School & parents

How to apply for university and college courses on KUCCPS

Apply for degree, diploma and certificate courses on the KUCCPS student portal: log in with your KCSE index number, choose courses, pay and submit.

⏱ Takes about About 1 hour (take your time choosing)💳 Cost: An application fee, shown on the portal✔ Last checked 12 November 2026

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) places students in government-sponsored programmes at universities, colleges and TVET institutions. Applications open after the KCSE results are out, and KUCCPS announces the dates on its website and in the media.

Before you start

  • Have your KCSE results (grades per subject) in front of you.
  • Look up each programme's minimum requirements and cluster subjects on the portal. You only qualify if you meet them.
  • Work out your cluster points for each course with the KUCCPS cluster points calculator, and read how KUCCPS placement works.
  • Shortlist programmes in different institutions. Popular courses fill up, so include some you're sure to qualify for.

Apply

  1. Go to the student portal at students.kuccps.net.
  2. Log in with your KCSE index number, year and your password. The first time, the password is usually your KCPE index number or birth certificate number, as the portal explains. Then set your own password.
  3. Confirm your phone number and email address.
  4. Pay the application fee shown on the portal, following the payment steps.
  5. Choose Degree, Diploma, Certificate or Artisan programmes. Search for programmes, check that you qualify, and add your choices in order of preference.
  6. Submit your choices before the deadline and save or print the confirmation.

Tip: The portal shows whether you meet the requirements for each programme. Don't fill your list with programmes you don't qualify for.

After you apply

  • KUCCPS releases placement results on the portal; log in to see where you've been placed.
  • If there's a revision window, you can change your choices for programmes that still have space.
  • Funding (scholarships and loans for students in public universities and colleges) is applied for separately. Follow the government's announcements on how to apply.
Steps, fees and websites change from time to time. This guide was last checked on 12 November 2026. Before you pay or submit anything, confirm the details on the official website (KUCCPS). Never share your PIN or passwords with anyone who calls or texts you.