KUCCPS: Challenges Faced by Students in University & College Applications.
On April 2, the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) issued a guide aimed at increasing students’ chances of securing their preferred courses. However, numerous students and users reported facing challenges while navigating the KUCCPS portal.
On Saturday, KUCCPS addressed these concerns by releasing a statement explaining key terms used in the application process to simplify the experience.
KUCCPS: Challenges Faced by Students in University & College Applications.
Understanding Cluster Subjects
KUCCPS clarified that a candidate must meet specific subject requirements, known as cluster subjects, to qualify for a given degree programme. A cluster subject comprises four KCSE subjects that a student must have taken to be considered for admission to a particular course.
For example, health science programmes require students to have studied Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics, and either English or Kiswahili.
Programme Clusters and Their Significance
A programme cluster groups degree programmes requiring the same set of four subjects. Health sciences, for instance, fall under a single programme cluster.
Students can access the full list of programme clusters on the KUCCPS Student Portal (students.kuccps.net) under the Downloads section.
Cluster Weight and Cut-off Points
Cluster weight refers to the ranking of a student’s performance in a specific subject cluster compared to all other candidates in the same KCSE year. This ranking is based on subject cluster requirements and the candidate’s overall performance.
A cut-off point is determined by the cluster weight of the last applicant placed in a programme based on merit. KUCCPS stated that cut-off points depend on the applicants’ performance for a particular course and the number of available slots in universities.
During processing, applicants are ranked in descending order, from highest to lowest cluster weight. Admission slots are filled sequentially until the last student is placed, establishing the cut-off point for that programme. KUCCPS emphasized that this process is automated, and cut-off points cannot be predetermined.
Minimum Grade Requirements for Academic and Training Programmes
The C+ mean grade has been the standard cut-off for public university admissions for an extended period. Previously, the Ministry of Education required a B- (58 points) for females and a B (60 points) for males, but this policy was revised.
To qualify for various academic and training programmes through KUCCPS, students must meet specific KCSE grade requirements. Degree programmes require a minimum C+ grade. Artisan Certificate (Level 4) courses require a minimum grade of E, while Craft Certificate (Level 5) courses require a D.
For Diploma (Level 6) programmes, a minimum grade of C– is necessary. In teacher training, the minimum requirement for a Diploma in Primary Teacher Education is a C, while a C+ is needed for a Diploma in Secondary Teacher Education.
Read Also: Common Mistakes Students Make When Applying for Courses – KUCCPS
Portal Navigation and Account Access
Website and Portal Entry
Applicants should start by visiting www.kuccps.ac.ke. Upon landing on the page, they must click on the “Student’s Portal” followed by the “LOGIN” button.
To log in, students need to enter their KCSE Index Number, KCSE Year, and the password they used during KNEC registration (either KCPE Index Number or Birth Certificate Number). After logging in, they must provide valid contact information for communication regarding their placement.
Dashboard Overview and Course Selection Tools
Dashboard Features
Once logged in, a summary of available programmes and institutions will appear. For degree applicants, the Weighted Cluster Points (WCP) will be displayed. A WCP of 0.000 implies that the student did not take a subject necessary for that cluster.
Course Basket Feature
To streamline course selection, users can use the ‘Course Basket’ by clicking “ADD” next to any programme. It’s important to note that adding a course to the basket does not constitute an application.
Programme Search and Details
Using the Institutions and Programmes Menus
Students can find programmes via:
- Institutions Menu: Selecting this reveals all participating institutions. Clicking on an institution shows its offered programmes.
- Programmes Menu: Programmes are grouped by qualification level (Degree, Diploma/Level 6, Craft Certificate/Level 5, Artisan/Level 4). By selecting a cluster, such as Computing & IT, applicants can browse relevant courses.
Using a keyword in the search bar (e.g., “Civil” for Civil Engineering) allows students to locate specific programmes. Clicking on any programme reveals its minimum entry requirements, institutions offering it, costs, and past cut-off points.
Applicant Choices Based on Qualification
Eligible choices depend on mean KCSE grade:
- Degree (C+ and above): Choices 1(a, b, c), 2, 3, 4 (1a, b, c should be the same programme at different institutions).
- Diploma/Level 6 (C-): Choices 1, 2, 3, 4
- Craft Certificate/Level 5 (D): Choices 1, 2, 3, 4
- Artisan/Level 4 (E): Choices 1, 2, 3, 4
Applicants may apply to any level they qualify for.
Application Process
Viewing Programme Details
Programme pages indicate:
- For Degree Programmes: Subjects used in WCP calculations
- For TVET Programmes: Minimum mean grade
Minimum subject requirements must be met to qualify for any programme. Past cut-off points and all offering institutions are shown on the same page.
Making Your Application
For degree courses, the portal automatically shows calculated WCPs. Students must select their desired programmes and enter the 7-character code associated with each.
To begin the application:
- Click the “Application/Revision” menu.
- Read the instructions provided.
- Click “APPLY NOW” and input the programme codes.
Applying Across Multiple Categories
Applicants eligible for more than one level (e.g., Degree and Diploma) can apply for each by switching programme levels via the top-of-form toggle and clicking “SUBMIT” separately for each level. Programmes from a second level will only be considered if this option is selected.
If applicants are not placed in their primary choices, the system may consider them for alternatives in the second level, if opted in.
Payment Procedure
Submitting and Paying for Your Application
After filling out the application, click “SUBMIT.” A prompt with a “Proceed to Pay” link will appear.
Choose a payment method: M-PESA, Kenya Commercial Bank, RTGS, or Airtel Money.
For M-PESA:
- Click the button, and the platform will show the Business Number (222222), a unique Account Number (from e-Citizen), and the payment amount.
- Input M-PESA PIN and confirm.
Important:
- Use the provided Account Number, not the M-PESA transaction code.
- Retain the Account Number for any future updates or revisions to the application.
After successful payment and submission, the system will confirm completion, and the Dashboard will reflect the submitted application.
A dialog box will then prompt the applicant to choose whether they agree to be considered for any available programmes if none of their preferred choices are successful.
Confirming Successful Submission
Applicants can confirm by:
- Clicking on the “Application/Revision” tab and then “APPLICATION HISTORY”
- Viewing the Dashboard where submitted applications are highlighted in blue
Making Changes Before Deadline
Applicants can:
- Opt out of multiple levels by verifying with their password
- Delete their entire application via the “DELETE” button (removes all selected codes)
- Remove programme codes individually if desired
Read Also: KUCCPS Courses Requiring Mathematics as a Compulsory Subject
Additional Notes on Course Basket
Programmes added to the course basket will display as “ADDED” and the button will turn green. These can be accessed via the “Course Basket” menu or the basket icon.
Reminder: Programmes in the course basket are not considered submitted applications. Only after officially applying will the selected programmes be reviewed.
KUCCPS: Challenges Faced by Students in University & College Applications
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