Delta State University, popularly known as DELSU, is one of the most sought-after state-owned universities in Nigeria. Located in Abraka, Delta State, the university has built a solid reputation over the years for offering quality education across a wide range of disciplines, from sciences and engineering to arts, law, and management studies.
Every year, thousands of candidates apply to study at DELSU, and many of them have the same set of questions. What courses does DELSU actually offer? Which faculty should I apply to? And perhaps most importantly, how much will it cost to study here?
If you are one of those people trying to figure things out, this guide is for you. We will cover the full picture of DELSU courses and fees for undergraduate programmes — the faculties, the departments under each faculty, admission requirements, and a general overview of what to expect when it comes to tuition and other charges.
About Delta State University, Abraka
DELSU is a state government-owned university that has been fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The university started with five faculties — Agriculture, Education, Arts, Science, and Social Sciences.
Over the years, the university expanded significantly, eventually operating across multiple campuses spread within Delta State, in line with a state government policy to spread campuses across the three senatorial districts. The main campus in Abraka hosts most academic activities, including science laboratories, computer labs, and the senate building.
Today, DELSU is made up of ten faculties: the College/Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Science, Faculty of the Social Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Management Sciences, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Engineering, and Faculty of Health Technology.
This wide spread of faculties means students coming into DELSU have a lot of options. Whether your strength is in the sciences, your passion is in the arts, or you are aiming for a professional career in law, engineering, or medicine-related fields, there is likely a department that fits what you are looking for.
Beyond academics, DELSU also has a sizable student community, with several halls of residence available for accommodation, sporting facilities, and student associations that make campus life lively and engaging. For many students, choosing DELSU is not just about the courses on offer, but also about the overall experience of studying in a well-established institution with a long history.
List of Undergraduate Courses Offered at DELSU
Delta State University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate programs across its faculties and departments, providing dozens of accredited degree programs spanning sciences, arts, education, engineering, medical sciences, management, and social sciences. Below is a breakdown of courses by faculty, to give you a clearer picture of what is available.
Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science is one of the foundational faculties at DELSU and houses many of the courses students dream of when they think of careers in research, technology, and laboratory work. Departments and programmes here include:
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biological Sciences
- Microbiology
- Botany
- Zoology
- Geology
- Industrial Chemistry
Computer Science in particular has become one of the most competitive courses to gain admission into, not just at DELSU but across Nigerian universities generally, due to the high demand for tech-related skills in today’s job market.
Faculty of Arts
For students who are drawn to language, history, culture, and the humanities, the Faculty of Arts offers a number of well-established programmes:
- English and Literary Studies
- History and International Studies
- Linguistics
- Religious Studies
- Theatre Arts
- Foreign Languages (French)
- Philosophy
Graduates from these programmes often go on to careers in education, media, publishing, public relations, diplomacy, and creative industries.
Faculty of Social Sciences
The Faculty of Social Sciences is home to some of the most popular courses at DELSU, particularly Mass Communication, which consistently attracts a high number of applicants every year. Other departments under this faculty include:
- Mass Communication
- Political Science
- Economics
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Geography
These courses are popular because of their broad applicability — graduates can work in media houses, government agencies, NGOs, research institutions, banks, and corporate organizations.
Faculty of Management Sciences
If your interest leans toward business, finance, and entrepreneurship, the Faculty of Management Sciences offers several programmes designed to prepare you for the corporate world:
- Business Administration
- Accounting
- Banking and Finance
- Marketing
- Insurance
Accounting and Business Administration are particularly popular, as they open doors to careers in audit firms, banks, insurance companies, and private businesses.
Faculty of Education
The Faculty of Education trains future teachers and education professionals across a wide variety of subject specializations. Programmes offered include Political Science Education, Economics Education, Business Education, Chemistry Education, Geography Education, Physics Education, Integrated Science Education, History Education, Social Science Education, Biology Education, Human Kinetics and Health Education, Mathematics Education, English Education, Home Economics Education, and Agricultural Science Education.
What makes education courses unique is that they combine subject-specific knowledge with teaching methodology, meaning graduates are qualified to teach their chosen subject area at the secondary school level and beyond, while also having the flexibility to work in non-teaching roles related to their subject specialization.
Faculty of Engineering
Engineering remains one of the most respected and in-demand fields of study, and DELSU offers several engineering programmes, including:
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
Given Delta State’s significant oil and gas industry presence, Petroleum Engineering is particularly relevant for students interested in working within that sector after graduation.
College/Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
For students interested in health-related careers, this faculty offers programmes such as:
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Nursing Science
- Physiology
- Anatomy
These courses are known to be quite competitive and often come with additional practical or laboratory components compared to other programmes.
Faculty of Agriculture
Agriculture is a vital sector in Nigeria’s economy, and DELSU’s Faculty of Agriculture offers programmes that prepare students for careers in farming, agribusiness, and related fields:
- Agricultural Economics and Extension
- Animal Science
- Crop Science
- Forestry and Wildlife
Faculty of Law
The Faculty of Law offers the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) programme, which is a five-year course leading to a degree that, after completion of the Bar Final examinations at the Nigerian Law School, qualifies graduates to practice as legal practitioners in Nigeria.
Faculty of Environmental Studies
This faculty caters to students interested in the built environment and land use, offering programmes such as:
- Architecture
- Estate Management
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Surveying and Geoinformatics
Faculty of Health Technology
Rounding off the list, the Faculty of Health Technology offers programmes related to public health and environmental health, including:
- Public Health
- Environmental Health Science
Among all these options, some of the most popular programs at DELSU include Computer Science, Mass Communication, Business Administration, and Medical Laboratory Science. Most undergraduate programs take four years to complete, though some professional courses extend beyond that. Programmes like Law, Engineering, and Architecture, for example, typically run for five years, while Medicine and Surgery related programmes can extend up to six years where applicable.
Admission Requirements for DELSU Undergraduate Courses
Getting admitted into any of the programmes listed above requires meeting certain general requirements, in addition to any course-specific requirements.
O’Level Requirements
Candidates must possess a minimum of five credit passes in subjects relevant to their chosen course, which must include English Language, obtained from WASSCE, NECO, GCE O’Level, SSCE, or approved equivalents, at not more than two sittings. This means you cannot combine results from more than two different examination sittings to make up your five credits.
UTME Requirements
Beyond your O’level results, you also need to register for the JAMB Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and choose DELSU as your institution of choice, along with your preferred course. Each course has a specific subject combination that you must offer in your UTME, and these combinations are detailed in the JAMB brochure for each session.
You will also need to meet or exceed the cut-off mark for your chosen course. Cut-off marks vary by course and by session — competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Computer Science typically have higher cut-off marks than other programmes.
Post-UTME Screening
After meeting the UTME requirements, candidates are usually required to participate in DELSU’s Post-UTME screening exercise. This is an additional step the university uses to further assess candidates before final admission lists are released. The screening process and requirements can change from session to session, so it’s important to follow official DELSU announcements closely during the admission period.
Direct Entry Admissions
For candidates with qualifications such as A-Level results, NCE, or relevant Diplomas, DELSU also runs a Direct Entry admission process. Direct Entry candidates are typically admitted into 200 level, skipping the first year, provided their qualifications are relevant to the course they are applying for.
DELSU Tuition Fees – What You Should Know
One of the most searched-for pieces of information by prospective and current students alike is how much it actually costs to study at DELSU. As with most state-owned universities in Nigeria, DELSU fees are generally considered affordable compared to private universities, though the exact amount depends on several factors.
Factors That Affect DELSU School Fees
Before looking at general figures, it’s useful to understand what determines how much a student ends up paying each session:
- Course of Study: Science-based, technical, and professional courses such as Medicine, Engineering, Architecture, and Law typically attract higher fees compared to arts and social science courses. This is largely due to the cost of laboratory materials, equipment, and practical sessions involved in these programmes.
- Level of Study: Fresh students, usually those entering 100 level for the first time, often pay more in their first year because of one-time charges such as acceptance fees, ID card fees, and other registration-related charges that returning students do not need to pay again.
- State of Origin: As is common practice with many Nigerian state universities, DELSU may apply different fee structures for students who are indigenes of Delta State compared to students from other states. Indigenes of the state often benefit from subsidized rates.
- Mode of Entry: Whether a student gained admission through UTME or through Direct Entry can sometimes affect specific charges, particularly around registration for the appropriate entry level.
- Faculty-Specific Dues: Some faculties and departments charge additional dues for things like departmental associations, practicals, field trips, and project supervision, which can add to the overall amount a student pays.
General Overview of DELSU School Fees
For most undergraduate programmes at DELSU, the overall cost per session — combining tuition, registration, library charges, ICT fees, medical fees, sports fees, and departmental dues — generally falls within a moderate range that is considered affordable when compared to private university fees in Nigeria, which can run into hundreds of thousands or even millions of naira per session.
Science-based and professional courses such as Medicine, Engineering, Pharmacy-related programmes, and Architecture tend to be on the higher end of DELSU’s fee range due to the additional practical and laboratory components. Arts, humanities, and some social science courses are generally on the lower end.
In addition to the regular tuition and charges, fresh students should budget for an acceptance fee, which is paid after an admission offer has been made. This fee is typically a one-time payment that secures your admission slot and is separate from your tuition fees for the session.
Why You Should Always Confirm Fees on the Official Portal
School fees at Nigerian universities, including DELSU, are subject to periodic review by university management and, in some cases, government policy. Because of this, any specific figures mentioned online — including in this article — may not always reflect the current amount for the present academic session.
The safest and most accurate way to know exactly how much you need to pay is to log in to the official DELSU student portal during the school fees payment window for your session. The portal will generate an invoice specific to your course, level, and category (whether you are an indigene or non-indigene, fresh student or returning student).
Avoid relying on fee information shared by unofficial sources, agents, or third-party websites, as these can be outdated or, in some cases, designed to scam unsuspecting students and parents.
How to Pay DELSU School Fees
The process for paying your DELSU school fees is generally straightforward and done entirely online. Here’s how it typically works:
- Log in to your DELSU student portal using your matriculation number and password.
- Navigate to the school fees or payment section of the portal.
- Generate your fee invoice for the current academic session. This invoice will reflect the exact amount you are required to pay based on your course, level, and category.
- Proceed to make payment using your debit card, internet banking, or any other approved payment channel listed on the portal.
- Once payment is successful, download and print your payment receipt or confirmation slip for your personal records.
It’s a good practice to keep both digital and printed copies of every payment receipt throughout your time in school, as you may be required to present proof of payment at various points, such as during registration, exams, or clearance processes.
Choosing the Right Course at DELSU
With so many options available across the different faculties, choosing the right course can feel overwhelming, especially for new applicants. Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:
- Your Interests and Strengths: Choose a course that aligns with subjects you enjoyed and performed well in during secondary school. Studying something you have genuine interest in makes the four or five years much more manageable.
- Career Goals: Think about where you want to be after graduation. Some courses lead more directly to specific careers (like Law or Medical Laboratory Science), while others offer more flexibility across different industries (like Business Administration or Mass Communication).
- Cut-Off Marks and Competition: Be realistic about your UTME score and the cut-off marks for competitive courses. If your score falls short of a highly competitive course, consider related alternatives that may have lower cut-off marks but still align with your interests.
- Cost Implications: While DELSU fees are generally affordable, courses with heavy practical components may require additional personal spending on materials, equipment, or field trips. Factor this into your planning.
Tips for New DELSU Students
If you have just gained admission into DELSU, here are some practical tips to help you start your academic journey on the right foot:
- Confirm and Accept Your Admission Promptly: Once you see your admission on the JAMB CAPS portal, accept it as soon as possible to avoid losing your spot to another candidate on the waiting list.
- Complete Registration Early: Portals tend to get congested closer to registration deadlines. Completing your registration early helps you avoid technical issues caused by high traffic.
- Keep All Documents Safe: Maintain both physical and digital copies of your admission letter, payment receipts, JAMB results, and O’level certificates. You will need these repeatedly throughout your studies.
- Visit Your Department Early: Get familiar with your departmental office, course adviser, and academic requirements as soon as you arrive on campus. This helps you stay on track with course registration and academic deadlines.
- Get Involved in Student Associations: Departmental and faculty associations are great sources of information, academic materials, and a sense of community. Joining early helps you settle in faster.
- Plan Your Finances: Beyond tuition, budget for accommodation, textbooks, transportation, and daily living expenses. Having a clear financial plan for each session reduces stress significantly.
Final Thoughts
Delta State University, Abraka, continues to be one of the preferred destinations for students seeking quality, affordable education in Nigeria. With DELSU courses and fees spanning a wide variety of disciplines — from Computer Science and Engineering to Law, Mass Communication, and Education — there is genuinely something for almost every academic interest.
Whatever course you eventually choose, the key things to keep in mind are meeting the admission requirements for that specific programme, staying updated through official DELSU channels for accurate fee information, and completing your registration on time each session to avoid unnecessary stress.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with someone who is planning to apply to DELSU. And if you have any questions about specific courses, faculties, or the admission process, feel free to drop them in the comment section below — we’ll be happy to help where we can.