This guide explains Jostum School Fees for the 2026/2027 session in simple English, so you and your parents can plan well. If you just got admission into Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM), one of the first questions on your mind is about money. How much will you pay, what are you paying for, and where do you pay it?
The university management sets and approves the amount for each session, and the figures can change. Use this article to understand how Jostum School Fees are arranged, then confirm the exact amount on the official JOSTUM website or student portal before you pay anything.
Quick Facts About JOSTUM
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM) |
| Former name | Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM) |
| Ownership | Federal Government of Nigeria |
| Location | Makurdi, Benue State |
| Known for | Agriculture, veterinary medicine, engineering, sciences, management and social sciences, education |
| Fee information | Published by the university management and Bursary department |
JOSTUM started as a university of agriculture and was later renamed in honour of Prof. Joseph Sarwuan Tarka. Today it offers many courses beyond agriculture, which is why fees can differ from one department to another.
What Do We Mean by School Fees in a Federal University?
Many students are confused when they hear that federal universities are “tuition-free.” Nigerian undergraduates in federal universities are generally not charged tuition the way private university students are. However, the school still collects other approved charges to run its services. In everyday talk, people group these charges together and call them Jostum School Fees.
So when we talk about Jostum School Fees, we mean the total of the approved charges a student pays in a session. These usually include the items below.
| Fee Component | What It Covers | Who Pays | How Often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptance fee | Confirms that you accept your admission offer | Fresh students | One time |
| Registration and school charges | ICT, library, medical, sports, examination, and general services | All students | Every session |
| Faculty or departmental dues | Practicals, field work, and department activities | All students | Every session |
| Students’ union dues | Union activities and welfare | All students | Every session |
| Caution fee | Refundable deposit for damages (where applicable) | Fresh students | One time |
| Hostel fee | Bed space in a university hostel | Students who apply for a hostel | Every session |
| Matriculation and ID card | Matriculation ceremony, student ID | Fresh students | One time |
Remember that Jostum School Fees are not one single lump sum that is the same for everybody. Some items are paid once, such as acceptance and matriculation. Others are paid every session. The exact list for you depends on your level, course, and programme.
Jostum School Fees for All Courses 2026/2027
Many students ask whether Jostum School Fees are the same for every course. Not always. Courses that need laboratories, field work, farms, workshops, or clinical training usually cost the school more to run, so their departmental charges can be higher. Courses that are mainly lecture-based often have lower charges.
The table below shows how courses are usually grouped. It helps you know what to expect and what to ask the Bursary.
| College or Faculty Group | Example Courses | What May Affect the Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture and related fields | Agronomy, Animal Science, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Soil Science | Farm practicals, field trips, and farm inputs |
| Veterinary Medicine | Veterinary Medicine | Clinical training, laboratory, and animal care |
| Engineering and Technology | Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering | Workshops, laboratory, and equipment use |
| Sciences | Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science | Laboratory work and ICT services |
| Management Sciences and Social Sciences | Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, and similar courses | Mostly classroom-based, so extra charges are usually fewer |
| Education | Education courses | Teaching practice and departmental charges |
| Forestry, Fisheries, Food Science | Forestry and Wildlife, Fisheries, Food Science and Technology | Field work, laboratory, and processing practicals |
This table is a general guide to how fees are structured. Course names and departments can change, so check the current list on the university’s official website.
Because of these differences, the best way to know your own Jostum School Fees is to open the fee schedule for your department and level. Do not rely on figures you see on social media or random blogs. Many websites copy old fee lists and only change the session year. That can lead you to pay the wrong amount, or to trust a fake page.
Fresh Students and Returning Students
Jostum School Fees for fresh students are usually higher in the first year because new students pay one-time items on top of the yearly charges. These include the acceptance fee, matriculation charges, ID card, and caution fee where applicable.
Returning students normally pay only the yearly charges, such as registration and school charges, departmental dues, and union dues. They do not pay the acceptance fee again. If you are in 200 level or above, check the returning-student schedule, not the fresh-student one.
Indigenes and Non-Indigenes
Many students from outside Benue State worry that they will pay more. In a federal university, Jostum School Fees are generally not based on your state of origin. A student from Benue and a student from Kano in the same course and level should expect the same schedule. This is different from some state universities, which charge indigenes and non-indigenes differently. Still, confirm this on the official fee schedule for your admission year.
Postgraduate, JUPEB, and Part-Time Programmes
Postgraduate programmes (PGD, Masters, and PhD), pre-degree and foundation programmes, and part-time or weekend programmes have their own fee schedules. These are separate from the regular undergraduate Jostum School Fees. If you are applying for any of these, ask the relevant school or programme office for the correct fee list. Do not use the undergraduate amount to plan.
Hostel Accommodation and Other Costs
Hostel fees are separate from Jostum School Fees. Hostel space in a federal university is limited, and allocation follows the university’s rules. The price depends on the hostel type and room arrangement. Most students can choose between a campus hostel and a private room outside the campus. If you plan to stay off campus, compare rent, transport, and security before deciding.
Here are other costs to include in your budget.
| Expense | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Rent (if off campus) | Usually paid yearly, so plan early |
| Textbooks and handouts | Needed for courses and practicals |
| Lab coat, boots, or tools | Required for some science, agriculture, and engineering courses |
| Transport | Daily movement around Makurdi and trips home |
| Feeding | Often the biggest monthly expense |
| Data and phone | Portal access and online research |
| Medical needs | Even with campus clinic services, you may buy medication |
When planning, add your Jostum School Fees to these extras so you know the real cost of one session.
How to Pay Your Fees: Step by Step
The process may change slightly from session to session, but it generally works like this when you want to pay your Jostum School Fees:
- Visit the official website. Go to the official JOSTUM website and find the student portal link there. Avoid links sent by strangers.
- Log in. Use your application number (fresh students) or matric number (returning students) and your password.
- Open the fees section. Select the current session, 2026/2027, and your programme.
- Generate your invoice or payment reference. The portal will show the amount for your course and level. Read it carefully.
- Pay through an approved channel. This may be online with a card or transfer, or at an approved bank, depending on the instructions on the invoice.
- Confirm your payment. Return to the portal and check that the payment shows as successful.
- Print and keep your receipt. Save a soft copy and a printed copy. You will need them for registration and clearance.
- Complete course registration. Payment alone is not registration. Register your courses after payment.
If any step looks different on the portal, follow the instruction on the official page.
Deadlines and Late Payment
Paying your Jostum School Fees late can cause problems. Depending on the university’s rules, you may be blocked from course registration, examinations, or result access. Some institutions also charge late-registration penalties. Always check the academic calendar and the notices from the Bursary and your faculty.
If you cannot pay before the deadline, do not wait until the last day. Contact your department or the Bursary early to ask what options exist. Do not assume you can pay in instalments, because many federal universities require full payment.
Avoid Scams and Payment Mistakes
Every admission season, fraudsters target new students. Protect yourself with these rules:
- Never pay Jostum School Fees into a personal account. Use only the official channels shown on the school portal or invoice.
- Do not pay anyone who promises “special discount” or “quick admission clearance.”
- Check the web address carefully. Fake sites copy the school’s design.
- Never share your portal password with an agent or friend.
- Keep every receipt until you graduate.
- If a payment is deducted but not confirmed, report it quickly to the Bursary with your proof of payment.
Ways to Reduce the Financial Burden
Education costs can be heavy, but there are options that may help you cover Jostum School Fees and other expenses:
- Student loan: The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) supports eligible students in public institutions. Check the official NELFUND website for requirements and the current process.
- Scholarships and bursaries: Federal and state governments, companies, foundations, and religious bodies give awards from time to time. Apply early, and never pay anyone to “secure” a scholarship.
- Shared accommodation: Sharing a room with course mates can reduce rent.
- Budgeting: Write down your expected costs for the year and save in small amounts monthly.
- Skills and part-time work: Some students earn small income from legitimate skills, but your studies must come first.
Problems With Your Payment
If you face a problem with your Jostum School Fees payment, take these steps in order:
- Check your portal again after a few hours, since some payments take time to reflect.
- Gather your proof: receipt, bank alert, transaction reference, and screenshot.
- Visit or contact the Bursary department with your proof.
- Inform your departmental officer so your registration is not delayed.
- Follow up until it is settled and keep a copy of any correspondence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much are Jostum School Fees for 2026/2027?
The amount depends on your course, level, and type of programme. The only reliable source is the official fee schedule from the university. Check the JOSTUM website or the student portal. Do not depend on figures from unofficial pages.
2. Are Jostum School Fees the same for all courses?
Not always. Courses with laboratories, farms, workshops, or clinical training may have higher departmental charges than lecture-based courses. Check the schedule for your department.
3. Do Benue indigenes pay less than other students?
In federal universities, fees are generally not based on state of origin. Confirm on the official schedule for your admission year.
4. Is the acceptance fee part of the school fees?
The acceptance fee is separate. It is paid once by fresh students to confirm admission, and it is usually not included in the yearly school charges.
5. Do returning students pay acceptance fee again?
No. The acceptance fee is normally a one-time payment made when you first accept your admission.
6. Is hostel accommodation compulsory?
Hostel accommodation is generally optional and separate from other fees. Space is limited, so apply early if you want it, and check the university’s allocation rules.
7. Can I pay my fees in instalments?
Do not assume it is allowed. Many federal universities require full payment. Ask the Bursary or your department whether any approved arrangement exists.
8. What should I do if my payment does not reflect on the portal?
Wait a few hours, then check again. If it still does not show, take your receipt and transaction details to the Bursary and report it quickly.
9. Are fees refundable?
Most school fees are not refundable once paid. A caution fee may be returned under certain conditions. Ask the Bursary for the official refund policy.
10. Where can I confirm the official fees?
Use the official JOSTUM website, the verified student portal, and notices from the Bursary or your faculty office. Avoid agents and unofficial pages.
11. Can a student loan help me pay?
Eligible students in public institutions may apply to NELFUND. Check the official NELFUND website for eligibility, requirements, and application steps.
12. Do postgraduate students pay the same fees as undergraduates?
No. Postgraduate, JUPEB, and part-time programmes have separate fee schedules. Ask the relevant school or programme office.
Conclusion
Planning ahead is the best way to avoid stress during admission season. In summary, Jostum School Fees are made up of several charges, some paid once and some every session, and they can vary by course, level, and programme. Always confirm the amount from the official source, pay only through approved channels, and keep your receipts safe. If you budget early and explore options like NELFUND and scholarships, your Jostum School Fees become much easier to manage.
