Last reviewed: 24 October 2026
Cut-off points are the most misunderstood numbers in Kenyan university admissions. Students see last year’s cut-off for a course, compare it with their cluster weight, and either panic or relax too early. This guide explains how to use previous cut-off points to build a smart list of degree choices, using the guidance KUCCPS itself publishes.
On this page
What a cut-off is, and is not
KUCCPS defines the cut-off as the weighted cluster points of the last student competitively placed in a particular programme. It is set by competition in that year, not announced in advance. If more strong applicants choose a course this year, its cut-off rises; if fewer do, it falls. Previous cut-offs are therefore a guide, not a promise.
Where to find them
After logging in to the KUCCPS Students’ Portal, the Programme Lists tab lets you download the degree programmes list and cluster document. In the 2025/2026 cycle these documents showed cut-off points for the two previous years, along with minimum subject requirements and the universities offering each programme.
A step-by-step method
- Find your cluster weight for the relevant cluster on the portal. Do not use an online calculator; KUCCPS says students cannot compute these accurately.
- List programmes you want and confirm you meet every subject requirement.
- Compare with last year’s cut-off at each university. KUCCPS advises applying where the previous cut-off is lower than your cluster weight to improve your chances.
- Sort into three bands: reach (cut-off slightly above your weight), match (close to it) and safer (clearly below).
- Fill your six slots with a mix, for example one reach, three match and two safer.
Same course, different universities
One of the most useful facts in the cluster document is that the same programme can have very different cut-offs at different universities. A commerce or education degree at a large Nairobi university may need far more points than the same degree elsewhere. If the course matters more than the campus, include several universities.
Trends to watch
- Courses linked to well-known careers, such as medicine, law, engineering and computer science, usually have the highest cut-offs.
- New programmes may have low or no cut-off history, which can be an opportunity, but research them carefully.
- Comparing two years shows direction: a cut-off rising sharply may keep rising.
A worked illustration
Suppose a student’s cluster weight for a business cluster is 34.5. One university’s commerce programme had a cut-off of 38 last year, another’s 35, and a third’s 31. The first is a reach, the second a close match and the third a safer option. Listing all three, plus related programmes such as economics or procurement, gives a realistic chance of a degree place. The numbers here are illustrative only; use the real figures on your portal.
If you miss out
Students not placed in the first round can often revise choices when KUCCPS opens a revision window. Once provisionally placed, however, KUCCPS says you cannot change your application. If placed somewhere unsuitable, you may later apply for one inter-institution transfer.
Under CBC
Cluster weights and cut-offs are based on KCSE. KUCCPS has not yet published how the first CBC cohort, joining in 2029, will be ranked. See KUCCPS placement under CBC.
Related: cluster points explained and how to apply.
Sources
- KUCCPS, Frequently Asked Questions and “Degree Application 2025/2026 Placement Cycle” (kuccps.net)
- KUCCPS, 2026 Applications FAQs
CBC Guides is independent and not part of KUCCPS.