What Is Change of Course or Change of Institution in JAMB? Complete Guide

After the UTME/Direct-Entry results are released, many candidates realise they want a different course or a different school from the one they initially selected. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) allows candidates to correct such choices through its Change of Course and Change of Institution services. These options are not automatic, they run for a limited period, attract official fees, and require you to follow JAMB’s e-facility process carefully. This article explains the difference between the two services, who can apply, exact step-by-step instructions for applying (online + what to do at an accredited CBT centre), official fees, deadlines, what documents you might need, and practical tips to avoid mistakes and scams. All facts drawn from JAMB’s e-facility and up-to-date admission guides as of November 2025.

What’s the difference: Change of Course vs Change of Institution

Change of Course: You stay on the same JAMB application record and same institution selection, but you request to study a different course (e.g., switch from Banking & Finance to Accounting at the same university).
Change of Institution: You request to move your JAMB application to a different school (e.g., move from University A to University B). You may combine change of institution and course in one application if that’s what you want.

Both actions are treated as an official correction on the JAMB portal and are available only in the correction window after results release. The service is called “Change of Course/Institution” on the JAMB e-facility.

Who can apply (eligibility)

You can apply if:

You sat the UTME or registered by Direct Entry and have a JAMB profile.
Your application status allows corrections (the portal shows the option only when the correction window is open).
You abide by any institution-specific requirements (some schools require minimum UTME cut-off or O’level subjects for certain courses).

Note: Changing course to a more competitive programme (e.g., Medicine, Law) may still leave you ineligible if your UTME score or O’level subject combination does not meet the school’s requirement.

When the service is open (timing & deadlines)

JAMB opens the Change of Course/Institution service only for limited periods — usually immediately after UTME results are out and again during early admission processing. You must act within the advertised window on the JAMB e-facility. Missing the window means you cannot make the change until JAMB opens corrections again (if they do). Check JAMB’s portal regularly for announcements.

Official fees and payment options

Service	Official JAMB Fee (portal)	Notes
Change of Course/Institution	₦2,500 (JAMB e-facility listing)	Official JAMB portal lists ₦2,500 for Change of Course/Institution (confirm on portal during payment).
CBT centre or agent fee	Variable (usually ₦500–₦1,500 extra)	Many CBT centres charge a service fee on top of JAMB’s official amount; confirm before paying.

Important: Some third-party guides report higher totals (₦3,500) because they include CBT centre service charges. Always confirm the exact payable amount on the JAMB e-facility at the time you apply.

Step-by-step: How to apply (online + at CBT centre)

A. Do this first (prepare):

Confirm your JAMB profile email and password.

Have your profile code, phone number, and a valid payment method (card, bank transfer) ready.

Check the target course’s O’level and UTME subject requirements.

Online steps (JAMB e-facility)

Go to JAMB e-facility (portal) and login with your email and password.
From the dashboard menu, choose Correction of Data or Change of Course/Institution (label differs slightly per year).
Confirm the record that will be changed (UTME/DE).
Select Change of Course or Change of Institution and provide the new details (new course code and/or new institution).
Proceed to payment on the e-facility, pay the official amount displayed (₦2,500 on the portal in Nov 2025) using the available online payment channels.
After payment, you will receive a payment confirmation / transaction receipt on the portal.

Finishing at an accredited CBT centre (if required)

Some corrections require you to visit a JAMB-accredited CBT centre to complete the process (upload biometrics/confirm identity). Visit the nearest accredited CBT centre with your Printout/Receipt, ID (e.g., PVC, National ID, International Passport) and O’level result if requested.
The CBT centre will finalise the change on the portal and give you an acknowledgement slip. Keep this slip, it’s your proof.

Note: The exact interface labels and payment options might vary slightly by year; always follow the portal on the day you do the change.

What to check before you change (quick checklist)

Does your new course require specific O’level subjects? (e.g., Physics, Chemistry for Engineering).
Is your UTME score above the target school’s current cut-off? (If not, the change may succeed but admission may still be unlikely.)
Are you changing to a programme with additional screening (post-UTME, portfolio, interview)?
Do you have valid ID and your JAMB profile login?
Do you have access to an accredited CBT centre nearby?

Documents you may need

Valid ID (PVC, International Passport, Driver’s Licence, National ID).
JAMB e-facility login details and printout of receipt.
O’level result slip (WAEC/NECO) in some cases for verification.
Any supporting documents if JAMB requests them (rare for course/institution but common for DOB or name corrections).

Common reasons JAMB rejects requests and how to avoid them

Wrong course code or institution code entered, double-check codes from the school’s admission brochure or JAMB brochure.
Missing required O’level subject combination, verify requirements before applying.
Applying outside the correction window, watch JAMB announcements.
Using an unaccredited CBT centre or paying scammers, always use accredited centres and insist on portal receipts.

After you apply: how to confirm the change and what to expect

Login to the JAMB e-facility and check your profile to confirm the new course/institution reflects.
If the portal shows the updated course/institution and you have a portal receipt/acknowledgement slip, your change is successful.
If you still see the old choice or there’s an error, return to the CBT centre or contact JAMB support immediately with your receipt.
Acceptance into the new course still depends on school cut-offs and screening; change of course does not automatically equal admission.

Expert tips (dos & don’ts)

Do:

Use only JAMB e-facility and accredited CBT centres.
Save all receipts and capture screenshots during the process.
Confirm course/institution codes from the official school website or JAMB brochure.

Don’t:

Pay anyone claiming they can guarantee admission after the change, admission is the school’s decision.
Delay complete corrections within the official window.
Use unknown WhatsApp groups or social media agents who demand extra unreceipted cash.

FAQs

Q1: How long does a Change of Course/Institution take to reflect on my JAMB profile?
A: Immediately after successful payment and completion at the CBT centre the portal should reflect changes. If it does not, keep your receipt and contact the CBT centre or JAMB support.

Q2: Can I change to Medicine/Law if my UTME score is low?
A: You can apply for a change but admission depends on that programme’s cut-off and screening. Applying alone does not guarantee admission.

Q3: Can I reverse a change after it’s made?
A: Reversals are not standard. If you made an error, contact JAMB immediately; you may need to submit another correction (and pay again) within the correction window.

Q4: Is the JAMB fee for Change of Course/Institution refundable?
A: No, once processed, JAMB does not usually refund correction fees. Confirm before you pay.

Q5: Who to contact for problems?
A: Use the JAMB e-facility support channels (contact details on jamb.gov.ng) and keep your receipt/acknowledgement as proof when raising complaints.

Conclusion

Change of Course and Change of Institution are useful JAMB correction services that let candidates fix or improve their admission chances. The service runs for a limited time, requires payment via the JAMB e-facility (portal), and depending on the year, may require a follow-up visit to an accredited CBT centre. Always verify course and institution codes, confirm the exact fee on the portal before payment, and keep your receipts. Finally, remember: the change improves your application record but does not guarantee admission, schools still pick based on cut-offs and screening processes.