More than 980,000 students who sat the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations have one month to apply for university and college slots after the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) opened the applications portal.
The platform will be accessible until May 6, 2026.
Out of the 993,226 candidates who sat the examinations, 980,444 are eligible for placement by KUCCPS. 268,700 who attained a mean grade of C+ and above qualify for direct university placement.
The other 711,744 candidates can apply for placement to pursue diploma, certificate and artisan courses in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
Successful applicants for degree programmes will join universities between August and September when the academic calendars if universities begin, while those applying for TVET courses will begin reporting as early as May.
Placement in TVET institutions is usually under a continuous placement system and is also open to other Form Four leavers from previous years.
“The application targets the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination. The 2025 class can apply for both degree and TVET programmes. Whereas applicants for degree programmes will join universities from September, those applying for TVET programmes will be able to report to their respective colleges starting May, since TVET placement is continuous,” read the statement.
The placement body noted that students must carefully match their course choices with subject requirements and cut-off points to improve their chances, warning that errors or unrealistic selections could cost candidates placement opportunities.
“The minimum requirement for application to degree programmes remains C+ (plus). For TVET programmes, individuals with any KCSE grade from A to E who sat exams between 2000 to 2025 can apply. Students who sat the examinations within the same period and scored C+ (plus) and above are eligible to apply for degree programmes at the Open University of Kenya, read the statement.
This year, universities have declared a total capacity of 322,396 degree slots, as approved by the Commission for University Education. In comparison, TVET institutions regulated by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority offer over 1.13 million slots across various programmes.
In total, 43 public and 31 private universities, alongside 251 public TVET institutions, including university-based TVET institutes, are available for placement.
KUCCPS said placement will be conducted on merit in line with the Universities Act, taking into account applicants’ course preferences, KCSE performance and available capacity in institutions.
The placement service also indicated that candidates interested in joining the Kenya Medical Training College will have another opportunity to apply for the September intake after the current university placement process is completed.
Applicants have now been urged to submit their applications early, double-check their course selections and avoid last-minute rushes that could affect their chances of securing placement.
“Form Four leavers who sat the 2025 KCSE examination and are interested in joining KMTC will have an opportunity to apply for the September 2026 intake after completion of placement to universities. Those who repeated specific subjects so as to qualify for KMTC programmes will be eligible to apply, and all applications will be submitted online through the KUCCPS portal,” read the statement.
Step-by-step guide to applications
How to access the KUCCPS portal
Go to the official KUCCPS student portal Log in using: KCSE Index Number Year of Examination Password (usually your KCPE index number or as provided)2.
2. How to Navigate to the Application Section
Click on “Application/Revision” Choose the category: Degree Diploma Certificate / TVET
3. How to review courses carefully
Minimum grade required Subject requirements Cluster points Compare your KCSE results with course requirements
4. How to select your courses
Choose courses in order of preference Mix your choices: Dream courses (competitive) Realistic options Safe options (you clearly qualify)
Follow prompts to pay via M-Pesa Typical fee: Around KSh 1,500 (confirm on portal) Enter the M-Pesa transaction code to proceed
Review all details carefully Confirm and submit Save or screenshot your application for reference
Important things to remember
Apply early to avoid system delays Ensure all details are accurate Only select courses you qualify for Do not choose only competitive courses
Can you change your choices?
Your placement depends on:
Your KCSE grade Your course choices (priority order) Available slots
