JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Nursing 2026/2027 Academic Session

The official JAMB cut-off mark for Nursing for the 2026/2027 academic year has been released. Nursing Science remains one of the most competitive and widely chosen health-related courses in Nigerian universities. Every year, a large number of candidates sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) UTME to gain admission into accredited institutions to study Nursing.

Just like other high-demand courses such as Medicine, Pharmacy, and Law, Nursing requires applicants to meet certain JAMB score requirements before they can be considered for admission.

In this detailed post, you will learn everything about the Nursing cut-off mark for 2026/2027, including what it means, the usual score expectations across institutions, universities offering Nursing, how these scores influence admission decisions, and practical ways to improve your chances of being admitted.

What Does JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Nursing Mean?

The JAMB cut-off mark refers to the minimum UTME score a student must obtain to qualify for the next stage of the admission process for a specific course — here, Nursing Science. Achieving this score allows candidates to participate in Post-UTME screening or other institutional assessments. However, meeting the cut-off alone does not secure admission.

For the 2026/2027 session, the general score range for Nursing is 180 to 200, while scoring 200 and above gives candidates a stronger competitive advantage. Some universities may set higher departmental marks based on competition and their internal admission standards.

Why Nursing Requires High Cut-Off Marks

Nursing often comes with higher score requirements compared to many other programmes for several reasons:

1. High Interest, Limited Admission Slots

Nursing is a respected and rewarding healthcare career with strong job opportunities locally and internationally. Due to this popularity, applications are always high, but the number of available spaces is limited. Universities, therefore, set higher marks to select the best candidates.

2. Science-Based Programme

Nursing relies heavily on science subjects such as Biology and Chemistry. Institutions prefer students who show strong academic ability in these areas, which explains the need for higher UTME scores.

3. Additional Screening

Most schools conduct Post-UTME exams, interviews, or combine multiple results to determine final admission. A higher JAMB score improves your ranking during these evaluations.

JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Nursing – Score Interpretation

JAMB Cut-off mark for Nursing differs from one institution to another. Some universities maintain moderate entry scores, while highly competitive schools demand much higher marks.

General UTME Benchmarks

• Basic eligibility range: 150 – 180

• Competitive range: 200 and above

Candidates targeting federal or top universities are strongly advised to score above 200.

Federal Universities Offering Nursing and Expected Cut-Off Marks

Federal institutions usually maintain higher score requirements due to prestige and large applicant numbers.

These universities often calculate an aggregate score using UTME and Post-UTME results.

JAMB Cut-Off Mark For Nursing In State and Private Universities

These institutions may accept slightly lower scores, although competition still exists.

They may also consider O’Level performance and Post-UTME results alongside JAMB scores.

Pharmacy Cut-Off mark

Why Some Schools Accept Lower Scores

Newer or less competitive institutions sometimes admit candidates with scores between 150 and 180. This is usually due to varying admission policies, school capacity, and competition levels, not because the course itself is easy.

Always confirm updated cut-off marks from official school sources since they can change yearly.

How Cut-Off Marks Influence Nursing Admission

Passing the cut-off only qualifies you for further screening. Final admission depends on:

Post-UTME performance – Screening exams assess deeper knowledge and aptitude.
O’Level results – Five credits, including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and sometimes Physics, are required.
Aggregate scoring – Some schools combine all academic results to rank candidates.

Scoring just above the minimum may not be enough in competitive schools.

Tips to Increase Your Admission Chances

• Aim for higher scores rather than the minimum.

• Prepare thoroughly for Post-UTME.

• Improve your O’Level grades, especially in science subjects.

• Check individual school requirements before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minimum JAMB score for Nursing?
Usually between 180 and 200, though 200+ is safer.

Can 170 gain Nursing admission?
In some state or private universities, a Candidate who scored 170 can be admitted to study Nursing Science.

Does meeting the cut-off guarantee admission?
No, further screening and academic performance matter.

Post-UTME JAMB cut-off for Nursing?
Many institutions prefer 200+ as their admission cut-off mark for admitting students.

Conclusion

For the 2026/2027 session, the Nursing cut-off mark generally falls between 180 and 200, with higher scores offering better admission chances. Achieving the required UTME score is just the first step; strong O’Level results and Post-UTME performance are equally important.

Always confirm the latest information from the JAMB Brochure via the official JAMB website, as admission policies may change.

If you have questions regarding JAMB Cut-Off mark for nursing, feel free to ask in the comments section.