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University of Calabar (UNICAL) Courses, Admission Requirements & How to Apply 2025/2026

Davies Ngere Ify

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) stands as a beacon of academic excellence in Nigeria. Founded in 1975, this prestigious institution has cultivated a reputation for rigorous scholarship and innovative research.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the University of Calabar (UNICAL) courses, admission requirements, and how to apply for the 2025/2026 academic year. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of what it takes to join UNICAL and the opportunities that await you on this vibrant campus.

About the University of Calabar (UNICAL)

 

The University of Calabar, commonly known as UNICAL, is a prestigious federal university located in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Established in 1975, UNICAL has grown to become one of the country’s leading institutions of higher learning, renowned for its academic excellence and research contributions.

UNICAL offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university is home to 20 faculties, including Arts, Science, Social Sciences, Law, and Medicine. With over 40,000 students enrolled, UNICAL provides a diverse and vibrant academic environment.

The University of Calabar has 1 Postgraduate School, 1 College, 20 Faculties, 3 academic Centres, 3 Institutes, and 116 Departments that offer high-quality academic programs.

Research and Innovation

The University of Calabar is committed to advancing knowledge through cutting-edge research. Its state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers focus on addressing local and global challenges. UNICAL has made significant contributions in fields such as environmental studies, tropical diseases, and agricultural sciences.

Campus Life

UNICAL boasts a beautiful campus spanning over 500 hectares, featuring modern facilities and lush greenery. Students enjoy a rich cultural life, with numerous clubs, societies, and sporting activities. The university’s commitment to holistic education ensures that students develop not only academically but also personally and professionally.

University of Calabar Courses, Admission Requirements & How to Apply 2025/2026

The University of Calabar offers a diverse array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties. These courses cater to a wide range of academic interests and career aspirations.

Courses / Departments in UNICAL

Postgraduate Courses

For those seeking advanced education, UNICAL offers postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, and doctoral programs are available in the under-listed Departments.

Faculty of Agriculture

Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, Animal Science; Crop Science; Forestry and Wildlife Resource Management; Soil Science, Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences

Nursing Science, Public Health, Radiography and Radiological Sciences.

Faculty of Arts

English and Literary Studies; History and International Studies; Linguistics and Nigerian Languages; Modern Languages and Translation Studies, Philosophy; Religious and Cultural Studies; Theatre and Media Studies.

Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences

Anatomical Sciences; Biochemistry; Pharmacology; Physiology.

Faculty of Biological Sciences

Genetics & Biotechnology, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Plant and Ecological Studies, Microbiology, Zoology and Environmental Biology.

Faculty of Clinical Sciences

Community Medicine, Family medicine, Paediatrics, Haematology, Chemical pathology, Medical microbiology and parasitology, Histopathology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Orthopaedic and trauma surgery, Urology, Otorhinolaryngology, Anaesthesiology, Radiology, Dentistry, Psychiatry and Surgery.

Faculty of Arts And Social Science Education

Arts Education; Continuing Education and Development Studies; Environmental Education; Social Science Education; Library and Information Science.

Faculty of Educational Foundations

Curriculum and Teaching; Educational Foundations; Educational Management (Admin & Planning); Guidance and Counselling; Special Education.

Faculty of Educational Foundations

Curriculum and Teaching; Educational Foundations; Educational Management (Admin & Planning); Guidance and Counselling; Special Education.

Faculty of Vocational And Science Education

Human Kinetics And Health Education; Science Education; Vocational Education.

Faculty of Environmental Science

Environmental Resource Management;

Faculty of Law

Law

Faculty of Management Sciences

Accounting, Banking and Finance; Business Management; Marketing, Public Administration.

Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science

Medical Parasitology & Entomology; Chemical Pathology; Haematology And Blood Transfusion Science; Histopathology And Cytology; Bacteriology, Virology And Mycology.

Faculty of Oceanography

Biological Oceanography; Chemical Oceanography; Geological Oceanography and Physical Oceanography; Mariculture and Marine Fisheries Resources.

Faculty of Physical Sciences

Computer Science; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Pure and Applied Chemistry; Statistics.

Faculty of Social Sciences

Economics; Political Science; Social Work; Sociology; Geography and Environmental Science.

Institute of Education

PGD Education (PGDE), PGD Environmental Education (PGDEE), PGD Human Kinetics (PGDHK), PGD Special Education (PGDSE), PGD Library and Information (PGDLIS)

Institute of Oceanography

PGD Fisheries and Aquaculture; PGD Coastal Zone Management; PGD Marine Ecology, Toxicology & Pollution Studies

UNICAL Admission Requirements

To gain admission to the University of Calabar (UNICAL), prospective students must meet specific criteria. These requirements ensure that applicants are well-prepared for the rigorous academic environment at UNICAL.

General Requirements

Additional Program-Specific Requirements

Some programs at the University of Calabar may have additional prerequisites. For instance:

Direct Entry Requirements

For those seeking direct entry admission:

Always check the UNICAL official website or contact the admissions office for the most up-to-date and program-specific requirements.

UNICAL Post-Graduate Degree Programs

The University of Calabar offers a diverse range of postgraduate programs designed to enhance academic and professional expertise. These programs cater to students seeking advanced knowledge and research opportunities in various fields.

UNICAL Postgraduate Entry Requirements: Candidates are required to have a CGPA of 1.25/5 minimum for PGD, 2.5/4 or 3.0/5 for Masters and 3.0/4 or 3.5/5 for Ph.D Programmes.

Candidates with Master’s from recognized universities may credit the relevant courses towards the Ph.D, programme provided the quality of the grade is acceptable to the Postgraduate School

Master’s Degree Programs

UNICAL provides numerous master’s degree options across different faculties. These programs typically span 18-24 months and combine coursework with research components.

Doctoral Programs

For those aspiring to reach the pinnacle of academic achievement, the University of Calabar offers doctoral programs leading to a Ph.D. These research-intensive programs usually require 3-5 years of dedicated study and original research contributions to the chosen field.

Application Process

To apply for postgraduate programs at the University of Calabar, candidates must:

  1. Complete the online application form
  2. Submit all required documents, including transcripts and references
  3. Pay the application fee
  4. Attend an interview (if required for the chosen program)

How to Apply to the University of Calabar 2025/2026

Applying to the University of Calabar requires careful attention to detail and adherence to specific procedures. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply to the University of Calabar:

Step 1: UTME/DE Registration. Candidates must register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) or Direct Entry (DE) through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) website, and choose UNICAL as their choice of Institution.

Step 2: University of Calabar Post-UTME Screening. After registering for UTME/DE, candidates must also register for the University of Calabar’s Post-UTME screening exercise through the university’s website.

Step 3: Payment and Registration. Candidates must pay the required Post-UTME screening fee and register online by providing their bio-data, O’Level results, and other relevant information.

Step 4: Upload Documents. Candidates must upload their O’Level results, birth certificate, and other required documents.

Step 5: Print Admission Slip. After completing the registration process, candidates must print their admission slip, which contains their exam schedule and other important details.

Step 6: Post-UTME Screening Exam. Candidates must participate in the Post-UTME screening exam, which assesses their knowledge and skills in relevant subjects.

Step 7: Admission List. After the Post-UTME screening exam, the university will release an admission list, which contains the names of successful candidates.

Step 8: Registration and Clearance. Successful candidates must register and undergo clearance procedures, which involve verifying their documents and paying tuition fees.

Remember, meeting the University of Calabar’s admission requirements doesn’t guarantee acceptance. The institution considers various factors in its selection process to ensure a diverse and qualified student body.

How Competitive is Admission to UNICAL?

Admission to the University of Calabar can be quite competitive, especially for popular programs. The university typically receives many more applications than available spots. Candidates with strong academic records and high JAMB scores generally have better chances of securing admission. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance, as the selection process considers various factors.

UNICAL Ranking and Accreditation

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) consistently ranks among Nigeria’s top institutions. As a federal university, it maintains high academic standards and contributes significantly to national development. UNICAL’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its regular placement within the top 20 universities in Nigeria, according to various ranking systems.

International Recognition

While primarily focused on serving Nigeria, UNICAL has gained recognition beyond national borders. The university participates in international academic collaborations and research initiatives, enhancing its global visibility. These efforts have contributed to UNICAL’s inclusion in some international university rankings, though its primary strength remains its national reputation.

Accreditation Status

The University of Calabar holds full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC), Nigeria’s official quality assurance body for higher education. This accreditation covers all of UNICAL’s academic programs, ensuring that degrees awarded by the institution meet national standards. Additionally, many of UNICAL’s professional programs, such as medicine, law, and engineering, maintain accreditation from their respective professional bodies, further validating the quality of education provided.

Conclusion

As you consider your higher education options, the University of Calabar stands out as an excellent choice for pursuing your academic goals. With its diverse range of courses, rigorous admission standards, and reasonable fee structure, UNICAL offers a path to success for motivated students.

By thoroughly reviewing the admission requirements and preparing accordingly, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for acceptance. Remember to stay informed about application deadlines and fee schedules to ensure a smooth enrollment process.

 

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