Every year after the release of JAMB results, thousands of candidates realize they need to make adjustments to their initial UTME choices. Some scored below their first choice cut-off mark, while others discovered new courses or schools that better suit their career goals.
The JAMB change of course and institution process allows you to officially update your UTME registration so you can still compete for admission in 2026. This guide explains the process in detail, including when to do it, how to do it, and common mistakes to avoid.
Read next: Check the full How to Choose the Right JAMB Course For 2026 so you won’t make mistake.
Reasons Students Change Their Course or Institution
Low JAMB Score: Your UTME score might be below the cut-off mark for your original choice.
Change in Career Interest: You may discover another course that fits your passion or skills.
School Admission Policies: Some institutions may not admit certain courses for the current year.
Proximity and Cost: Moving to a school closer to home or with lower tuition fees.
Scholarship Opportunities: Choosing a school where you can benefit from available funding.
When to Do the JAMB Change of Course or Institution
- After Results Are Released: Once you know your score, compare it with the official cut-off marks for 2026.
- Before Post-UTME Registration: You must complete your change before applying for a school’s screening.
- Before Deadline: JAMB usually sets a deadline for the change process; check and act early.
How to Do JAMB 2026 Change of Course or Institution
There are two approved methods:
Method 1 – Using the JAMB Portal (Online Self-Service)
Steps:
- Log in to your JAMB profile on the official portal.
- On the dashboard, select Correction of Data.
- Click on Change of Course/Institution.
- Review your existing choices.
- Select the new course and/or institution you want.
- Confirm subject requirements match your UTME subject combination.
- Make the required payment (via Remita or other approved channels).
- Submit your request and print the confirmation slip.
Method 2 – At an Accredited JAMB CBT Centre
Steps:
- Visit any accredited JAMB CBT centre with your JAMB profile code or registration number.
- Request for change of course or institution.
- Provide your new course/institution details.
- The CBT staff will confirm subject requirements before making the change.
- Pay the official service fee.
- Collect and keep your printed confirmation slip.
Cost of JAMB Change of Course or Institution
- The official JAMB fee is usually fixed per change request.
- Additional charges may apply if you use a CBT centre for assistance.
Things to Check Before Changing Course or Institution
- Cut-Off Marks: Ensure your UTME score meets or is close to the new course’s cut-off.
- Subject Combination: Your UTME subjects must match the requirements for the new course.
- Accreditation: Confirm the course is accredited in the new school.
- Admission Policies: Some schools admit only candidates from specific catchment areas.
- Post-UTME Date: Make sure the screening form is still open for your new school.
Plan smart: Follow our Post UTME 2025 Study Timetable for All Subjects to cover every topic before exam day. [View timetable »](URL HERE)
How Many Times Can You Change Your Course or Institution?
JAMB allows you to make changes more than once, but you must pay each time. However, frequent changes can cause confusion during admission processing.
- After Changing Your Course or Institution
- Reprint Your New JAMB Slip: It will show your updated details.
- Apply for Post-UTME: Visit the new school’s portal to register for their screening.
- Prepare for the Exam: Use past questions specific to the new school’s Post-UTME.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a course without checking the subject requirements.
- Waiting until the last week to make changes.
- Using unaccredited CBT centres.
- Not confirming if the new school’s Post-UTME form is still on sale.
Don’t miss out: See the full list of Post UTME Form 2025 closing dates for all Nigerian universities before registration ends.
Conclusion – Choose Wisely, Act Early
The JAMB 2026 change of course and institution process is your second chance to secure admission if your initial choices no longer fit your situation. By acting early, checking cut-off marks, and ensuring your subject combination matches, you can increase your chances of being admitted this year.
How to Choose the Right Course During JAMB Change
Changing your course is not just about picking something different; it’s about choosing a course that matches your abilities, interests, and admission chances.
Key factors to consider:
- Your Strength in Subjects
- If you perform better in science subjects, look at Engineering, Agriculture, or Health Sciences.
- If you excel in arts and humanities, consider Law, Languages, or Mass Communication.
- If you are strong in business and maths, courses like Accounting, Banking and Finance, or Economics may be better.
Admission Competition Level
- Popular courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering have higher competition.
- Less competitive courses can give you a better admission chance if your score is average.
Future Career Goals
- Pick a course that aligns with your long-term career dreams.
Job Market Demand
- Research which courses have higher employment opportunities in Nigeria and abroad.
How to Choose the Right Institution During JAMB Change
- Changing your school requires more than just picking a different name from the list.
Things to check before changing:
Cut-off Marks: Make sure your score meets or is close to the institution’s minimum for your course.
Proximity: Studying closer to home can reduce costs.
School Facilities: Some schools are better equipped for certain courses.
Academic Calendar: Choose schools with fewer strike disruptions to graduate on time.
Step-by-Step Decision Plan Before Submitting the Change
- Write down your current UTME score.
- List 3–4 schools and courses you are interested in.
- Check each school’s 2026 cut-off mark for your course.
- Confirm your UTME subject combination fits the new course.
- Choose the option that balances interest, admission chance, and affordability.
Common Myths About JAMB Change of Course/Institution
Myth 1: “Once you change, you will get automatic admission.”
Reality: The change only makes you eligible; you still need to pass the post-UTME and meet other criteria.
Myth 2: “It’s better to change to any school as long as they have space.”
Reality: Some schools have specific admission policies that may affect your chances even with available space.
Myth 3: “Changing course to an easier one guarantees admission.”
Reality: You still need to compete with other candidates and meet the cut-off.
Timeline for JAMB 2026 Change Process
While JAMB usually allows changes multiple times during the admission season, here’s the common sequence:
April – May: JAMB releases UTME results.
May – June: Candidates compare scores with cut-off marks.
June – August: Most candidates apply for change before post-UTME forms close.
August – October: Late changes for schools with extended post-UTME timelines.
Tip: Early change gives you more time to prepare for your new school’s screening.
Sample Scenarios for JAMB Change Decisions
Scenario 1: You scored 220 and applied for Medicine in a federal university with a cut-off of 280.
Best Move: Change to a less competitive medical-related course like Anatomy or Medical Laboratory Science, or switch to another school with a lower cut-off.
Scenario 2: You scored 180 and applied for Law in a university with a 250 cut-off.
Best Move: Change to a state university with a lower cut-off or pick courses like Political Science, History, or Sociology.
Scenario 3: You scored 160 and your chosen school’s cut-off is 180.
Best Move: Switch to a school where your score meets the cut-off for your desired course.
Documents You Should Have Ready for JAMB Change
- JAMB profile code or registration number.
- UTME result slip.
- New course and institution details.
- Payment receipt after making the change.
What to Do After Changing
- Monitor your new school’s admission portal for post-UTME updates.
- Start studying for the new course’s post-UTME subject areas.
- Keep checking your JAMB CAPS to see if your admission status changes.
Final Tips for a Successful JAMB Change in 2026
- Make your decision early and avoid last-minute rush.
- Always confirm your new course is accredited in your chosen school.
- Double-check all details before final submission.
- Keep your printed confirmation slip safe — it’s proof of your change.
Plan smart: Follow our Post On How to Pass JAMB 2026: Top Tips and Strategies.(URL HERE)
FAQs – JAMB 2026 Change of Course or Institution
Q1: Can I change both course and institution at the same time?
A: Yes, you can change both in one request.
Q2: How long does it take for changes to reflect?
A: Usually within 24–48 hours.
Q3: Can I reverse my change after submission?
A: Yes, but you will have to pay again for a new change request.
Q4: Do I need to inform my new school about the change?
A: No, the school will see it automatically when they download their JAMB admission list.
Q5: Can I change from a science course to an art course?
A: Yes, but only if your UTME subject combination matches the new course’s requirements.
Q6: Can I change from a university to a polytechnic?
A: Yes, JAMB allows switching between different institution types.
Q7: How can I confirm if a course is accredited?
A: Visit the school’s official website or check JAMB’s official list of accredited courses.
Q8: Will the school see my new details immediately?
A: Yes, once your change is processed, the school will see it in their admission list downloads.