Getting admitted into Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM) is an exciting achievement, but the immediate question on every newly admitted student’s mind is: how much is JOSTUM acceptance fee? Knowing the exact amount you need to pay, when to pay it, and how to complete the payment process is critical because failure to pay within the stipulated deadline can cost you your admission. This guide provides a clear, straightforward answer to that question and walks you through the entire payment process step by step.
JOSTUM, formerly known as the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM), is a well-established federal university located in Benue State. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across science, engineering, agriculture, management, and the humanities. Whether you have been admitted through UTME, Direct Entry, or JUPEB, the acceptance fee is your first financial obligation to the university, and understanding how much is JOSTUM acceptance fee for the current session helps you budget appropriately and avoid unnecessary delays.
How Much Is JOSTUM Acceptance Fee for 2026/2027?
The answer to how much is JOSTUM acceptance fee for the 2026/2027 academic session is approximately ₦25,000 to ₦30,000. This is the standard acceptance fee for all newly admitted undergraduate students, regardless of your course, college, or state of origin. As a federal university, JOSTUM does not differentiate between indigenes and non-indigenes when it comes to acceptance fee payments — every admitted student pays the same amount.
It is important to note that the acceptance fee is a one-time, non-refundable payment that confirms your acceptance of the admission offered to you by JOSTUM. This fee is separate from your school fees, hostel fees, and other registration charges that you pay later during the full registration process. The university reserves the right to adjust the amount each session, so always verify the current figure on the official JOSTUM portal before making your payment.
JOSTUM Acceptance Fee and Other First-Year Charges at a Glance
To help you plan your finances properly, here is a comprehensive breakdown of the fees newly admitted JOSTUM students typically pay, starting with the acceptance fee:
| Fee Component | Amount (Approx.) | When to Pay |
| Acceptance Fee | ₦25,000 – ₦30,000 | Immediately after admission |
| School Fees (Tuition) | ₦60,000 – ₦90,000 | During registration |
| Registration Fee | Included in school fees | During registration |
| ICT / Technology Levy | Varies | During registration |
| Library Fee | Varies | During registration |
| Medical / Health Centre Fee | Varies | During registration |
| Student ID Card | Included | During registration |
| Hostel Accommodation (Optional) | ₦15,000 – ₦30,000 | After securing bed space |
| Faculty/Departmental Dues | Varies by department | During registration |
As shown, the acceptance fee is your first payment, and school fees (tuition) ranging from ₦60,000 to ₦90,000 depending on your programme follow during the full registration window. JOSTUM’s fees remain among the most affordable at federal universities in Nigeria, making it an excellent choice for students seeking quality education at a reasonable cost.
What Is the Acceptance Fee and Why Is It Important?
The acceptance fee is a mandatory payment that confirms you are accepting the admission offered to you by JOSTUM. It serves as your formal “yes” to the university. Without paying this fee within the specified deadline, the university considers your admission forfeited and may offer your slot to another candidate on the waiting list.
Paying the acceptance fee also triggers the next stages of your admission process. Once payment is confirmed, you gain access to print your acceptance letter and admission letter from the JOSTUM portal, which you need for the physical screening exercise and course registration. Think of it as the key that unlocks the rest of your university journey — every step that follows depends on it.
How to Pay JOSTUM Acceptance Fee Online (Step-by-Step Guide)
Now that you know how much is JOSTUM acceptance fee, the next step is understanding exactly how to make the payment. JOSTUM processes acceptance fee payments through its official online portal. Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1 – Visit the JOSTUM Portal: Go to the official JOSTUM applicant portal at myportal.uam.edu.ng. This is the only authorized platform for acceptance fee payments. Do not pay through any third-party agent or unofficial website.
Step 2 – Log In to Your Account: Enter your JAMB registration number and the password you created during the Post-UTME registration or admission checking process. If you have not created an account, follow the on-screen instructions to register.
Step 3 – Confirm Your Admission: Navigate to the admission section and confirm that your name appears on the admission list. Verify your course, college, and personal details to ensure everything is correct.
Step 4 – Generate Payment Invoice: Click on the acceptance fee payment option. The portal generates a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) number for you. Note this number carefully — you need it to complete the payment.
Step 5 – Make Payment: You can pay using a debit card (Mastercard or Verve) directly on the portal, through internet banking, or by visiting any commercial bank that accepts Remita payments. Present your RRR number at the bank counter if paying offline.
Step 6 – Confirm Payment and Print Documents: Return to the JOSTUM portal after payment, confirm that your payment is reflected in the system, and print your acceptance letter and admission letter. Keep both documents safe — you need them for the physical screening exercise.
Don’t Forget to Accept Your Admission on JAMB CAPS
Beyond knowing how much is JOSTUM acceptance fee and paying it on the university portal, you must also accept your admission on the JAMB Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS). This is a separate platform where JAMB requires every admitted candidate to formally accept or reject their admission offer.
To do this, log in to your JAMB profile at jamb.org.ng, navigate to the CAPS section, and click “Accept” on your admission offer. Failure to accept on CAPS — even if you have paid the acceptance fee on JOSTUM’s portal — can create complications during registration. Complete both steps to avoid any issues.
JOSTUM School Fees by College for Fresh Students
After paying the acceptance fee, tuition (school fees) is the next major expense. Understanding the full cost helps you answer how much is JOSTUM acceptance fee in the context of total first-year spending. Here is a breakdown by college:
| College | School Fees (Approx.) |
| College of Agronomy | ₦60,000 – ₦70,000 |
| College of Animal Science | ₦60,000 – ₦70,000 |
| College of Biological Sciences | ₦60,000 – ₦70,000 |
| College of Engineering | ₦70,000 – ₦90,000 |
| College of Food Technology | ₦60,000 – ₦70,000 |
| College of Forestry and Fisheries | ₦60,000 – ₦70,000 |
| College of Management Sciences | ₦60,000 – ₦75,000 |
| College of Science | ₦60,000 – ₦75,000 |
| College of Veterinary Medicine | ₦70,000 – ₦90,000 |
These figures are approximate and based on the 2024/2025 session. Fees may vary slightly for the 2026/2027 session. Engineering and Veterinary Medicine programmes tend to cost more due to laboratory and clinical components. Always confirm the latest fee schedule on the JOSTUM portal before payment.
Acceptance Fee Payment Deadline and Consequences of Late Payment
JOSTUM sets a specific deadline for acceptance fee payment each admission cycle. Once you have confirmed how much is JOSTUM acceptance fee for the current session, paying promptly is essential. This deadline is communicated through the university’s website, official social media accounts, and the JOSTUM portal. The typical window is four to six weeks from the date your admission is published, though this can vary.
Failure to pay the acceptance fee within the stipulated period carries serious consequences. The university can revoke your admission and offer your slot to the next eligible candidate on the waiting list. Late payment may also attract additional charges or penalties. Do not assume you can pay whenever you want — treat the deadline as non-negotiable and pay as early as possible after confirming your admission.
Common Mistakes Newly Admitted Students Make Regarding JOSTUM Acceptance Fee
Every admission cycle, some students run into avoidable problems because they do not handle the acceptance fee process correctly. Here are the most common mistakes:
Paying Through Unauthorized Agents: Some students pay through “agents” or “connections” who claim they can process the acceptance fee on their behalf. This is risky and can result in lost funds. Always pay directly through the official JOSTUM portal or an authorized bank.
Ignoring JAMB CAPS Acceptance: Paying the acceptance fee on JOSTUM’s portal without also accepting the admission on JAMB CAPS creates a gap in your admission records. Both platforms must reflect your acceptance for the process to be complete.
Waiting Until the Last Day: Portal congestion, bank network issues, and payment processing delays are common near deadlines. Students who wait until the final day often encounter technical problems that prevent timely payment. Pay early to avoid this stress.
Not Printing Acceptance and Admission Letters: After paying the acceptance fee, some students forget to print their acceptance letter and admission letter from the portal. These documents are mandatory for the physical screening exercise. Print them immediately after payment confirmation.
Confusing Acceptance Fee with School Fees: The acceptance fee and school fees are separate payments. Paying the acceptance fee does not cover your tuition. You still need to pay school fees during the registration period to complete your enrolment. Knowing how much is JOSTUM acceptance fee versus school fees prevents budgeting errors.
What Happens After You Pay the JOSTUM Acceptance Fee?
Once your acceptance fee payment is confirmed, the next phase of your JOSTUM journey begins. Knowing how much is JOSTUM acceptance fee is just the starting point — the following steps unfold in your admission journey:
Print Your Letters: Download and print your acceptance letter and admission letter from the JOSTUM portal. You need both documents for the next stage.
Physical Screening Exercise: Attend the credential verification and screening exercise at the university campus. Bring original copies of your WAEC/NECO results, JAMB admission letter, birth certificate or age declaration, passport photographs, and local government identification. The screening team verifies that your documents match the information on your admission records.
Pay School Fees: After successful screening, proceed to pay your school fees through the JOSTUM portal using the same Remita payment system. School fees range from ₦60,000 to ₦90,000 depending on your college and programme.
Course Registration: Log in to the student portal, select your courses for the first semester, and submit your course registration form. Print a copy of your registered courses for your department’s records.
Collect Your Student ID Card: Visit the ICT centre or designated collection point on campus to receive your student identification card, which you need for accessing the university’s facilities throughout your studies.
About Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM)
JOSTUM is a federal university located in Makurdi, Benue State, in Nigeria’s North Central region. The university was originally established as the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM) in 1988 and was later renamed Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University in honour of the prominent Tiv political leader. The university operates nine colleges and offers over 70 undergraduate programmes in agriculture, science, engineering, management, veterinary medicine, food technology, forestry, and fisheries.
JOSTUM is fully accredited by the NUC and enjoys a strong academic reputation, particularly in agricultural sciences, biological sciences, and veterinary medicine. When students research how much is JOSTUM acceptance fee and compare it to other federal universities, they quickly discover that JOSTUM’s fees remain among the most affordable in Nigeria, making it an attractive option for students seeking quality education without excessive financial burden.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is JOSTUM acceptance fee for 2026/2027?
The JOSTUM acceptance fee for the 2026/2027 academic session is approximately ₦25,000 to ₦30,000. This is a one-time, non-refundable payment required from all newly admitted students. Always confirm the exact amount on the official JOSTUM portal at myportal.uam.edu.ng before making payment, as the fee may be adjusted by the university management.
Is the JOSTUM acceptance fee refundable?
No. The acceptance fee is strictly non-refundable. Once you pay and accept the admission, the fee cannot be returned even if you decide not to continue with your studies at JOSTUM. Before asking how much is JOSTUM acceptance fee, make sure you are certain about your decision to attend the university, because this payment cannot be reversed.
Can I pay the JOSTUM acceptance fee at a bank?
Yes. After generating your RRR (Remita Retrieval Reference) number on the JOSTUM portal, you can visit any commercial bank that accepts Remita payments and pay over the counter. You can also pay online using a Mastercard or Verve debit card directly through the portal’s payment gateway.
What documents do I need for the JOSTUM screening exercise?
You need your printed acceptance letter, admission letter, original and photocopies of your WAEC/NECO results, JAMB result slip, JAMB admission letter (from CAPS), birth certificate or sworn age declaration, passport photographs (typically 10 copies), and local government identification letter. Bring all originals for verification.
Is the acceptance fee the same as school fees?
No. The acceptance fee and school fees are completely separate payments. The acceptance fee confirms your admission, while school fees cover your tuition and registration for the academic session. After paying the acceptance fee, you still need to pay school fees ranging from ₦60,000 to ₦90,000 during the registration period.
What happens if I do not pay the acceptance fee on time?
If you fail to pay the JOSTUM acceptance fee within the deadline set by the university, your admission may be revoked. The university can then offer your slot to the next qualified candidate on the waiting list. Late payments may also attract additional penalties. Pay as early as possible to protect your admission.
Conclusion
The question of how much is JOSTUM acceptance fee has a clear answer: approximately ₦25,000 to ₦30,000 for the 2026/2027 academic session. This one-time payment is your first step towards becoming a registered student at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, and it must be completed within the university’s specified deadline to secure your admission.
Pay through the official JOSTUM portal only, accept your admission on JAMB CAPS, print your acceptance and admission letters, attend the screening exercise with all required documents, and proceed to pay your school fees and register your courses. With proper planning and timely action, your transition from admitted candidate to fully registered JOSTUM student can be smooth, stress-free, and exciting. Congratulations on your admission, and welcome to JOSTUM!