The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has issued a last-minute appeal to thousands of 2025 KCSE candidates to complete their applications for university and college admissions before the portal closes at midnight on Wednesday.
In a statement on Wednesday, KUCCPS chief executive Dr Agnes Mercy Wahome warned that many students risk missing out on the first round of placements because they have only added courses to their “basket” without submitting their final choices.
“Adding programmes to the course basket is not an application,” Dr Wahome said. “You must complete the process and submit your choices before the midnight deadline to be considered in this first round of placement.”
By this morning, 207,308 students or 77% of the 268,714 candidates who scored the minimum university entry grade of C+, had submitted applications. However, officials expressed concern over a significant number of incomplete submissions.
KUCCPS has sought to reassure candidates and parents that there is ample space available this year, with more than 1.4 million slots across the country. This includes 322,396 university places and over 1.1 million positions in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, spread across 508 public and private institutions.
Dr Wahome encouraged students who performed well in practical subjects such as drawing and design, music, electricity and woodwork – all of which recorded pass rates above 80% – to seriously consider technical courses.
Those who miss the deadline or fail to secure their preferred programmes will have another opportunity during a second revision window, which will run from May 16 to 22nd.
“No student will be left behind. Following the closure of the portal tonight, we will process applications and then re-open for a second revision from May 16 to May 22, 2026, for those who may need to adjust their choices,” she said.
How to apply on KUCCPS
Applications are done online only through the official KUCCPS Student Portal. The current deadline is Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (midnight).
Step-by-Step Application Guide
1. Visit the Official Portal
Go to: https://students.kuccps.net
(You can also access it via the main KUCCPS website: www.kuccps.net → Click on Student’s Portal).
2. Log In
* Username: Your KCSE Index Number
* KCSE Year: 2025
* Password: Your KCPE Index Number or Birth Certificate Number (as used during KCSE registration)
If you’ve forgotten your password or it’s your first time, use the password reset option on the portal.
3. Access the Application Section
Once logged in, go to the Programmes or Institutions tab to browse available courses and their minimum requirements (cluster points/grades).
You can only select courses you qualify for.
4. Select Your Courses
Add your preferred programmes to the Course Basket.
For degree programmes: You can typically choose up to 6 choices (ordered by priority).
For TVET/diploma/certificate: Additional choices are available.
Important: Adding to the basket is not the same as applying — you must submit your final choices.
5. Pay the Application Fee
The fee is KSh 1,500.
Payment is made via e-Citizen (M-Pesa or other options). You’ll get a transaction code to confirm payment on the portal.
6. Submit Your Application
Review everything carefully, then click Submit or Apply Now.
Ensure you get a confirmation message. Take a screenshot or note your reference number.
Key tips
- Research courses and cluster points in advance using the downloadable lists on the portal.
- Prioritise realistically — put your most preferred (but realistic) course first.
- Students who performed well in practical subjects (e.g., Woodwork, Electricity, Drawing & Design, Music) are encouraged to consider TVET courses.
- You can revise choices later during the second window (May 16–22, 2026).
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