How Much Is JAMB Change of Institution in 2026/2027?

If you are asking how much JAMB change of institution costs in 2026/2027, you are not alone. Every year after JAMB results are released, thousands of candidates suddenly realize they need to switch their choice of school. Maybe your score did not meet the cut-off for the institution you picked. Maybe you chose the wrong school during registration. Maybe you changed your mind entirely. Whatever the reason, JAMB provides an official way to fix it — and knowing the exact cost and how to go about it can save you time, money, and your admission chances.

The short answer is this: the official JAMB change of institution fee in 2026 is ₦2,500. But that is not the full amount you will spend. By the time you account for CBT centre service charges and other small costs, the total you should budget is between ₦3,000 and ₦3,500.

This article explains everything — what the change of institution process actually means, how much it costs in total, who can do it, when to do it, how to do it step by step, what mistakes to avoid, and answers to the most common questions candidates ask. Read everything carefully before you proceed, because one wrong step can waste your money or affect your admission.

What Is JAMB Change of Institution?

Before we go further, let us make sure you understand what this process actually is. JAMB Change of Institution is an official service that allows a UTME or Direct Entry candidate to switch from the institution they originally selected during registration to a different institution of their choice. When you make this change, your admission consideration will be based entirely on the new institution you select — your original choice is replaced.

This service is also bundled together with JAMB Change of Course, which allows you to change the course you registered for. Both are processed under the same “Correction of Data” section on the JAMB eFacility portal.

It is important to understand that changing your institution does not guarantee admission into the new school. You must still meet that school’s cut-off mark, subject combination requirements, and O’Level credit requirements. The change simply redirects your application from one school to another.

How Much Is JAMB Change of Institution in 2026?

Here is the full cost breakdown for 2026:

Official JAMB Fee: ₦2,500

This is the amount JAMB itself charges for the correction of data service, which covers change of institution and change of course. It is the same fee whether you are doing it online through the JAMB eFacility portal or at an accredited CBT centre.

CBT Centre Service Charge: ₦500 – ₦1,000

Most accredited CBT centres add a service charge on top of the official JAMB fee for assisting you with the process. This typically ranges from ₦500 to ₦1,000, depending on the centre.

Total Budget: ₦3,000 – ₦3,500

So in practical terms, if you walk into a CBT centre to process your JAMB change of institution in 2026, you should go with at least ₦3,500 to cover everything comfortably.

Important: The official JAMB fee of ₦2,500 is non-refundable. Whether your change goes through or does not go through, JAMB does not refund the payment. Make sure all your details are correct before you submit.

Who Can Apply for JAMB Change of Institution in 2026?

Not every candidate is automatically eligible. Before you proceed, confirm that you meet the following conditions:

You must have registered for the 2026 UTME or Direct Entry. Only candidates from the current academic session can use the change of institution service.

The change window must be officially open. JAMB opens the change portal after UTME results are released and closes it before or when institutions begin their admission processes. If the window is not open, you will not see the option on your dashboard.

You must not have accepted admission on JAMB CAPS. Once you accept an admission offer on the CAPS portal, the change of institution process becomes much more complicated. You would need to formally reject the admission first — and that means giving up a confirmed offer. Do not change your institution after accepting admission unless you are absolutely certain you want to do so and you have got professional advice.

Your JAMB profile must not be restricted. A restricted profile usually means there is an unresolved issue — an incomplete registration, biometric failure, or unpaid balance. Visit a JAMB accredited centre to resolve any restriction before attempting the change.

Direct Entry candidates are also eligible to apply for change of institution using the same process and the same fee of ₦2,500.

When Should You Change Your Institution?

Timing is everything with this process. Here is when to do it and why it matters:

Do it as early as possible after your JAMB results are released. The moment results come out, the change window opens. Candidates who change early have more time to register for Post-UTME at their new institution before deadlines pass. Many institutions open their Post-UTME registration very quickly after results are released. If you delay changing your institution, you may miss the Post-UTME registration window at your new school — which means no admission that year.

Do not wait until the deadline is close. JAMB does not announce a fixed closing date for the change window in advance. It stays open until institutions close their admission processes, but that can happen quickly. A window that seems wide open today can close before you know it. The safe approach is to act early.

Do not change out of panic. Some candidates rush to change their institution immediately after seeing a low JAMB score, without checking whether their score can still secure admission at the new school. Before you pay ₦2,500 to change, research the cut-off marks of the new institution, confirm they offer your course, and verify your O’Level subjects meet their requirements. Changing blindly wastes money and can make your situation worse.

How to Do JAMB Change of Institution in 2026 — Step by Step

There are two ways to process the change: online through the JAMB eFacility portal, or in person at a JAMB-accredited CBT centre. Here is how both work.

Method 1: Online Through the JAMB eFacility Portal

Step 1: Go to the official JAMB eFacility portal at https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng. This is the only official portal. Do not use any other website.

Step 2: Log in using the email address and password you used during your UTME registration. If you have forgotten your password, click “Forgot Password” and follow the reset instructions sent to your email.

Step 3: Once you are logged in, look for “Correction of Data” on your dashboard and click on it. Then select “Course/Institution” as the type of correction you want to make.

Step 4: Enter your JAMB registration number and your exam year, then click “Search Details” to bring up your information.

Step 5: Proceed to payment. Choose a payment method — Remita, debit card, or USSD. Pay the official fee of ₦2,500. After payment, you will receive a transaction ID sent to your phone number or email. Keep this transaction ID safe.

Step 6: After payment is confirmed, click “Continue” and enter your registration number and exam year again. Select your new preferred institution and course, and also select your second choice. Review everything carefully before submitting.

Step 7: Submit the changes. JAMB will process your request. Your profile should reflect the update within 24 to 48 hours.

Step 8: Print your updated JAMB registration slip from the portal. Use this updated slip — not your original one — for every step that follows, including Post-UTME registration at your new institution.

Method 2: At a JAMB-Accredited CBT Centre

Step 1: Locate the nearest JAMB-accredited CBT centre. Do not go to a random cybercafé or an unofficial agent. Only accredited CBT centres are authorized to process this service, and some cases require biometric (fingerprint) verification, which only those centres can provide.

Step 2: Walk in and tell the staff you want to process a JAMB change of institution. They will guide you through the process.

Step 3: Pay the official ₦2,500 JAMB fee, plus whatever service charge the centre applies. Confirm the exact total before paying.

Step 4: Provide your JAMB registration number, email address, and your new preferred institution and course. The centre staff will process the change and ask you to thumbprint for identity verification.

Step 5: After the change is processed, collect your printout confirming the change and your updated registration slip. Keep both documents safe.

Recommendation: If you are not very tech-savvy or if you have had any issues with your JAMB profile in the past, going to a CBT centre is the safer option. The extra service charge is worth the peace of mind that comes with having someone experienced handle the process.

Things to Check Before You Change Your Institution

This is one of the most important sections of this article. Many candidates waste ₦2,500 by changing to a new institution without doing proper checks first. Before you pay a single naira, verify all of the following:

Your JAMB score must meet the new institution’s cut-off mark. Every school has a minimum JAMB score for consideration. Federal universities generally require 140 and above, but competitive departments can require 200, 220, or even higher. Check the school’s cut-off for your course before changing.

The new institution must offer your desired course. Confirm that the school you are switching to actually runs the course you want to study. Not all universities offer all courses. Checking this before you pay avoids a completely wasted correction fee.

Your O’Level subjects must meet the new institution’s requirements. Different courses require different O’Level credits. If you are switching from, say, Mass Communication to Computer Science, your O’Level subjects and JAMB subject combination might not match the new course. Confirm the requirements before changing.

Your JAMB subject combination must match the new course. If your new course requires a different subject combination from the one you registered, you may need a separate change of subject combination. Confirm on the JAMB portal whether this is available for the 2026 cycle before proceeding.

The new institution must still be accepting applications. Some institutions close their admission process earlier than others. If the school you are switching to has already closed admissions, changing to them is pointless.

READ ALSO: JAMB Cut-Off Mark for All Courses 2026/2027

Mistakes to Avoid When Doing JAMB Change of Institution

These are the errors that cost candidates money and admission opportunities every year:

1. Paying at an Unauthorized Centre or to an Individual Agent

The Problem: Some people pose as agents who can “process” your change of institution for you, collecting money and sometimes providing fake receipts. Others do it at regular cybercafés that are not authorized by JAMB.

How to Avoid It: Only use the official JAMB eFacility portal at https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng or a verified JAMB-accredited CBT centre. Never pay cash to any individual claiming to do this on your behalf.

2. Changing to an Institution That Has Already Closed Admissions

The Problem: Some candidates change their institution to a school that has already completed its screening and moved to final admission. Their application lands in a system that is no longer processing new candidates.

How to Avoid It: Before changing, visit the new institution’s official website or call their admissions office to confirm they are still accepting new applications for the 2026/2027 session.

3. Forgetting to Update Your Post-UTME Registration After Changing

The Problem: A candidate successfully changes their institution but then registers for Post-UTME using their old registration slip — the one that still shows the original institution. This creates a mismatch in the system, and their Post-UTME may not be linked to the right school.

How to Avoid It: Always reprint your JAMB registration slip after the change is confirmed. Use the updated slip for all Post-UTME registration and screening processes going forward.

4. Changing Without Checking the New Institution’s O’Level or Subject Requirements

The Problem: A candidate switches to a new course and institution, pays the fee, and then discovers during clearance that they do not have the required O’Level credits or the right JAMB subject combination for the new course. The ₦2,500 is gone and the admission is lost.

How to Avoid It: Use the JAMB iBASS brochure at https://www.jamb.gov.ng/ibass to check the exact O’Level and subject combination requirements for any course before you change to it.

5. Changing After Accepting Admission on CAPS Without Thinking It Through

The Problem: A candidate who has already accepted admission on JAMB CAPS decides to change their institution. Doing this means giving up a confirmed offer. Many candidates later regret this move when they are not admitted by the new school either.

How to Avoid It: Think very carefully before touching your CAPS admission status. If you have already been offered and accepted admission, do not change institutions without getting proper guidance first. A confirmed offer is worth more than an uncertain change.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much is JAMB change of institution in 2026?

The official JAMB fee for change of institution in 2026 is ₦2,500. Adding CBT centre service charges, the total you should budget is between ₦3,000 and ₦3,500.

Can I do JAMB change of institution from home?

Yes. You can process the change online through the JAMB eFacility portal at https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng without visiting a centre. However, JAMB recommends using an accredited CBT centre, especially if your case involves biometric verification or if you have had profile issues before.

Can I change my institution more than once?

Yes, you can change your institution more than once. But each change requires a fresh payment of ₦2,500. So if you change three times, you will pay ₦7,500 in JAMB fees alone. Choose your new institution carefully to avoid paying multiple times.

Does changing institution affect my JAMB score?

No. Your UTME score does not change when you change your institution. Only your choice of school and course is updated in the JAMB system.

Can I change my institution after accepting admission on CAPS?

This is a complicated situation. Technically, you would need to reject your current admission on CAPS first before the change can fully take effect. Rejecting a confirmed admission is a major decision — only do this if you are absolutely certain of your new choice, as there is no guarantee the new institution will offer you admission.

What is the deadline for JAMB change of institution in 2026?

JAMB does not announce a fixed closing date in advance. The window typically stays open from when results are released until institutions close their admission processes. Act as early as possible. Do not wait for a deadline announcement — by the time you hear it is closing, it may already be too late.

Is the JAMB change of institution fee refundable?

No. The ₦2,500 JAMB fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. Whether the change is successful or not, the money is gone. Always double-check your details before submitting.

Can Direct Entry candidates change their institution?

Yes. Direct Entry candidates are eligible for change of institution using the same process and the same fee of ₦2,500.

What happens after I change my institution?

Your JAMB profile will be updated within 24 to 48 hours. Within 5 to 7 days, JAMB will fully process the change. After that, the new institution will see your application in their CAPS portal and consider you in the next batch of admissions. Print your updated registration slip and use it for all subsequent admission steps, including Post-UTME registration at the new school.

What if I made an error while changing my institution?

If you entered the wrong institution or course during the change, you will need to apply for another correction and pay the ₦2,500 fee again. This is why it is so important to review every detail carefully before hitting the submit button.

Final Thoughts

JAMB change of institution is a straightforward process, but only when you approach it with the right information. The cost — ₦2,500 officially, ₦3,000 to ₦3,500 in total — is manageable. But the money means nothing if you change to the wrong school, miss the Post-UTME window, or do it after the portal has closed.

The most important things to do before you process this change are: confirm your JAMB score meets the new institution’s cut-off, verify the school offers your course, check your O’Level requirements, and make sure the institution is still accepting applications. Do all of that before you pay a single naira.

And once you have made the change, move quickly. Reprint your JAMB slip, register for Post-UTME at the new institution as soon as it opens, and stay updated on the school’s admission timeline.

For the most current portal links and JAMB announcements, always visit the official JAMB website at www.jamb.gov.ng or the eFacility portal at https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng.

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