University of Benin (UNIBEN) Medicine and Surgery Admission Requirements
Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) is one of the most sought-after and competitive programmes in Nigeria’s South-South region. Run under UNIBEN’s Faculty of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, and backed by the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for clinical training, the programme attracts thousands of applicants annually for a comparatively small number of admission slots. This article breaks down exactly what it takes to gain admission — via UTME and Direct Entry — for prospective medical students and their parents.
Overview of the Programme
Faculty: Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences
Degree Awarded: MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
Duration: 6 years (UTME entry) — pre-clinical years on the main campus, clinical years at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH)
Accreditation: Recognized by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)
UTME (JAMB) Admission Requirements
1. O’Level Requirements
Candidates must have a minimum of five (5) credit passes in their O’Level result (WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB), including:
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Important: Unlike most other UNIBEN programmes — which allow O’Level credits obtained across two sittings — Medicine and Surgery specifically requires all five credits to be obtained in ONE sitting. This is a strict UNIBEN policy for the medical programme and is one of the most commonly overlooked requirements by applicants.
2. UTME Subject Combination
Candidates must sit and pass UTME with the following subjects:
English Language
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
3. UTME Score / Cut-Off Mark
UNIBEN’s general minimum cut-off mark for eligibility to participate in Post-UTME screening is 200.
However, Medicine and Surgery is one of UNIBEN’s most competitive departments, and the realistic departmental cut-off (aggregate of UTME and Post-UTME scores) tends to sit much higher — commonly cited in the 240–270+ range in recent admission cycles, with 2024/2025 merit aggregates reported around 82.75 (using UNIBEN’s aggregate formula).
Candidates are strongly advised to score well above the general minimum — ideally 250 and above in the UTME — to be genuinely competitive for a Medicine and Surgery slot.
UNIBEN must be selected as the candidate’s first-choice institution on the JAMB portal; change-of-institution requests are possible but reduce competitiveness for such an oversubscribed programme.
4. Post-UTME Screening
Candidates who meet the minimum UTME cut-off are invited to sit UNIBEN’s Post-UTME/screening exercise, which typically includes an objective test and, in some years, a written component.
A minimum score of 50% in the Post-UTME exam is generally required to be considered.
Final admission is based on an aggregate score combining UTME and Post-UTME performance, calculated as:
Aggregate = (UTME score ÷ 8) + (Post-UTME score ÷ 2)
Candidates must also meet the minimum age requirement (typically 16 years and above).
Direct Entry Admission Requirements
UNIBEN also admits a smaller number of Direct Entry candidates into Medicine and Surgery, usually into 200 Level. Requirements include:
A-Level/IJMB/JUPEB route: At least three “A” Level passes (not more than one C grade, or a minimum of 12 UCAS-style points) in Biology/Zoology, Physics, and Chemistry, obtained at not more than one sitting.
Degree route: A First Class or Second Class Upper Division from a recognized university in B.Sc. Biological Sciences, B.Sc. Medical Sciences, or a closely related field. UNIBEN’s Direct Entry grade requirement for Medicine and Surgery is generally pegged at a minimum of Upper Credit / Second Class Upper.
The same five O’Level credit requirement (English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics) obtained in one sitting still applies to Direct Entry candidates.
Direct Entry candidates must purchase the UNIBEN Direct Entry form via JAMB and complete screening through the university’s admission portal.
Note: JUPEB/IJMB results are accepted for consideration but do not guarantee admission — candidates still compete for a very limited number of available slots.
Additional Notes for Prospective Applicants
Physically challenged candidates are exempted from writing the Post-UTME screening test but must still meet the minimum UTME cut-off mark set by the university.
International (non-Nigerian) applicants follow a separate application process and are assessed against UNIBEN’s international student admission guidelines.
Because Medicine and Surgery is oversubscribed relative to available slots, meeting the minimum cut-off mark does not guarantee admission — UNIBEN considers overall competitiveness, available vacancies, and the strength of the applicant pool that admission cycle.
Prospective students should regularly check the official UNIBEN admissions portal (uniben.edu) for the current session’s specific cut-off marks, screening dates, and updated requirements, as these are reviewed annually.
Quick Checklist
Requirement
Detail
O’Level Credits
5 credits incl. English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics — one sitting only
UTME Subjects
English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Minimum UTME Score
200 (general); realistically 250+ for competitiveness
Departmental Aggregate
Typically 240–270+ in recent cycles
Post-UTME Pass Mark
Minimum 50%
Direct Entry (Degree)
Second Class Upper / Upper Credit or better in a related field
Direct Entry (A-Level/IJMB)
3 relevant passes, one sitting, minimum 12 points
Minimum Age
16 years
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the UTME cut-off mark for Medicine and Surgery at UNIBEN?
UNIBEN’s general minimum cut-off mark to qualify for Post-UTME screening is 200. However, Medicine and Surgery is highly competitive, and the actual departmental aggregate needed for admission has recently ranged between 240 and 270+, so candidates should aim well above the general minimum.
2. Can I gain admission into UNIBEN Medicine and Surgery with O’Level credits from two sittings?
No. Unlike most other UNIBEN programmes, Medicine and Surgery specifically requires all five O’Level credit passes (English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics) to be obtained in one sitting — this is a strict requirement that disqualifies many otherwise-strong applicants.
3. What UTME subject combination do I need for Medicine and Surgery at UNIBEN?
You need English Language, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as your UTME subjects.
4. Can I gain admission into UNIBEN Medicine and Surgery through Direct Entry?
Yes. UNIBEN accepts Direct Entry candidates with either three relevant A-Level/IJMB passes (Biology/Zoology, Physics, Chemistry, one sitting, minimum 12 points) or a First Class/Second Class Upper degree in B.Sc. Biological or Medical Sciences from a recognized university. JUPEB/IJMB results are accepted for consideration but do not guarantee a slot.
5. Does meeting the UNIBEN cut-off mark guarantee admission into Medicine and Surgery?
No. Meeting the cut-off mark only makes you eligible for consideration. Because Medicine and Surgery receives far more qualified applicants than available slots each session, final admission also depends on your overall aggregate score relative to other candidates and the number of vacancies for that admission cycle.