KUCCPS issues last call as May 6 application deadline nears

KUCCPS CEO Mercy Wahome. /FILE

With less than 36 hours remaining, the application portal for the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service is set to close, locking out students seeking placement in degree programmes, as well as diploma courses at technical institutions.

The placement service opened the application portal on April 8 for degree, diploma and certificate programmes in public and private universities and at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), TVETs, Kenya Utalii College and teacher training colleges.

The placement service has issued a final call, urging eligible students to submit their applications before the May 6 midnight deadline.

“Don’t wait until the last minute—apply today,” KUCCPS said. All applications must be submitted online via the student portal: students.kuccps.ac.ke.

The application window is open to KCSE holders from the 2000 to 2025 cohorts. Degree courses are available to 2025 KCSE candidates who scored a C+ and above, while candidates from earlier cohorts—with grades ranging from A to E—can apply for Tvet programmes.

Students who sat the KCSE between 2000 and 2024 and attained a C+ or higher are also eligible to apply for degree programmes at the Open University of Kenya.

KUCCPS noted that KMTC diploma and certificate programmes are available for immediate intake.

Applicants have been advised to retain their payment reference numbers issued after paying the application fee, as these are required when making changes to their applications.

The reference number can be retrieved from the M-Pesa payment message, and applicants are cautioned to use the account number—not the M-Pesa confirmation code.

For the ongoing March intake at KMTC, a total of 31 courses are on offer, comprising eight certificate and 23 diploma programmes.

Throughout the application period, KUCCPS has been conducting mobilisation drives across the country, engaging Form Four leavers and providing opportunities to explore higher education and career pathways.

The engagements have brought together key stakeholders in higher education, including the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) and the Universities Fund, broadening access to information and guidance for learners.

On April 18, KUCCPS CEO Mercy Wahome also hosted a webinar guiding applicants on how to submit applications and select suitable courses based on their KCSE grades.

The commission has also clarified the absence of 2025 cut-off points for degree programmes, advising applicants to use the 2024 cut-off points instead, available on the portal as a guide.

“This is because placement must occur first before cut-off points for all programmes are determined. The cluster weight of the last applicant admitted into a programme becomes the cut-off point for that programme, as placement is conducted on merit,” KUCCPS said.

Cut-off points represent the lowest weighted cluster points that secured admission into a degree programme in the previous placement cycle.

These benchmarks help applicants assess their chances of securing placement in specific programmes.

If an applicant’s cluster weight exceeds the previous cut-off point, they stand a stronger chance of admission.

Students experiencing difficulties with the application process have been advised to visit their nearest Huduma Centre for assistance from KUCCPS-trained staff.

In partnership with universities and colleges, KUCCPS has established support centres at Huduma Centres across all 47 counties to assist Form Four leavers applying for university and Tvet courses.