Get the official NOUN admission requirements and eligibility criteria for 2025/2026. Learn about O’Level, JAMB regularization, and specific entry points for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs at the National Open University of Nigeria.
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) offers a unique opportunity for individuals to pursue higher education with unparalleled flexibility. For the 2025/2026 academic session, NOUN maintains its commitment to accessible learning, but prospective students must meet specific admission requirements and eligibility criteria to secure a spot in their desired program.
Understanding these NOUN admission requirements is the first critical step towards a successful application. This guide outlines the general criteria for various levels of study at NOUN.
General Admission Requirements at NOUN
- Open and Flexible: NOUN’s core principle is to make education accessible. This means fewer rigid entry barriers compared to conventional universities.
- No Post-UTME Exam: Generally, NOUN does not conduct a Post-UTME (Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) screening test. Admission is typically based on your O’Level results and meeting specific programme requirements.
- JAMB Regularization (for Undergraduates): While you don’t sit for a JAMB UTME specifically for NOUN entry, undergraduate students are required to undergo JAMB regularization after gaining admission to NOUN. This process issues you a JAMB admission letter, making your NOUN degree recognized by JAMB.
- Programme-Specific Requirements: Always check the specific requirements for your chosen Faculty and Programme on the NOUN admission portal, as these can vary significantly (e.g., specific science subjects for a science course, or literature for English studies).
I. Undergraduate Programmes (100 Level Entry)
To be eligible for admission into most 100-level undergraduate programmes at NOUN, candidates must meet the following general criteria:
- O’Level Requirements:
- A minimum of five (5) credit passes in the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE), GCE O’Level, NECO, NABTEB, or their recognized equivalents.
- These five credits must include English Language and Mathematics.
- The credits must be obtained at not more than two (2) sittings.
- The remaining three (3) credits must be in subjects relevant to the chosen programme of study.
- Example: For Science courses (e.g., Computer Science, Biology), credits in Physics, Chemistry, Biology are typically required in addition to English and Math. For Arts/Management courses (e.g., Business Administration, English Language), credits in subjects like Economics, Government, Literature-in-English, Commerce, etc., will be required.
- JAMB Requirement (Regularization):
- As of recent updates (effective January 2025), all undergraduate applicants (including NOUN students) must participate in JAMB regularization. This means:
- Generating a JAMB Profile Code by sending your NIN to 55019 or 66019.
- Creating a JAMB Profile at a JAMB office or CBT centre.
- Completing your admission application on the NOUN Admission Portal.
- Checking and accepting your admission through JAMB CAPS once admitted by NOUN.
- Printing your JAMB Admission Letter after accepting the admission on JAMB CAPS.
- Note: This is not the traditional JAMB UTME where you write an exam to qualify. It’s a regularization process to ensure your admission is recognized by the central admissions body.
- As of recent updates (effective January 2025), all undergraduate applicants (including NOUN students) must participate in JAMB regularization. This means:
- Age Limit: NOUN does not typically have an age restriction for undergraduate admission, promoting lifelong learning.
Recommended for You: NOUN Undergraduate Courses – Full List & Requirements
> NOUN Undergraduate School Fees for New/Returning Students
> NOUN Admission Form: How to Apply & Requirements
📚 Further Reading
II. Direct Entry (200 Level / 300 Level Entry)
NOUN accepts candidates for Direct Entry (into 200 or 300 level) for various programmes, provided they meet both the O’Level requirements and specific higher qualifications:
- O’Level Requirements:
- Still requires the basic five (5) O’Level credits including English Language and Mathematics, at not more than two sittings.
- Higher Qualifications Accepted:
- National Diploma (ND): A National Diploma with a minimum of Lower Credit in a relevant discipline from a recognized institution.
- National Certificate in Education (NCE): Passes at merit level in relevant subjects.
- GCE A’Level/IJMB/JUPEB: At least two (2) GCE A’Level passes or equivalents (IJMB, JUPEB) in subjects relevant to the proposed course of study.
- First Degree/HND: Candidates who already hold a first degree or HND in an unrelated field may also be considered for direct entry into a new undergraduate programme, usually starting from 200 Level.
- JAMB Regularization: Direct Entry candidates also need to undergo the JAMB regularization process as outlined for 100-level applicants.
III. Postgraduate Programmes (PGD, Master’s, PhD)
Admission into NOUN’s postgraduate programmes is competitive and requires higher academic qualifications.
Recommended: Learn how to apply for NOUN PG Form Online.
See NOUN School of Postgraduate Studies Programmes/Courses
List of Postgraduate School Fees at NOUN for All Students.
- General Requirements for All Postgraduate Programmes:
- A minimum of five (5) O’Level credit passes including English Language and Mathematics, at not more than two sittings. Some programmes may accept a pass in Mathematics depending on the field (always verify for your specific programme).
- NYSC Certificate or Exemption/Exclusion Letter: For Nigerian graduates, evidence of completion or exemption from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme is mandatory.
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) Programmes:
- A Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of a pass from NOUN or any university recognized by the Senate of NOUN.
- A Higher National Diploma (HND) with a minimum of Lower Credit from a recognized polytechnic.
- Specific professional qualifications (e.g., ACA, ACIS, ACIB, ACII, ACIA) may be accepted for PGD programmes in relevant management sciences.
- Master’s Degree Programmes (M.Sc., MBA, MPA, MA, LLM, etc.):
- A Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division in the relevant field of study from NOUN or any university recognized by the Senate of NOUN.
- Holders of a lower classification (e.g., Third Class) may be considered on individual merit if they possess a minimum of 3 years of relevant post-qualification experience or a relevant Postgraduate Diploma from a recognized university with a good grade.
- A Higher National Diploma (HND) with a minimum of Upper Credit in the relevant field, combined with a relevant Postgraduate Diploma, may also be considered.
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Programmes:
- A Master’s Degree in a relevant field of study from NOUN or any university recognized by the Senate of NOUN, with a minimum weighted average of 60% or a cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.0 on a 5-point scale. Some departments may require a higher CGPA.
- Candidates with a CGPA not below 3.50 on a 5.00 scale may be considered for PhD/MPhil admission, but often require an oral/written interview.
- Research Proposal: All PhD applicants are required to submit a brief research proposal.
- Academic References: Typically, three (3) academic referee reports are required, two of which must be from persons very well acquainted with the candidate’s academic work.
- Oral/Written Interview: All PhD candidates are usually subjected to an oral and/or written interview.
IV. Certificate and Diploma Programmes
NOUN also offers various Certificate and Diploma programmes with generally lower entry requirements:
- Certificate Programmes:
- Proficiency Certificate: Basic literacy (ability to read and write).
- Academic Certificate: Junior Secondary School Certificate (JSS 3) or 2 credits in WAEC/NECO/NABTEB. Mature candidates (30 years or older with 10 years of work experience) may also apply.
- Diploma Programmes:
- Generally require 3 credits in WAEC/NECO/NABTEB.
V. Special Entry Conditions
- International Students: Foreign applicants can apply. They typically follow the same O’Level requirements but usually do not need JAMB. They must provide corresponding examination results and academic transcripts from previous high schools/institutions for evaluation.
- Inmates of Correctional Centers (Prisons): Special provisions are made for inmates, often exempting them from certain screening requirements.
- Blind and Deaf Candidates: These candidates are also considered for admission and may be exempted from certain screening exercises.
How to Apply NOUN Admission Online (General Procedure)
- Visit the NOUN official website:
https://nou.edu.ng/ - Navigate to the “Apply for Admission” section or
https://www.nouonline.nou.edu.ng/. - Select your desired programme level (Undergraduate, Postgraduate, etc.).
- Choose your Faculty and specific Programme.
- View the detailed admission criteria for your selected programme.
- Fill the pre-payment form to generate a Unique ID and Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) for the application fee.
- Make the application fee payment (online or at a bank).
- Undergraduate: ₦5,000
- PGD/Master’s: ₦7,500
- PhD: ₦10,000
- Return to the portal to complete the main application form with your Unique ID and RRR.
- Upload all required supporting documents (O’Level, higher qualifications, birth certificate, passport photo, NYSC, etc.).
- Submit your application and print your provisional admission letter (if offered).
- Proceed to your chosen Study Centre for physical screening and verification of original documents.
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