The Nigerian Defence Academy, commonly known as NDA, is Nigeria’s premier military university. Located in Kaduna State, the academy trains officer cadets for the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, and Nigerian Air Force while providing university education.
Every year, thousands of candidates apply for admission into the NDA Regular Course because it offers both academic and military training. Successful cadets graduate with a bachelor’s degree and receive a commission as officers in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
This guide explains the NDA admission form for 2026, available courses, fees, admission requirements, and other important details prospective applicants should know.
About the Nigerian Defence Academy
The Nigerian Defence Academy was established to train future military officers through a combination of academic studies, leadership development, and military training.
Unlike conventional universities, the NDA combines classroom education with military discipline. Cadets undergo rigorous training throughout their years at the academy before graduating as commissioned officers.
The institution offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across several faculties.
NDA Form 2026
The NDA admission form is the official application form required for candidates seeking admission into the academy’s Regular Course.
For the 2026 admission cycle, applications are expected to be completed online through the NDA admission portal. Applicants are usually required to create an account, fill in personal and academic information, upload necessary documents, and make payment for the application form. The application form fee is generally around ₦7,000, although applicants should always confirm the current amount during the application period.
After registration, candidates must participate in the NDA Screening Test. Those who perform well may be invited for further screening and selection processes.
NDA Admission Requirements
Candidates seeking admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy must meet the following general requirements:
- Must be a Nigerian citizen.
- Must be medically and physically fit.
- Must be of good moral character.
- Must be single without legal obligation to support a child.
- Must possess a minimum of five credits in relevant subjects including English Language and Mathematics.
- Results must generally be obtained in not more than two sittings.
- Must meet the required UTME score.
- Must pass the NDA Screening Test.
- Must satisfy all military screening requirements.
Faculties in the Nigerian Defence Academy
The academy offers programmes through several faculties, including:
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Military Science and Interdisciplinary Studies
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Management Sciences
These faculties provide academic training that supports military leadership and national development.
Nigerian Defence Academy Courses
The following table contains many of the undergraduate courses available at the NDA.
| Faculty | Courses |
|---|---|
| Arts and Social Sciences | English, French, History and War Studies, Geography, Political Science and Defence Studies, Psychology, Economics |
| Management Sciences | Accounting, Banking and Finance, Management Sciences |
| Science | Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science |
| Engineering | Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering |
| Military Science and Interdisciplinary Studies | Intelligence and Cyber Security Studies, Military History, Strategic Studies and related military programmes |
The academy may review or update courses periodically. Applicants should confirm the latest programme list during the admission process.
NDA School Fees 2026
One of the most common questions from applicants is whether NDA charges school fees.
For Regular Course cadets, tuition is largely funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The academy covers major expenses such as training, accommodation, feeding, uniforms, and medical services.
However, newly admitted cadets may be required to pay certain administrative charges and acceptance fees.
Estimated NDA Fees for Regular Course Cadets
| Fee Item | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Form | ₦7,000 |
| Acceptance Fee | ₦20,000 to ₦35,000 |
| Medical Fee | ₦1,000 to ₦5,000 |
| Sports Fee | ₦1,000 to ₦5,000 |
| Library Fee | ₦1,000 to ₦5,000 |
| Identity Card Fee | ₦1,000 to ₦5,000 |
| Development Fee | ₦1,000 to ₦5,000 |
Fresh cadets may spend approximately ₦25,000 to ₦50,000 on initial administrative charges, while tuition, accommodation, feeding, and military training remain government funded.
Postgraduate Programme Fees
The NDA also offers postgraduate programmes. These programmes are not covered under the Regular Course funding structure.
| Programme | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate Diploma | ₦120,000 to ₦150,000 |
| Master’s Degree | ₦150,000 to ₦180,000 |
| PhD Programme | ₦150,000 to ₦200,000 |
Additional departmental and faculty charges may apply depending on the programme.
Duration of Training at NDA
The Regular Course at the Nigerian Defence Academy lasts for five years.
Cadets spend four years on academic studies and military training. The final year focuses on advanced military training before commissioning into the Armed Forces.
Graduates receive bachelor’s degrees and become commissioned officers in either the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, or Nigerian Air Force.
Benefits of Studying at NDA
Admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy offers several advantages.
Cadets receive structured military and academic training that prepares them for leadership positions.
The academy also provides accommodation, feeding, medical care, military kits, and other support services during training. In addition, cadets receive allowances during their stay at the institution.
Graduates earn recognized university degrees while building careers in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
How to Apply for NDA Admission
The application process generally follows these steps:
- Visit the NDA admission portal.
- Create an application account.
- Complete the online registration form.
- Upload required documents.
- Pay the application fee.
- Print the acknowledgement slip.
- Register and sit for the UTME examination.
- Participate in the NDA Screening Test.
- Attend additional screening if shortlisted.
- Await the admission list.
Applicants should carefully follow instructions released during each admission cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much is the NDA form for 2026?
The application form is generally around ₦7,000, although applicants should verify the current amount during registration.
2. Does NDA charge school fees?
Regular Course cadets do not pay conventional tuition fees because training and education are funded by the Federal Government.
3. How many years is the NDA programme?
The Regular Course lasts five years, combining academic studies and military training.
4. What is the minimum JAMB score for NDA?
Candidates are generally expected to score at least 200 in UTME, although requirements may vary depending on the admission cycle.
5. Can females apply for NDA?
Yes. Qualified male and female Nigerian citizens can apply for admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy.
6. What degree does NDA award?
Graduates receive bachelor’s degrees such as BA, BSc, or BEng depending on their course of study and are commissioned as officers in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.