Did you register for JAMB UTME 2026 and now want to switch your preferred institution or course? You are not alone. Every year, thousands of Nigerian students realise — either before or after their UTME results — that their initial choice of course or institution no longer aligns with their goals. The good news is that JAMB change of course and institution 2026 is a straightforward process that costs just ₦2,500 and can be completed online. This guide explains exactly how to do it, when to apply, and the pitfalls to avoid.
What Is JAMB Change of Course or Institution?
When you register for JAMB, you select a preferred institution and course. This information becomes part of your JAMB profile and influences which universities can see your details during the admission process. If you later change your mind — whether due to your UTME score, a change in career goals, or advice from family — JAMB allows you to update your preferred institution and course through its official portal.
This process is officially called Correction of Data on the JAMB eFacility portal, and it covers:
- Change of Institution: Switching your preferred first-choice university, polytechnic, or college of education to a different one.
- Change of Course: Changing the degree programme you applied for — for example, from Computer Science to Information Technology, or from Medicine to Pharmacy.
- Change of Both: You can change your institution and course simultaneously in a single transaction.
When Can You Apply for JAMB Change of Course/Institution 2026?
JAMB typically opens the Change of Institution window after UTME results are released. For 2026, the UTME was conducted in April and results were released shortly after. Once results are out, JAMB activates the Correction of Data portal, and candidates have a window — usually between one and three months — to make changes before universities lock their admission lists.
It is strongly advisable to apply for any change as early as possible after the window opens. Universities run merit-based shortlisting, and your score needs to appear against your chosen institution before screening begins. Late changes may not be captured before a university processes its admission list, which could result in you being overlooked.
JAMB Change of Course/Institution 2026 Fee
The fee for JAMB Change of Institution or Change of Course is ₦2,500 (excluding bank transaction charges). This is a relatively low fee, but it is non-refundable — even if your change is not reflected in time for a particular school’s shortlist. Ensure you make your decision carefully before paying.
Payment is made through Remita or a debit card directly on the JAMB eFacility portal. You do not need to visit a JAMB office to pay — the entire process is online.
How to Change Your JAMB Course or Institution 2026: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Visit the JAMB eFacility Portal
Go to https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng. This is the official JAMB self-service portal where you can make all corrections to your registration data. Do not use third-party websites — only the official JAMB portal guarantees your data is correctly updated.
Step 2: Log In to Your JAMB Profile
Use your registered email address and password to log in. If you have forgotten your password, use the “Forgot Password” feature to reset it. Ensure your email account is accessible because JAMB sends OTP confirmations to it.
Step 3: Navigate to “Correction of Data”
Once logged in, your JAMB dashboard will display several options. Click on “Correction of Data” and then select “Course/Institution” from the dropdown options.
Step 4: Enter Your JAMB Registration Number
Type in your JAMB registration number (found on your JAMB slip) and click “Search Details.” Your current registration information — including your chosen institution, course, and scores — will display on screen. Verify the information before proceeding.
Step 5: Make Your Payment
Choose your preferred payment method (Remita or card) and pay the ₦2,500 fee. After successful payment, you will receive a payment confirmation on screen and via email. Save or screenshot this confirmation.
Step 6: Select Your New Course and Institution
After payment, you will be redirected to the selection page. Choose your new preferred institution and course from the provided dropdowns. You can also update your second-choice institution at this point. Once satisfied, click “Submit.”
Step 7: Print Your Updated Slip
Download and print your updated JAMB registration slip, which will now reflect your new institution and course selection. Keep this safely — you may need to present it during Post-UTME screening or admission verification.
Important Things to Know Before Changing Your JAMB Choice
1. Check Your UTME Score Against the New School’s Cut-Off
Changing to a higher-ranked institution only makes sense if your UTME score meets or exceeds that institution’s departmental cut-off mark. For example, switching to the University of Ibadan for Medicine requires a very high score — often above 280. Switching to a school whose cut-off you clearly meet dramatically improves your chances of receiving an admission offer. Read our guide on Post-UTME 2026 screening and cut-off marks for context on what scores different universities expect.
2. Verify Your O’Level Eligibility for the New Course
Each course has specific O’Level subject requirements. If you switch from Engineering to Law, for example, your O’Level subjects may not meet Law’s requirements (which typically needs a credit in Literature or Government). Always cross-check your O’Level results against the new course’s requirements before paying for a change.
3. A Change Does Not Guarantee Admission
Changing your institution or course on JAMB simply updates your preference — it does not secure you an admission offer. The new institution still needs to shortlist you based on your score, conduct Post-UTME screening, and extend an offer through JAMB CAPS. Treat the change as the beginning of the process, not the end.
4. You Can Only Change Once Per Admission Cycle
JAMB limits each candidate to one Change of Institution per admission cycle. Once you have changed and paid, you cannot reverse or change again unless JAMB makes a special provision. Think carefully and research your choice before committing.
5. Direct Entry Candidates Have a Different Process
If you are a Direct Entry candidate and want to change your institution or course, the process is similar but goes through the Direct Entry section of the JAMB eFacility portal. The fee structure may differ — confirm from JAMB’s official announcement at the time you wish to make the change.
Can You Change Your JAMB Course Without Changing Institution?
Yes. The Change of Course and Change of Institution are technically separate actions on the JAMB portal, but they can be done together. If you want to stay at the same university but change from one course to another — say, from Biochemistry to Medical Laboratory Science — you can do that within the same ₦2,500 transaction by keeping the institution the same and only selecting a different course.
JAMB Change of Course vs. Post-UTME Course Change
Some universities also allow candidates to change their course of study during the Post-UTME registration phase. This is separate from the JAMB course change. The JAMB change updates your official JAMB record, while a university-level course change only affects that school’s internal process. For your JAMB record to correctly reflect your study programme, you should update both — starting with JAMB.
Frequently Asked Questions: JAMB Change of Course 2026
Can I change my JAMB institution after checking my result?
Yes. The change of institution window typically opens after UTME results are released. You should apply as soon as the portal activates to maximise your chances of the change being captured before universities begin shortlisting candidates.
What if the portal shows “Change of Institution not available”?
This message appears when the change window has either not yet opened or has already closed for the current admission cycle. Follow JAMB’s official social media channels and the JAMB website for announcements on when the portal will be active. Checking how your JAMB result was released can also help you track the admission timeline.
Does changing institution affect my JAMB score?
No. Your UTME score is fixed and cannot be changed. Only your preferred institution and course are updated. The score used in your new institution’s merit list will be exactly the same score you obtained in the examination.
Can I change from a university to a polytechnic or vice versa?
Yes. The JAMB change of institution allows you to switch between institution types — from a university to a polytechnic, college of education, or any other JAMB-affiliated institution. The course available in the new institution type must align with your O’Level and UTME subject combination.
Act Now: Make Your JAMB Change Before Deadlines Close
If you are considering a JAMB change of course or institution in 2026, do not wait. The admission window moves quickly — universities begin shortlisting candidates shortly after UTME results are released, and a late change may mean your updated choice is not captured in time. Log on to the JAMB eFacility portal today, verify your current details, and make your change if needed.
For more resources on navigating the 2026 JAMB admission cycle, browse our related guides on JAMB CAPS 2026 and Post-UTME screening 2026. Stay informed, stay ahead.
