Unlike conventional universities, NDA cadets do not pay tuition fees. The academy is fully funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria, covering the entire cost of education, training, accommodation, and healthcare. Cadets receive this education and support free of charge during their five-year Regular Combatant Course.
Application & Acceptance Charges
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Application Fee: Prospective candidates pay a one-time fee of ₦7,000 to access the Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) code for their application form.
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Acceptance/Registration Fee: After being offered admission, fresh cadets are required to pay a nominal acceptance fee. Although the exact amount varies each year, conservative estimates place this between ₦5,000 and ₦10,000.
Accommodation
Accommodation is included as part of the academy’s provisions, but there is a standard cadet accommodation levy of ₦45,000 per session. This nominal fee contributes to the upkeep of dormitories and living facilities on campus.
Total Estimated Cost for New Cadets
By combining:
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₦7,000 (application form),
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~₦5,000–₦10,000 (acceptance fee),
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₦45,000 (accommodation levy),
The typical out-of-pocket expense for a new Regular Combatant cadet in their first session is roughly ₦57,000–₦62,000.
Additional Personal Costs
While major costs are covered, cadets may incur funds for:
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Uniforms and kit,
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Personal hygiene and stationery items,
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Communication/phone credit,
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Transport for home leaves or personal errands.
Cadet Stipend
In addition to fee exemptions, cadets receive a monthly stipend of around ₦50,000, helping them cover incidental and everyday expenses.
Summary Table
| Fee Type | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Form Fee | ₦7,000 |
| Acceptance Fee | ₦5,000–₦10,000 |
| Accommodation Levy | ₦45,000 |
| Total One-Time Fees | ₦57,000–₦62,000 |
| Monthly Cadet Stipend | ₦50,000 (received monthly) |
| Ongoing Personal Expenses | Varies (uniforms, personal items, etc.) |
Do NDA cadets pay regular school fees like other universities?
No. NDA operates as a fully sponsored military academy—there is no tuition fee for cadets, as costs are covered by the government.
Is there an application or acceptance fee?
Yes. The application form costs ₦7,000, and once admitted, cadets are expected to pay a small acceptance fee (usually between ₦5,000–₦10,000)
Why do cadets pay an accommodation levy if accommodation is free?
While lodging is included as part of funding, the ₦45,000 accommodation levy helps maintain dormitories and related facilities on campus.
Do cadets receive any allowance?
Yes, cadets receive a stipend of about ₦50,000 per month to assist with day-to-day personal expenses.
Final Thoughts
The Nigerian Defence Academy offers a highly subsidized education and officer training, making it one of the most cost-effective tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Cadets benefit from waived tuition, housing, medical care, and a monthly stipend—all funded by the government. What they pay covers administrative and upkeep charges, amounting to less than ₦65,000 during their entire academic journey. For many aspiring military officers, NDA represents not just quality education but profound value.
Also Read: NDA Courses And Cut off Mark
