How to Change Course and Institution on JAMB After Registration

Made a mistake with your course or school choice during JAMB registration? Maybe you picked a course with a high cut-off mark, changed your mind about your career, or simply want a different institution. The good news is that JAMB allows candidates to change their course or institution after registration, but there is a process to follow and it does not work exactly how many people expect.

This guide explains how to change your course and institution after JAMB registration, what it costs, and what to avoid.

Can You Change Your Course and Institution After JAMB Registration?

Yes. JAMB opens a change of course and institution window after the UTME, usually before or during the admission period. When it is open, candidates can change their choice of school or programme, and in many cases correct personal data at the same time.

The exact dates change each year, so always follow JAMB’s official announcements to know when the window is open.

Important: It Is Usually Done at a CBT Centre, Not by Yourself Online

Many candidates search for how to do this “on the JAMB portal”, but in recent admission cycles JAMB has directed candidates to carry out the change through accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres approved by the Board. JAMB has also warned candidates to avoid unauthorised channels to prevent errors and fraud.

So the practical answer is that you start the process at an approved CBT centre or a JAMB office, not through a random online agent.

What You Need Before You Go

• Your JAMB registration number and your registered phone number or email
• Your JAMB registration slip or UTME result details, if you have them
• Your new choice of institution and course, decided before you arrive
• Money for the official fee and the centre’s service charge
• A working means of verification, as you may be asked to complete fingerprint or biometric checks

Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Course or Institution

1. Confirm the window is open. Check JAMB’s official announcements or social media pages to be sure change of course and institution is active.
2. Decide your new choice first. Check the cut-off mark, subject requirements and admission criteria of the course and school you want, so you do not have to change again.
3. Visit an accredited CBT centre or JAMB office. Use only approved centres.
4. Tell the officer what you want. State clearly whether you want a change of course, change of institution, or both. You can also mention any data correction you need.
5. Make the payment. Pay the official JAMB fee and the centre’s service charge.
6. Enter your new choices. The officer will help you update your institution and course selections.
7. Complete verification. You may need to complete a fingerprint check to authorise the change.
8. Collect and keep your confirmation slip. This is your proof that the change was made.
9. Confirm on your JAMB profile. Log in later to check that your new choice is now showing.

How Much Does It Cost?

Reports about the fee vary. Some sources mention an official JAMB fee of about ₦2,500 plus a CBT centre service charge of roughly ₦700 to ₦1,000, while others mention a total application fee of ₦3,500. Fees can differ by year and by centre, so ask for the official price before you pay and insist on a receipt.

Tips Before You Change Your Course or School

• Do not change just because of pressure from friends. Choose a course that matches your subjects and your goals.
• Check the cut-off marks of your new choice. If your score is far below, you may waste your money.
• Check whether the course accepts your UTME subject combination.
• Think about post-UTME screening. Some schools have their own requirements and deadlines.
• Do not wait until the last minute, since the window can close.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using an unapproved centre or online agent. This is how many candidates get scammed or end up with wrong details.
• Not collecting a slip or receipt. Always keep proof of payment and change.
• Choosing a course with subject mismatch. Your UTME subjects must fit the course you choose.
• Changing repeatedly. Each change costs money and adds risk of error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my course and institution on the JAMB portal by myself?

In recent cycles, JAMB has directed candidates to use accredited CBT centres for this service. Check JAMB’s latest announcement in case the process has changed.

Can I change both my course and institution together?

Yes. You can change one or both in the same visit, if the window is open.

Can I fix my name or date of birth at the same time?

Data correction is often handled in the same process, but requirements can differ for different types of corrections, so ask at the centre.

How long does it take for the change to reflect?

It can take from a short while to a few days. If it does not show on your profile after some time, go back to the centre with your slip and receipt.

Will changing my course affect my admission chances?

It can, either way. If you move to a less competitive course that fits your score, your chances may improve. If you choose a course that does not match your subjects or score, they may reduce.

Final Thoughts

Changing your course or institution after JAMB registration is possible, but you should do it carefully. Confirm that the window is open, decide your new choice before you go, use only accredited CBT centres, and keep every receipt and slip. For more JAMB updates, admission news and guides, keep visiting this blog.