Thousands of students joining universities and colleges in 2026 will be required to complete health-related registration procedures as part of their admission and campus clearance process.
Among the key requirements is confirmation of Social Health Authority (SHA) registration status and submission of medical forms containing personal health information.
The medical requirements are to ensure that the institutions have students’ health records, emergency contacts, and access to healthcare arrangements before they begin their academic programmes.
SHA Registration Requirements for University Students in 2026
After attaining 18 years, students are required to update their registration details with SHA.
However, those who qualify under the full-time education category continue accessing healthcare as beneficiaries under their parent or guardian’s cover until they reach 25 years.
Under the Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024, students joining campus do not automatically lose access to their parents’ or guardians’ SHA cover once they turn 18.
This allows students to remain beneficiaries under a contributor’s household cover.
A student who has attained the age of 18 years but has not reached 25 years can continue receiving healthcare services through the parent or guardian’s SHA cover if they are enrolled in a full-time education programme at a university, college or other recognized learning institution.
However, the student must not be earning an independent income. The regulations provide that the exemption applies where the student is not receiving income other than a scholarship, bursary or another similar educational grant or award.
This means that first-year students joining in 2026, who are usually between 18 and 24 years old, will continue to use their parents’ or guardians’ SHA cover without registering as separate contributors.
Medical Forms Required During University Admission
Medical forms signed by qualified practitioners are part of the requirements for universities during first-year registration.
These forms are usually downloaded together with admission letters in respective university portals.
The forms contain sections requiring students to provide personal details, emergency contacts, previous medical history, and information about existing health conditions.
Students may be required to disclose details such as:
- Previous illnesses or medical conditions
- Allergies and reactions to medication
- Current medication being taken
- History of surgeries or hospital admissions
- Emergency contact information
- Immunization details where applicable
Medical examination may include checking general health status, vision, hearing, physical fitness and other areas depending on the requirements of institutions.
After completion, students are required to submit the forms to the university’s health department as part of the registration process.
Documents Students Need Before Reporting to Campus
Apart from SHA confirmation and medical forms, universities may require new students to carry additional documents during reporting and registration.
Students are advised to prepare copies of identification documents, admission letters and any health-related records that may be required during clearance.
Common documents requested during admission include:
- National identification card or birth certificate for students without IDs
- Admission letter from the university
- Completed university medical form
- SHA registration details or proof of coverage
- Passport-size photographs where required
- Previous medical records for students with ongoing health needs
Students with chronic medical conditions are also encouraged to provide relevant medical information to university health departments to enable proper support and access to necessary medication or services.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.