Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), located in the historic city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, is one of the most respected federal universities in Nigeria. The Faculty of Science at OAU is home to some of the most sought-after undergraduate programmes, attracting thousands of applicants every admission cycle. If you are planning to study any science-related course at this institution, the first thing you need is the complete list of Science courses in OAU, along with their cut off marks and school fees for the 2026/2027 academic session.
This comprehensive guide provides the full list of Science courses in OAU, estimated departmental cut off marks, a detailed school fees breakdown, JAMB subject combinations, how the aggregate score is calculated, and answers to the most common questions students ask. Whether you are choosing your first-choice course or looking for alternatives, this article gives you everything you need to plan your admission journey.
Complete List of Science Courses Offered at OAU
The Faculty of Science at OAU offers 16 accredited undergraduate programmes. Below is the full list of Science courses in OAU, along with estimated departmental cut off marks and school fees for fresh students:
| S/N | Course | Est. Cut Off (%) | School Fees (Fresh) |
| 1 | Biochemistry | 62 – 68% | ₦163,200 |
| 2 | Botany | 55 – 60% | ₦163,200 |
| 3 | Chemistry | 58 – 63% | ₦163,200 |
| 4 | Computer Science with Economics | 65 – 72% | ₦163,200 |
| 5 | Computer Science with Mathematics | 65 – 72% | ₦163,200 |
| 6 | Demography and Social Statistics | 56 – 62% | ₦163,200 |
| 7 | Geography | 58 – 65% | ₦163,200 |
| 8 | Geology | 60 – 66% | ₦163,200 |
| 9 | Applied Geophysics | 58 – 64% | ₦163,200 |
| 10 | Industrial Chemistry | 56 – 62% | ₦163,200 |
| 11 | Mathematics | 55 – 62% | ₦163,200 |
| 12 | Microbiology | 62 – 68% | ₦163,200 |
| 13 | Physics | 55 – 61% | ₦163,200 |
| 14 | Statistics | 55 – 60% | ₦163,200 |
| 15 | Surveying and Geoinformatics | 55 – 60% | ₦163,200 |
| 16 | Zoology | 55 – 61% | ₦163,200 |
The cut off marks listed above are estimates based on trends from recent admission cycles. OAU releases official departmental cut off marks after the Post-UTME screening each year, so these figures serve as a strong guide for candidates reviewing the list of Science courses in OAU and planning their applications.
Overview of Science Courses at OAU
Understanding what each course involves is just as important as knowing the list of Science courses in OAU. Here is a brief look at the major programme categories within the faculty:
Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology, and Zoology all fall under this category. These courses focus on living organisms, cellular processes, genetics, ecology, and molecular biology. Biochemistry and Microbiology are the most competitive in this group, with cut off marks typically ranging from 62% to 68%. Students who enjoy Biology and Chemistry tend to thrive in these programmes. Graduates go on to work in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, research laboratories, and environmental agencies.
Physical Sciences
Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, and Physics form the backbone of the physical sciences at OAU. Chemistry explores the composition and reactions of matter, while Industrial Chemistry applies chemical principles to manufacturing and production. Physics deals with energy, matter, and the fundamental laws governing the universe. These courses offer career paths in energy, petroleum, telecommunications, and scientific research.
Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
Mathematics, Statistics, and Demography and Social Statistics are available for students with strong quantitative abilities. Mathematics focuses on abstract reasoning and computational methods, while Statistics trains students to analyze and interpret data. These programmes have relatively moderate cut off marks (55–62%) and produce graduates in high demand across banking, insurance, data science, and technology sectors.
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Geology, Geography, Applied Geophysics, and Surveying and Geoinformatics explore the Earth’s structure, resources, and spatial information. Geology and Applied Geophysics are particularly popular among students interested in the oil and gas industry, mining, and environmental consulting. Geography covers both physical and human geography, offering versatile career options.
Computer Science
OAU offers Computer Science in two combined forms: Computer Science with Mathematics and Computer Science with Economics. Both programmes cover programming, algorithms, software engineering, and data structures. Computer Science is among the most competitive science courses at OAU, with cut off marks reaching 65–72%. Graduates are well-positioned for careers in software development, cybersecurity, fintech, and artificial intelligence.
How OAU Determines Cut Off Marks for Science Courses
When you look at the list of Science courses in OAU, you will notice that cut off marks vary significantly from one course to another. OAU does not use a fixed departmental cut off. Instead, the marks change every year based on several factors.
The number of applicants plays the biggest role. Courses like Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Computer Science attract far more applicants than available spaces, which drives the cut off higher. The overall performance of candidates in JAMB and Post-UTME also affects where the cut off lands. When candidates score higher on average, the department raises the bar accordingly. OAU’s internal admission quota, as regulated by the National Universities Commission (NUC), also determines how many students each department can admit.
How to Calculate Your OAU Aggregate Score
Your aggregate score determines whether you make the merit admission list. Understanding this calculation is essential when comparing your performance against the list of Science courses in OAU. OAU uses a weighted formula that combines three components:
| Component | Weight | Example Score | Calculated Value |
| JAMB (out of 400) | 50% | 280 | 280 ÷ 8 = 35 |
| Post-UTME (out of 100) | 40% | 70 | 70 ÷ 2 = 35 |
| O’Level (5 subjects) | 10% | A1,B2,B3,C4,C5 | Grading points |
| Total Aggregate | — | — | ≈70 – 75% |
Your JAMB score is divided by 8 (contributing 50%), your Post-UTME score is divided by 2 (contributing 40%), and your O’Level grades contribute the remaining 10%. For example, a candidate who scores 280 in JAMB and 70 in Post-UTME gets an aggregate of approximately 35 + 35 + O’Level points. The resulting percentage must meet or exceed your chosen department’s cut off to qualify for merit admission.
School Fees Breakdown for Science Courses at OAU
Every course on the list of Science courses in OAU falls under the same fee structure for the Faculty of Science. OAU charges ₦163,200 for fresh science students and ₦101,200 for returning students per session. Here is the detailed breakdown:
| Fee Component | Fresh Students | Returning Students |
| Tuition Fee | ₦79,700 | ₦79,700 |
| Development Levy | ₦18,000 | — |
| TISHIP (Health Ins.) | ₦2,000 | ₦2,000 |
| Welfare Fee | ₦1,000 | ₦1,000 |
| General Service Fees | ₦16,000 | ₦11,000 |
| Accommodation | ₦3,090 | ₦2,590 |
| Acceptance Fee | ₦35,000 | — |
| Total (Approx.) | ₦163,200 | ₦101,200 |
OAU remains one of the most affordable federal universities in Nigeria for science programmes. The acceptance fee of ₦35,000 is a one-time payment made upon securing admission. Returning students pay less because they no longer owe the development levy and acceptance fee. All payments are made online through the OAU e-portal using the Remita payment platform.
JAMB Subject Combinations for Science Courses
Registering with the correct JAMB subjects is a critical step that is directly connected to the list of Science courses in OAU. Using the wrong combination automatically disqualifies your application, even if you score above the cut off. Here are the required subjects for each course category:
| Course Category | JAMB Subjects Required |
| Biological Sciences (Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology, Zoology) | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Physical Sciences (Chemistry, Physics, Industrial Chemistry) | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Mathematical Sciences (Mathematics, Statistics) | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Computer Science (with Maths or Economics) | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry/Economics |
| Earth Sciences (Geology, Geography, Applied Geophysics) | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry/Geography |
| Surveying and Geoinformatics | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
English Language is compulsory for every course. For most science courses, you need Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Biological science courses replace Mathematics with Biology in some cases. Always confirm your specific subject combination from the JAMB brochure or OAU’s official admission portal before registering.
O’Level Requirements
Beyond the list of Science courses in OAU, you must also meet O’Level requirements to be eligible for admission. OAU requires a minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects at not more than two sittings from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB.
For most science courses, the five credits must include English Language, Mathematics, and three science subjects relevant to your course (typically Biology, Chemistry, and Physics). Some courses like Geography accept Geography as one of the science subjects. Ensure your O’Level results are complete and accurate before applying, as incomplete results are a common reason for disqualification during screening.
Tips to Boost Your Admission Chances
Competition for courses on the list of Science courses in OAU is intense, so preparation matters. Here are practical strategies to increase your chances:
Target a JAMB score of 250 or above. While the general OAU cut off is 200, competitive science courses require much higher scores. Prepare rigorously for the Post-UTME, which carries 40% of your aggregate. Use past OAU Post-UTME questions to familiarize yourself with the format and difficulty level. Focus on your core science subjects, as the Post-UTME tests subjects relevant to your chosen course.
If your JAMB score falls below 250, consider choosing a less competitive science course as your first choice. Courses like Botany, Physics, Statistics, and Surveying and Geoinformatics typically have lower cut off marks and still offer excellent career prospects. You can always explore internal transfer options after your first year if you wish to switch departments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many Science courses does OAU offer?
The list of Science courses in OAU includes 16 accredited undergraduate programmes, ranging from Biochemistry and Computer Science to Geology, Statistics, and Zoology.
What is the general JAMB cut off mark for OAU?
The general JAMB cut off mark for OAU is 200. However, most science courses require a higher aggregate score (typically 55–72%) after combining JAMB and Post-UTME results.
How much do science students pay at OAU?
Fresh science students pay approximately ₦163,200 per session, which covers tuition, development levy, health insurance, and general service fees. Returning students pay about ₦101,200.
Can I gain admission with a JAMB score of 200?
You are eligible to write the Post-UTME with a score of 200, but your chances of admission into competitive science courses are low. Courses like Botany, Physics, and Statistics may be more realistic options at this score level.
Does OAU accept two O’Level sittings for science courses?
Yes. OAU accepts a combination of results from not more than two sittings for courses on the list of Science courses in OAU. However, you must have all five required credits across those sittings.
What is the most competitive science course at OAU?
Computer Science (with Mathematics or Economics) and Biochemistry are typically the most competitive, with departmental cut off marks reaching 65–72%. Microbiology and Geology are also highly sought after.
When does OAU release departmental cut off marks?
OAU releases departmental cut off marks after the Post-UTME screening exercise, which usually takes place between August and October. Check the official OAU website at oauife.edu.ng for timely updates.
Conclusion
The list of Science courses in OAU for the 2026/2027 academic session includes 16 well-established programmes, each with distinct career prospects and varying levels of competition. From Biochemistry and Computer Science at the high end to Botany and Statistics at the more accessible end, there is a science course for every student who qualifies.
Fresh science students pay approximately ₦163,200 per session, making OAU one of the most affordable options for quality science education in Nigeria. Aim for a JAMB score of 250 or above, prepare thoroughly for the Post-UTME, and ensure your O’Level results are complete. Visit the official OAU website at oauife.edu.ng for the latest admission updates and registration details. Start preparing now, and take a confident step toward your science career at one of Nigeria’s finest universities. Good luck!