The Nigerian Defence Academy is one of the most respected military institutions in Nigeria. It trains young men and women to become officers in the Nigerian Armed Forces while also providing university education in various academic fields.
Every year, thousands of candidates apply for admission into the academy. Understanding the application process, admission requirements, available courses, and fees can improve your chances of a successful application.
This guide explains everything you need to know about applying for Nigerian Defence Academy admission in 2026.
What Is the Nigerian Defence Academy?
The Nigerian Defence Academy, commonly known as NDA, is a military university located in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
The academy provides both academic and military training. Successful candidates graduate with a bachelor’s degree and are commissioned as officers in the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, or Nigerian Air Force.
The training period usually lasts five years. This includes four years of academic and military training and one year of military service training.
Who Can Apply for NDA Admission?
Candidates seeking admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy must meet specific requirements.
General eligibility requirements include:
- Must be a Nigerian citizen.
- Must possess a valid certificate of state of origin.
- Must be medically fit.
- Must be of good character.
- Must not have any criminal record.
- Must be single without children.
- Must meet the required age limit.
- Must obtain the minimum required score in UTME.
- Must pass the NDA screening test.
NDA Admission Requirements for 2026
To qualify for admission, candidates are generally expected to meet the following conditions:
Educational Requirements
Applicants must possess at least five credit passes in relevant subjects including English Language and Mathematics.
The credits should be obtained in not more than two sittings from examinations such as:
- WAEC
- NECO
- NABTEB
- GCE
Age Requirement
Applicants are usually expected to be between 16 and 21 years of age at the time of admission.
Height Requirement
Minimum height requirements are typically:
| Gender | Minimum Height |
|---|---|
| Male | 1.68 metres |
| Female | 1.65 metres |
UTME Requirement
Candidates must register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and choose NDA as their preferred institution.
Applicants must also meet the official NDA cut off mark for the admission year.
How to Apply for Nigerian Defence Academy 2026
The application process is conducted online through the NDA admission portal.
Follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Create an Account
Visit the NDA admission portal and create a personal account using a valid email address and phone number.
Make sure all information provided is accurate.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Fill in your personal details, educational qualifications, state of origin, and other required information.
Double check all entries before proceeding.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Applicants may be required to upload documents such as:
- Passport photograph
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of origin
- O Level results
- JAMB details
Ensure uploaded documents are clear and readable.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
After completing the form, pay the required application fee using the approved payment method.
Keep a copy of the payment receipt for future reference.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Review all information carefully before final submission.
Print the acknowledgement slip after submitting the application.
Step 6: Participate in the Screening Test
Qualified applicants will be invited for the NDA Screening Test.
Candidates who pass the examination may be invited for further screening and interviews.
NDA Application Fee for 2026
The application fee may change depending on the admission cycle.
The table below shows the commonly charged fee.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| NDA Application Form | ₦7,000 |
| Screening Related Expenses | Varies |
Candidates should always confirm the current fee during the application period.
Courses Offered at the Nigerian Defence Academy
The Nigerian Defence Academy offers courses across several faculties.
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
| Courses |
|---|
| Economics |
| Geography |
| History and War Studies |
| Political Science and Defence Studies |
| Psychology |
| French |
| English |
Faculty of Military Science and Interdisciplinary Studies
| Courses |
|---|
| Intelligence and Cyber Security Studies |
| Military History |
| Defence and Security Studies |
Faculty of Engineering
| Courses |
|---|
| Civil Engineering |
| Electrical Engineering |
| Mechanical Engineering |
| Mechatronics Engineering |
| Computer Engineering |
Faculty of Science
| Courses |
|---|
| Mathematics |
| Physics |
| Chemistry |
| Biological Sciences |
| Computer Science |
Faculty of Management Sciences
| Courses |
|---|
| Accounting |
| Management Sciences |
NDA Screening Test
The NDA Screening Test is a major stage of the admission process.
The examination usually covers subjects related to the candidate’s chosen field of study.
Candidates should prepare thoroughly using:
- JAMB syllabus
- Secondary school textbooks
- Past questions
- Current affairs materials
Arriving early at the examination centre is also important.
Documents Required During Screening
Candidates may be asked to present original copies of:
- Birth certificate
- State of origin certificate
- JAMB result slip
- O Level result
- Application acknowledgement slip
- Passport photographs
Failure to present required documents can affect eligibility.
Tips for Successful NDA Admission
Applicants can improve their chances by following these recommendations:
- Register early.
- Ensure all information is correct.
- Meet the required UTME score.
- Prepare thoroughly for the screening test.
- Maintain physical fitness.
- Follow official admission instructions carefully.
- Keep all application documents safe.
Benefits of Studying at NDA
The Nigerian Defence Academy offers several advantages.
Students receive academic education and military training at the same time.
Graduates earn recognized university degrees and are commissioned as officers in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The academy also provides leadership development, discipline, and professional military education.
Conclusion
Applying for Nigerian Defence Academy admission in 2026 requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Candidates must satisfy the academic, age, medical, and physical requirements before applying.
Understanding the application process, preparing for the screening examination, and ensuring all documents are complete can significantly improve your chances of admission. Prospective applicants should begin preparations early and stay informed about admission announcements for the 2026 academic session.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the age requirement for NDA admission?
Applicants are generally expected to be between 16 and 21 years old.
2. Is JAMB required for NDA admission?
Yes. Candidates must register for UTME and meet the required NDA cut off mark.
3. How long is training at the Nigerian Defence Academy?
Training usually lasts five years, including academic and military training.
4. Can females apply for NDA admission?
Yes. Qualified female candidates can apply and participate in the admission process.
5. What is the NDA application fee?
The application fee is commonly around ₦7,000, although it may change for a new admission cycle.
6. What degree do NDA graduates receive?
Graduates receive bachelor’s degrees in their chosen disciplines and are commissioned as officers in the Nigerian Armed Forces.