Which subjects are compulsory, what combinations work for your course, and how to pick the right subjects for university admission.
2
Compulsory
9
Max Subjects
5+
Credits for Uni
Compulsory Subjects for Every Candidate 📌
Every WAEC candidate must sit these two subjects regardless of their course combination. No exceptions. You cannot register for WAEC without them.
📖
English Language
Compulsory for all
📐
Mathematics
Compulsory for all
Important: A credit pass (A1–C6) in both English Language and Mathematics is required for admission into virtually every Nigerian university, polytechnic and college of education course. These are non-negotiable.
Subject Combinations by Class 🔬
Your school's class determines your core subjects. Here's what each class typically offers alongside the two compulsory subjects.
FrenchYoruba / Igbo / HausaFine ArtMusicGeographyEconomics
💼
Commercial Class
Accounting, Business Admin, Banking & Finance, Economics
Core Subjects
EconomicsCommerceAccountingGovernment / CRS
Common Electives
GeographyLiterature in EnglishComputer StudiesOffice PracticeStore Keeping
Subjects Required for Popular Courses 🎓
Credit passes in these specific subjects are what universities check — beyond the compulsory English and Mathematics.
⚕️
Medicine & Surgery
Biology, Chemistry, Physics
💊
Pharmacy
Biology, Chemistry, Physics
⚙️
Engineering (all types)
Physics, Chemistry, Further Maths or Maths
🏗️
Architecture
Physics, Fine Art or Technical Drawing
💻
Computer Science
Physics, one of Chemistry / Biology / Further Maths
📊
Accounting / Finance
Economics, Commerce or Accounting
📰
Mass Communication
Literature in English, Government or History
⚖️
Law
Literature in English, Government, CRS or History
🌱
Agriculture
Biology, Chemistry, Agricultural Science
📚
Education (Science)
Physics, Chemistry, Biology (depends on subject)
📖
Education (Arts)
Literature, Government or History
🏥
Nursing
Biology, Chemistry, Physics
⚠️
Always Verify with Your Target School
Subject requirements vary between universities. The University of Lagos may require slightly different subjects for a course than the University of Ibadan or ABU Zaria. Always check the JAMB brochure and the specific institution's admission requirements for your chosen course before your final WAEC registration.
🚀
Practice Your WAEC Subjects Now
Know which subjects you need — now go get the credits. Free CBT practice for all WAEC subjects.
You must register for a minimum of five subjects and a maximum of nine. The two compulsory subjects — English Language and Mathematics — count toward your total. Most students register for seven or eight subjects to give themselves a buffer in case they do poorly in one or two.
Subject changes after registration are very limited and depend on your school and the WAEC registration deadline. In most cases you cannot change subjects after the deadline. This is why it is critical to confirm your course requirements and subject choices before registration closes.
Technically yes — WAEC does not prevent cross-class combinations, but your school's timetable may make it impractical since conflicting exam times are common. More importantly, if you want to switch courses at university level, you will need the required science credits, so plan ahead.
For most university admissions, what matters are the credits you have — not what class you were in at school. If you sat for and obtained a credit in Physics privately as an Arts student, it counts the same way. The certificate does not show your class combination.
Further Mathematics is not compulsory for WAEC registration but it is required or recommended for some engineering and physical sciences courses at certain universities. Check your specific course requirements. It is also useful because it strengthens your Mathematics skills significantly.