KUCCPS 2025 Applications: Everything You Need to Know.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced that the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) will open its portal in March 2025 for applications to degree programs for the September 2025 university intake.
Previously, before January 17, 2025, KUCCPS had activated its portal for two major applications, targeting 2023 KCSE candidates. The first was for the January 2025 intake into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, and the second was for transfer applications for students placed in universities and colleges in previous years.
Subsequently, from January 17 to February 14, 2025, KUCCPS opened applications for 2024 KCSE candidates. These included applications to TVET institutions for the May 2025 intake and to Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) for the March 2025 intake.
Additionally, KUCCPS reopened the portal for KCSE candidates to apply for 21 KMTC courses that remained unfilled, a process that concluded on March 4, 2025. This means that applications for university degree programs are still pending.
The delay in KUCCPS opening the portal for degree applications is attributed to the High Court ruling by Justice Chacha Mwita, which deemed the Variable Scholarship and Loan Funding (VSLF) Model unconstitutional.
This model was intended to replace the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) Model. Currently, the case is under appeal, and while awaiting the verdict, KCSE candidates should prepare for the application process, as MoE has indicated that KUCCPS will likely open the portal in March 2025.
Application Process for Degree and TVET Programmes
The KUCCPS School/Centre Application for Degree and TVET Programmes: Principals’ Application Guide provides instructions on how students can apply for placement in universities and colleges.
Initially, KUCCPS required school principals to create accounts and apply for students. However, in 2023, this directive was reversed to align with the National Policy Framework for Career Guidance in Kenya, a policy introduced by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.
As a result, KUCCPS issued a circular instructing principals to discontinue centre-based applications, meaning that Form Four graduates now apply independently after KCSE results are released.
Criteria for Degree Course Selection
Placement into degree programs is determined by KCSE performance, merit, and affirmative action. Applicants have six degree options: 1a, 1b, 1c, 2, 3, and 4. It is advisable for students to apply only for programs they are genuinely interested in pursuing.
If a student chooses not to apply, they should leave the choice fields blank while filling in their contact details. Failure to complete the portal implies that the student either has no intention of joining a tertiary institution in Kenya or plans to study abroad.
For degree course applications, choices 1a to 1c must be the same program in three different universities. For example, a student interested in Engineering might apply to the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), Technical University of Mombasa (TUM), and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT).
If a program is only available in one or two institutions, the student should select only those available and leave the remaining options blank.
Course Revision and Selection Considerations
There will be both a first and second revision of course selections. When selecting university courses, students should consider factors such as cluster requirements, accreditation, tuition fees, accommodation, university ranking, location, employability, work-study programs, and scholarship opportunities.
Additionally, cut-off and cluster points are critical factors. Some programs may have additional subject requirements, which KUCCPS publishes on its portal once applications open. For degree programs, cut-off points and applicants’ weighted cluster points also influence placement.
The minimum entry requirement for a degree course is a C+ (plus), equivalent to 46 points.
Understanding Cluster Points for Admission
Cluster points play a significant role in determining university placement. For any given course, four key subjects are required. According to The Essential Career Guide by KUCCPS, medical programs such as medicine, clinical medicine, and nursing require outstanding performance across all subjects.
However, specific focus is given to Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics, and either English or Kiswahili. Meeting the minimum C+ (plus) cut-off point does not guarantee placement in a degree program. Instead, students must meet the specific cluster point requirements for their preferred courses before KUCCPS assigns placements accordingly.
Read Also: Govt Invites Parents for Critical CBC Implementation Discussions: Venues
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying on the KUCCPS Portal
To apply for courses via the KUCCPS portal, students must have access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet connectivity. They can also seek assistance from cyber cafés. The application process involves the following steps:
- Visit the KUCCPS student portal: students.kuccps.net.
- Enter the index number.
- Select the KCSE examination year.
- Enter the password (Birth Certificate Number/Entry Number/KCPE Index Number).
- Click on Programme Lists and select the preferred courses and institutions.
- Download the document as a PDF and note the program codes.
- Return to the menu bar and select Application/Revision.
- Input the previously noted program codes.
- Submit the application.
- Proceed to payment instructions:
- Pay through eCitizen using pay bill number 222222.
- Enter the provided account number.
- Pay Ksh 1,500.
- Receive a confirmation text.
- Return to the application window and enter the Payment Reference Number (Payment REF).
- Submit the final application to complete the process successfully.
By following these steps, students can ensure a smooth application process and increase their chances of securing placement in their desired courses and institutions.
KUCCPS 2025 Applications: Everything You Need to Know.
Follow Teachers Updates on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram. Get in touch with our editors at [email protected].
