The University of Calabar (UNICAL) is one of Nigeria’s leading universities, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence. If you’re aspiring to secure admission to UNICAL for the 2024 academic session, it’s essential to understand the requirements and processes. This guide covers everything you need to know about UNICAL admission requirements, including general, undergraduate, and direct entry requirements.
General Admission Requirements for UNICAL 2024
Before applying to UNICAL, you must meet these general requirements:
- Minimum Age: Candidates must be at least 16 years old by the time of admission.
- Academic Qualifications: Applicants must possess at least five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including Mathematics and English Language, in WAEC, NECO, or GCE results. These credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings.
- JAMB UTME: All candidates must participate in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and meet UNICAL’s cutoff mark.
- Post-UTME Screening: Prospective students must also take the UNICAL post-UTME screening exam and perform well.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
For undergraduate programs, candidates must satisfy the following:
- UTME Cutoff Marks:
UNICAL’s cutoff marks vary depending on the faculty or course. Typically, the minimum cutoff is around 160 for some courses and higher for competitive programs. Check specific department cutoffs here. - Subject Combinations:
Ensure your UTME subject combination aligns with your chosen course of study. For instance, courses like Medicine and Surgery require Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, while Law requires Literature-in-English and other humanities subjects. - SSCE Results:
Your SSCE results must be relevant to your course of study. For instance, science courses require credits in core science subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Direct Entry (DE) Admission Requirements
For Direct Entry admission into 200-level courses, candidates must:
- Possess at least two A-level passes in relevant subjects or an equivalent qualification such as NCE, OND, or HND with a good grade.
- Have obtained at least five (5) credit passes in SSCE, including Mathematics and English.
- Provide their JAMB Direct Entry registration slip and other required documents.
- Some courses may have additional requirements, which can be confirmed via the official UNICAL website.
Application Process
- JAMB Registration: Start by registering for JAMB and selecting UNICAL as your first-choice institution.
- Post-UTME Registration: After your UTME results are released, visit the UNICAL admission portal to register for the post-UTME screening.
- Submit Required Documents: Ensure you upload all required documents, including passport photographs, SSCE results, and JAMB results.
- Monitor Admission Status: Regularly check your admission status on both the JAMB CAPS portal and the UNICAL website.
Special Considerations for Some Courses
Some professional and competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering may have higher cutoff marks or additional entry requirements. For example:
- Medicine typically requires a UTME score of 250 and above.
- Law often requires 200 and above, along with a high post-UTME score.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the minimum JAMB score for UNICAL admission in 2024?
The minimum JAMB score for UNICAL admission varies by course but generally starts from 160 for less competitive courses. Competitive courses require higher scores.
2. Can I combine WAEC and NECO results for admission?
Yes, UNICAL accepts combined results from WAEC and NECO, provided they meet the required credits for your chosen course.
3. Is it mandatory to participate in the post-UTME screening?
Yes, participating in UNICAL’s post-UTME screening is mandatory for all UTME candidates seeking admission.
4. Does UNICAL accept second-choice candidates?
No, UNICAL typically considers only first-choice candidates for admission.
5. When will the UNICAL post-UTME screening form be available?
The post-UTME form is usually released shortly after the JAMB UTME results are out. Keep an eye on the UNICAL portal for updates.
Related Article: UNICAL Admission List For 2023/2024 session
By meeting the outlined requirements and preparing adequately, you’ll be well on your way to securing admission into the University of Calabar for the 2024 academic session. For more detailed updates, always refer to the official UNICAL website or consult their admission office.