Guide to University Admissions in Nigeria 2026: a full step-by-step roadmap (Part 2)

6. Deadlines and the 2026 timelineThe Nigerian academic year starts in September–October (since 2024 — standardised to the JAMB calendar). Some private universities (Covenant, Babcock) start in August–September.October–December 2025: apostille the diploma, translate into English, submit to NUC Equivalency.December 2025 – February 2026: register for JAMB UTME (₦7 700) on jamb.gov.ng.January–February 2026: submit Direct Entry documents (for those with prior post-secondary education).March 2026: take JAMB UTME at an international centre (Accra, London, Dubai).April 2026: JAMB results announced.May–July 2026: post-UTME tests at top universities (UI, UNILAG, OAU, ABU). Fee ₦2 000–5 000.August 2026: admission lists released on CAPS (Central Admissions Processing System).August 2026: confirm the place on CAPS + pay the acceptance fee (₦20 000–50 000).August–September 2026: apply for the STR Visa (Subject to Regularization) at the Nigerian Embassy in Kyiv (or in Moscow or Berlin if not available).End of September 2026: academic year starts, arrival for orientation.First 90 days after arrival: apply for CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card) at the Nigeria Immigration Service — ~$2 000 for 2 years.Private universities (Covenant, Babcock, AUN, Pan-Atlantic): their own separate entrance exams (no JAMB), deadline usually 30 June 2026; classes start August–September 2026.7. STR visa and CERPACSTR Visa (Subject to Regularization)Documents: Letter of Admission from the Nigerian university, proof of tuition payment (min. for the first semester), financial proof ($3 500+), health insurance (min. $5 000), yellow fever certificate, accommodation booking for the first 30 days, Ukrainian Police Clearance, passport valid 18+ months.Fee: ~$200 at the Nigerian Embassy or via VFS Global.Processing: 4–8 weeks. Submit no later than 60 days before arrival.Single-entry, valid 90 days from issue. Allows entry to Nigeria once; within the first 90 days you must regularise the status via CERPAC.CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card)Issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for 1 or 2 years. Cost: $2 000 for 2 years (with student discount — $1 500).Documents: STR Visa, passport, university letter, proof of tuition payment for the current semester, passport photo, CERPAC-1 form.Submitted via portal.immigration.gov.ng + in-person visit at the NIS office in your city of study (Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan).Right to work: officially not allowed on a student visa. Exceptions — internships at companies with a signed MoU with the university; remote freelance (legally outside Nigeria).After graduationYou can convert CERPAC into a Subject to Regularization (STR-W) for work after signing an offer. Minimum salary for conversion — equivalent of $2 000/month in naira for foreigners.After 7 years of legal residence — entitlement to Nigerian Permanent Residence (