GCE Registration Fees 2026: WAEC vs NECO

The 2026 GCE fees compared — WAEC vs NECO — what they cover, and how to pay safely.

By Belmadeng Editorial · Updated 22 Sept 2026 · 2026 GCE

Please note

Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with WAEC or NECO. In Nigeria, “GCE” means the WAEC GCE and NECO GCE for private candidates. Register and check results only on the official WAEC (waec.org.ng, waecdirect.org) and NECO (neco.gov.ng, results.neco.gov.ng) websites, and never enter your details on look-alike sites.

WAEC vs NECO fees

ExamApprox. 2026 fee
WAEC GCE~₦27,000 (+ ₦500 bank/agent commission)
NECO GCE~₦22,250 (flat)

Fees change every year and are reported differently across sources — always confirm the current official fee on the WAEC and NECO websites before paying.

WAEC GCE fee

The WAEC GCE fee is around ₦27,000, plus a small bank/agent commission. See our WAEC GCE guide.

NECO GCE fee

The NECO GCE (SSCE External) fee is around ₦22,250, a flat fee covering your subjects, and is non-refundable — making NECO usually the cheaper option. See our NECO GCE guide.

Late & walk-in

Both bodies charge extra for late or walk-in registration after the normal window — so register early to pay the standard fee.

Paying safely

Pay only through official channels (the official portal, approved banks/Remita). Never pay unofficial “agents” promising discounts — that is a common scam.

Tips

  • NECO is usually cheaper; WAEC has wider recognition — see the comparison.
  • Budget for the result-checker PIN/token separately.
  • Register early to avoid late fees.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the WAEC GCE in 2026?
Around ₦27,000 plus a small bank/agent commission. Fees change yearly — confirm on the official WAEC site.
How much is the NECO GCE in 2026?
Around ₦22,250 as a flat fee covering your subjects, and non-refundable. Confirm on the official NECO site.
Which GCE is cheaper, WAEC or NECO?
NECO GCE is usually cheaper (around ₦22,250 vs about ₦27,000 for WAEC).
Is there a late fee for the GCE?
Yes — both bodies charge extra for late or walk-in registration after the normal window.
Are GCE fees refundable?
No — registration fees are generally non-refundable, so register carefully.

Related GCE guides

WAEC vs NECO · Registration · Series & dates · All GCE guides

Reviewed: 22 Sept 2026 · Author: Belmadeng Editorial. Independent guide, not affiliated with WAEC or NECO. Dates and fees change each year — always confirm on the official WAEC and NECO websites.