JOSTUM School Fees 2026/2027: Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM), formerly known as the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM), is one of Nigeria’s federal universities with a strong focus on agriculture, science, engineering, veterinary medicine, food technology and related disciplines.
One of the most important things prospective students want to know after securing admission is the amount they will be required to pay as JOSTUM school fees. Knowing the likely cost of registration, acceptance, accommodation and other university charges can help students and parents prepare financially before resumption.
For the 2026/2027 academic session, students should be careful about relying on figures circulating on blogs and social media. JOSTUM’s official website currently provides its student payment portal and payment guides, but I could not verify a complete official 2026/2027 undergraduate fee schedule from the university’s published pages. Therefore, this guide distinguishes between confirmed information and estimates rather than presenting an unverified amount as an official fee.
This article explains everything you need to know about JOSTUM school fees, including expected fees for fresh and returning students, acceptance fee, additional charges, payment procedure, accommodation, possible fee differences between programmes and answers to frequently asked questions.
About Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi is popularly known as JOSTUM. It was formerly called the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM).
The university is located in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, and has historically maintained a strong academic focus on agriculture and related fields. Its academic structure also covers areas such as engineering, veterinary medicine, food science, natural sciences and other disciplines.
Students and applicants may still encounter the names FUAM, UAM and JOSTUM when searching for admission information, school fees or other university-related services. These names can refer to the same institution in different contexts.
The university’s official online portal provides services including payment of school fees, course registration and hostel-related requests for registered students.
JOSTUM School Fees 2026/2027
The exact JOSTUM school fees for the 2026/2027 academic session should be confirmed through the university’s official student portal when the applicable fee schedule is released or made available to students.
This is important because school charges can change from one academic session to another, and the amount payable may depend on the student’s level, programme and applicable university charges.
Some third-party education websites currently give estimated figures in the region of ₦55,000 to ₦85,000 for JOSTUM undergraduate fees, but this should not be treated as an official 2026/2027 fee schedule because the university’s official published pages do not currently provide enough information to verify those figures.
Therefore, prospective students should not make payments to individuals or unofficial accounts based solely on figures found online.
The safest approach is to log into the official JOSTUM student portal after admission and check the charges generated for your student profile.
Estimated JOSTUM School Fees for New Students
Fresh students generally have more financial obligations than returning students because they may need to pay additional admission-related charges.
A fresh student may therefore have expenses such as:
- Acceptance fee
- School or registration fees
- Medical charges
- Student registration charges
- ICT or portal-related charges
- Examination-related charges
- Faculty or departmental charges where applicable
- Accommodation charges, if using university accommodation
- Other approved institutional charges
Because these charges can change, students should use the amount displayed on their official portal as the final amount payable.
Some online sources have previously reported an acceptance fee in the region of ₦20,000–₦23,700, but applicants should confirm the exact amount generated for their admission rather than assuming that a previously published figure applies to 2026/2027. The university’s applicant portal currently indicates that acceptance payment is an active process.
JOSTUM School Fees for Returning Students
Returning students normally do not pay the same admission-related charges as newly admitted students.
Their major financial obligation is usually the approved registration and school charges applicable to their level and programme.
For example, a returning student may have to pay:
- Approved school charges
- Registration charges
- Examination-related charges
- Student-related charges
- ICT or portal charges
- Faculty or departmental charges where applicable
- Accommodation charges, if applicable
The amount payable may therefore differ from that of a newly admitted student.
Students should log into their official JOSTUM student portal to see the charges attached to their account before making payment.
Does JOSTUM Charge the Same School Fees for Every Course?
Not necessarily.
Although JOSTUM is a federal university, students should not automatically assume that every department will have exactly the same total payable amount.
Certain programmes may attract additional charges because of practical work, laboratory activities, professional requirements, fieldwork, clinical training or other programme-specific expenses.
For example, programmes involving laboratories, workshops, clinical activities or extensive practical training may have additional costs compared with programmes that require fewer practical resources.
Therefore, a student should confirm the applicable charges for their particular programme and level.
Factors That Can Affect JOSTUM School Fees
Several factors can influence the total amount a student is required to pay.
Student Status
A fresh student may have admission-related charges that a returning student does not have to pay.
Level of Study
The amount payable can differ between 100-level students and students in higher levels.
Programme
Some courses may have programme-specific charges associated with laboratory work, practicals, fieldwork or professional activities.
Accommodation
Students who obtain university hostel accommodation will have accommodation-related expenses in addition to their academic charges.
Academic Session
Fees and other charges can change from one academic year to another.
This is why students should always verify the fee schedule for their particular academic session.
JOSTUM Acceptance Fee
The acceptance fee is generally paid by a newly admitted student to confirm acceptance of the admission offer.
It should not be confused with school fees.
For example, a student may first be required to accept an admission offer and pay the applicable acceptance charge before proceeding with other registration requirements.
The JOSTUM applicant portal currently displays information indicating that acceptance payment is ongoing.
The exact amount applicable to your admission should be checked on the official portal.
JOSTUM Accommodation Fees
Accommodation is another expense that prospective students should consider when preparing their budget.
The total cost of attending JOSTUM is not necessarily limited to school fees. A student may also need money for:
- Hostel accommodation
- Feeding
- Transportation
- Textbooks
- Stationery
- Internet/data
- Clothing and personal items
- Medical needs
- Practical materials
JOSTUM’s student portal includes functionality for students to request hostel accommodation, indicating that accommodation is handled through the university’s student services.
Students should therefore confirm the current hostel charge and availability before including a specific accommodation figure in their budget.
How to Pay JOSTUM School Fees
Students should use the official university payment system when making school-fee payments.
The general process is as follows:
Log Into the Official Student Portal
Visit the official JOSTUM portal and log into your student account.
The university’s portal provides registered students with access to services including school-fee payment and course registration.
Select the Appropriate Payment Option
After logging in, locate the section for school-fee or approved university payments.
Generate Your Payment Information
Follow the instructions displayed on the portal to generate the appropriate payment reference or invoice.
Make the Payment
Use the payment method provided by the university.
JOSTUM also publishes payment guidance for students and applicants through its official website.
Confirm the Payment
After completing the payment, return to the portal and confirm that the transaction has been successfully recorded.
Print or Save Your Receipt
Always save your payment receipt or transaction evidence.
This can be useful during registration and whenever you need to resolve a payment-related issue.
Where Should Students Pay JOSTUM School Fees?
Students should make payments through the official JOSTUM payment channels.
Avoid paying school fees into an individual’s personal bank account merely because the person claims to be a university staff member, admission agent or representative.
The official university website and student portal should be your primary sources for payment instructions. The university’s payment guide is available on its official website.
Can JOSTUM School Fees Be Paid Through Remita?
JOSTUM uses online payment channels for its university-related transactions, and official payment instructions should be followed for each specific payment.
The important thing is not to assume that an old payment method or a method mentioned on an unofficial website remains valid.
Always check the current payment instructions displayed by the university.
What Happens If You Do Not Pay Your JOSTUM Fees?
Students should take university payment deadlines seriously.
Failure to complete required payments within the specified period may affect your ability to complete registration or access certain student services.
Possible consequences can include difficulties with:
- Course registration
- Semester registration
- Examinations
- Hostel applications
- Access to certain student services
The specific consequences depend on the university’s rules for the particular academic session.
Students who cannot meet a payment deadline should contact the appropriate university office rather than relying on information from unofficial sources.
JOSTUM School Fees and Cost of Living in Makurdi
Students should also consider the cost of living in Makurdi when planning their university budget.
School fees represent only one part of the cost of obtaining a university education.
A student’s yearly budget may include:
| Expense | What it covers |
|---|---|
| School fees | Academic and approved institutional charges |
| Acceptance fee | Usually applicable to newly admitted students |
| Accommodation | Hostel or private accommodation |
| Feeding | Daily meals and groceries |
| Transportation | Movement around Makurdi and campus |
| Books | Textbooks and academic materials |
| Data | Internet access |
| Practical materials | Course-specific materials |
| Personal expenses | Clothing, toiletries and other necessities |
This means that parents and students should prepare a realistic budget rather than looking at school fees alone.
JOSTUM School Fees for Agricultural Courses
JOSTUM has a strong reputation for agriculture-related education because of its historical identity as the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
Students interested in agricultural programmes should not assume that a course-specific fee is automatically different simply because it belongs to agriculture.
Instead, they should check the official fee schedule applicable to their level and programme.
Some agricultural programmes may also involve practical work, field activities and other academic expenses outside the basic school charges.
JOSTUM School Fees for Engineering Courses
Engineering students should also budget for expenses beyond their official university charges.
Depending on the programme, students may need materials for practicals, laboratory activities, assignments, projects and other academic work.
The official school-fee amount should nevertheless be confirmed through the university’s payment system.
JOSTUM School Fees for Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary Medicine is a professional programme with substantial practical and clinical components.
Students considering Veterinary Medicine should therefore prepare for academic expenses beyond the basic university charges.
These may include practical materials, textbooks, equipment and other programme-related costs.
The existence of these additional expenses does not mean that a student should pay an unofficial “departmental school fee.” Any compulsory university charge should be confirmed through official university channels.
JOSTUM School Fees for Science Courses
Students studying science-related programmes may also have laboratory and practical expenses.
However, these should not be confused with the official school fees displayed by the university.
If a department requires students to purchase a particular academic material, students should confirm the requirement with the department and avoid making unofficial payments.
Is JOSTUM a Federal University?
Yes. JOSTUM is a federal public university located in Makurdi, Benue State.
The institution was historically known as the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi before its present name, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi.
Its official website identifies the institution as Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi.
Is JOSTUM the Same as FUAM?
Yes.
JOSTUM and FUAM refer to the same university.
FUAM stands for Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, the institution’s former name.
JOSTUM stands for Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, its current name.
Because the former name was widely used for many years, students may still see FUAM in older admission materials, search results and documents.
JOSTUM School Fees: What Fresh Students Should Budget For
Fresh students should create a budget before travelling to campus.
A simple budget can include:
- Acceptance fee
- School fees
- Accommodation
- Feeding
- Transportation
- Medical expenses
- Books
- Departmental or practical materials
- Internet/data
- Personal expenses
This can prevent a student from spending all available money on school fees and then struggling with living expenses.
How to Avoid JOSTUM Fee Scams
University applicants are frequently targeted by individuals claiming to have access to admission or payment opportunities.
To protect yourself:
Use the Official Website
Check the university’s official website before making important payments.
Avoid Personal Bank Accounts
Do not send school fees or acceptance payments to an individual’s personal account simply because the person claims to be an admission agent.
Verify Admission Information
If someone tells you that you have been admitted, confirm the information through the appropriate official channels.
Do Not Trust Screenshots Alone
A screenshot showing a supposed payment account or admission list is not enough evidence that the information is genuine.
Keep Your Payment Evidence
Save receipts, transaction references and other payment records.
How to Check Your JOSTUM Payment Status
After making a payment, log into your student portal and check whether the payment has been reflected.
JOSTUM’s online portal provides registered students with services for payments and academic registration.
If a payment does not reflect after the expected processing period, students should contact the appropriate university support office with their transaction details.
JOSTUM School Fees and NELFUND
Eligible students may also consider the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) when planning how to finance their education.
However, students should not assume that every charge at the university will automatically be covered by a student loan.
Students should check the current NELFUND rules and their eligibility before depending on a loan to settle university expenses.
Why You Should Not Rely on Old JOSTUM School Fees
One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is using an old fee schedule to plan for a new academic session.
For example, a fee published several years ago may no longer apply because universities can review charges.
Even if an old figure appears on several websites, repetition does not make it an official current fee.
This is particularly important for students searching for JOSTUM school fees 2026/2027.
The best practice is to use the latest official information from JOSTUM and the amount generated on your student portal.
JOSTUM School Fees 2026/2027: Important Note for Applicants
At the time of writing, the official JOSTUM website provides payment-related information and an active student portal, but I could not verify a complete official public 2026/2027 undergraduate fee table from the university’s published pages.
Some third-party sources estimate undergraduate fees at approximately ₦55,000–₦85,000, but these figures should be treated as estimates rather than confirmed official fees for every student.
Therefore, applicants should wait for the applicable fee schedule or check their official student account before making payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is JOSTUM school fees for 2026/2027?
The exact official JOSTUM undergraduate school-fee schedule for 2026/2027 could not be verified from the university’s publicly available pages at the time of writing. Some third-party sources give estimated figures of about ₦55,000–₦85,000, but students should confirm their exact charges on the official portal before paying.
How much is JOSTUM acceptance fee?
The acceptance fee is paid by newly admitted students, but the exact amount should be confirmed from the official admission/payment portal. The applicant portal currently indicates that acceptance payment is ongoing.
Is JOSTUM school fees the same for all students?
Not necessarily. The amount can depend on factors such as the student’s level, programme and applicable institutional charges.
Is JOSTUM a federal university?
Yes. JOSTUM is a federal public university located in Makurdi, Benue State.
Is JOSTUM the same as FUAM?
Yes. FUAM is the former name of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi.
Does JOSTUM accept online payment?
Yes. The university operates an online portal through which students can make payments and access other academic services.
Where can I check the latest JOSTUM school fees?
The safest place to check is the official JOSTUM website and student portal. The university also publishes payment guidance on its website.
Can I pay JOSTUM school fees without being admitted?
Students should not make school-fee payments based on unofficial admission claims. Follow the payment instructions attached to your official student or applicant status.
Does JOSTUM have hostel accommodation?
The university’s student portal provides a hostel-accommodation request service for registered students. Availability and applicable charges should be confirmed through the university.
Do JOSTUM students pay acceptance fee and school fees separately?
Generally, an acceptance payment is distinct from school or registration charges. Newly admitted students should check their official payment schedule for the exact charges applicable to them.
Can JOSTUM school fees change?
Yes. University charges can be reviewed for different academic sessions. Students should therefore confirm the current session’s charges rather than relying on old information.
What is the former name of JOSTUM?
JOSTUM was formerly known as the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, commonly abbreviated as FUAM.
Can I use an old JOSTUM school-fee figure for 2026/2027?
It is not advisable. Old figures may no longer apply to the current academic session. Always verify the current amount through the university’s official payment system.
Common Mistakes Applicants should avoid
Relying on Unofficial Fee Figures
One of the most common mistakes is assuming that an amount published on a blog or social-media page is automatically the official university fee.
Always cross-check important payment information with JOSTUM.
Paying Through Unverified Accounts
Do not transfer school fees to a personal account supplied by an unknown person.
Use the official payment channels provided by the university.
Confusing Acceptance Fee With School Fees
Acceptance fee and school fees are not necessarily the same payment.
A newly admitted student should check the payment requirements attached to their admission.
Ignoring Additional Expenses
School fees are only one part of the cost of studying at JOSTUM.
Students should also budget for accommodation, feeding, transportation, books and other academic requirements.
Waiting Until the Last Minute
Students should not wait until the registration deadline before trying to arrange payment.
Start preparing financially once admission has been confirmed.
Conclusion
JOSTUM school fees are an important consideration for anyone planning to study at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. However, applicants should be careful with unverified figures, especially when searching for JOSTUM school fees 2026/2027.
The university’s official website and student portal remain the best sources for confirming current payment requirements. Third-party estimates may provide a general idea of possible costs, but the amount displayed on your official student account should be treated as the amount you are required to pay.
Before making any payment, confirm your admission status, check the current charges, use the approved payment channel and keep your payment receipt for future reference.
