How to Cross From Polytechnic/College to University - SCHOOLCONTENTS.info

How to Cross From Polytechnic/College to University

Crossing to a University and Switching isn't the Same
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In Nigeria, just like in many other countries across Africa, students often wonder if they can make the leap from polytechnics to universities. And guess what? The same curiosity extends to those in colleges of education – can they also jump to universities?

Well, consider this post your go-to guide! Whether you're currently in a polytechnic or a college of education, if you're eyeing a university journey, you're in the right place. This guide breaks it all down – the 'where,' 'how,' and even the 'when' of whether this is possible. 

Picture this: you're a student with aspirations as high as the sky, and you're eager to take your education to the next level. You might be studying hands-on skills at a polytechnic or honing the art of teaching at a college of education. 

But deep down, you're considering the academic expanse that a university offers. Can you bridge the gap between these institutions? Absolutely!

Let's dive in and unravel the possibilities!

Crossing to a University and Switching isn't the Same

You'll love to know the difference between crossing and switching to universities before we ride on fully to this topic.

If you cross to a university from a polytechnic or college of education, it means, probably after finishing your National Diploma (ND)/Higher National Diploma (HND) or Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE).

In this case, the decision to leave the former institution comes after completing the entire studies.


However, switching means leaving your polytechnic or college even before you complete the program - perhaps at ND 1, HND 1, or NCE 100 level. In order words, you're considering not going on with your present program but moving into a university.

In this case, the decision to change to a university is premature. But is it possible?

Now let's answer all the possible questions.

Crossing to Universities Through Direct Entry Application

This method of moving from a polytechnic or college of education into a university is possible only after you've completed your ND or NCE. Here, after the first  2 years or 3 years in poly or college respectively, you can obtain a direct entry form to cross to university. HND holders can equally do the same or where preferred, consider HND to BSC conversion programs.

To obtain DE form, you must have your former result or certificate handy or be awaiting it - but with the program completed. Then, obtain the JAMB Direct entry form just at the same time students seeking admission through JAMB UTME are also applying. In order words, UTME and DE forms are usually on sale at the same time and close on the same date.

While filling up the form, you have the option to choose two universities of interest. Although, you have a better chance with the first institution as no university is accepting the second choice these days, especially for Direct entry admissions.


After this, you're to obtain the post-DE form of that university when it's on sale - usually when they're selling post-UTME. If the university conducts entrance exams and/or screening, you must take part.

If all was well done and requirements met, you'd be offered a 200-level admission into your proposed course. Note that such a course has to be the same as you did while in the polytechnic or college or most related one.

With this, it's still possible to change disciplines as ND/HND holders can change to education courses while NCE holders can change to non-education courses. However, that is limited to a few universities. See the links below for the list.

Switching to Universities From Polytechnics or College is Impossible

Let's say you're in the 100 level of your polytechnic course or NCE program, can you switch to a university and continue to the 200 level? NO! But to switch to the 100-level, is it possible? NO!

Let me explain.

There is no means to move from a polytechnic or college at ND 1 or 100 level. No form or modality officially allows students from these institutions to switch to the universities of their choice.

Such an opportunity is only available to university students trying to switch from their present schools to other universities. Yes, a student from ABU can switch to LAUTECH through what is called inter-university transfer admission.


Here, a candidate will obtain a transfer form from the intended university and leave his present school. In most cases, he can be admitted to the same academic course/level he was at the former university.

However, this arrangement is not allowed for candidates in polytechnic or college of education. In fact, you can't be transferred from one polytechnic to another polytechnic or college to college. At least not yet, except your polytechnic is running dual award programs at the Federal Polytechnic Ede.

HND Holders Can Cross to Universities with Top-Up Degree

After completing your Higher National Diploma (HND), you can opt-in for the same or related university course as detailed earlier - through the direct entry application. More so, you can take advantage of HND/BSC conversion programs at various universities, at home, or abroad. 

Here, your basic requirement is the HND certificate and NYSC. These universities upgrade HND to a Degree (i.e. BSC, B.Ed., B.Eng., etc.) within 1 or 2 years of part-time or distance learning arrangement.

When completed, you'll be awarded a university degree of the registered course - usually the same as HND or related.

Crossing to Universities with Distance Learning and Part-Time

While OND, NCE, or HND was already held, it's possible to cross to a university through what's called the Distance Learning Degree program. Under this arrangement, you're to obtain the school direct entry admission form for the program. This time, it's not JAMB DE.

Although, JAMB is now instructing candidates seeking admission through Distance Learning and Part-time course to equally register with the board. This, of course, is a mere education arrangement rather than making the decision of whether to be offered admission or not.

To cross to a university, with HND, ND, or NCE through DLC or Part-time centers of an institution, you may be subjected to an entrance test or interview. And in most cases, what it requires is just to obtain the form.


Such a program may be conducted during the weekends, on the same institution's campus, or at a study center. A related program is the sandwich courses for majorly NCE holders.

Below is the list of some universities running distance learning, sandwich, and part-time programs for undergraduates.

Conclusion

We can at this end conclude that to cross from a polytechnic or college of education to a university is very possible using any of the channels detailed in this post.

However, the only way to switch from the first level of HND, ND, or NCE to a university is if you quit the program and chase university admission again through UTME or DE.

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52 comments:

  1. For direct entry programs, please is polytechnic saver than ijmb to secure admission with direct entry?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I prefer IJMB. It's shorter and faster. But in the end, your grade matters most whether IJMB or polytechnic.

      Delete
    2. I study science laboratory &tech can I use it to do cross over to university to study nursing

      Delete
    3. No. No university is officially accepting SLT for nursing. Read the post below

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2020/12/direct-entry-requirements-for.html

      Delete
  2. Can I study civil engineering in polytectinc OND and cross to University *Direct entry* to study industrial chemistry

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't think both are related. You may need to check JAMB brochure for more explanation on this.

      https://ibass.jamb.gov.ng/?jk=UU400GHDSW6AQ98

      Delete
  3. Can I study Agricultural technology ND in the polytechnic and cross to the university direct entry to study Agriculture?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Or Aquaculture under the faculty of Agriculture?

      Delete
    2. Can I also study agricultural technology in the polytechnic and cross to the university to study food science and technology?

      Delete
  4. Pls which university accept direct entry from 100 level to 200 level

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Posts below will help.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2020/01/is-it-possible-to-change-course-at-200.html

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2019/02/transfer-admissions-into-universities.html

      Delete
    2. Sir I study SLT on polytechnic,can I study pharmacy in university with direct entry

      Delete
  5. I studied science laboratory technology at the polytechnic please can I go for biochemistry in university?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, you can. First study the JAMB brochure.

      https://ibass.jamb.gov.ng/?jk=UU400GHDSW6AQ98

      And confirm the list of universities offering that and at the same time accepting ND SLT.

      Delete
  6. I have completed my OND but still on my one year IT can buy the direct entry form.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes. You don't even need to do IT or complete IT before you can obtain DE form.

      Delete
  7. I've been graduated with ND since 2017 can I still process direct entry form

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, you can process your DE admission with older ND result. It doesn't matter the age of your qualification. Read the post below about that.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2020/10/can-i-use-old-results-for-direct-entry.html

      Delete
  8. Can you do a direct entry from a polytechnic to the university with a lower credit result

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That weak grade may limit your chance. Read the posts below.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2020/11/is-second-class-lowerlower-credit-good.html

      Delete
  9. I recently graduated after completion of my National Diploma program at Federal Polytechnic Auchi, Edo State.

    I studied Agricultural Technology;at the school of applied science and technology.

    My result have not been released yet. I want to apply for a University through Direct Entry(DE) form.

    Is the form on sale now, what related courses can I study and what creteria do I need to be eligible?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DE form is closed the same time JAMB UTME closed. Watch out for the same form next year.

      Delete
    2. Can chew do direct entry to university to study nursing

      Delete
    3. I don't think. I've checked all universities offering Nursing and their Direct entry requirement, no CHEW there. Read the post below for better understanding

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2020/12/direct-entry-requirements-for.html

      Delete
  10. Is ijmb form still out?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't have this update. I will share when I do

      Delete
  11. Can I apply for direct entry through DPP result?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DPP is a programme you can start and do without obtaining a JAMB form or writing JAMB, you just need SSCE result. DE is for the holders of BSC, HND, ND, NCE, IJMB, JUPEB etc who want to cross to a university to further their studies.

      Delete
  12. If I completed my Nd studying agricultural technology in laspotech and I want to switch to lasu to study agriculture, will I be given admission to 200level

    ReplyDelete
  13. What about Law to Law ?

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm writing my final year exams around October, can I purchase form for HND in different polytechnic next year?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sure you can. The post below will give you more clues.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2022/03/can-i-apply-for-hnd-without-it.html

      Delete
  15. pls sir i want to study electrical engineering
    and i have a jamb score of 204
    do i have any opportunity of that
    if not whats your best advice for me.
    but i really crave to study that course
    thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It depends on the school you're processing. However, literally all schools could accept 200 or above for Elec/Elect

      Delete
  16. Can I apply for DE with a diploma from college of health?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If it's National Diploma, you can. Read the posts below for better ideas.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2021/10/who-are-qualified-candidates-for-direct.html

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2022/05/can-chew-health-assistant-do-direct.html

      Delete
  17. Which age can he or she get admissions to NDA

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm studying electrical engineering in auchi polytechnic can I change to software engineering when taking DE to a university

    ReplyDelete
  19. Please sir can I study pharmaceutical technology in polytechnic and switch to pharmacy or nursing in OAU

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hello sir can I study mls with my Slt nd result in any university

    ReplyDelete
  21. Can I change to the university after ND1 in the polytechnic

    ReplyDelete
  22. As an ND student in the department of OTM, can i go for DE in University of Ilorin and what course will I be offered sir.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I studied HOME AND RURAL ECONOMIC AT POLYTECHNIC CAN I SWITCH TO SCIENCE LABOUTELY IN UNIVERSITY

    ReplyDelete
  24. Sir do I need IT certificate before I can process My direct entry into university

    ReplyDelete
  25. IS UNILAG DE FORM STILL OUT

    ReplyDelete
  26. Please can a university graduate go to a polytechnic through direct entry?

    ReplyDelete
  27. Can I serve after switching to university from polytechnic

    ReplyDelete
  28. SIRI STUDY OFFICE TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT AT THE POLYTECHNIC CAN I SWITCH TO COMPUTER SCIENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY?

    ReplyDelete
  29. I want to cross from Lagos state polytechnic to unizik do I need to write jamb?

    ReplyDelete

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