather than assuming that the general five-credit requirement is the only condition.
ABU PGD Admission Requirements
For a Postgraduate Diploma programme, the general university requirement is a Third Class degree from a recognised university or an HND in a relevant area, in addition to the required O’Level qualifications.
This makes the PGD route particularly relevant to graduates who do not meet the normal degree classification required for direct Master’s admission.
However, some individual PGD programmes have additional requirements.
Applicants with HND qualifications should therefore check the exact programme requirements before applying.
ABU Master’s Admission Requirements
The general requirement for a Master’s degree is a relevant Bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class Lower Division from ABU or another recognised university.
ABU also recognises a route for certain candidates who hold an HND or equivalent qualification together with an additional qualification such as a relevant PGD.
The university’s official policy states that an HND holder with a minimum of Upper Credit can be considered for Master’s admission where the applicant has acquired an additional relevant qualification such as a PGD in the same or a related field.
There is an important distinction here: Second Class Lower is the general direct-entry Master’s requirement, but individual Master’s programmes can impose higher or more specific conditions.
For example, ABU’s M.Sc Business Administration programme specifies a Bachelor’s degree in relevant management-related fields with at least Second Class Upper, while certain other candidates with an M.Sc in a management-related field and CGPA of 3.5 may be considered subject to programme conditions.
Therefore, applicants should never assume that meeting the general Second Class Lower requirement guarantees admission into every Master’s programme.
ABU M.Phil Admission Requirements
M.Phil admission is handled according to the requirements of the specific programme and the Postgraduate College.
ABU’s Postgraduate College also states that First Class graduates of ABU shall be considered for M.Phil/Ph.D admission.
Because M.Phil and M.Phil/Ph.D programmes are research-oriented, applicants should check the specific departmental requirements, including the required Master’s qualification and research background where applicable.
Also read: YSU Postgraduate Admission Form 2026/2027: Requirements, Courses and How to Apply
ABU Ph.D Admission Requirements
The general ABU requirement for Ph.D admission is a relevant Master’s degree with a research thesis component, rather than a project, and a minimum CGPA of 3.50.
This is an important requirement for prospective doctoral students because simply having a Master’s degree does not automatically satisfy ABU’s general Ph.D entry condition.
The programme may also impose additional requirements concerning the candidate’s academic background, research area, supervision and other departmental conditions.
ABU’s Postgraduate College states that applications are forwarded through the relevant faculty and department for consideration and recommendation, with provisional supervisors included in the departmental recommendation process.
ABU Postgraduate Admission Requirements by Qualification
For a quick comparison:
| Programme | General qualification |
|---|---|
| PGD | Third Class degree from a recognised university or relevant HND |
| Master’s | Relevant Bachelor’s degree, generally Second Class Lower or above |
| Master’s via HND | HND Upper Credit plus relevant additional qualification such as PGD, where applicable |
| M.Phil/M.Phil-Ph.D | Programme-specific requirements; ABU First Class graduates may be considered for M.Phil/Ph.D |
| Ph.D | Relevant Master’s with research thesis and minimum CGPA of 3.50 |
These are general university-level requirements, not guarantees of eligibility for every individual programme. Departmental and faculty requirements can be stricter.
Other Requirements for ABU Postgraduate Admission
There are several requirements that applicants can easily overlook.
Three academic referees
ABU’s Postgraduate College requires all postgraduate applicants to supply the names of three academic referees.
Applicants should therefore have their referees in mind before starting the application rather than waiting until the final stage of the form.
Academic transcripts
ABU requires academic credentials and transcripts as part of postgraduate admission processing.
The Postgraduate College states that candidates whose official transcripts have not yet arrived may temporarily submit a statement or notification of result, but an admission offer will not be finalised until the official transcript is received directly from the previous institution by the Secretary, Postgraduate College.
Departmental requirements
The general requirements are only the starting point.
Individual ABU programme records can contain additional academic, subject and professional requirements. For example, the M.Sc Quantity Surveying programme specifies particular O’Level subjects and different qualifying routes, while M.Sc Project Management has its own relevant-degree and experience/PGD conditions.
English Language and Mathematics
Candidates must satisfy ABU’s general university requirements, including English Language and Mathematics where applicable. The exact combination of O’Level subjects depends on the programme.
Can a Third Class Graduate Apply for ABU Postgraduate Admission?
Yes, but the route depends on the level of study.
ABU’s general requirements allow a Third Class degree holder to apply for PGD admission, provided the applicant also satisfies the relevant O’Level requirements.
For Master’s admission, the normal direct-entry requirement is Second Class Lower.
However, ABU’s Postgraduate College specifically states that Third Class plus PGD qualifies an applicant for Master’s admission, subject to the applicable programme requirements.
Therefore, a Third Class graduate should not automatically conclude that postgraduate study at ABU is impossible. The applicant should identify the relevant PGD and subsequently confirm whether the intended Master’s programme accepts that route.
Also read: FULOKOJA Postgraduate Courses and Admission Requirements for 2026/2027 Session
Can an HND Holder Apply for ABU Postgraduate Admission?
Yes, but the qualification level matters.
ABU’s general PGD requirement allows relevant HND holders to apply for PGD programmes.
For Master’s admission, the university’s policy states that an HND holder with at least Upper Credit may be considered where the applicant also has an additional relevant qualification such as a PGD in the same or related field.
The relevant programme must still accept the applicant’s academic background.
How to Choose the Correct ABU Postgraduate Course
Before submitting an application, it is better to work backwards from your existing qualification.
Start with your Bachelor’s degree.
Check whether your undergraduate discipline is listed as an acceptable background for the Master’s programme.
Check the degree classification.
A Second Class Lower may satisfy the general Master’s requirement, but some departments set a higher classification. ABU’s M.Sc Business Administration programme is one example where a Second Class Upper is specified.
Check the O’Level subjects.
Some programmes require particular subjects beyond the general university requirement.
Check whether a PGD route is available.
This can be important for Third Class and certain HND applicants.
Check the exact programme record.
Do not rely solely on a general list of ABU postgraduate courses. The university’s official database provides programme-specific information, including requirements and duration.
How to Apply for ABU Postgraduate Admission
ABU’s Postgraduate College states that postgraduate applications are made online through the College’s application portal.
The current official process is:
- Visit the ABU Postgraduate Application Portal.
Start from the Postgraduate College’s official admission page and use the application portal provided there. https://pgc.abu.edu.ng/ - Create an account.
Register using a valid email address and phone number. - Make the required application payment.
The official application process provides approved online payment options. - Complete the application form.
Enter your personal, academic and contact information carefully. - Provide your referee information.
ABU requires three academic referees. - Upload the required credentials.
This may include certificates, transcripts and other supporting documents required for the programme. - Review the application.
Check your programme, personal details, academic qualifications and uploaded documents before submitting. - Submit the application.
- Print or save the acknowledgement slip.
The official Postgraduate College application instructions include printing the acknowledgement slip after submission.
How ABU Postgraduate Admission Is Processed
Submitting an application does not mean automatic admission.
According to ABU’s official Postgraduate College procedure, applications are first processed through the Postgraduate College and then forwarded to the relevant departments through the Dean of the faculty for consideration and recommendation.
The departments and Faculty/Academic Boards then forward recommended candidates, together with provisional supervisor information where applicable, to the Postgraduate College Board.
This explains why meeting the minimum requirements does not by itself constitute an admission offer.
How to Check ABU Postgraduate Admission Status
ABU’s Postgraduate College says applicants can monitor their application by logging into the application portal.
The dashboard provides updates relating to application review, document verification and admission decisions. Successful candidates are also expected to receive email notifications when admission decisions are finalised.
For a previous admission cycle, ABU officially instructed candidates to log into the forms portal where they purchased their forms and click Notification to view their admission status.
Because admission procedures can change between sessions, applicants should follow the instructions attached to their particular admission cycle.
How Long Are ABU Postgraduate Programmes?
The duration depends on the qualification and programme.
ABU’s quality-assurance policy states the following minimum programme durations:
- Postgraduate Diploma: minimum of 12 months
- Master’s degree: minimum of 18 months
- Doctoral degree: minimum of 36 months
Individual programme records can specify their own duration and delivery mode, so applicants should check the exact course record before applying.
For example, the official programme database lists many programmes with a two-year duration, while some PGD programmes are listed with one year and others with longer durations.
Also read: FUNAAB Postgraduate Courses and Admission Requirements for 2026/2027 Session
Important Things to Check Before Applying
Do not stop at the general admission requirement.
ABU’s general requirements provide the foundation, but individual departments can require specific degrees, subjects, professional qualifications, work experience or higher classifications.
Confirm the exact programme title.
Some ABU programmes have similar names but belong to different departments or qualification categories.
Check the delivery mode.
The official database identifies programme delivery modes and can distinguish full-time and part-time offerings.
Prepare your referees early.
Three academic referees are required by the Postgraduate College.
Arrange your transcript early.
Waiting for a transcript can affect completion of the admission process because ABU states that final admission cannot be concluded until the official transcript reaches the Postgraduate College.
Check the current application notice.
ABU’s Postgraduate College says postgraduate admission cycles and deadlines can vary from year to year. The official portal should therefore be checked for the current session rather than relying on an old admission advert.
Frequently Asked Questions About ABU Postgraduate Courses and Admission
What postgraduate courses does ABU offer?
ABU offers hundreds of postgraduate programme records covering Postgraduate Diploma, Academic Master’s, Professional Master’s, M.Phil and Doctoral programmes. The official programme database can be filtered by faculty, department, programme type and delivery mode.
What is the minimum qualification for ABU PGD admission?
The general requirement is a Third Class degree from a recognised university or an HND in a relevant area, together with the required O’Level qualifications. Individual programmes may have additional requirements.
What class of degree is required for ABU Master’s admission?
The general requirement is a relevant Bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class Lower. However, some programmes require a higher classification or additional qualifications.
Can a Third Class graduate apply for an ABU Master’s programme?
ABU’s Postgraduate College states that Third Class plus a PGD qualifies an applicant for Master’s admission, subject to the requirements of the intended programme.
Can an HND holder apply for ABU postgraduate studies?
Yes. Relevant HND holders can apply for PGD programmes. For Master’s admission, ABU’s general policy provides for HND holders with at least Upper Credit plus an additional relevant qualification such as a PGD, where applicable.
What CGPA is required for ABU Ph.D admission?
The general ABU requirement is a relevant Master’s degree with a research thesis component and a minimum CGPA of 3.50.
How many referees are required for ABU postgraduate admission?
ABU’s Postgraduate College requires applicants to provide the names of three academic referees.
Does ABU accept applicants whose transcript is not yet available?
The Postgraduate College states that an applicant may temporarily submit a statement or notification of result where the official transcript is still pending. However, final admission will not be completed until the official transcript is received directly from the previous institution.
Does ABU offer part-time postgraduate programmes?
Yes. The official programme database contains programmes with different delivery modes, and the Postgraduate College states that selected departments offer part-time, modular and executive postgraduate programmes. Applicants should confirm the mode available for their intended programme.
Where can I check the exact requirements for an ABU postgraduate course?
The safest option is ABU’s official programme database, where individual programme records provide their own admission requirements. This is particularly important because departmental requirements can be stricter than the general university requirements.
Also read: LAUTECH Postgraduate Courses and Admission Requirements for 2026/2027 Academic Session
Conclusion
ABU offers a particularly broad postgraduate catalogue, covering PGD, Academic Master’s, Professional Master’s, M.Phil and Ph.D programmes across numerous academic fields.
The general requirements provide a useful starting point: PGD applicants can qualify with a Third Class degree or relevant HND; direct Master’s applicants generally need at least Second Class Lower in a relevant discipline; and Ph.D applicants generally need a relevant Master’s with a research thesis and at least 3.50 CGPA.
But the exact programme requirement should always take priority over the general rule. ABU’s official programme database shows that individual courses can require particular degree classifications, subjects, professional qualifications, work experience or other conditions.
Before paying for an application, prospective students should therefore identify their exact ABU postgraduate course, open its programme record, compare the requirements with their qualifications, and then proceed through the official Postgraduate College application portal.
Official ABU Postgraduate College: ABU Postgraduate College
Official ABU Programme Database: ABU Postgraduate Programme Database
Stay updated on ABU postgraduate courses, school fees, admission requirements, and application deadlines, by checking back on masterpg.com.ng. We revise this page whenever new postgraduate information for The Ahmadu Bello University Zaria are released.
Asuku Abdulmalik is an education content writer and the founder of MasterPG, a Nigerian postgraduate information platform focused on postgraduate admissions and school fees. With a background in researching and writing educational content, Asuku is passionate about making postgraduate information easier for students and prospective applicants to find and understand. Through MasterPG, he covers admission requirements, application forms, deadlines, admission lists, school fees, and practical guides for postgraduate students across Nigerian universities. He is committed to keeping MasterPG’s content clear, accurate, and regularly updated, while encouraging readers to verify important details with the relevant institution’s official sources before making any decisions.
Founder & Education Content Writer, MasterPG
Your Guide to Postgraduate Studies in Nigeria.
