Are you planning to study Nursing in Nigeria for the 2026/2027 academic session? Understanding the Nursing school admission requirements for 2026/2027 is an important first step towards achieving your goal. Whether you intend to apply to a College of Nursing Sciences, a university offering Nursing Science, or another approved nursing training institution, you must meet the admission conditions set by the institution and the relevant regulatory authorities.
Nursing is a healthcare profession that combines scientific knowledge, practical training, communication, and compassionate patient care. Admission can be competitive, and meeting the general requirements does not automatically guarantee admission. Applicants must also follow the correct application procedure, satisfy any institution-specific conditions, and meet the relevant screening requirements.
This guide explains the educational qualifications, required O’Level subjects, JAMB requirements, age conditions, application documents, screening procedures, and other important details prospective nursing students should understand before applying for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Important update: Admission requirements vary by institution and programme. Some nursing programmes require JAMB UTME, while certain institutions or training routes may use different admission procedures. Always confirm the current requirements from the official website of your preferred school before paying for an application form.
What Are the General Nursing School Admission Requirements for 2026/2027?
Although the exact requirements differ among institutions, applicants seeking admission into many basic nursing programmes in Nigeria are generally expected to meet the following conditions:
- Possess the required Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination results or an accepted equivalent.
- Obtain at least five relevant O’Level credit passes, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Meet the institution’s minimum age requirement.
- Meet the school’s JAMB UTME score requirement if the programme requires UTME.
- Choose the correct subject combination in JAMB where applicable.
- Complete the school’s application and screening procedures.
- Provide authentic academic records and other requested documents.
- Meet any additional requirements specified by the institution.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) publishes requirements and maintains information about approved nursing training institutions. Applicants should consult the Council’s official resources alongside the admission notice of their chosen school.
O’Level Requirements for Nursing Admission
One of the most important requirements for nursing admission is the possession of the correct O’Level results.
Most basic nursing programmes require candidates to obtain five credit passes in relevant subjects, usually including:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
These credits are generally expected in examinations recognised by the admitting institution, such as WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, subject to the school’s rules.
The NMCN’s published entry requirements specify the five relevant subjects and allow no more than two sittings for the applicable programmes covered by its guidance. However, applicants must still check the particular programme’s current admission notice because some institutions impose additional restrictions.
Can I Use WAEC for Nursing Admission?
Yes. WAEC is commonly accepted for nursing admission, provided your result contains the required subjects and grades and satisfies the institution’s rules.
Before applying, check that your WAEC result includes credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
If you have not yet obtained your final result, confirm whether the institution accepts awaiting results. Do not assume that every nursing school permits them.
Can I Combine WAEC and NECO Results?
Some institutions accept a combination of WAEC and NECO results, while others have specific restrictions.
For example, a school may permit two sittings but require applicants to use results from particular examination bodies. Other institutions may have stricter rules for certain programmes.
Before combining results, confirm the following:
- Whether the school accepts two sittings.
- Whether it accepts the examination bodies you intend to combine.
- Whether all five required subjects can be covered by the combined results.
- Whether any special restriction applies to your intended programme.
Do not rely only on the general admission requirements of another institution. The school you intend to attend must confirm that your combination is acceptable.
Can I Use NABTEB for Nursing Admission?
NABTEB may be accepted by some institutions, but acceptance conditions vary. Some schools restrict how NABTEB results can be combined with results from other examination bodies.
Check the official admission notice carefully before purchasing an application form.
JAMB Requirements for Nursing School Admission in 2026/2027
JAMB is an important part of admission into many university Nursing Science programmes and ND/HND Nursing programmes offered through the relevant admission system.
However, not every nursing training route uses exactly the same admission process. Some institutions conduct their own entrance examinations for particular programmes.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board announced a minimum tolerable admission score of 150 for universities and Colleges of Nursing for the 2026 admission exercise. This is a national minimum benchmark, not a guarantee that every nursing programme will accept candidates with 150. Individual institutions can require higher scores.
What Is the JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Nursing in 2026/2027?
There is no single score that guarantees admission into every nursing school in Nigeria.
For the 2026 admission exercise, JAMB’s national minimum benchmark for universities and Colleges of Nursing was 150. However, individual schools may set higher scores for their own programmes.
For example, official admission notices published for the 2026/2027 session included different requirements:
- The College of Nursing Sciences at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) announced a minimum UTME score of 180 for its BNSc programme.
- The College of Nursing Sciences at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) announced a minimum admissible JAMB score of 200 for its relevant nursing admission route.
- The College of Nursing Sciences in Lafia announced a minimum UTME score of 170 for its 2026/2027 ND Nursing admission exercise.
These examples demonstrate why candidates must check the exact requirements of their preferred institution. They do not mean that the application forms for these schools are still available.
Can I Study Nursing with 150 in JAMB?
A score of 150 meets the national minimum benchmark announced for universities and Colleges of Nursing in the 2026 admission exercise. Nevertheless, a particular institution may require a higher score.
Before applying, confirm:
- The minimum UTME score for your programme.
- Whether your selected institution requires you to choose it as your first choice.
- Whether a change of institution is permitted and the deadline for completing it.
- Whether the school conducts a post-UTME examination, CBT, interview, or another screening exercise.
- Whether you meet the required O’Level conditions.
A higher score may improve your competitiveness, but admission also depends on the institution’s selection process, available places, and other eligibility conditions.
What JAMB Subjects Are Required for Nursing?
Candidates applying through UTME should confirm their subject combination using the official JAMB Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System and the requirements published by their chosen institution.
Nursing Science commonly requires:
- English Language
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Check the current JAMB brochure before registration because the applicable subject combination and programme-specific conditions must be followed.
The official JAMB website provides access to its admission services and brochure resources: JAMB Official Website.
Age Requirement for Nursing Admission
Age requirements depend on the programme and institution.
The NMCN’s published requirements state that the minimum acceptable age for Basic Nursing and Basic Midwifery is 16 years. JAMB also states that the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions remains 16 under its 2026 admission policy.
However, applicants should confirm the exact age condition in the admission notice for their chosen programme. Some specialised programmes may have different conditions.
If you are below the required age, do not assume that an application will be accepted simply because you meet the academic requirements.
Educational Requirements for Different Nursing Programmes
The term “nursing school” is often used broadly, but nursing education in Nigeria includes different types of programmes. Applicants should understand the route they are applying for before beginning the admission process.
A. University Nursing Science Programme
A university Nursing Science programme is a degree route.
Applicants generally need to:
- Meet the university’s O’Level requirements.
- Register for and sit the required JAMB UTME.
- Obtain the prescribed subject combination.
- Meet the university’s minimum UTME score.
- Complete the university’s post-UTME or other screening requirements, where applicable.
- Satisfy any additional admission conditions.
Not every university offers Nursing Science, and the approval status of a programme matters. Check both the university’s current admission information and the relevant regulatory information before applying.
B. ND/HND Nursing Programme
Some Colleges of Nursing Sciences offer nursing education through an ND/HND route.
Candidates should confirm whether the institution is admitting students into ND Nursing, HND Nursing, or both for the 2026/2027 session.
Typical conditions may include:
- Five relevant O’Level credits.
- The required JAMB UTME score.
- The correct UTME subject combination.
- Compliance with the institution’s application procedure.
- Participation in the required screening exercise.
The precise entry route and progression arrangements depend on the institution and the applicable regulatory requirements.
C. Basic Nursing Programme
Basic Nursing programmes have traditionally provided professional nursing training through approved nursing institutions.
Entry requirements usually include the required O’Level subjects, age eligibility, and any entrance examination or screening specified by the institution.
Applicants should verify the current programme title and admission route because nursing education structures and institutional offerings can change.
D. Basic Midwifery Programme
Basic Midwifery is a separate professional training route focused on maternal and newborn care.
Although its general entry requirements may resemble those of Basic Nursing, candidates should not assume that applying for one automatically qualifies them for the other.
Check the institution’s current admission notice for the programme-specific subjects, age requirements, examination arrangements, and registration conditions.
E. Post-Basic Nursing Programmes
Post-Basic Nursing programmes are intended for applicants who already possess the relevant nursing qualification and meet the additional requirements for the specialised programme.
Depending on the programme, applicants may need to provide evidence of professional registration, previous nursing education, clinical experience, or other qualifications.
These programmes are not normally the same as entry-level nursing programmes for secondary school leavers.
Documents Required for Nursing School Admission
Preparing your documents early can help you avoid unnecessary delays during the application process.
Depending on the institution, applicants may be asked to provide some or all of the following:
- WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or other accepted O’Level result.
- JAMB registration details or result, where applicable.
- Birth certificate or declaration of age.
- Certificate of origin or local government identification document, where requested.
- Recent passport photograph.
- Valid email address and telephone number.
- Application confirmation slip.
- Post-UTME or entrance examination registration slip.
- Previous academic certificates, where applicable.
- Other documents specifically requested by the institution.
Applicants using awaiting results should follow the school’s instructions for uploading or submitting the final result.
Ensure that your names, dates of birth, and other personal details are consistent across your documents. If you discover an error, ask the relevant examination body or institution how it should be corrected.
How to Apply for Nursing School Admission in 2026/2027
The application procedure differs from one institution to another, but the following steps provide a useful general guide.
Step 1: Choose an Approved Nursing Institution
Start by identifying institutions that offer the nursing programme you want to study.
Do not choose a school based only on social media advertisements or claims that its admission form is available. Verify the institution and programme through the relevant official sources.
You can consult the NMCN’s published list of approved colleges and departments of nursing: NMCN Approved Nursing Institutions List, December 2025.
Check the accreditation status and any programme-specific restrictions shown in the official document. Because approval information can change, look for newer official updates before making a final decision.
Step 2: Confirm the Admission Requirements
Visit the institution’s official website and locate its admission announcement for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Read the notice carefully to confirm:
- Required O’Level subjects and grades.
- Number of sittings allowed.
- Minimum UTME score, if applicable.
- Required UTME subjects.
- Application opening and closing dates.
- Screening date and method.
- Application fee.
- Accepted payment method.
- Any special eligibility conditions.
Do not use the requirements for an earlier session as a substitute for the current admission notice.
Step 3: Obtain the Application Form
Apply through the official portal or another application channel explicitly authorised by the institution.
Create an account if required, enter your details accurately, and upload the requested documents.
Avoid paying individuals who claim they can guarantee admission or provide an unofficial shortcut.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Pay only the fee stated in the official admission announcement.
Application fees differ among institutions and may change from one session to another. Some schools may charge additional screening or processing fees.
Keep your payment receipt and transaction reference in case you need to resolve a payment issue.
Step 5: Complete the Application
Review your application before submission.
Check that:
- Your full name is correctly entered.
- Your examination details are accurate.
- Your selected programme is correct.
- Your uploaded documents are readable.
- Your telephone number and email address are active.
- All mandatory fields have been completed.
Save or print your application confirmation slip.
Step 6: Attend the Screening Exercise
Some institutions conduct CBT examinations, written tests, interviews, document verification, or other screening activities.
Follow the school’s official instructions concerning the screening date, venue, identification requirements, and items you are permitted to bring.
If the school uses an online screening process, ensure that your documents and application details are submitted according to its instructions.
Step 7: Check the Admission List
After screening, check the institution’s official admission portal for updates.
Where JAMB admission processing applies, candidates should also check their admission status through the official JAMB portal and follow the instructions provided for accepting admission.
Do not assume that a message from an unofficial account is proof of admission. Confirm your status through the relevant official platform.
Nursing School Application Fees for 2026/2027
There is no single application fee for every nursing institution in Nigeria.
Each institution determines its application fee within the applicable rules, and the amount may vary according to the programme and admission exercise.
For illustration, official notices for the 2026/2027 session reported the following application charges:
| Institution | Programme or route announced | Published application charge |
|---|---|---|
| University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital College of Nursing Sciences | BNSc | ₦20,000, with a separate documentation payment also announced |
| College of Nursing Sciences, Lafia | ND Nursing | ₦5,000 application fee plus ₦2,000 online screening fee |
| Ebonyi State College of Nursing Sciences, Uburu | ND/HND Nursing | ₦25,200 |
| Mater Misericordiae College of Nursing Sciences, Afikpo | ND/HND Nursing | ₦30,000 |
These figures are examples from published admission notices, not a list of currently available forms. The associated screening dates for the cited exercises have passed, so applicants must check whether a new announcement, extension, or subsequent admission round has been officially published.
The application fee is not the same as the total cost of studying nursing. Students may also need to budget for tuition, accommodation, uniforms, textbooks, clinical equipment, transportation, registration, and other approved charges.
Before paying, obtain the current fee schedule from your chosen institution.
Are Nursing School Admission Forms for 2026/2027 Still Available?
The availability of nursing admission forms varies by institution.
Some schools announced their 2026/2027 admission exercises several months ago, and some of their published deadlines or screening dates have already passed. Other institutions may announce later rounds or issue new notices.
For example, the previously announced UNTH BNSc application period ended on 31 August 2026, while the published Ebonyi State College of Nursing Sciences and Mater Misericordiae College of Nursing Sciences screening dates were also in the past by October 2026.
Therefore, do not assume that every nursing school is still selling its form.
To determine whether a form is currently available:
- Visit the school’s official website.
- Open the admissions or news section.
- Look for a notice specifically covering the 2026/2027 session.
- Confirm the application deadline.
- Check whether the portal is accepting applications.
- Contact the institution through the contact details published on its official website if the status is unclear.
An old advertisement stating that an application form is on sale is not enough to establish that the application window remains open.
How to Check Whether a Nursing School Is Approved
Choosing an approved institution is an essential part of planning your nursing education.
Before paying an application fee, take the following precautions:
- Check the institution’s name on the relevant NMCN approved-institutions list.
- Confirm the exact campus and programme, not just the institution’s general name.
- Review the programme’s accreditation status and any restrictions.
- Confirm that the school has announced admission for the session you want.
- Verify the admission portal through the institution’s official website.
- Be cautious about agents who promise guaranteed admission.
An institution’s existence does not automatically establish that every programme it advertises is approved. Likewise, an institution’s general approval does not necessarily confirm the current status of every course or campus.
Use official regulatory information and current institutional notices when making your decision.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Nursing Admission
Applicants can reduce avoidable problems by checking their eligibility and following official instructions.
Applying Without the Required O’Level Credits
Candidates should confirm that they have the required credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics before applying.
If a subject or grade is missing, check the school’s policy rather than assuming that another subject can replace it.
Assuming Every School Accepts 150 in JAMB
The national minimum benchmark does not mean that every nursing programme admits candidates at that score.
Confirm the cut-off mark published by your selected institution.
Using the Wrong UTME Subject Combination
An incorrect subject combination may affect eligibility. Confirm the required subjects in the current JAMB brochure and the institution’s admission notice.
Applying Through an Unofficial Website
Fake admission portals and misleading advertisements can cause financial loss.
Start from the institution’s official website and follow the admissions link provided there.
Missing the Application Deadline
Some institutions close their portals before other schools have completed their admission exercises.
Record the application and screening dates for every school you intend to consider.
Paying Someone Who Promises Guaranteed Admission
No individual should be trusted solely because they claim to have special access to an admission list.
Use the official application process, keep payment evidence, and confirm your status directly through the relevant portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the basic requirements for nursing school admission in Nigeria?
Applicants generally need five relevant O’Level credits, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, as well as compliance with the age, examination, and screening requirements of their chosen institution.
2. How many credits do I need to study Nursing?
Many basic nursing programmes require five O’Level credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Always check the current admission notice for the exact grades and permitted number of sittings.
3. Can I study Nursing with a WAEC result?
Yes. WAEC is commonly accepted when it contains the required subjects and grades and meets the institution’s rules.
4. Can I combine WAEC and NECO for Nursing?
Some institutions accept WAEC and NECO combinations, but their rules differ. Confirm the permitted number of sittings and accepted examination bodies before applying.
5. What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Nursing in 2026/2027?
JAMB announced a national minimum admission benchmark of 150 for universities and Colleges of Nursing for the 2026 admission exercise. Individual institutions may require higher scores, so candidates must confirm the cut-off mark for their chosen programme.
6. Can I gain Nursing admission with 160 in JAMB?
It may be possible at an institution whose published requirements permit that score, but it is not guaranteed. You must also meet the O’Level, subject-combination, screening, and other requirements.
7. What is the minimum age for Nursing admission?
The NMCN’s published requirements state a minimum age of 16 for Basic Nursing and Basic Midwifery. Applicants should confirm the age rule for their specific programme and institution.
8. Can I apply for Nursing without JAMB?
Some institutions and particular nursing training routes may use an internal entrance examination or a different admission process. Others require UTME. Confirm the official admission procedure for the exact programme before applying.
9. How much is the Nursing school admission form?
There is no uniform fee across Nigeria. The amount depends on the institution and programme. Check the official 2026/2027 admission notice for the correct fee.
10. Are Nursing school forms still on sale for 2026/2027?
Availability varies by institution. Some application windows and screening dates announced earlier in 2026 have passed. Check the current admissions page of your preferred school to establish whether applications are still open.
11. Can I use two sittings for Nursing admission?
Many institutions permit two sittings, but restrictions vary by programme and examination body. Confirm the rule with the institution before applying.
12. How can I confirm that a nursing school is approved?
Consult the official Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria resources, check the exact programme and campus, and verify the school’s current admission notice.
Conclusion
Meeting the Nursing School Admission Requirements for 2026/2027 begins with obtaining the correct O’Level credits, confirming the required age, checking the UTME subject combination and score where applicable, and following the application process of an approved institution.
However, general eligibility is only the first step. Admission requirements, application fees, screening arrangements, and deadlines differ among nursing schools. Some 2026/2027 application windows announced earlier in the year have already closed, so candidates should confirm the current status of each institution before making payments.
The best approach is to prepare your academic documents early, use official admission portals, check the current requirements carefully, and apply only when you are satisfied that you meet the stated conditions.
With careful preparation and accurate information, you can make a more informed decision about your nursing education and avoid common admission mistakes.
