How to Get Admission into UNICAL: Complete Guide for UTME and Direct Entry Candidates
Getting admission into the University of Calabar (UNICAL) is a goal for many students who want to study in one of Nigeria’s established universities. However, admission into UNICAL is not based on JAMB score alone. You need to meet the requirements for your chosen course, complete the necessary application steps, take part in the required screening process, and monitor your admission status carefully.
This guide explains how to get admission into UNICAL, including UNICAL admission requirements, JAMB requirements, Post-UTME registration, Direct Entry admission, O’Level requirements, and practical tips that can improve your chances of being admitted.
Important: Admission requirements, screening dates, fees and procedures can change from one academic session to another. Always confirm current information from the official University of Calabar and JAMB platforms before making payments or submitting an application.
What Are the Requirements for UNICAL Admission?
The requirements depend on the admission route you are using. The two major undergraduate routes are UTME admission and Direct Entry (DE).
UNICAL itself identifies undergraduate UTME admission as an entry route for first-time university students through JAMB, while Direct Entry is available to candidates with relevant qualifications such as A-Level, NCE, ND or HND.
For UTME candidates, the basic process normally involves:
- Registering for JAMB UTME.
- Choosing an eligible course and institution.
- Obtaining the required JAMB score.
- Meeting the O’Level requirements for the chosen course.
- Applying for UNICAL Post-UTME screening when the application opens.
- Completing the screening registration correctly.
- Monitoring JAMB CAPS and UNICAL admission updates.
- Accepting an admission offer when one is made.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee admission. Your chances can also depend on the competitiveness of your chosen course and the admission process for the particular academic session.
What JAMB Score Do You Need for UNICAL?
For the 2026/2027 academic session, UNICAL’s official Post-UTME announcement states that candidates who chose UNICAL as their first choice and scored 150 or above in the 2026/2027 JAMB UTME are eligible to apply for its screening exercise. It also states that candidates who did not initially choose UNICAL but scored at least 150 and wish to study there can apply.
The JAMB 2026 Policy Meeting also approved 150 as the minimum tolerable score for universities.
However, students should understand the difference between a minimum eligibility score and a guaranteed admission score.
A score of 150 may make you eligible to apply, but it does not mean that you are guaranteed admission into every course at UNICAL.
Highly competitive courses may require candidates to be more competitive academically. For this reason, you should aim for the highest JAMB score you can achieve rather than simply targeting the minimum.
Can You Gain Admission into UNICAL If You Did Not Choose UNICAL in JAMB?
Yes. For the 2026/2027 admission exercise, UNICAL’s official Post-UTME announcement says that candidates who did not choose the university as their first choice can apply if they scored at least 150 and want to study at UNICAL.
This is useful for candidates who initially selected another university but later decided that UNICAL is a better option.
Before making any change, however, make sure your JAMB records and institution information are properly updated. Do not rely on information from unofficial agents or social media posts when dealing with your admission records.
UNICAL O’Level Requirements
Your O’Level result is an important part of the admission process.
Generally, Nigerian university admission requires candidates to have the relevant Senior School Certificate Examination credits. JAMB’s published admission guidance states that the general requirement for first-degree programmes is five O’Level credit passes, including English Language, with Mathematics also required for Law, Science-based and Social Science programmes. Specific course requirements should always be checked because they can vary by programme.
Accepted O’Level results may include examinations such as:
- WAEC
- NECO
- NABTEB
The subjects and grades required depend on the course you want to study.
For example, a candidate applying for a science-related programme should not assume that the O’Level requirements are the same as those for an arts programme.
This is why you should check the specific admission requirements for your chosen course before registering for JAMB or UNICAL Post-UTME.
Can You Use Two O’Level Results?
In many cases, candidates may be allowed to combine results from two sittings where the programme permits it. However, there can be important exceptions.
For example, UNICAL’s official 2026/2027 Post-UTME announcement specifically states that Medicine and Surgery does not accept O’Level results at two sittings.
If you are applying for a competitive professional course, check the current departmental requirements before assuming that two sittings will be accepted.
How to Register for UNICAL Post-UTME
After meeting the eligibility requirements, the next important step is the UNICAL Post-UTME screening application.
For the 2026/2027 session, UNICAL opened its official Post-UTME registration portal at postutme.unical.edu.ng. The university’s announcement stated that registration commenced on June 1, 2026, with a stated deadline of July 31, 2026.
The official portal currently provides options for UTME and Direct Entry candidates and allows applicants to validate their JAMB details, complete registration and print their registration slip.
The process generally involves the following steps.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Enter your JAMB registration number on the official UNICAL Post-UTME portal.
The portal uses your JAMB information to verify your details and eligibility.
Step 2: Provide Your Contact Details
Use a valid email address and an active personal telephone number.
This is important because incorrect contact information can make it difficult to receive important admission-related information.
UNICAL specifically warns candidates to provide valid contact details.
Step 3: Prepare Your Passport Photograph
You will need an appropriate passport photograph during registration.
The current UNICAL portal specifies JPG or PNG format and a maximum file size of 500KB.
Make sure the photograph is clear and meets the portal’s requirements before beginning the registration.
Step 4: Pay the Screening Fee
For the 2026/2027 UNICAL Post-UTME exercise, the official announcement states that the screening application fee is ₦2,000, described as non-refundable.
The current portal provides online payment options and instructs candidates to confirm their details before making payment.
Always confirm the current fee from the official portal because charges can change between admission sessions.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
After entering your information and completing payment, carefully review everything before submitting.
Check your:
- Name
- JAMB registration number
- Course
- UTME score
- Email address
- Phone number
- State of origin
- O’Level information
Do not rush this stage.
UNICAL warns that false declarations involving UTME scores, O’Level grades or state of origin can lead to disqualification.
Step 6: Print Your Registration Slip
After successful registration, print or securely save your registration slip.
Your slip serves as evidence that you completed the application and may contain information you need later.
How to Gain Admission into UNICAL Through Direct Entry
Direct Entry is another pathway into UNICAL for candidates who already possess certain post-secondary qualifications.
UNICAL lists Direct Entry as an admission pathway for candidates with qualifications such as A-Level, NCE, ND or HND, depending on the programme and applicable requirements.
JAMB’s 2026 Direct Entry guidance includes qualifications such as A-Level certificates, university degrees, university diplomas, HND, NCE, IJMB, JUPEB and other recognised qualifications, alongside the relevant O’Level requirements.
If you want Direct Entry admission, you should:
- Confirm that your qualification is accepted for your intended course.
- Complete the appropriate JAMB Direct Entry registration.
- Ensure your academic credentials are properly verified where required.
- Apply for UNICAL Direct Entry screening when the university opens the application.
- Provide accurate information and supporting documents.
- Monitor your admission status through the appropriate channels.
Do not assume that simply having an ND, NCE, HND or A-Level qualification guarantees Direct Entry admission. Your qualification must meet the requirements of your chosen programme.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting UNICAL Admission
Getting admission is not only about completing forms. You also need to make yourself a competitive candidate.
1. Choose Your Course Carefully
Before selecting a course, understand the required JAMB subjects, O’Level subjects and other admission conditions.
JAMB recommends using its IBASS Eligibility Checker to verify appropriate programmes and subject combinations.
Choosing a course without checking its requirements can create problems later.
2. Aim for a High JAMB Score
Although the current UNICAL minimum eligibility score is 150, do not make 150 your target if you can achieve more.
A stronger score can make you more competitive, particularly when applying for courses that attract many candidates.
3. Get Your O’Level Results Ready
Make sure your WAEC, NECO or NABTEB result is available and that the grades satisfy your course requirements.
Where your result is pending, follow the applicable JAMB and university instructions for uploading or updating it.
4. Provide Accurate Information
Never inflate your JAMB score or alter your O’Level grades.
False information can result in disqualification, and UNICAL explicitly warns candidates against false declarations.
5. Complete Post-UTME Registration Before the Deadline
Do not wait until the final day to register.
Internet problems, payment failures, incorrect information and other technical issues can occur. Applying early gives you more time to correct problems.
6. Monitor JAMB CAPS
JAMB’s Central Admissions Processing System, commonly called JAMB CAPS, is designed to manage and automate the admission process for tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Therefore, candidates should regularly monitor their JAMB profile and admission status.
If you receive an admission offer, carefully follow the instructions provided and accept the offer where appropriate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying to UNICAL
Many candidates make avoidable mistakes during the admission process.
Some common ones include:
Using an unofficial website: Always confirm that you are using the genuine UNICAL or JAMB platform.
Giving someone your login details: Do not casually share your passwords, PINs or sensitive account information.
Choosing the wrong course: Check the requirements before making your choice.
Ignoring O’Level requirements: A good JAMB score cannot replace mandatory subject requirements.
Submitting false information: This can lead to disqualification.
Waiting until the deadline: Late registration can create unnecessary pressure.
Failing to check JAMB CAPS: An admission offer may require action from the candidate.
Believing every “admission agent”: Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed admission in exchange for money.
Frequently Asked Questions About UNICAL Admission
What is the minimum JAMB score for UNICAL?
For the 2026/2027 UNICAL Post-UTME exercise, candidates with a minimum JAMB score of 150 are eligible to apply, subject to the university’s stated conditions.
Can I apply for UNICAL Post-UTME if I did not choose UNICAL?
For the 2026/2027 session, UNICAL states that candidates who did not initially choose the university can apply if they scored at least 150 and wish to study at UNICAL.
How much is UNICAL Post-UTME?
For the 2026/2027 admission exercise, the official UNICAL announcement states that the screening fee is ₦2,000. Always verify the current fee before payment.
Does UNICAL accept two O’Level sittings?
Acceptance of two sittings depends on the programme. For example, UNICAL states that Medicine and Surgery does not accept O’Level results at two sittings for the 2026/2027 admission exercise.
Does UNICAL accept Direct Entry?
Yes. UNICAL provides a Direct Entry admission route for candidates with relevant qualifications, subject to the requirements of the programme.
Is 150 a guaranteed admission score?
No. A minimum score is an eligibility threshold, not a guarantee of admission. Your course requirements, academic qualifications and the overall admission process also matter.