UNIBEN Nursing Admission Requirements (2026/2027)
Nursing Science is one of the most competitive courses at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State. Every year, thousands of candidates apply for a limited number of slots, so meeting the basic requirements is only the first step — standing out in the screening process matters just as much. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you need to gain admission into UNIBEN’s Nursing Science programme.
1. O’Level Requirements
Candidates must have at least five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings, from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB (all three are recognised equally). The compulsory subjects are:
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
A common mistake that leads to automatic disqualification is substituting Physics with a subject like Agricultural Science or Health Science — this substitution is not accepted, no matter how well a candidate performs in JAMB or Post-UTME.
2. UTME (JAMB) Subject Combination
For Nursing Science, candidates must sit for JAMB with the following four subjects:
English Language
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
3. UTME Cut-Off Mark
The general UNIBEN cut-off mark to qualify for Post-UTME screening is 200. However, this is only the minimum threshold to be considered eligible — it does not guarantee admission. Because Nursing is one of the most sought-after courses at UNIBEN, successful candidates in recent admission cycles have typically scored well above the minimum, often 250 and above in JAMB, to remain competitive.
4. Post-UTME Screening
UNIBEN conducts a physical Computer-Based Test (CBT) as part of its Post-UTME screening. For Nursing, the screening focuses heavily on Biology and Chemistry, with Physics and English also tested but usually in smaller proportions. Candidates should be prepared to sit the test under timed conditions (commonly 90–120 minutes).
5. How Admission Is Decided (Aggregate Score)
UNIBEN uses a weighted formula that combines your JAMB score and your Post-UTME score:
Aggregate = (JAMB Score ÷ 8) + (Post-UTME Score ÷ 2)
Because Nursing is highly competitive, successful candidates generally need a strong aggregate — in practice this has meant candidates performing well in both JAMB and Post-UTME, since a weak score in either component can significantly reduce your overall chances.
6. Direct Entry (DE) Requirements
Candidates seeking admission through Direct Entry need one of the following:
A minimum of Merit in NCE (in relevant subjects)
An ND or HND at Upper Credit level (in a related field)
Acceptable passes in JUPEB or A’Level (in relevant science subjects)
DE candidates must still meet the basic O’Level requirements listed above and apply through UNIBEN’s official admission portal (Kofa).
7. Age Requirement
While JAMB itself does not enforce an age limit for UTME candidates, UNIBEN requires that applicants should not be above 35 years old by October of the year they hope to be admitted.
8. Choice of Institution
UNIBEN generally prioritises candidates who selected UNIBEN as their first choice on their JAMB form for competitive courses like Nursing. Similarly, related programmes such as the UBTH (University of Benin Teaching Hospital) College of Nursing Sciences B.N.Sc. programme — run in affiliation with UNIBEN — also require the college to be listed as first choice, along with a minimum UTME score (typically around 200) and a minimum age of 17.
9. Application Process (Summary)
Meet the O’Level and UTME subject requirements above.
Choose UNIBEN and Nursing Science as your first choice on your JAMB form.
Wait for UNIBEN to release its Post-UTME/Direct Entry screening form and complete it via the Kofa portal.
Sit for the physical CBT screening on the scheduled date.
Await the release of the admission list; if offered admission, accept promptly and pay the acceptance fee.
Complete registration and clearance, which for UNIBEN is done entirely online through the Waeup Kofa portal.
10. Fees (General Overview)
As a federal university, UNIBEN’s core tuition for Nigerian undergraduates is largely subsidised. However, students pay consolidated school charges covering library, laboratory, ICT, medical, and other services. Returning students typically pay a lower standard charge (in the region of ₦56,500–₦60,500), while new/freshman students pay significantly more due to one-off onboarding levies. Nursing, like other science-based courses, may also carry additional departmental or practical/clinical charges — always confirm current figures on the official portal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Nursing at UNIBEN?
The official minimum cut-off is 200. However, because Nursing is extremely competitive, candidates who score 200 are only eligible to apply for screening — actual admitted candidates typically have much higher scores, often 250 or above.
2. Can I use Agricultural Science instead of Physics for Nursing at UNIBEN?
No. Physics is a compulsory O’Level and UTME subject for Nursing Science, and substituting it with Agricultural Science or Health Science leads to automatic disqualification.
3. How is the final admission score calculated?
UNIBEN uses the formula: Aggregate = (JAMB score ÷ 8) + (Post-UTME score ÷ 2). Both your JAMB and Post-UTME performance matter, so doing well in only one is usually not enough for a competitive course like Nursing.
4. Is UNIBEN’s Post-UTME screening online or physical?
It is a physical Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted on UNIBEN’s campus, not an online exam, so candidates should prepare to be physically present on the scheduled screening date.
5. Can Direct Entry candidates apply for Nursing at UNIBEN?
Yes. Direct Entry candidates need a minimum of Merit in NCE, an ND/HND at Upper Credit, or acceptable JUPEB/A’Level passes in relevant subjects, along with meeting the basic O’Level requirements, and must apply through the Kofa portal.