Last reviewed: 24 October 2026
Under CBC, learners choose a senior school pathway at the start of Grade 10: STEM; Social Sciences; or Arts and Sports Science. Parents naturally want to know which university and college courses each pathway leads to. This guide explains the general link between pathways and later study, while being clear about what is not yet officially decided.
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An important caveat
KUCCPS has not yet published the subject requirements that degree and diploma programmes will use for CBC graduates, who are expected to join higher education in 2029. The pairings below follow the logic of current KCSE subject requirements and the content of each pathway. Treat them as planning guidance, not admission rules. See KUCCPS placement under CBC.
STEM pathway
STEM covers Mathematics, the pure and applied sciences, and technical and engineering subjects. It is the natural route for courses that today require strong Mathematics and sciences:
- Medicine, pharmacy, nursing, clinical medicine, dentistry and laboratory sciences, which currently need strong Biology and Chemistry;
- Engineering (civil, electrical, mechanical), architecture and surveying, which currently need Mathematics and Physics;
- Computer science, software engineering and data science;
- Agriculture, food science and veterinary medicine; and
- Technical TVET diplomas in electrical, automotive, building and ICT fields.
More detail: the STEM pathway explained.
Social Sciences pathway
Social Sciences covers languages and literature, humanities, and business studies. It leads naturally to:
- Law, which currently values strong English and humanities;
- Education (arts subjects), journalism, communication and public relations;
- Economics, commerce, accounting, finance and business management, where Mathematics remains important;
- Political science, international relations, sociology, psychology and social work; and
- TVET diplomas in business, hospitality, secretarial and supply chain studies.
Learners in this pathway who want business or economics degrees should keep Mathematics strong. See the Social Sciences pathway.
Arts and Sports Science pathway
This pathway covers performing and visual arts and sports science. It connects to:
- Music, theatre, film and fine art degrees;
- Graphic design, fashion design and interior design;
- Sports science, physical education, coaching and recreation management; and
- Creative TVET diplomas such as film production, photography and beauty therapy.
Read the Arts and Sports Science pathway.
Choosing subjects inside a pathway
The pathway is only part of the picture; the specific subjects chosen matter just as much. Two STEM learners can end up with very different options if one takes Biology and Chemistry and the other takes Physics and technical subjects. When choosing, work backwards: pick two or three careers, find out which subjects their degrees need today, and make sure those subjects are in the combination.
Keeping doors open
- Keep Mathematics wherever possible; it is required for a wide range of courses.
- Strong English helps in every pathway.
- Remember TVET: many careers are reached through diplomas first. See TVET vs university.
Still deciding? Our guide to choosing a pathway and the pathways hub go further.
Sources
- Ministry of Education, Guidelines for Implementation of Senior School Education (pathways)
- KUCCPS, degree programme subject requirements as published on the Students’ Portal (KCSE system)
- Daily Nation, reporting on the CBE university admission system (2026)
CBC Guides is independent and not part of KUCCPS, KICD or the Ministry of Education.