Last reviewed: 31 October 2026
Updated October 2026. With a KCSE mean grade of C (plain) you cannot join a degree directly (that needs C+), but you qualify for most diploma courses in Kenya: KMTC diplomas such as nursing and clinical medicine (with the right subject grades), diploma in primary or ECDE teacher education, TVET and national polytechnic diplomas in business, ICT and engineering, and later a degree through a diploma. Below are the best courses for C plain students in Kenya, the subject grades they usually ask for, and how to apply through KUCCPS.
Entry rules change from year to year. Always confirm the current requirement on the KUCCPS portal or the college’s own intake notice before you pay any fee.
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What a C plain lets you study
| Level | Usual minimum mean grade | Open to a C plain? |
|---|---|---|
| Degree (direct entry) | C+ | No, but possible later via a diploma |
| Diploma | C- (many popular ones ask for C) | Yes |
| Certificate | D (some D+) | Yes |
| Artisan | D- and below | Yes |
See KCSE minimum grades for degree, diploma and certificate for the full table.
Best courses for C plain students in Kenya
KMTC diploma courses for C plain
KMTC diplomas commonly ask for a mean grade of C (plain) plus set grades in English or Kiswahili, Biology and a science or Maths. Courses C plain students often target include Diploma in Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing, Clinical Medicine, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics, Health Records and Physiotherapy. Clinical medicine and nursing are competitive, so a C plain with strong Biology and English stands a better chance. Read KMTC entry requirements and how to apply for KMTC courses.
Teaching diplomas
Diploma in Primary Teacher Education and Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education are open to many C plain holders who meet the subject grades. See teacher training college entry.
TVET and national polytechnic diplomas
Diplomas in ICT, accounting, supply chain, electrical and civil engineering, building technology, hospitality and journalism are offered at national polytechnics and TVET colleges, and many are government-sponsored through KUCCPS with HELB loans and capitation. Compare options in national polytechnics vs TVET colleges and TVET vs university.
Professional courses
CPA, ATD and similar KASNEB courses accept KCSE holders, and some accept a C plain directly. They suit students who want accounting without a degree first.
Can a C plain student join university?
Yes, by two common routes. First, finish a relevant diploma, then apply for a degree; many universities admit diploma holders, often with credit transfer. Second, resit KCSE to raise the mean grade to C+ (see the KCSE resit and private candidate guide). Bridging courses can also help if one subject is too low: bridging courses in Kenya.
How to apply as a C plain student
- Get your results and note each subject grade, not just the mean.
- Log into the KUCCPS student portal with your KCSE index number and year, and open the diploma list for your grade.
- Check each course’s subject requirements and pick choices you clearly meet.
- Apply in the KUCCPS window, then watch for revision of choices if you miss out (revision of choices explained).
- Apply for funding through HELB (HELB after KCSE).
Courses for C plus, C minus and below
With a C+ you can apply for degrees: start with KUCCPS cluster points explained. For C- and below see courses for C-, D+ and below. Still waiting to sit the exam? Use the KCSE revision quizzes and the KCSE paper challenges.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do nursing with a C plain?
Often yes, for a diploma in nursing at KMTC or another college, if you also meet the subject grades (usually in English, Biology and a science). A degree in nursing needs C+.
Can I do clinical medicine with a C plain?
Diploma in Clinical Medicine usually accepts a C plain with set grades in Biology, English or Kiswahili, and Chemistry or Physics. It is competitive, so check recent intakes.
Can a C plain go to university in Kenya?
Not straight to a degree. Most students do a diploma first and then join a degree, or resit KCSE to reach C+.
How many points is a C plain?
A mean grade of C is 39 to 45 aggregate points out of 84 across the best seven subjects. See KCSE grading explained.
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