If you missed admission into a public university, a private university can still get you into school this session. JAMB set 30 November 2026 as the 2026/2027 admission deadline for private universities, a month after the 31 October deadline for public universities.
How private university admission works
- Meet the minimum: at least 150 in the 2026 UTME (JAMB’s university minimum), plus the O’Level requirements for your course.
- Apply to the university: buy the private university’s screening or admission form on its portal.
- Change institution on JAMB if needed: many private universities require you to make them your choice on the JAMB portal so they can admit you through CAPS.
- Screening: usually a test, interview or document screening.
- Accept on CAPS: every private university admission must also be accepted on JAMB CAPS.
How to choose a private university
- NUC approval: make sure the university and your course are approved by the National Universities Commission.
- Accreditation of your course: especially important for professional courses like Medicine, Nursing, Law, Pharmacy and Engineering.
- Fees: total cost, including tuition, accommodation, feeding and other charges.
- Location: travel costs and safety.
- Resumption date: some private universities resume earlier than public ones.
Find private universities by state in our schools by state directory.
Timeline to beat the deadline
| Step | When |
|---|---|
| Shortlist two or three universities | Now |
| Buy forms and change institution on JAMB if required | Early November |
| Screening | Within one to two weeks of applying |
| Accept on CAPS | Before 30 November 2026 |
Frequently asked questions
Is a private university degree recognised?
Yes, if the university and programme are approved by the NUC. Check professional accreditation for courses like Medicine and Law.
Can I use a student loan?
The NELFUND student loan focuses on public tertiary institutions. Check the NELFUND portal for the current list of eligible schools.
What if I miss 30 November?
Polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education have until 31 December 2026. See all your options.
