How to Apply on the KUCCPS Students’ Portal, Step by Step

Last reviewed: 24 October 2026

Applying for university, KMTC, teacher training or TVET placement in Kenya is done online through the KUCCPS Students’ Portal. The process is free to learn and simple once you understand the steps, but small mistakes, such as missing a deadline or picking courses you do not qualify for, can cost a year. This guide walks through the process as KUCCPS describes it.

On this page

1. Before you start
2. Step by step
3. Revision of choices
4. Choosing a sensible list
5. Where to get help
6. Common mistakes
7. After placement

Before you start

• Your KCSE index number and KCSE year.
• Your password: KUCCPS says this is either your KCPE index number or your birth certificate number.
• Your KCSE result slip, to check subject grades.
• A phone number and email you can access.

Step by step

1. Log in. Go to students.kuccps.net and click Login, or use the free KUCCPS mobile app from Google Play. Enter your index number, year and password.
2. Check your cluster weights. For degree applicants, the portal shows your weighted cluster points for each cluster. KUCCPS advises against calculating these yourself. See cluster points explained.
3. Download the programme lists. Under Programme Lists you can download the list of degree programmes and the degree cluster document, which include minimum subject requirements and previous cut-off points.
4. Browse TVET courses. The All Programmes tab groups courses by level and has a search tool for keywords such as “education” or “agriculture”.
5. Note programme codes. Write down the code of each programme you want, checking that you meet every subject requirement. KUCCPS says you can only apply for courses whose minimum requirements you satisfy.
6. Enter your choices. You can choose up to six degree programmes and up to four diploma, certificate or artisan programmes.
7. Pay and submit. Follow the eCitizen payment instructions on the portal, then submit before the deadline.

Revision of choices

After the first round, KUCCPS often opens a revision window for applicants who were not provisionally placed. In 2026, for example, it opened a second revision of degree choices with a deadline of 1 June 2026, and a TVET application window that closed on 8 June 2026. KUCCPS states that once you have secured a provisional placement, you cannot change your application and should wait for results.

Choosing a sensible list

Spread your choices. Put one or two ambitious programmes first, then programmes where last year’s cut-off was close to your cluster weight, and finally at least one where it was clearly lower. For TVET, consider institutions outside the big cities, which often have more space. A good list is one where you would be happy to attend any of the options.

Where to get help

KUCCPS lists free help at Huduma Centres across the country, at its offices at ACK Garden House in Nairobi, and at TVET institutions. Avoid cyber cafés or agents who ask for your password and then choose courses for you.

Common mistakes

• Choosing only popular programmes with high cut-offs.
• Ignoring subject requirements.
• Waiting for the last day, when the portal is busiest.
• Sharing your password.

After placement

Placement results are published on the portal. If you are placed somewhere you cannot attend, KUCCPS runs an inter-institution transfer window after results.

Related: minimum grades, KMTC entry, and placement under CBC.

Sources

• KUCCPS, Placement Process FAQ; “Degree Application 2025/2026 Placement Cycle”; 2026 KUCCPS Applications FAQs (kuccps.net)

CBC Guides is independent and not part of KUCCPS.