Rivers State University (RSU), located in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, is a premier institution known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and community engagement. Established to provide quality education in various disciplines, RSU has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading state universities, particularly in fields like engineering, medical sciences, and social sciences.
This article provides an in-depth exploration of Rivers State University, covering its portal, address, school fees, courses, ranking, cut-off mark, admissions list, name changes, ownership, and more. This guide aims to inform prospective and current students about the opportunities and resources available at this esteemed institution.
Rivers State University Portal
The Rivers State University portal, accessible at www.rsu.edu.ng, serves as the primary online platform for students, staff, and applicants. The Students Records Access Management Portal (STRAMP) is a key feature, allowing students and graduates to request transcripts online without needing to visit the campus physically. This portal streamlines various academic and administrative processes, including:
-
Admissions and Registration: Fresh and returning students can register for courses, check admission status, and complete other enrollment-related tasks.
-
Fee Payments: The portal facilitates online payment of school fees, acceptance fees, and other charges, ensuring a seamless process.
-
Result Checking: Students can access semester results and academic records through the portal.
Advertisements -
Course Management: The platform allows students to register for courses and manage their academic schedules.
To access the portal, students need a User ID and password, which can be retrieved via the Help Desk if forgotten. For returning students, the portal requires payment of a Portal Access Fee before school fees can be paid. The portal’s user-friendly interface and robust functionality make it an essential tool for managing academic activities at Rivers State University.
Rivers State University Address
Rivers State University is located at Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. This strategic location in the heart of Port Harcourt, a major economic hub, provides students with access to a vibrant urban environment and proximity to industries like oil and gas, which align with many of the university’s programs. The address for administrative correspondence is:
Rivers State University
Nkpolu-Oroworukwo,
Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
The campus is well-equipped with modern facilities, including lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, and hostels, fostering a conducive environment for learning and research. For specific inquiries, such as scholarship applications or transcript requests, students can contact the university’s administrative offices directly or through the official website.
Rivers State University School Fees for Freshers and Returning Students
The cost of education at Rivers State University varies depending on the student’s status (indigene or non-indigene), faculty, and level of study. The university has released the 2025/2026 academic session school fees schedule, which is detailed below for both freshers and returning students. These fees are payable through the RSU payment portal at www.rsu.edu.ng.
Fresh Students (2025/2026 Academic Session)
The school fees for fresh students are categorized by faculty and residency status (Rivers State indigenes vs. non-indigenes). Below is a breakdown based on available data:
-
Faculty of Agriculture (e.g., Agricultural Economics, Animal Science, Fisheries):
-
Indigenes: ₦70,000
Advertisements -
Non-Indigenes: ₦120,000
-
-
Basic Medical Sciences (e.g., Human Anatomy, Nursing, Human Physiology):
-
Indigenes: ₦90,000
Advertisements -
Non-Indigenes: ₦150,000
-
-
College of Medical Sciences (e.g., Medicine and Surgery):
-
Indigenes: ₦90,000
Advertisements -
Non-Indigenes: ₦150,000
-
-
Faculty of Engineering (e.g., Civil, Computer, Petroleum Engineering):
-
Indigenes: ₦80,000
Advertisements -
Non-Indigenes: ₦130,000
-
-
Faculty of Environmental Sciences (e.g., Architecture, Estate Management):
-
Indigenes: ₦70,000
Advertisements -
Non-Indigenes: ₦120,000
-
-
Faculty of Education, Humanities, Management Sciences, Sciences, Social Sciences (e.g., Mass Communication, Computer Science, Economics):
-
Indigenes: ₦70,000
Advertisements -
Non-Indigenes: ₦120,000
-
-
Faculty of Law (e.g., Business Law, Public Law):
-
Indigenes: ₦80,000
Advertisements -
Non-Indigenes: ₦130,000
-
Returning Students (2025/2026 Academic Session)
Returning students generally pay lower fees than freshers, as some charges (e.g., caution fees, ID card) are one-time payments. The breakdown is as follows:
-
Faculty of Agriculture:
Advertisements-
Indigenes: ₦55,000
-
Non-Indigenes: ₦90,000
-
-
Basic Medical Sciences:
Advertisements-
Indigenes: ₦80,000
-
Non-Indigenes: ₦130,000
-
-
College of Medical Sciences:
Advertisements-
Indigenes: ₦80,000
-
Non-Indigenes: ₦130,000
-
-
Faculty of Engineering:
Advertisements-
Indigenes: ₦60,000
-
Non-Indigenes: ₦110,000
-
-
Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Education, Humanities, Management Sciences, Sciences, Social Sciences:
Advertisements-
Indigenes: ₦55,000
-
Non-Indigenes: ₦90,000
-
-
Faculty of Law:
Advertisements-
Indigenes: ₦60,000
-
Non-Indigenes: ₦110,000
-
Additional Fees
In addition to tuition, students are required to pay other fees, which may vary by program and level:
-
Acceptance Fee (Freshers Only): ₦39,150
-
Medical Examination (Freshers Only): ₦8,500
-
Certificate Verification Fee (Year 1 Only): ₦15,550
Advertisements -
Medical Insurance (TSHIP): ₦2,000
-
Accommodation Fees: ₦40,000 (NDDC Hostel) or ₦30,000 (other hostels), optional for students allocated bed spaces
-
Faculty/Association Dues: ₦5,000
Advertisements -
Student Union Dues: ₦2,500 (freshers), ₦1,500 (returning students)
-
Professional Development Fees (specific programs):
-
MBBS and Nursing: ₦200,000
Advertisements -
Medical Laboratory Science: ₦50,000
-
Geology: ₦30,000
-
Architecture, Law, and others: ₦20,000
Advertisements -
Other faculties: ₦10,000
-
-
Penalties for Late Registration or Course Failure: ₦10,000 per instance
Payment Process
Students must pay fees through the RSU portal using a debit card with sufficient funds to cover the Portal Access Fee and school fees. Late payments incur penalties, and failure to pay on time may result in the inability to sit for exams or forfeiture of admission. The university emphasizes early payment to avoid disruptions, with deadlines announced annually.
Rivers State University Courses
Rivers State University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple faculties, designed to meet the demands of various industries. Below is a comprehensive list of faculties and some of their respective departments:
-
Faculty of Agriculture:
-
Agricultural and Applied Economics
Advertisements -
Animal Science
-
Crop/Soil Science
-
Fisheries
Advertisements -
Food Science and Technology
-
Forestry and Environment
-
-
Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences:
Advertisements-
Human Anatomy
-
Human Physiology
-
Nursing
Advertisements
-
-
College of Medical Sciences:
-
Medicine and Surgery
-
-
Faculty of Engineering:
Advertisements-
Agricultural and Environmental Engineering
-
Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering
-
Civil Engineering
Advertisements -
Computer Engineering
-
Electrical Engineering
-
Marine Engineering
Advertisements -
Mechanical Engineering
-
Petroleum Engineering
-
-
Faculty of Environmental Sciences:
Advertisements-
Architecture
-
Estate Management
-
Quantity Surveying
Advertisements -
Surveying and Geomatics
-
Urban and Regional Planning
-
-
Faculty of Education:
Advertisements-
Business Education
-
Educational Foundations
-
Library and Information Science
Advertisements -
Science Education
-
Vocational/Technical Education
-
-
Faculty of Humanities:
Advertisements-
English and Literature in English
-
History and International Diplomacy
-
Philosophy
Advertisements -
Religious Studies
-
Theatre Arts
-
-
Faculty of Law:
Advertisements-
Business Law
-
International Law and Jurisprudence
-
Private and Property Law
Advertisements -
Public Law
-
-
Faculty of Management Sciences:
-
Accountancy
Advertisements -
Banking and Finance
-
Management
-
Marketing
Advertisements -
Mass Communication
-
Office and Information Management
-
-
Faculty of Sciences:
Advertisements-
Animal and Environmental Biology
-
Biochemistry
-
Chemistry
Advertisements -
Computer Science
-
Geology
-
Mathematics
Advertisements -
Medical Laboratory Science
-
Microbiology
-
Physics
Advertisements -
Plant Science and Biotechnology
-
-
Faculty of Social Sciences:
-
Economics
Advertisements -
Geography and Environmental Management
-
Political Science
-
Psychology
Advertisements -
Sociology
-
-
Faculty of Communication and Media Studies:
-
Development and Communication Studies
Advertisements -
Journalism and Media Studies
-
These programs are accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and are supported by state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty, ensuring students receive a robust education aligned with global standards.
Rivers State University Ranking
Rivers State University is recognized as one of Nigeria’s top state universities, particularly for its programs in engineering, medical sciences, and environmental sciences. While specific global or national rankings for RSU may vary depending on the metrics used (e.g., Webometrics, Times Higher Education), the university is consistently praised for its contributions to research, industry partnerships, and academic excellence in the Niger Delta region.
Its location in Port Harcourt, a hub for the oil and gas industries, enhances its reputation for producing graduates who are well-equipped for careers in technical and professional fields. For the most accurate and up-to-date ranking information, students can refer to official university announcements or global ranking platforms.
Rivers State University Cut-Off Mark
The cut-off mark for Rivers State University for the 2025/2026 academic session is 190 for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This means that candidates who score 190 or above in their JAMB UTME are eligible to apply for the RSU Post-UTME screening. However, departmental cut-off marks vary depending on the competitiveness of the program. Below are some examples of departmental cut-off marks for the 2025/2026 session:
-
Medicine and Surgery: 71
Advertisements -
Nursing: 64
-
Law: 67
-
Computer Science: 60
Advertisements -
Accountancy: 59
-
Mass Communication: 52
-
Engineering (e.g., Computer, Electrical): 47–57
Advertisements -
Sociology: 30
These cut-off marks are aggregates, combining JAMB and Post-UTME scores, and are influenced by factors such as the number of applicants, admission quotas, and the university’s admission policy. Highly competitive courses like Medicine, Nursing, and Law typically have higher cut-off points. Candidates should check the RSU portal for the latest departmental cut-off marks.
Rivers State University Admissions List
The Rivers State University admissions list for the 2025/2026 academic session is released after the Post-UTME screening process. Candidates who meet the JAMB and departmental cut-off marks can check their admission status on the RSU portal or the JAMB CAPS platform. The admissions list is typically published in batches, with instructions for successful candidates to pay the acceptance fee (₦39,150) and complete registration. To check the admissions list:
-
Visit www.rsu.edu.ng or the JAMB CAPS portal.
-
Log in with your JAMB registration number and password.
-
Navigate to the admissions section to view your status.
Advertisements -
Follow instructions for fee payment and document verification.
Candidates are advised to act promptly to avoid forfeiture of admission due to missed deadlines.
What Is the New Name of Rivers State University?
Rivers State University was previously known as Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST). The name was changed to Rivers State University to reflect its expanded scope, which now includes a broader range of disciplines beyond science and technology, such as humanities, social sciences, and law. The transition to the new name aligns with the university’s mission to provide comprehensive education across various fields.
What Is the Cut-Off Mark for Rivers State University?
As noted earlier, the JAMB cut-off mark for Rivers State University for the 2025/2026 academic session is 190. Candidates scoring 190 or above are eligible for the Post-UTME screening, but departmental cut-off marks vary. For example, Medicine and Surgery requires a significantly higher aggregate score (71), while less competitive courses like Sociology may have a lower threshold (30). Prospective students should verify specific departmental requirements on the RSU portal.
How Much Are Rivers State University of Science and Technology Fees?
Although the institution is now called Rivers State University, its fees remain consistent with the 2025/2026 schedule outlined above. The tuition fees range from ₦55,000 to ₦90,000 for indigenes and ₦90,000 to ₦150,000 for non-indigenes, depending on the faculty and student status (fresh or returning). Additional fees, such as acceptance, medical, and accommodation fees, also apply. The total cost for freshers, including all charges, can range from approximately ₦103,600 to ₦179,600 for indigenes and non-indigenes, respectively, depending on the program.
Who Is the Owner of Rivers State University?
Rivers State University is a state-owned institution, established and funded by the Rivers State Government. The university operates under the oversight of the Rivers State Ministry of Education and is accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Its governance structure includes a Vice-Chancellor, Senate, and Governing Council, with the Rivers State Government providing financial and administrative support to ensure the university meets its educational objectives.
Additional Information and Tips for Prospective Students
Maximizing Opportunities at Rivers State University
-
Apply Early: Meet application and payment deadlines to avoid penalties or loss of admission.
-
Explore Financial Aid: Rivers State University offers scholarships and grants for indigenes and high-performing students. Check the portal for opportunities.
-
Prepare for Post-UTME: A strong Post-UTME performance is crucial for competitive courses like Medicine and Law.
Advertisements -
Leverage Campus Resources: Utilize the library, laboratories, and career services to enhance your academic and professional growth.
-
Engage in Extracurriculars: Participate in student organizations and community service to build leadership skills and enhance your resume.
Challenges to Consider
-
Competitive Admissions: High-demand courses require exceptional JAMB and Post-UTME scores.
Advertisements -
Fee Payment Deadlines: Late payments attract penalties, so students must budget accordingly.
-
Accommodation: Hostel spaces are limited, and allocation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Conclusion
Rivers State University stands as a beacon of academic excellence in Nigeria, offering a diverse range of programs, modern facilities, and a supportive learning environment. From its user-friendly portal to its affordable fee structure and competitive admissions process, RSU is well-positioned to prepare students for successful careers in various fields.
Whether you’re a prospective student seeking admission, a current student navigating the portal, or a parent planning for your child’s education, understanding the university’s offerings—such as its courses, fees, cut-off marks, and admissions process—is essential. For the latest updates, visit www.rsu.edu.ng or contact the university’s administrative offices. Rivers State University continues to shape the future of its students and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s educational landscape.
