Every science student preparing for JAMB needs one essential resource: the list of Science courses and their cut off mark. Without this information, you risk choosing a course your JAMB score cannot support or missing out on programmes where your score gives you a strong chance. Science courses in Nigerian universities range from the ultra-competitive, like Medicine and Engineering, to the more accessible, like Botany and Agricultural Science.

This guide provides the complete list of Science courses and their cut off mark for the 2026/2027 academic session. We cover 25 science courses, their typical JAMB cut-off ranges at federal universities, the required UTME subject combinations, programme duration, and competition levels. Whether you score 180 or 280 in JAMB, this guide helps you identify exactly where your score fits and which courses to target.

How Science Course Cut-Off Marks Work

Before diving into the list of Science courses and their cut off mark, it is important to understand how cut-off marks function. JAMB sets a national minimum cut-off of 150 for universities. However, science courses are among the most competitive programmes in Nigerian universities, so departmental cut-off marks are always much higher than the national baseline. At top federal universities like UI, UNILAG, OAU, ABU, and UNN, departmental cut-offs for courses like Medicine and Engineering can reach 260 to 290.

Two types of cut-off marks affect your admission: the general institutional cut-off (the minimum JAMB score a university accepts for any course) and the departmental cut-off (the minimum score for your specific course). Even if you meet the general cut-off, your admission depends on the departmental threshold. State and private universities generally set lower departmental cut-offs, making them viable alternatives for students with moderate JAMB scores.

Complete List of Science Courses and Their Cut Off Mark (2026/2027)

Here is the comprehensive list of Science courses and their cut off mark for the 2026/2027 academic session. This table covers 25 science-based courses across Health Sciences, Engineering, Pure Sciences, Applied Sciences, and Agriculture.

 

S/N	Science Course	Typical JAMB Cut-Off	JAMB Subject Combination	Duration	Competition Level
1	Medicine and Surgery	250–290	English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics	6 Years	Very High
2	Dentistry	250–280	English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics	6 Years	Very High
3	Pharmacy	240–270	English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Maths	5 Years	Very High
4	Nursing Science	230–260	English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Maths	5 Years	High
5	Veterinary Medicine	230–260	English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics	6 Years	High
6	Mechanical Engineering	220–260	English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry	5 Years	High
7	Electrical/Electronic Eng.	220–260	English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry	5 Years	High
8	Civil Engineering	210–250	English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry	5 Years	High
9	Chemical Engineering	220–260	English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry	5 Years	High
10	Computer Science	200–250	English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry/Bio	4 Years	High
11	Architecture	220–260	English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry	5 Years	High
12	Biochemistry	180–220	English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Maths	4 Years	Moderate
13	Microbiology	180–220	English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Maths	4 Years	Moderate
14	Industrial Chemistry	170–200	English, Chemistry, Maths, Physics	4 Years	Moderate
15	Geology	180–210	English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry	4 Years	Moderate
16	Physics	170–200	English, Physics, Maths, Chemistry	4 Years	Low–Moderate
17	Mathematics / Statistics	170–200	English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry/Econ	4 Years	Low–Moderate
18	Zoology / Biology	170–200	English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics	4 Years	Low–Moderate
19	Botany / Plant Science	160–190	English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics	4 Years	Low
20	Science Lab Technology	160–190	English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Maths	4 Years	Low
21	Food Science & Technology	180–210	English, Chemistry, Biology, Maths/Physics	4 Years	Moderate
22	Agricultural Science	160–200	English, Biology, Chemistry, Maths/Physics	4–5 Years	Low
23	Anatomy	200–240	English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics	4 Years	Moderate–High
24	Physiology	200–240	English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Maths	4 Years	Moderate–High
25	Radiography	220–250	English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics	5 Years	High

Note: These are estimated ranges based on recent admission trends at federal universities. State and private universities typically set lower cut-offs. Always verify with your preferred institution.

Health Science Courses: The Most Competitive Category

When reviewing the list of Science courses and their cut off mark, health science courses consistently sit at the top. Medicine and Surgery requires 250 to 290 at top federal universities, making it the most competitive science course in Nigeria. Dentistry follows closely at 250 to 280, while Pharmacy requires 240 to 270. Nursing Science and Veterinary Medicine typically need 230 to 260. Radiography, Anatomy, and Physiology fall in the 200 to 250 range.

All health science courses require English, Biology, and Chemistry in JAMB, with Physics or Mathematics as the fourth subject. O’Level requirements include five credits with English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in not more than two sittings. These programmes take five to six years, followed by mandatory internships or housemanship regulated by professional bodies like MDCN, PCN, and NMCN.

Engineering Courses: High Demand, High Cut-Off Marks

Engineering is the second most competitive category on the list of Science courses and their cut off mark. Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, and Chemical Engineering require 220 to 260 at top universities. Civil Engineering typically needs 210 to 250. All engineering courses require English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry in JAMB. Engineering programmes take five years, and graduates can register with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) after completing the mandatory engineering training programme.

At less competitive federal universities and state universities, engineering cut-offs drop to 180 to 210, making these institutions viable targets for students who score below 220. Architecture, which is closely related to engineering, requires 220 to 260 and takes five years to complete.

Pure and Applied Science Courses: More Accessible Options

Pure and applied science courses offer more accessible entry points for students reviewing the list of Science courses and their cut off mark. Computer Science requires 200 to 250 at federal universities, though scores as low as 180 are accepted at some state and private institutions. Biochemistry and Microbiology range from 180 to 220, making them popular alternatives for students who cannot meet the threshold for Medicine or Pharmacy.

Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, and Industrial Chemistry are among the least competitive science courses, typically requiring 170 to 200. Botany, Zoology, and Science Laboratory Technology accept scores from 160 to 190. These courses may attract fewer applicants, but they lead to strong careers in research, industry, education, and technology. Geology and Food Science and Technology sit in the moderate range at 180 to 210.

Agricultural Science Courses: The Most Accessible Science Faculty

Agricultural Science consistently has the lowest cut-off marks on any list of Science courses and their cut off mark. General Agriculture, Crop Science, Animal Science, Fisheries, and Agricultural Economics accept scores from 160 to 200 at most universities. Nigeria’s agricultural sector is massive and growing, offering graduates careers in agribusiness, food processing, research, government agencies, and international development organisations. Students who score between 160 and 200 in JAMB should seriously consider Agriculture as a strategic and rewarding choice.

How to Use This Information to Secure Admission

Having the list of Science courses and their cut off mark is only useful if you apply it strategically. If your JAMB score meets the cut-off for your desired course at top federal universities, apply confidently and prepare intensively for post-UTME. If your score falls short, consider targeting less competitive federal universities, state universities, or private institutions where cut-offs are lower. Use JAMB’s Change of Institution feature through the CAPS portal if your first choice proves too competitive. Also consider related courses with lower cut-offs as backup options. For example, if you cannot meet the threshold for Medicine, courses like Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, or Nursing may be excellent alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the general JAMB cut-off mark for science courses?

JAMB sets a national minimum of 150 for universities. However, most science courses at federal universities require departmental cut-offs of 180 to 290, depending on the course and institution. The list of Science courses and their cut off mark shows that health sciences and engineering have the highest thresholds, while pure sciences and agriculture are more accessible.

Can I study a science course with 180 in JAMB?

Yes. Several science courses accept 180, including Biochemistry, Microbiology, Industrial Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Zoology, Botany, Agricultural Science, and Science Laboratory Technology. At less competitive universities, even Computer Science and Geology may accept 180. Your O’Level results and post-UTME performance also play a major role.

Which science course has the lowest cut-off mark?

Based on the list of Science courses and their cut off mark, Agricultural Science, Botany, and Science Laboratory Technology consistently have the lowest cut-off marks, typically ranging from 160 to 190. These courses accept candidates at most federal and state universities without the extreme competition seen in Medicine or Engineering.

What subjects do I need in JAMB for science courses?

All science courses require Use of English. Health science courses need Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics. Engineering courses require Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Pure science courses vary, but most need at least two of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Check the JAMB brochure for the exact combination required by your preferred course and university.

Do state and private universities have lower cut-off marks?

Yes. State universities typically set departmental cut-offs 20 to 50 points lower than federal universities. Private universities are the most flexible, accepting scores from 160 to 200 for most science courses, including some professional programmes. The trade-off is higher tuition fees at private institutions. Always compare across federal, state, and private options to find the best fit for your score and budget.

How often do science course cut-off marks change?

Cut-off marks can shift slightly each session based on the number of applicants, available slots, and overall JAMB performance. However, the general ranking of courses by competitiveness remains stable. Medicine, Dentistry, and Engineering consistently require the highest scores, while Agriculture and basic sciences remain the most accessible. Check university admission portals each session for the latest departmental cut-offs.

Conclusion

The complete list of Science courses and their cut off mark for the 2026/2027 session shows that science students have options at every JAMB score level. From Medicine at 250 to 290, to Engineering at 210 to 260, to Biochemistry at 180 to 220, to Agriculture at 160 to 200, there is a science course for nearly every score above the national minimum.

Use this list of Science courses and their cut off mark to match your JAMB score with the right course and university. Prepare well for post-UTME, ensure your O’Level results are complete, and apply early. Share this guide with fellow science students who need clarity on their admission options for the 2026/2027 academic session.