Applied Biology studies life sciences in relation to human health, agriculture, and the environment, offering solutions to biological problems. In 2026, the Applied Biology O’Level subjects are expected to remain the same as in previous years. The information on this platform is relevant for students preparing for WAEC, NECO, or GCE who want to know the subjects required to gain admission into the Applied Biology department of their preferred institution.
List of Applied Biology O’Level Subject Requirement
The required O’Level subjects for Applied Biology in Nigerian tertiary institutions comprise a minimum of five credit passes (C5 and above) in the SSCE/WAEC/NECO, including:
The subject requirements listed above are used by Nigerian tertiary institutions offering Applied Biology. Once you’ve confirmed the O’Level subjects stated above, the next step is to kick-start your admission expedition by registering for either JAMB UTME or IJMB, depending on which path suits you best. If you need more information related to Applied Biology course, you can also check the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board subject combination here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are there restrictions on the subjects that can replace Physics subject for Applied Biology?
Yes. Any subject used to replace Physics must be officially approved by SSCE/WAEC/NECO for the Applied Biology programme. Applied Biology generally falls under the Faculty of Science, so acceptable replacement subjects usually come from this category. A typical option includes Geography / Health Science subject.
How many credit passes do I need in O’Level for Applied Biology?
Candidates must have a minimum of five (5) credit passes (C5 and above) in their SSCE, including the required subjects for Applied Biology.
Can I use a mixture of WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB results for Applied Biology?
Yes. Most Nigerian tertiary institutions accept a combination of WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB results, provided the subjects meet the course requirements.
What happens if I fail one of the core O’Level subjects?
You would need to retake the subject in a recognized examination (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB) to meet the minimum requirement. Institutions generally do not accept alternatives unless officially approved.
Can I replace a subject I didn’t take in my first O’Level exam with a new one?
Yes, as long as the new subject is allowed for Applied Biology and is recognized by WAEC or NECO.
Are all subjects offered by WAEC/NECO accepted for substitution?
No. Only subjects approved for the Applied Biology programme can be used as replacements. Always check your preferred tertiary institution’s requirements for guidance.
Can a grade of C6 be used to meet the five-credit pass requirement in SSCE for Applied Biology?
No. Only grades C5 and above (C5, B3, A1) are considered credit passes in SSCE. A grade of C6 does not count and cannot be used to meet the five-credit pass requirement for Applied Biology.
Other Courses Requiring Mathematics, Biology, English Language and Chemistry O’Level Subjects
Why Getting Applied Biology O’Level Subjects Right Matters
If you select the right O’Level subjects for Applied Biology, you make an important step in the admission process, yet many students fail to do so even though it directly affects eligibility and exam preparation. Here are the main reasons why this decision is relevant:
1. Prevent Unnecessary Setbacks
Students often realize too late that their O’Level subjects do not meet the requirements for Applied Biology, and preparing for WAEC or NECO requires time, and focus, so selecting the wrong subjects can waste all that effort.
2. Meet Admission Requirements
O’Level subject combinations are a core part of admission criteria, and even with good grades, missing a required subject can limit your chances, while selecting the correct Applied Biology subjects ensures you meet tertiary institution requirements and avoid changing courses later.
3. Prepare with Clarity and Confidence
When your subject choices align with the Applied Biology course requirements, you can focus fully on your exam preparation.
4. Build a Solid Academic Foundation
The right O’Level subjects also provide the foundational knowledge needed for Applied Biology, supporting a stronger grasp of core concepts and easing the transition into higher education.
Science Subjects Eligible for O’Level Substitution
You can choose from the listed Science subjects according to your specific O’Level subject needs.
Other Science subjects
