The short answer
| Nursing Science (BNSc) | |
|---|---|
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| National minimum (universities, 2026/27) | 150 |
| A safe target at a competitive federal university | 260+ |
| O'level | Five credits including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics |
The target is our guidance, not an official figure. Departmental cut-offs are set by each institution every year, and many state and private universities admit well below it. Always confirm your combination in the JAMB brochure and on your chosen institution's admission page.
JAMB subject combination for Nursing
Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, the same combination as Medicine. A few institutions have accepted Mathematics in place of Physics in the past, but most do not, so Physics is the safe choice unless your chosen school's brochure says otherwise.
If you are applying to a college of nursing rather than a university, check that college's own requirements too. For 2026/27, JAMB set the minimum for colleges of nursing at 150.
JAMB cut-off mark for Nursing
The minimum JAMB set for universities for the 2026/2027 session is 150. For Nursing that number tells you very little: it only means you are allowed to apply.
Nursing has become one of the most competitive courses after Medicine, driven by demand for nurses both at home and abroad. At popular federal universities the departmental cut-off sits well above 200, and the post-UTME aggregate decides the rest.
Set your own target: take last year's departmental cut-off at the institution you want, add 20 to 30 marks as a buffer, and divide by four. That is your per-subject average to train for. How cut-offs work explains the three different numbers involved.
O'level requirements
Five credits including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, usually at no more than two sittings. Some institutions insist on one sitting for competitive courses. Your O'level is checked separately from your UTME, so a strong JAMB score does not rescue a missing credit.
How to prepare for Nursing in JAMB
- Balance your sciences. Nursing candidates tend to over-revise Biology. The marks you are missing are more likely in Physics or Chemistry.
- English is 60 questions. A strong English score is the easiest way to lift your total. See where the marks are.
- Mock early. A score of 260 means 65 per subject. Find out where you are now.
Questions people ask
What is the JAMB subject combination for Nursing?
Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Nursing?
JAMB's minimum for universities and for colleges of nursing in 2026/27 is 150. Nursing at competitive universities needs much more. Aim for 260 or above, and check your institution's departmental cut-off.
Can I use Mathematics instead of Physics for Nursing?
At most institutions, no. Physics is the standard requirement. Only use Mathematics if your chosen institution's brochure entry explicitly allows it.
What O'level subjects do I need for Nursing?
Credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, usually at no more than two sittings.
Know how far off 260 you are. Sit a timed UTME mock and get your score out of 400, with the topics costing you most. Every one of those subjects is in the JAMBUDDY question bank. Free for 14 days, inside Telegram. Open @jamb_buddy_bot.