The safest time to check university subject requirements is before you finalise your WASSCE subject choices. A course title can sound familiar while its admission rules require a particular combination of Mathematics, English, Chemistry, Biology, Physics or another subject.
Engineering and technology
Engineering programmes commonly require Mathematics and science subjects. ETU-SL’s 2026/2027 prospectus lists civil and environmental, electrical and electronic, mining, mechanical and manufacturing engineering, alongside computer science, data science, information systems and renewable energy programmes.
EBKUST’s agriculture-engineering entry route explicitly includes English Language, Mathematics, Physics and two basic science subjects. This is a useful example of why applicants should not choose subjects based only on the broad label “technology”. Check the exact course.
Medicine, nursing and allied health
Health programmes often require a science-heavy WASSCE record. ETU-SL’s published Higher Diploma Nursing route lists English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. USL’s COMAHS and Njala’s health programmes have faculty and departmental rules that must be checked individually.
Do not assume the entry criteria for a nursing diploma are the same as medicine and surgery, medical laboratory science or public health. These are different awards with different admission routes.
Agriculture, environment and natural resources
Agriculture-related programmes may require Agricultural Science alongside Mathematics, English and a basic science. EBKUST’s agriculture programme criteria list Agricultural Science and relevant basic science subjects. Njala’s programme catalogue includes crop science, animal science, agribusiness, forestry, fisheries, wildlife and environmental programmes.
If you are considering agriculture, environmental science or veterinary study, check whether the department specifies Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agricultural Science or another subject.
Business, management, arts and social sciences
Business and management programmes may specify Mathematics and English; humanities and social-science routes may look for relevant arts or social-science subjects. The USL 2026/2027 prospectus lists a wide range of arts, communication, economics, development studies, social science and law programmes across its colleges.
Do not drop Mathematics or English because a course appears non-scientific. They are part of many university-wide minimum requirements and may be explicitly required by the department.
A subject-choice decision process
WASSCE Tutor organises revision by subject and syllabus topic. Start with the subject directory, then work through the topics that support your intended course.
- Shortlist two or three actual degree programmes, not only broad career interests.
- Download the current prospectus from each institution.
- Create a comparison of compulsory subjects and minimum grades.
- Choose a subject combination that keeps realistic alternatives open without weakening your performance.
- Ask the school counsellor and university admissions office to confirm any unusual combination.
Primary sources and further reading
This article is based on the official sources below. Admissions information was checked on 8 November 2026; confirm current details with the institution before applying.
- 01ETU-SL 2026/2027 admission advertisement (PDF)
- 02EBKUST undergraduate admission requirements
- 03USL 2026/2027 entry requirements (PDF)
- 04Njala University 2026/2027 programmes (PDF)
Editorial note: WASSCE Tutor is an independent education resource. It is not an admissions office and is not affiliated with WAEC or the universities listed.