220 is below typical cut-offs for International Relations at most institutions, but within 10 points at 9 institutions. Worth applying with a strong post-UTME plan.
Borderline picks at 220
| Institution | Course | UTME cut-off | Aggregate | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FUOYE Ekiti | International Relations | 230 | 70.8 | federal | Borderline |
| IMSU Imo | International Relations | 230 | 70.8 | state | Borderline |
| UNICAL Cross River | International Relations | 230 | 70.8 | federal | Borderline |
| UNIABUJA FCT | International Relations | 229 | 70.6 | federal | Borderline |
| ABSU Abia | International Relations | 228 | 70.5 | state | Borderline |
| AAUA Ondo | International Relations | 228 | 70.5 | state | Borderline |
| EBSU Ebonyi | International Relations | 228 | 70.5 | state | Borderline |
| KWASU Kwara | International Relations | 227 | 70.4 | state | Borderline |
| NOUN FCT | International Relations | 223 | 69.9 | federal | Borderline |
What this means in plain language
The course cut-off mark is the UTME threshold to be considered for admission to International Relations at a given institution. Clearing it means your application proceeds to post-UTME screening. International Relations cut-offs in our 2026 dataset range from 223 to 252 across Nigerian universities.
A score of 220 is close enough to several institutional thresholds that a strong post-UTME and O'level profile could still secure admission.
If 220 is not enough, what now?
Three honest routes are open. First, retake JAMB next cycle aiming for a higher score. Second, change first-choice course to a related programme with a lower cut-off but similar career destination (use our quiz to find one). Third, explore the same course at less competitive institutions, including state and private universities where cut-offs sit lower.
Diploma routes (ND at a polytechnic, then HND or Direct Entry to a degree), pre-degree programmes and JUPEB are also workable longer paths. They take more time but they work.
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Take the career quizFrequently asked questions
Can I study International Relations with 220 in JAMB 2026?
Borderline. 220 is below the cut-off at most institutions but within 10 points at 9 of them, so International Relations is worth applying for as a stretch choice backed by a strong post-UTME and O'level profile.
What is the actual cut-off mark for International Relations in 2026?
International Relations cut-off marks for 2026 range from 223 at the most accessible institutions to 252 at the most competitive, across the 32 institutions offering the course in this guide. JAMB's national minimum is 150, but the course-specific institutional cut-off is the figure that decides consideration.
Which universities offer International Relations with a cut-off around 220?
Institutions with International Relations cut-offs closest to 220 include NOUN (223), KWASU (227), ABSU (228), AAUA (228). Use the full table on this page to see every institution sorted by cut-off.
If I don't qualify for International Relations with 220, what are my alternatives?
Three routes. First, apply for International Relations at a less competitive institution where the cut-off is at or below 220. Second, pick a related course in the same field with a lower cut-off. Third, use the change-of-course window during the JAMB cycle, or a longer path through polytechnic ND and Direct Entry, JUPEB or a pre-degree programme.
Can I retake JAMB to score higher for International Relations?
Yes. JAMB UTME can be retaken in the next admission cycle. If 220 falls short for International Relations, a focused retake aiming for 243+ opens the broader range of institutions. Run the retake plan in parallel with a polytechnic or pre-degree application so the year is not lost if the retake also falls short.
Should I consider International Relations at a state or private university?
Often yes. State universities and newer federal universities frequently set lower International Relations cut-offs than the leading federal universities, and several private universities admit on the national minimum plus an internal screening. The trade-off is fees: federal sits at ₦40,000-₦200,000 per session, state ₦80,000-₦400,000, private ₦600,000 and above.