If you are a student at the University of Calabar and you need to sort out your fees, this guide on How to pay UNICAL School fees online is exactly what you need. Every session, new and returning students struggle with navigating the UNICAL payment portal, choosing the right bank, and completing the process without errors.
The University of Calabar (UNICAL) uses an online payment system that allows students to pay school fees, acceptance fees, and sundry charges directly through the official portal. Understanding How to pay UNICAL School fees online saves you from long bank queues, missed deadlines, and unnecessary penalties.
This article provides a complete, step-by-step walkthrough of the entire payment process for the 2026/2027 academic session. Whether you are a fresher making your first payment or a returning student who needs a refresher, everything you need is right here.
About the University of Calabar (UNICAL)
The University of Calabar is a federal university located in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Established in 1975, UNICAL offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across multiple faculties including Arts, Sciences, Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, Agriculture, and Management Sciences.
UNICAL is known for its serene campus environment, quality academic programmes, and relatively affordable fee structure. As a federal university, the fees remain lower than those at private institutions, making it a popular choice for students across Nigeria. The university uses two main portals for student activities: portal.unical.edu.ng for fee payments and myunical.edu.ng for academic registration.
UNICAL School Fees Breakdown for 2026/2027
Before learning How to pay UNICAL School fees online, it helps to know exactly how much you are expected to pay. UNICAL school fees vary based on your student category, faculty, and whether you are a fresher or returning student.
Fees for Fresh Students
| Category | Fee Range (₦) | Note |
| Arts/Humanities Freshers | 59,850 – 63,850 | Lowest fee bracket |
| Sciences/Education Freshers | 61,340 – 63,850 | Slightly higher for lab courses |
| Law/Engineering Freshers | 63,850 – 68,000 | Includes professional charges |
| Medical/Nursing Freshers | 63,850 – 75,000 | Includes clinical fees |
| CES (Part-Time) Freshers | 85,000 – 87,850 | Higher due to CES structure |
Fees for Returning Students
| Category | Fee Range (₦) | Note |
| Arts/Humanities Returning | 44,350 – 48,350 | No acceptance fee |
| Sciences/Education Returning | 45,340 – 48,350 | Reduced charges |
| Law/Engineering Returning | 48,350 – 52,000 | Includes professional levies |
| Medical/Nursing Returning | 48,350 – 55,000 | Includes clinical rotation fee |
| Final Year Students | 47,350 – 51,350 | Includes clearance charges |
Additional Fees
| Fee Type | Amount (₦) |
| Acceptance Fee (Degree) | 25,000 |
| Acceptance Fee (Diploma/Pre-Degree) | 15,000 |
| O’Level Result Verification | 8,000 |
| SUG Dues | Included in charges |
| Departmental/Faculty Levies | Varies by department |
| Late Payment Penalty | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Sundry Services | Varies by service |
What You Need Before Paying UNICAL School Fees Online
Before you begin the process of How to pay UNICAL School fees online, make sure you have the following items ready. Missing any of these can cause delays or failed transactions.
- Your JAMB Registration Number (for freshers) or Matriculation Number (for returning students)
- Your UNICAL portal login password
- A valid debit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Verve) with sufficient funds
- Alternatively, enough cash for bank payment if you prefer that method
- A working phone number and email address linked to your account
- Access to a computer or smartphone with internet connection
- Your admission letter or previous session receipt (for reference)
How to Pay UNICAL School Fees Online: Step-by-Step for Freshers
If you are a newly admitted student, this section walks you through the exact process of How to pay UNICAL School fees online for the first time. Follow each step carefully to avoid mistakes.
Step 1: Pay Your Acceptance Fee First
Before you can pay school fees, you must pay the acceptance fee. This confirms that you accept the admission offered to you by UNICAL.
- Visit the UNICAL portal at portal.unical.edu.ng
- Click on the Acceptance Fee Payment option
- Enter your JAMB Registration Number
- Verify your details and confirm the amount (₦25,000 for degree or ₦15,000 for diploma)
- Make payment using your debit card or generate a bank payment reference
- Print your acceptance fee receipt immediately after payment
Step 2: Generate Your School Fees Bill
Once your acceptance fee is confirmed, you can now proceed to pay your school fees.
- Log in to portal.unical.edu.ng using your Registration Number and password
- Navigate to the Fee Payment section on your dashboard
- Select the current session (2026/2027)
- The system generates your school fees bill showing the total amount payable
- Print the bill – this document contains your Bill Number which you need for payment confirmation
Step 3: Make Payment
UNICAL offers two payment methods. You can pay directly online through the portal using your debit card, or you can pay at a designated bank using the e-Transact platform. The designated bank depends on your faculty.
Designated Banks by Faculty
| Faculty | Designated Bank |
| Arts, Education, Social Sciences | GTBank |
| Sciences, Agriculture | GTBank |
| Management Sciences | Fidelity Bank |
| Law | GTBank |
| Engineering, Environmental Sciences | Fidelity Bank |
| Medical Sciences, Allied Health | GTBank |
| Clinical Sciences | GTBank |
If you pay at the bank, collect the bank payment slip with the Confirmation Order Number. You need this number to complete your registration on the portal. The process of How to pay UNICAL School fees online requires this confirmation to verify your payment.
Step 4: Confirm Payment on the Portal
- Log back into portal.unical.edu.ng after making payment
- Enter your Bill Number (found on the bill you printed earlier)
- The system verifies your payment and updates your status
- Print your school fees receipt as proof of payment
- Proceed to your department for course registration
How to Pay UNICAL School Fees Online: Guide for Returning Students
Returning students follow a slightly different process. If you have paid fees in previous sessions, you already have a portal account. Here is the complete guide on How to pay UNICAL School fees online for returning students.
- Visit portal.unical.edu.ng and log in with your Matriculation Number and password
- If you have not registered on the new portal, click Returning Student Register Here
- Fill the form with your Matric Number, Fee Confirmation Order Number from your last session, and the session
- Click Verify Fees to confirm your previous payments
- Once verified, navigate to Fee Payment and select the 2026/2027 session
- Generate and print your bill
- Pay online with your debit card or visit the designated bank for your faculty
- Return to the portal, enter your Bill Number, and print your receipt
Returning students who encounter issues verifying their previous payments should contact the ICT Directorate or Bursary Department for assistance. Knowing How to pay UNICAL School fees online as a returning student means keeping your previous payment receipts safe.
How to Pay UNICAL Acceptance Fee Online
The acceptance fee is the very first payment every fresher makes. It is separate from the school fees and must be completed before you can access How to pay UNICAL School fees online for the actual tuition charges.
- Go to portal.unical.edu.ng
- Click the Acceptance Fee Payment button
- Enter your JAMB Registration Number or CES Form Number
- Enter your phone number and email address
- Pay the fee (₦25,000 for degree programmes, ₦15,000 for diploma/pre-degree)
- Print your acceptance fee receipt
- Use the Confirmation Order Number from the receipt for further registration
Common Payment Issues and How to Fix Them
Even when you understand How to pay UNICAL School fees online, technical issues can arise. Here are the most common problems students face and their solutions.
Payment Deducted But Not Reflecting on Portal
This is the most common complaint. If your bank debits your account but the portal does not update, wait 24-48 hours for the payment to reflect. If it still does not show, visit the UNICAL Bursary Department with your payment receipt and bank statement for manual verification.
Cannot Login to the Portal
Ensure you are using the correct portal (portal.unical.edu.ng for fees, myunical.edu.ng for academic activities). If your password is incorrect, use the Forgot Password option or contact the ICT Help Desk.
Bill Number Not Working
Double-check that you are entering the Bill Number exactly as printed on your bill. If it still fails, regenerate your bill from the portal and try again.
Debit Card Declined
Ensure your card is enabled for online transactions and has sufficient funds. Some banks require you to activate web payments through their mobile app before using your card online. If problems persist, try the bank deposit option instead.
Cannot Print Receipt
Use the Reprint Receipts tab on the portal to reprint any receipt from previous transactions. This feature is available for acceptance fees, school fees, and sundry payments.
Tips for a Smooth Payment Experience
Following these practical tips makes How to pay UNICAL School fees online easier and prevents avoidable problems.
- Pay early – Do not wait until the deadline. Portal traffic increases near closing dates, causing slow loading and failed transactions
- Use a stable internet connection – Weak connections can interrupt payment processing and cause double deductions
- Screenshot every step – Take screenshots of your bill, payment confirmation, and receipt as backup evidence
- Keep your Confirmation Order Number safe – You need this number for registration and future reference
- Use the correct portal – Only pay through portal.unical.edu.ng. Never pay through unofficial websites or agents
- Check your email – UNICAL sends payment confirmations to the email address linked to your account
- Contact support early – If you encounter issues, visit the Bursary Department or ICT Directorate promptly
Understanding How to pay UNICAL School fees online means staying organised and keeping all your payment documents accessible throughout the session.
Important UNICAL Portals and Contact Information
| Resource | Details |
| Fee Payment Portal | portal.unical.edu.ng |
| Academic Portal | myunical.edu.ng |
| University Website | unical.edu.ng |
| Bursary Department | Located at Senate Building, UNICAL campus |
| ICT Directorate | Ground floor, ICT Centre |
| Help Email | Check portal for current contact email |
Payment Deadlines and Late Fees
UNICAL enforces strict payment deadlines every session. Students who fail to pay within the stipulated period face a late registration penalty of ₦5,000 to ₦10,000. In extreme cases, students who do not pay before the portal closes may be unable to register for courses or sit for examinations.
The exact deadline for the 2026/2027 session is announced by the university management and displayed on the portal. Check portal.unical.edu.ng regularly for updates. Students who know How to pay UNICAL School fees online and act promptly avoid these penalties entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay UNICAL school fees with my phone?
Yes. The UNICAL portal is accessible from smartphones. You can log in, generate your bill, and pay with your debit card directly from your phone browser. Just ensure you have a stable internet connection.
Is it compulsory to pay at the designated bank?
If you choose to pay at a bank rather than online, you must use the designated bank for your faculty. Payments made at non-designated banks may not reflect on the portal.
Can I pay UNICAL school fees in instalments?
UNICAL generally requires full payment before registration is completed. The portal does not support instalment payments. Students facing genuine financial hardship should contact the Bursary Department for guidance.
What is the e-Transact platform?
e-Transact is the electronic payment platform used by UNICAL’s designated banks to process school fee payments. When you visit the bank, the teller processes your payment through this system and gives you a slip with your Confirmation Order Number.
How do I reprint a lost receipt?
Visit portal.unical.edu.ng and click on the Reprint Receipts tab. Enter your details and the system retrieves and reprints your payment receipt.
What is the difference between portal.unical.edu.ng and myunical.edu.ng?
portal.unical.edu.ng handles fee payments, acceptance fees, and sundry charges. myunical.edu.ng handles academic activities such as course registration, result checking, and hostel applications. Both are official UNICAL platforms.
Is
Yes. The UNICAL portal uses secure payment gateways for online transactions. Your card details are encrypted and not stored by the university. Always ensure you are on the official portal (portal.unical.edu.ng) and not a fake website.
What happens if I miss the payment deadline?
You face a late registration penalty of ₦5,000 to ₦10,000. If you fail to pay before the extended deadline, you may lose your registration for the session, which affects your academic progress.
Conclusion
Paying your UNICAL school fees does not have to be stressful. This guide on How to pay UNICAL School fees online covers every step of the process for both freshers and returning students. From generating your bill to making payment and printing your receipt, the entire process is straightforward when you follow the correct steps.
The key to a smooth experience is preparation: have your login details ready, ensure your debit card works for online payments, and act before the deadline. Always use the official portal at portal.unical.edu.ng for all fee-related transactions.
Get your fees sorted early, complete your registration, and focus on what truly matters – your academic success at the University of Calabar. Now that you know How to pay UNICAL School fees online, share this guide with fellow students who need it.