📚
WAEC Subject Combinations 2026
The exact WAEC subjects you need for every course and faculty. English Language and Mathematics are required for almost every degree programme in Nigeria.
⚠️
The WAEC Admission Rule: You need a minimum of five credit passes (A1–C6) at WAEC including English Language and Mathematics for virtually all university degree programmes. The remaining three credits must be relevant to your chosen course. Credits from a maximum of two sittings can be combined.
5
Credits Needed
2
Max Sittings
C6
Min Credit Grade
🔬 Science Courses
Medicine & Surgery (MBBS)
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Biology, Chemistry and Physics are all compulsory for Medicine. Some universities also require a pass in Further Mathematics.
Pharmacy
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Same combination as Medicine. All three science subjects are required at credit level.
Nursing Science
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics or Health Science
Some universities accept Health Science in place of Physics for Nursing.
Biochemistry
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics or Agricultural Science
A broad science combination. Physics preferred but Agricultural Science accepted at some institutions.
Microbiology
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics or Agricultural Science
Same flexibility as Biochemistry regarding the fifth science subject.
Computer Science
English Language
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry or Biology
Any other relevant subject
Mathematics and Physics are the core requirements. Some universities do not require Biology or Chemistry.
Mathematics / Statistics
English Language
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Further Mathematics or any Science
Strong Mathematics and Physics combination. Further Mathematics is an advantage.
⚙️ Engineering Courses
Civil / Mechanical / Electrical Engineering
English Language
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Further Mathematics or Biology
Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics are the core trio for all engineering disciplines. Further Mathematics is highly recommended.
Chemical Engineering
English Language
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology or Further Mathematics
Chemistry is especially important for Chemical Engineering — a strong credit is expected.
Agricultural Engineering
English Language
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Agricultural Science or Biology
Agricultural Science as a fifth subject is particularly relevant here.
Computer / Electrical Electronics Engineering
English Language
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Further Mathematics
Strong quantitative subjects. Further Mathematics gives an edge for competitive institutions.
🎨 Arts Courses
Law
English Language
Mathematics
Literature in English
Government or History
Any Arts or Social Science subject
Literature in English is compulsory for Law at most universities. Government or History gives strong contextual preparation.
English Language & Literature
English Language
Mathematics
Literature in English
Any two Arts subjects
Literature in English is essential. A strong credit in English Language itself is expected.
History & International Studies
English Language
Mathematics
History or Government
Literature in English or CRK/IRK
Any other Arts subject
History and Government are the core subjects for this programme.
Philosophy
English Language
Mathematics
Literature in English or CRK/IRK
Government or History
Any other subject
A broad arts combination. Some universities are flexible about the exact subject mix.
Fine & Applied Arts / Theatre Arts
English Language
Mathematics
Fine Arts or any Arts subject
Literature or Government
Any other relevant subject
Creative arts subjects are advantageous. Requirements vary significantly by institution.
📊 Social Science Courses
Economics
English Language
Mathematics
Economics
Government or Geography
Any other Social Science or Arts subject
Economics as a WAEC subject is required for the Economics degree at most universities.
Accounting / Banking & Finance
English Language
Mathematics
Economics
Commerce or Government
Any other subject
Strong quantitative subjects. Commerce and Economics are directly relevant.
Business Administration
English Language
Mathematics
Economics or Commerce
Government or Accounting
Any other subject
A flexible combination. Economics or Commerce is the key subject beyond English and Maths.
Mass Communication
English Language
Mathematics
Literature in English or Government
Any two other subjects
English Language credit is especially important for Mass Communication. Literature or Government supports the programme well.
Sociology / Political Science
English Language
Mathematics
Government or History
Economics or Geography
Any other Arts or Social Science subject
Government and Economics are the most relevant supporting subjects for these courses.
🚀
Practise WAEC Past Questions Free
Build the credits you need. Practise real WAEC past questions for all your subjects — instant answers and explanations, completely free.
Practice WAEC Questions →Common Questions 🤔
Mathematics is compulsory for virtually all university degree programmes in Nigeria — including Arts, Social Science and Law. A very small number of fine arts or humanities programmes may not specifically require it, but having a Mathematics credit is always an advantage. When in doubt, get the credit.
Yes — JAMB and all Nigerian universities accept NECO results alongside or instead of WAEC. A credit in English Language from NECO counts the same as one from WAEC. You can also combine WAEC and NECO results from up to two sittings.
D7 and E8 are ordinary passes, not credits. They do not count toward the five credits required for university admission. You need grades A1 through C6 to count a subject as a credit. You will need to resit the subject at the next WAEC or NECO sitting.
WAEC allows subject changes before a specific deadline set at the time of registration. After that deadline, no changes are permitted. Check with your school early — subject changes typically need to go through your school's WAEC coordinator.
Very few. Some universities allow Fine Arts, Music or specific Language courses without a Mathematics credit. However, even these are institution-specific — always verify the exact requirements on the university's official admissions page before assuming Mathematics is not required.