Many candidates realise after the UTME that their first-choice university or course is out of reach. JAMB allows you to change your course, your institution, or both, so you can move to a programme where your score gives you a real chance of admission.
When can you change?
JAMB opens the change window at different points in the admission year. In 2026, JAMB’s spokesperson Fabian Benjamin announced in May that candidates could change their institution or programme at accredited CBT centres, shortly before original result slips became available for printing on 18 May 2026.
At the 2026 policy meeting, JAMB also said the change of course and institution window would open only after the mop-up examination. Windows can open and close, so act as soon as you decide to change.
Reasons to change
- Your UTME score is below your chosen university’s minimum (for example, OAU required 200 for its 2026/2027 Post-UTME).
- Your score is below the departmental cut-off for your course, but above that of a related course.
- Your chosen school has suspended your course. For example, Federal University Lokoja announced its MBBS programme would not be available for the 2026/2027 admission cycle.
- You wrote the wrong subject combination for your course.
How to change your course or institution
- Go to a JAMB-accredited CBT centre with your registration slip and the details of your new choice.
- Tell the operator you want a change of course, institution, or both.
- Pay the JAMB change fee through the official payment channel. The centre may add a service charge.
- Confirm the new course name, institution and programme type (degree, ND, NCE) before submission.
- Collect and keep the printout. Your new choice should reflect on your JAMB profile within a short time.
Check these before you change
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| UTME subject combination | Your four subjects must match the new course. See our subject combination guide. |
| O’Level requirements | The new course may need different credit passes. |
| The school’s minimum score | Some universities set higher marks than JAMB’s 150. |
| Post-UTME deadline | Changing to a school whose screening has closed won’t help this year. |
| Last year’s cut-off | Compare your expected aggregate using our aggregate calculator. |
Common mistakes
- Changing too late: after a school has finished screening, a change rarely helps for that year.
- Choosing a course with a different subject combination: the change will be accepted by JAMB but the school will not admit you.
- Changing repeatedly: each change costs money and can cause confusion on your profile.
- Using unofficial agents: do it yourself at an accredited CBT centre.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change from a university to a polytechnic?
Yes. Polytechnics accept a minimum UTME score of 100 for 2026/2027, so this is a common option for candidates who scored below university minimums.
Will changing my course affect my UTME score?
No. Your score stays the same. Only your choice of course or institution changes.
Can I change after being offered admission?
If you’ve been offered a different course on CAPS, you can accept it there. A separate change of course is usually needed only before admission is offered.
