KUCCPS Inter-Institution Transfer: Rules, Fee and Steps

Last reviewed: 24 October 2026

Sometimes a student placed by KUCCPS realises the institution or course is not right, because of distance, health, family circumstances or a change of plan. KUCCPS allows one inter-institution transfer for placed students. This guide explains the rules, the fee, and the steps, based on KUCCPS’s own published answers.

On this page

1. What an inter-institution transfer is
2. The key rules
3. Step by step
4. Vacancies matter
5. Same university, different course
6. Good and weak reasons
7. Tips
8. Under CBC

What an inter-institution transfer is

KUCCPS describes it as an opportunity for successful applicants to apply to move from one institution to another. It is different from changing courses within the same university, which institutions handle internally.

The key rules

• Once only. KUCCPS says applicants can transfer only once.
• Fee: the transfer processing fee is KSh 1,000.
• Requirements: you must meet the minimum requirements for the programme you want (where applicable) and the cut-off points for that programme at the institution you want to join.
• Endorsement: the heads of the institutions must endorse the transfer.
• Timing: the system opens for a specific period after placement results are released.
• Processing: up to 14 working days.

Step by step

1. Log in to the KUCCPS Students’ Portal with your KCSE index number, year and password.
2. Open the transfer application section.
3. Enter the code of the institution and programme you want to move to. Check the programme’s subject requirements and recent cut-off first.
4. Choose your reason and attach any supporting document, for example a medical letter for a health-related request.
5. Write a short, honest explanation.
6. Pay the KSh 1,000 fee through the eCitizen instructions shown on the portal, then enter the eCitizen payment reference, not the M-PESA transaction code.
7. Submit and track progress on the portal.

Vacancies matter

A transfer depends on space at the receiving institution. Universities sometimes publish lists of programmes with vacancies for transfers. The Technical University of Kenya, for example, published a notice in August 2026 listing programmes with limited vacancies for the 2026/2027 inter-university transfer, asking applicants to apply through the KUCCPS portal by 14 August 2026. Checking such notices can save a wasted application.

Same university, different course

If you want to change course but stay at the same university, KUCCPS says many institutions allow intra-institutional (inter-faculty) transfers for admitted students, provided they meet the subject requirements and cut-off for the new course. KUCCPS is not involved; apply through the university’s registrar.

Good and weak reasons

Strong reasons are specific and supported: a documented medical condition needing treatment near home, or serious family circumstances. Vague reasons such as “I prefer another town” are less persuasive when institutions decide whether to endorse a request.

Tips

• Because you only get one transfer, choose the destination carefully.
• Apply as soon as the window opens.
• Keep copies of your payment reference and supporting documents.
• Report to your current institution until the transfer is approved, so you do not lose your place.

Under CBC

KUCCPS has not announced changes to transfer rules for the first CBC cohort joining in 2029. See KUCCPS placement under CBC.

Related: how to apply on the KUCCPS portal and cluster and cut-off points.

Sources

• KUCCPS, Frequently Asked Questions on inter-institutional transfer (kuccps.net)
• Technical University of Kenya, “KUCCPS available space” notice, 6 August 2026
• Nestict blog, KUCCPS inter-institutional transfer application guide (2026), for portal steps

CBC Guides is independent and not part of KUCCPS.