Please note
Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with WAEC. This is an informational guide — register and check results only on the official WAEC websites (waec.org.ng and waecdirect.org), buy result-checker PINs only from authorised vendors, and never enter your details on look-alike sites.
How many subjects to register
Most candidates register eight or nine subjects. The aim is simple: register enough to comfortably secure the five credits you need — including the specific subjects your intended course requires — without overloading yourself.
The compulsory subjects
English Language and Mathematics are compulsory for every candidate, plus the core subjects for your stream (sciences, arts or commercial).
Choosing for your course
Pick your subjects around your intended course: sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) for Medicine and Engineering; commercial subjects (Accounting, Commerce, Economics) for business courses; arts subjects (Literature, Government, CRS/IRS) for Law and Mass Communication. Our course profiles and subject-combination checker show exactly what each course needs.
Credits you need
Most courses require at least five credits (C6 and above), including English and Mathematics, with certain subjects at credit level for your course. A “pass” (D7/E8) usually does not count — see the grading system.
Matching WAEC to JAMB
Your WAEC O’Level subjects must match your JAMB UTME subjects and course requirements. Choose your WAEC subjects with your JAMB combination in mind, and upload your O’Level to your JAMB profile for admission.
Tips
- Don’t over- or under-register — focus on quality credits.
- Confirm your course’s exact subject requirements before registering.
- Aim for credits in every subject your course lists.
How many subjects to register
For the WASSCE, candidates usually register for a range of subjects (commonly eight to nine) to maximise their chance of the credits admission requires. English Language and Mathematics are effectively compulsory for nearly everyone, since most courses demand credits in both. Anchor your list on these two, then add subjects that match your intended course and your strengths. Registering slightly above the minimum is a sensible hedge — if one subject goes badly, you still have enough strong grades to meet requirements.
Choosing subjects by your track
Match your subjects to your intended field of study:
- Sciences/medicine/engineering: English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology (plus Further Maths where relevant).
- Commercial/management: English, Maths, Economics, Accounting, Commerce.
- Arts/humanities/law: English, Maths, Literature, Government, History, a language.
Check the exact O'Level subjects your target course requires before registering — finishing the exam missing a required subject is a costly, avoidable mistake.
The five-credit rule
The benchmark that governs most Nigerian tertiary admission is five credit passes (C6 or better), including English Language and Mathematics, in subjects relevant to your course. Two things follow: the five must include the right subjects for your programme (not just any five), and they must be credits (C6+), not mere passes (D7/E8). So choose subjects that cover your course's requirements, and aim your preparation at securing credits in all of them — especially English and Maths.
Frequently asked questions
How many subjects should I register for WAEC?
Most candidates register eight or nine, enough to secure at least five credits including the subjects their intended course requires.
Are English and Mathematics compulsory in WAEC?
Yes — both are compulsory for every candidate, along with the core subjects for your stream.
Which WAEC subjects do I need for my course?
It depends on the course — sciences for Medicine/Engineering, commercial subjects for business courses, arts subjects for Law/Mass Communication. Check your course profile and the subject-combination checker.
How many credits do I need for university?
At least five credits (C6 and above), including English and Mathematics, plus any course-specific subjects.
Can I combine science and arts subjects in WAEC?
Yes, within the allowed structure — but choose subjects that satisfy your intended course’s requirements.
How many subjects should I register for in WAEC?
Typically eight to nine, to maximise your chance of the credits admission requires. English Language and Mathematics are effectively compulsory; anchor your list on those, then add subjects matching your intended course and strengths.
Which subjects are compulsory for WAEC?
English Language and Mathematics are effectively compulsory for nearly everyone, since most courses require credits in both. Further requirements depend on your intended field of study.
What subjects do I need for my course?
Match them to your field: sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), commercial (Economics, Accounting, Commerce), or arts (Literature, Government, History, a language) — always with English and Maths. Check your target course's exact O'Level requirements before registering.
What is the five-credit rule?
Most Nigerian tertiary admission requires five credit passes (C6 or better), including English and Mathematics, in subjects relevant to your course. The five must include the right subjects for your programme and be credits, not mere passes (D7/E8).
Does a pass (D7) count for admission?
Usually not where a credit is required — D7 and E8 are ordinary passes, not credits. Most admissions need credits (C6 or better), so aim for C6 and above in your key subjects, especially English and Maths.