UNIBEN Admission Requirements: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re dreaming of studying at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), you’re definitely aiming high—and rightly so.

UNIBEN is one of Nigeria’s most respected universities, known for its academic excellence, vibrant student life, and strong alumni network across the world.

But before you get there, there’s one crucial step you must get right—understanding UNIBEN’s admission requirements. This guide breaks down everything you need to know in a simple, clear, and conversational way.

Whether you’re applying through UTME, Direct Entry, or Transfer, this will help you know exactly where you stand.

Table of Contents

A Quick Look at UNIBEN

The University of Benin, located in Benin City, Edo State, was founded in 1970.

Over the years, it has grown into one of Nigeria’s elite institutions, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs across diverse fields—from Engineering and Medicine to Arts, Education, and Law.

UNIBEN is highly competitive, so understanding the admission requirements early gives you an edge. Let’s break it all down.

UNIBEN Admission Through JAMB (UTME)

Most students gain admission into UNIBEN through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). But getting in isn’t just about passing JAMB—you must meet all departmental, academic, and documentation standards.

Basic Requirements

Here’s what every UTME candidate must have:

Minimum Age:
You must be at least 16 years old by the time of admission.
O’Level Results:
You must have at least five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
These credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, or GCE.
JAMB Score:
UNIBEN generally requires a minimum JAMB score of 200.
However, competitive courses such as Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Engineering may require 250 and above.
Post-UTME Screening:
After JAMB, you must participate in UNIBEN’s Post-UTME screening exercise. This test determines your final admission chances.
Choice of Institution:
UNIBEN must be your First Choice in JAMB. The university rarely considers Second Choice candidate.

UTME Subjects Combination Example

To boost your chances, ensure your UTME subject combination matches your intended course. A few examples:

Law: Literature in English, Government, CRS, English Language.
Medicine: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
Accounting: English, Mathematics, Economics, Government.
Computer Science: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry.

A wrong subject combination can disqualify you, even if your JAMB score is high—so double-check before applying.

UNIBEN Post-UTME Screening

After your JAMB exam, UNIBEN conducts a Post-UTME screening for all eligible candidates. This stage is where many applicants either secure or lose their admission chances.

Key Details:

The screening usually holds between August and October each year.
You must register online through the official UNIBEN portal.
The screening typically includes objective-type questions in your JAMB subjects.
Your aggregate score (JAMB + Post-UTME) determines if you meet the departmental cut-off.

How the UNIBEN Aggregate Score is Calculated

UNIBEN uses a 50:50 weighting system:

JAMB Score = 50%
Post-UTME Score = 50%

Example:
If you scored 250 in JAMB (50%) and 70 in Post-UTME (35%), your total aggregate will be 85%, which is quite competitive for most courses.

Direct Entry (DE) Admission into UNIBEN

If you already have a diploma, NCE, or A-level qualification, you can apply through Direct Entry instead of UTME.

Requirements for Direct Entry:

O’Level Results:
You still need five (5) credits, including English and Mathematics, in relevant subjects.
Qualification Type:
You must have at least one of the following:
- OND / HND with Upper Credit.
- NCE with Credit in a related subject.
- A’Level / IJMB passes in relevant subjects.
JAMB Direct Entry Form:
You must obtain and fill the JAMB Direct Entry form and select UNIBEN as your first choice.
Transcript Submission:
Candidates applying with ND/NCE/HND must send their academic transcripts directly to the university registrar.

Popular Direct Entry Courses in UNIBEN

Business Administration
Computer Science
Education courses
Political Science
Public Administration
Nursing Science

If you have strong academic results and relevant qualifications, Direct Entry gives you a faster route into 200 level.

Transfer Admission (Inter-University Transfer)

UNIBEN accepts students who wish to transfer from other universities in Nigeria or abroad. However, this option is limited and highly selective.

Conditions for Transfer:

You must have completed at least one academic session in your current university.
You must possess a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 5.0 scale.
Your current course must be offered at UNIBEN.
You must provide an official transcript from your previous institution.
Transfer applications are subject to space availability in your preferred department.

Students transferring from schools on academic probation or suspension are usually not accepted.

UNIBEN Departmental Cut-Off Marks

Each department in UNIBEN has its own cut-off mark, depending on competition and number of applicants. Below are approximate averages based on previous years:

Faculty	Course	Estimated Cut-Off
Medicine	MBBS	270+
Law	LL.B	260+
Pharmacy	B.Pharm	250+
Engineering	Various	230+
Computer Science	B.Sc	220+
Accounting	B.Sc	210+
Education	B.Ed	180–200
Agricultural Sciences	B.Agric	180+
Arts & Social Sciences	B.A / B.Sc	200–210

Keep in mind that these figures may change yearly based on JAMB performance and available slots.

Required Documents for UNIBEN Admission Screening

When it’s time for physical screening or clearance, you’ll need the following documents:

Original and photocopy of O’Level results
Original JAMB result slip
Post-UTME acknowledgement slip
Birth certificate or age declaration
Local Government of Origin certificate
Passport photographs (recent)
For Direct Entry: OND/NCE/HND certificates and academic transcripts.

Always have both original and photocopies ready to avoid unnecessary stress during clearance.

UNIBEN School Fees (2025 Estimate)

UNIBEN’s fees are relatively moderate compared to some other federal universities. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Category	Amount (₦)
Fresh Students	₦60,000 – ₦80,000
Returning Students	₦40,000 – ₦60,000
Acceptance Fee	₦60,000 (one-time payment)

Note that fees may differ slightly by faculty. Medicine, Engineering, and Law typically cost more.

Tips to Boost Your Admission Chances into UNIBEN

Getting into UNIBEN is competitive—but possible. Here are a few smart tips to help you stand out:

Aim for 250+ in JAMB: It increases your odds of securing competitive courses.
Prepare thoroughly for Post-UTME: Use past questions and timed practice.
Apply early: Don’t wait until the last week of registration.
Choose your course wisely: Opt for programs that match your strengths and JAMB subjects.
Monitor the UNIBEN portal: Admission updates and departmental lists are always uploaded there first.

FAQs about UNIBEN Admission

Q1: Can I get admission into UNIBEN with a JAMB score of 180?
Yes, but only for less competitive courses like Education, Agric, or Arts. High-demand programs require 200 and above.

Q2: Does UNIBEN accept two sittings for O’Level?
Yes. You can combine WAEC and NECO results, but only up to two sittings.

Q3: When does UNIBEN Post-UTME form come out?
Usually between July and September, depending on JAMB’s calendar for the year.

Q4: Is UNIBEN’s admission purely merit-based?
Mostly yes, but it also considers catchment areas and educationally less developed states.

Final Thoughts

UNIBEN’s admission process rewards preparation, clarity, and discipline. If you understand what the school expects—right from your O’Level up to your Post-UTME—you’re already ahead of half the competition.

Whether you’re applying through UTME, Direct Entry, or Transfer, success starts with knowing the details and planning early. Remember, the University of Benin doesn’t just admit students; it builds future leaders.

So, how ready are you to join one of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities?

UNIBEN Admission Requirements: Everything You Need to Know

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A Quick Look at UNIBEN