Tertiary School Admission (JAMB/UTME)
Admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education starts with the JAMB Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), followed by institution-specific post-UTME screening.
- Processing time
- Registration to exam: a few weeks per cycle. Admission decisions can take weeks to months after post-UTME.
- Starting cost
- ≈₦7,700
- Steps
- 6 to complete
- Last verified
- August 2026
Who can apply
- Candidates typically need O'Level results (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB) with 5 credits including English and Mathematics
- Minimum age requirements vary by institution
Documents you'll need
What it costs
| UTME registrationIncludes the mock exam option in some cycles — confirm current price on the portal | ≈₦7,700 |
| Post-UTME / screening feeSet individually by each institution | ₦2,000 – ₦10,000 |
| Change of institution/courseIf applicable | Small additional fee |
Where to apply
- JAMB portal (jamb.gov.ng) for UTME registration
- Accredited JAMB CBT centres for biometric capture and the exam itself
- Each institution's own portal for post-UTME screening and admission
Application steps
- 1
Get your NIN and O'Level results ready
You'll need these to register — NIN is compulsory for UTME registration.
- 2
Register for UTME on the JAMB portal
Create your profile, select subjects, choose your preferred institution and course, and pay.
- 3
Attend biometric capture at a CBT centre
Slot booking is done through the portal; capture is required before you can sit the exam.
- 4
Sit the UTME
Computer-based test at your chosen CBT centre on your scheduled date.
- 5
Check your result and apply for post-UTME
Once results are released, register and pay for post-UTME/screening at your chosen institution if you meet its cut-off.
- 6
Complete admission and accept on CAPS
If admitted, accept your offer on JAMB's Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).
How to pay
- Card payment on the JAMB portal
- Bank branches/agents authorised by JAMB
Checking your status
Check UTME results, admission status and CAPS offers by logging into your JAMB profile.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✕Registering with a NIN that doesn't match your O'Level names exactly
- ✕Missing the CAPS acceptance deadline after being offered admission
- ✕Not printing/saving the exam slip before the test date
- ✕Choosing subjects that don't match the requirements of your intended course
Ready to start your school admissions application?
You'll complete the actual transaction on the official Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) site — we just made sure you arrive knowing exactly what to do.
Go to JAMB — jamb.gov.ng ↗