JAMB Change of Institution vs Change of Course: Key Differences in 2025

Every year, many Nigerian students face the reality that their first JAMB UTME choices may not work out as planned. Some candidates discover that their UTME score does not meet the cut-off mark for their selected institution or course. Others realize that they made mistakes in their initial choice or wish to pursue a better opportunity elsewhere.

JAMB provides two important correction services to help students in such cases: Change of Institution and Change of Course. At first glance, they may look similar, but they are different in purpose, requirements, and effect on your admission chances.

In this detailed guide, we will carefully explain:

• What JAMB Change of Institution means

• What JAMB Change of Course means

• Their major differences and similarities

• When you should apply for either option

• Step-by-step process for each correction

• The risks, benefits, and mistakes to avoid

• Answers to frequently asked questions

By the end, you will clearly understand which option is best for your situation in 2025.

What Is JAMB Change of Institution?

JAMB Change of Institution is a correction service that allows you to switch from the university, polytechnic, or college of education you initially selected to another one.

For example:

• If you chose the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as your first choice but scored below their departmental cut-off, you may decide to switch to Lagos State University (LASU) or another institution with a lower cut-off.

• If you initially picked a private university but later prefer a federal university, you can apply for Change of Institution.

Why Students Use Change of Institution

1. Low JAMB Score: To move to an institution where their score can give them admission.

2. Financial Reasons: Some institutions may be too expensive, so students move to cheaper ones.

3. Location Preference: To study closer to home or in a more convenient area.

4. Admission Advantage: Some schools are more competitive than others, so candidates apply to less competitive ones.

What Is JAMB Change of Course?

JAMB Change of Course is a correction service that allows you to switch from the course you originally selected to another one in the same institution or a different institution.

For example:

• If you applied for Medicine and Surgery at the University of Ibadan but your UTME score is not enough, you may switch to Nursing Science, Microbiology, or any other related course.

• If you wanted Law but scored below the cut-off, you may change to Political Science or Mass Communication.

Why Students Use Change of Course

1. Cut-Off Mark Issues: Their UTME score is not enough for the course.

2. Wrong Subject Combination: They selected the wrong JAMB subjects for the original course.

3. Personal Interest: They discover interest in another career path.

4. Advice from Parents or Counselors: They are guided to a course with better job opportunities.

Key Differences Between JAMB Change of Institution and Change of Course

The two services are similar in that they help you correct your choices, but they are not the same. Below are the major differences explained clearly.

1. Definition

• Change of Institution: Switching schools.

• Change of Course: Switching courses.

2. Main Purpose

• Change of Institution: Done when the chosen institution is no longer realistic or suitable.

• Change of Course: Done when the course cannot be pursued due to score or subject requirements.

3. Effect on Admission Chances

• Change of Institution: Expands your chances by giving you access to another school’s admission process.

• Change of Course: Keeps you in the same school but gives you admission in another department.

4. Requirements

• Change of Institution: Requires knowing the school’s cut-off, available courses, and admission policies.

• Change of Course: Requires knowing departmental cut-off marks and available alternatives in the same school.

5. Risks

• Change of Institution: Risk of leaving a competitive school for a less competitive one that may not have your desired course.

• Change of Course: Risk of ending up in a course you are not passionate about.

Similarities Between Change of Institution and Change of Course

1. Both are official JAMB services.

2. Both require payment of a correction fee (usually ₦3,500).

3. Both can be done only a limited number of times.

4. Both must be carried out at an accredited JAMB CBT centre.

5. Both decisions directly affect your admission chances.

When Should You Choose Change of Institution Instead of Change of Course?

Choose Change of Institution if:

• Your score is far below the cut-off of your current school.

• Your preferred institution does not accept your subject combination.

• You want to move from a private to a federal school (or vice versa).

• You need to reduce cost or move closer to home.

When Should You Choose Change of Course Instead of Change of Institution?

Choose Change of Course if:

• Your score is close to the cut-off but not enough for the original course.

• You want to remain in the same institution.

• You have a passion for another field of study.

• Your subject combination only qualifies you for other courses.

Step-by-Step Process for Change of Institution and Change of Course

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Check the new institution’s cut-off or new course requirements.

Step 2: Visit JAMB Portal

• Log in with your JAMB profile.

Step 3: Payment

• Pay the correction fee (₦3,500, excluding service charges).

Step 4: Select New Institution or Course

• Carefully select your preferred choice.

Step 5: Print Slip

• Print and keep your correction slip as evidence.

Risks of Change of Institution and Course

1. Late Application: Doing it after schools close their admission portals may make it useless.

2. Wrong Decision: Changing without guidance may harm your chances.

3. Limited Opportunities: Too many changes can reduce your options.

4. Passion vs. Pressure: Choosing a course only for admission without interest may affect your career.

Strategies to Avoid Mistakes

• Always check cut-off marks before changing.

• Seek advice from school counselors or experienced students.

• Confirm that your new choice accepts your subject combination.

• Make the correction early before deadlines.

Summary Table: Change of Institution vs Change of Course

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many times can I change institution in JAMB?
You can change more than once, but only a limited number of times allowed by JAMB.

2. How much is JAMB Change of Course or Institution?
It costs ₦3,500 excluding service charges.

3. Can I change both institution and course together?
Yes, you can do both at the same time during correction.

4. Will Change of Institution affect my admission?
No, it increases your chances if you choose wisely.

5. Is Change of Course compulsory?
No, it is only for candidates who cannot meet the requirements of their original course.

6. Can I change from university to polytechnic?
Yes, you can switch across types of institutions.

7. When does Change of Institution or Course close?
It usually closes before admission processes end. Apply early.

8. Can I change course after getting admission?
No, after admission you need to apply for an intra-university transfer.

9. Do all schools accept change of course?
Most do, but some schools restrict certain courses.

10. Can I do change of course or institution without CBT centre?
No, it must be done at an accredited JAMB CBT centre.

Conclusion

JAMB Change of Institution and Change of Course are powerful tools that give students second chances when their original UTME choices do not work out. While Change of Institution helps you switch schools, Change of Course helps you switch courses within the same school.

The key to success is making the right decision early, checking requirements carefully, and avoiding last-minute mistakes. If you take time to plan, both options can secure your admission in 2025.