University of Lagos (UNILAG) Postgraduate Admission Guide 2026/2027: How to Apply
Applying for University of Lagos postgraduate programmes requires strict compliance with the School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) guidelines. Admission is competitive, and incomplete or incorrect applications are usually disqualified. This guide explains eligibility requirements, application procedures, required documents, screening process, and important deadlines for the 2026/2027 academic session.
UNILAG Postgraduate Programmes Available
UNILAG offers postgraduate programmes under the School of Postgraduate Studies across several faculties including:
- Arts
- Education
- Engineering
- Environmental Sciences
- Law
- Management Sciences
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Clinical Sciences
- Pharmacy
The available postgraduate qualifications include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)
- Master of Arts (M.A)
- Master of Science (M.Sc)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Executive MBA (EMBA)
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Master of Philosophy (M.Phil)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)
Each department sets specific academic requirements in addition to the general university criteria.
General Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary depending on the programme type.
Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)
Applicants must possess:
- A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university (minimum Third Class may be considered in some departments), or
- Higher National Diploma (HND) with at least Upper Credit in a related discipline
Some departments may conduct screening or require relevant work experience.
Master’s Degree (M.A, M.Sc, MBA, etc.)
Applicants must have:
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized university
- Minimum of Second Class Lower Division (2:2) for most academic programmes
- Professional Master’s programmes may require work experience
- NYSC discharge, exemption, or exclusion certificate
Competitive departments may require Second Class Upper (2:1).
M.Phil
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree with a CGPA specified by the department. This programme is often recommended for candidates who do not meet direct Ph.D requirements.
Ph.D
Applicants must:
- Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field
- Meet the minimum CGPA requirement set by the department
- Submit a research proposal aligned with departmental research areas
Some departments conduct oral interviews or written assessments before final admission.
All applicants must also meet O’Level requirements including credit passes in English Language and Mathematics.
UNILAG Postgraduate Application Portal
All applications are submitted online through the School of Postgraduate Studies portal:
Manual applications are not accepted.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply
Follow the process carefully to avoid errors.
Step 1: Create an Account
Visit the SPGS portal and register using a valid email address and phone number. Ensure your email remains active throughout the admission process.
Step 2: Generate Payment Reference
Log into your dashboard and generate a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) for the application fee.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
Pay the non-refundable application fee via Remita online or at an approved bank. The fee typically ranges between ₦25,000 and ₦30,000 depending on the programme.
Payment must reflect before you can proceed with the form.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application Form
Provide accurate details including:
- Personal data
- Academic history
- Previous institutions attended
- NYSC details
- Employment history (for professional programmes)
- Proposed course of study
Ensure names match your academic records exactly.
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
Applicants are required to upload:
- Degree certificate or statement of result
- NYSC certificate or exemption letter
- O’Level results
- Passport photograph
- Birth certificate or age declaration
Ph.D candidates must upload a structured research proposal.
Step 6: Request Academic Transcript
Applicants must arrange for official transcripts to be sent directly from their previous institution to:
The Secretary
School of Postgraduate Studies
University of Lagos
Transcript submission is mandatory. Applications without transcripts are not processed for final admission.
Step 7: Submit Application
Review all entries carefully before final submission. Print the acknowledgment slip and payment receipt for record purposes.
Entrance Examination and Screening
Depending on the department, applicants may be required to:
- Sit for a written entrance examination
- Attend an oral interview
- Participate in departmental screening
Dates for examinations and interviews are communicated via the portal and registered email addresses.
Failure to attend scheduled screening automatically disqualifies the applicant.
Admission List and Acceptance Procedure
After evaluation:
- Successful candidates are listed on the SPGS portal
- Admission offers are sent through the applicant’s dashboard
- Candidates must accept the offer within the stated deadline
Upon acceptance, candidates proceed to pay acceptance fees and complete registration.
Failure to accept within the deadline may result in withdrawal of the offer.
Important Application Tips
- Apply only if you meet the minimum CGPA requirement
- Submit transcript requests early to avoid delays
- Double-check uploaded documents for clarity
- Use consistent name format across all documents
- Monitor your email and portal regularly for updates
Application Timeline
UNILAG postgraduate forms are typically released between May and September, depending on the academic calendar. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official SPGS portal before applying.
Summary
To apply for University of Lagos postgraduate programmes for 2026/2027:
- Confirm eligibility
- Register on the SPGS portal
- Pay application fee
- Complete the online form
- Upload required documents
- Submit transcript
- Attend screening if required
Admission is strictly merit-based and competitive. Proper documentation and meeting departmental criteria significantly improve your chances of success.
