Last reviewed: 24 October 2026
The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) is the country’s largest trainer of mid-level health workers, with campuses across many counties. Places in courses such as nursing and clinical medicine are highly competitive. This guide explains how KMTC admissions work through KUCCPS, the typical entry requirements, and how to apply.
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How KMTC admissions work
KMTC’s pre-service programmes are applied for through KUCCPS, which coordinates placement to KMTC alongside universities and TVET institutions. KUCCPS runs separate KMTC application windows for each intake. For example, it opened applications for KMTC’s September 2026 intake through its Students’ Portal, and KMTC published a full advert for its March 2026 intake listing programmes and campuses. KMTC is also one of the few placement routes open to non-Kenyan citizens, according to KUCCPS.
Typical entry requirements
Requirements vary by programme, and each advert lists them in full. As a guide, KMTC diploma programmes generally require a KCSE mean grade of C (plain) plus specific subject grades, and certificate programmes generally require C- (minus) plus specified subjects. Examples from KMTC’s 2026 intake advert include:
- Diploma in Kenya Registered Nursing: C mean grade; C in English or Kiswahili; C in Biology or Biological Sciences; C- in Chemistry, Physics/Physical Science or Mathematics.
- Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery: C mean grade; C in English or Kiswahili; C in Biology or Biological Sciences; C- in Chemistry or Physical Sciences; C- in Mathematics, Physics or Physical Sciences.
Always confirm the current requirements on the latest advert, because they can change between intakes.
Applying step by step
- Read the KMTC advert for the intake on kmtc.ac.ke or kuccps.net.
- Log in to the KUCCPS Students’ Portal with your KCSE index number, KCSE year and password.
- Open the KMTC programmes list, check minimum requirements and note programme codes and campuses.
- Select programmes and campuses in order of preference.
- Pay the application fee through the portal’s eCitizen instructions and submit before the deadline.
For general portal guidance see how to apply on the KUCCPS portal.
Improving your chances
- Spread your campus choices. Nairobi and other city campuses attract many applicants; less popular campuses may have more room.
- Consider related programmes. Health records, nutrition, community health and laboratory sciences also lead to health careers.
- Check subject grades first. A C mean grade is not enough if Biology or English falls short.
Beware of fake offers
Every year people are approached by agents promising KMTC places for a fee. Admission is only through the official application process, and placement results are released through official channels. Do not pay anyone outside the published application fee.
After KMTC
KMTC diploma graduates register with the relevant professional body, such as the Nursing Council of Kenya or the Clinical Officers Council, before practising. Many later upgrade to degrees at universities.
Under CBC
For learners in senior school now, health careers sit within the STEM pathway, especially the pure sciences track. Strong Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics remain essential. See how pathways connect to courses and the STEM pathway.
Sources
- KUCCPS, “Placement” page and “KUCCPS opens application for KMTC programmes, September 2026 intake”
- KMTC, March 2026 intake full advert (published via kuccps.net) and academic programmes page (kmtc.ac.ke)
CBC Guides is independent and not affiliated with KMTC or KUCCPS.