Every year, thousands of Nigerian students write the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) UTME with the hope of getting admission into their dream institution. Unfortunately, not everyone qualifies for their first-choice course because of reasons like low UTME scores, subject combination errors, or changes in personal interest.
To help candidates, JAMB introduced the Change of Course option. This allows students to switch to another course that better matches their score, O’Level requirements, or career goals.
But here’s the problem: the JAMB Change of Course has a closing date. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your admission chances completely.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the JAMB Change of Course closing date for 2025 — including deadlines, requirements, risks of late changes, cost, best strategies, and how it affects admission chances.
What Is JAMB Change of Course?
The JAMB Change of Course is a correction service provided by JAMB that allows UTME candidates to switch from their originally selected course to another one.
Example Cases
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A candidate who applied for Medicine but scored below the cut-off can change to Microbiology or Anatomy.
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A student who registered for Law but later discovers interest in Mass Communication can also switch.
The change is done officially through the JAMB portal or at accredited CBT centers and comes with a service fee.
Why Do Students Change Course in JAMB?
There are several reasons why candidates may want to change their course:
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Low UTME Score: If your UTME score is below the cut-off for your original course.
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Wrong Subject Combination: If your JAMB subject selection does not meet the requirements.
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O’Level Deficiencies: Missing required WAEC/NECO subjects for your chosen course.
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Change in Interest: Realizing another field is more suitable.
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Parental/Guardian Advice: Switching based on family guidance.
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Better Admission Chances: Moving to less competitive courses.
Importance of the JAMB Change of Course Closing Date
The closing date is very important because:
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After the deadline, JAMB shuts down the portal for corrections.
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Institutions use final submitted data for admission processing.
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Late changes may not be accepted by schools that have already finished their Post-UTME.
In other words, if you miss the deadline, your wrong or unsuitable course choice stays and this can destroy your admission chances.
When Does JAMB Change of Course Closing Date Usually Fall?
While JAMB determines the official date each year, there are some patterns:
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The correction window usually opens after UTME results are released.
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It remains open through admission processing but closes once schools finalize admissions.
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Some institutions may stop accepting changes earlier than JAMB’s final deadline.
This means that while JAMB may keep the portal open for weeks or months, your school might already have closed its admission processing before then.
Cost of JAMB Change of Course
The cost for each change of course is ₦2,500 (plus service charges).
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If you change once → ₦2,500.
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If you change again → another ₦2,500.
This makes it important to decide carefully to avoid wasting money.
Requirements for JAMB Change of Course
Before you can change your course, you need:
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JAMB Registration Number or Profile Code.
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Corrected O’Level results that meet the new course requirements.
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Payment receipt for the correction fee.
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Access to JAMB CAPS portal (through CBT center or personal login).
Step-by-Step Process of JAMB Change of Course
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Visit a JAMB-accredited CBT center or the official portal.
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Request for Change of Course service.
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Pay the correction fee online.
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Select your new course and confirm that you meet the requirements.
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Print the Change of Course slip for reference.
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Monitor your JAMB CAPS to ensure the update reflects.
Risks of Missing the JAMB Change of Course Closing Date
If you miss the deadline:
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You may lose admission because your current course does not match your score or O’Level results.
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You may waste your UTME year and need to rewrite the exam.
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You may lose Post-UTME opportunities because schools close registration before JAMB’s final deadline.
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You may have to wait until the next year to apply again.
Best Strategies to Avoid Deadline Problems
To avoid missing the closing date:
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Decide early after checking your UTME and Post-UTME results.
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Research courses with lower cut-off marks.
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Check O’Level requirements before selecting a new course.
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Confirm your school’s Post-UTME schedule.
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Do not wait until the final week of JAMB’s correction window.
How JAMB Change of Course Affects Admission Chances
Done properly, changing your course increases your chances of admission.
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If you switch from a competitive course (e.g., Medicine, Law, Engineering) to a less competitive one (e.g., Anatomy, Linguistics, Education), you stand a better chance.
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If you choose a course with a lower cut-off mark, your UTME score may be good enough.
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If you meet the new subject and O’Level requirements, you avoid disqualification.
However, making late changes after your school has processed admissions may reduce your chances.
Common Mistakes Students Make
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Waiting until the last day to apply.
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Choosing courses without checking subject requirements.
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Making multiple unnecessary changes (wasting money).
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Failing to print the confirmation slip.
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Assuming schools will accept changes after their deadlines.
Summary Table – JAMB Change of Course Closing Date 2025
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Service | JAMB Change of Course |
| Fee | ₦2,500 per attempt (plus service charges) |
| Deadline | Before or during admission processing (set by JAMB each year) |
| Risk of Missing Deadline | Loss of admission, wasted UTME attempt, missed Post-UTME registration |
| Best Strategy | Decide early, confirm requirements, avoid waiting until last minute |
| Who Needs It Most? | Candidates with low UTME scores, wrong subject combinations, or O’Level gaps |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much is JAMB Change of Course?
The official fee is ₦2,500 per attempt, excluding service charges.
2. Can I change my course more than once?
Yes, but each attempt requires fresh payment.
3. When is the JAMB Change of Course closing date for 2025?
It usually closes before or during admission processing. JAMB sets the final date.
4. Can schools stop accepting changes before JAMB closes the portal?
Yes, some institutions end Post-UTME earlier than JAMB’s deadline.
5. Does Change of Course affect admission chances?
Yes, it can improve your chances if you choose wisely.
6. Can I change both course and institution together?
Yes, but each correction attracts a separate payment.
7. What happens if I miss the deadline?
You may lose admission and be forced to wait until the next UTME.
8. Do I need O’Level results for Change of Course?
Yes, you must meet the subject and grade requirements for the new course.
9. How long does it take for the Change of Course to reflect online?
It usually reflects within 24–48 hours.
10. Can I do Change of Course after being offered admission?
No, once admission is accepted on CAPS, you cannot change course.
Conclusion
The JAMB Change of Course Closing Date 2025 is a critical deadline for candidates who want to improve their admission chances. Missing it means losing out on opportunities for the year, no matter your UTME score.
Since the process costs ₦2,500 per attempt and has strict requirements, it is best to act early. Confirm your O’Level subjects, UTME score, and your school’s cut-off marks before making the change.
If you are serious about gaining admission this year, don’t wait until the final week. Make your changes on time, confirm them on your JAMB CAPS, and give yourself the best possible chance to secure admission.