By Campusflash Editorial Team | April 2026 | Reading time: 7 minutes
The University of Lagos — Nigeria’s University of First Choice — has officially opened applications for postgraduate admission into the 2026/2027 academic session. Through its School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS), UNILAG is inviting qualified graduates to apply for a wide range of Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s, M.Phil., and PhD programmes.
If you are considering advancing your education at one of Africa’s most respected institutions, here is everything you need to know — including the exact steps to apply, the documents required, and the deadlines you cannot afford to miss.
Application is now open. The portal opened on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 and closes on Friday, July 24, 2026. The final submission deadline is Friday, July 31, 2026. Do not wait until July — apply early and avoid portal congestion.
Available Postgraduate Programmes at UNILAG
UNILAG offers four categories of postgraduate programmes through the SPGS for the 2026/2027 session:
1. Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)
Designed for graduates seeking academic or professional advancement before proceeding to a full Master’s degree. Available across various faculties.
2. Academic Master’s Degree Programmes
Available degrees include LL.M, M.A., M.Ed., M.Sc., and other discipline-specific academic master’s qualifications across UNILAG’s faculties.
3. Professional Master’s Degree Programmes
UNILAG offers an extensive range of career-focused professional master’s degrees, including:
- MBA and EMBA
- MPA, MPH, MPE
- MGIS, MFM, MILD
- MPM, MRM, MRPP
- MIT, MEM, MESM
- And many other specialised professional programmes
4. M.Phil. and PhD Programmes
Research degrees at the highest level. Before applying for M.Phil. or PhD, you must contact your intended department directly to confirm supervisor availability and that vacancies exist in your area of research. Applications submitted without confirming this will face difficulties during the review process.
Campusflash tip: To see the full, updated list of all available programmes and their specific entry requirements, visit the SPGS portal at spgs.unilag.edu.ng and click “View Programmes’ Entry Requirement.” Different programmes have different requirements — confirm yours before you start filling the form.
UNILAG Postgraduate Admission Timeline 2026
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application portal opens | Tuesday, April 7, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Friday, July 24, 2026 |
| Final submission deadline | Friday, July 31, 2026 |
How Much Does the UNILAG Postgraduate Form Cost?
The application fee is ₦40,000 (excluding charges) — non-refundable. Payment can be made via:
- Remita — bank payment using your Payment Reference Number (RRR)
- Online debit card payment — directly on the portal
You will generate your RRR during the pre-application stage before making payment. Keep your payment receipt safe — you will need it to continue your application.
How to Apply — Step by Step
- Visit the official SPGS portal at spgs.unilag.edu.ng
- Click the “APPLY” link
- Review programme requirements under “View Programmes’ Entry Requirement” — confirm your chosen programme before proceeding
- Click “Start a Fresh Application” and select Postgraduate
- Fill the pre-application form to generate your Payment Reference Number (RRR)
- Make payment of ₦40,000 via Remita or online debit card
- Return to the portal and click “Continue Application”
- Log in using your Payment Reference Number as your username and your surname in lowercase as your password
- Complete the full application form
- Upload your passport photograph — see photo requirements below
- Upload all required documents
- Submit your application
Important: Editing your application after submission attracts an additional fee of ₦2,500. Review every detail carefully before clicking Submit. Check your name, programme, and uploaded documents thoroughly.
Passport Photograph Requirements
Your passport photograph must meet these exact specifications — do not upload a photo that does not meet them, as it may cause your application to be rejected:
- Format: JPEG only
- Maximum file size: 15KB
- Background: White only
- Dimensions: 275 × 314 pixels
Campusflash tip: Most regular passport photos will be too large in file size. You will likely need to compress your image online before uploading. Use a free tool like compressjpeg.com or iloveimg.com to reduce the file size to under 15KB without losing photo quality. Do this before you start the application so you are not stuck at the upload stage.
Required Documents
Have all of these ready before you begin your application. You must upload them all before the final submission deadline of July 31, 2026.
For all Nigerian applicants
- Degree Certificate — your full certificate, NOT a statement of result
- NYSC Certificate — discharge or exemption certificate
- O’Level Certificate — WAEC, NECO, or equivalent
- Birth Certificate or Sworn Affidavit
- NIN Slip or NIN Card
- Professional Certificates — if applicable to your programme
- Name change documents — if your name differs across your certificates
Additional requirements for Nigerian graduates from foreign institutions
- Letter of Evaluation from the Federal Ministry of Education
- Visa data page or residence permit
- Admission letter from the foreign institution
- Official academic transcript
Transcripts from foreign institutions must be sent directly to: adminsecspgs@unilag.edu.ng
Important Eligibility Rules — Read Before Applying
- Awaiting results: Candidates who are yet to receive their degree results are NOT eligible to apply
- NYSC: You must have completed NYSC before applying — an NYSC discharge or exemption certificate is compulsory
- Current postgraduate students: Candidates currently enrolled in another postgraduate programme elsewhere are NOT eligible
- Outreach/satellite campus degrees: Degrees obtained from outreach or satellite campuses are NOT accepted for postgraduate admission at UNILAG
- Document upload deadline: All credentials must be fully uploaded by the stated deadline — incomplete applications will not be processed
Modes of Study Available
UNILAG offers flexible study options to accommodate different personal and professional circumstances:
- Full-Time
- Part-Time
- Executive
- Open Distance Learning (ODL)
Confirm which mode is available for your specific programme on the SPGS portal before applying — not all programmes are available across all modes of study.
UNILAG SPGS Contact Information
For any enquiries about your application, contact the SPGS directly:
- General admissions: admissionspgs@unilag.edu.ng
- ICT/portal issues: ictspgs@unilag.edu.ng
- Sub-Dean queries: subdeanspgs@unilag.edu.ng
- Portal: spgs.unilag.edu.ng
Campusflash tip: If you encounter a technical issue on the portal, email ictspgs@unilag.edu.ng with a screenshot and a clear description of the problem. Include your name, RRR, and chosen programme in the email to ensure a faster response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am still waiting for my degree certificate?
No. UNILAG’s SPGS requires your actual degree certificate — not a statement of result. If you have not yet received your certificate, you will need to wait until it is issued before applying.
Do I need to complete NYSC before applying?
Yes. A valid NYSC discharge or exemption certificate is a mandatory requirement. Applications without it will not be processed.
Can I apply for a PhD without contacting the department first?
You can technically submit an application, but UNILAG strongly advises PhD and M.Phil. applicants to contact their intended department before applying to confirm that a suitable supervisor is available and that vacancies exist. Proceeding without this confirmation significantly reduces your chances of admission.
What if I make a mistake on my submitted application?
You can edit your application after submission, but it attracts an additional fee of ₦2,500. Review everything carefully before submitting to avoid this extra cost.
Is the ₦40,000 application fee refundable?
No. The application fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application. Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements before making payment.
Final Word
UNILAG postgraduate admission is one of the most competitive in Nigeria — and one of the most rewarding. A postgraduate degree from UNILAG carries significant weight in the Nigerian job market and opens doors to research, academia, and senior-level professional roles.
The portal is open now. The deadline is July 24. Apply early, upload your documents correctly, and give yourself the best possible chance.
Campusflash will keep you updated on all postgraduate admission announcements across Nigerian universities. Subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss an opening that matters to your academic journey.
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