The KUCCP application process is how you apply for university and college placement in Kenya. It is also known as KUCCPS — Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service. Use this guide for your KUCCPS TVET application or university application. We show you every step, from paying the fee to submitting your course choices.

KUCCP Application Guide 2026

Also known as KUCCPS — Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service

KES 1,500application fee

A complete step-by-step guide to applying for university and TVET placement through the KUCCP portal. Learn about the fees. Understand the deadlines. See how to choose your courses. Find out how to increase your chances of getting placed.

Application Fee

KES 1,500

One-time fee for first application. Pay via M-Pesa Paybill 820201. Revision fees are lower.

Course Choices

7 + 4

Up to 7 degree courses plus 4 diploma/certificate courses per application. Order matters.

Application Windows

3 Cycles

First application, first revision, and second revision. Check kuccps.net for exact dates each year.

Application Timeline

Phase 1

Portal Opens

KUCCPS announces the opening of the application portal. KCSE results are released by KNEC. Students can begin preparing their course selections.

Typically January–February

Phase 2

First Application

Students submit their initial course choices. Pay KES 1,500 and select up to 7 degree + 4 TVET courses. This is the most important window.

2–4 weeks after portal opens

Phase 3

First Revision

Students who were not placed (or want to change courses) can revise their choices. Reduced fees apply. New courses and institutions may be added.

Usually 2–4 weeks after first results

Phase 4

Second Revision

Final revision window for remaining unplaced students. Limited course availability. Last chance to get placed for the academic year.

Typically July–August

What You Need Before Applying

National ID

Your valid Kenyan National ID card. The ID number must match your KCSE registration details.

KCSE Index Number

Your 11-digit KCSE index number exactly as it appears on your results slip and certificate.

M-Pesa for Payment

KES 1,500 loaded on your M-Pesa account. Paybill number is 820201. Your phone number must be registered in your name.

Email Address

A working email address for receiving application confirmations and updates.

Active Phone Number

The phone number linked to your M-Pesa. Used for SMS notifications about placement results and deadlines.

Course Research

A list of preferred courses and institutions. Research cluster points and subject requirements before applying.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1

Pay the Application Fee via M-Pesa

Go to M-Pesa. Choose Lipa na M-Pesa. Choose Paybill. Enter Business Number 820201. For Account Number, put your KCSE index number plus your exam year — like 1234567890122025. Enter the amount: KES 1,500. Enter your M-Pesa PIN. Send. Keep the confirmation SMS.

2

Log In to the Portal

Go to students.kuccps.net. Enter your KCSE index number. Select the year you did your KCSE. Enter your password. If this is your first time, your password is your birth certificate number or your KCSE index number.

3

Fill In Your Profile

Enter your full name exactly as it appears on your KCSE certificate. Add your date of birth, gender, national ID number, phone number, and email. Add your home county and sub-county. Check everything twice before moving on — mistakes can delay your placement.

4

Choose Your Courses

Click "Application/Revision" on your dashboard. Pick up to 7 degree courses and 4 diploma/certificate courses. Browse by college name or course name. Each course shows its cluster points requirement. Only pick courses where your KCSE grade meets the cutoff.

5

Put Courses in Order — Favorite First

Your 1st choice is checked first. If you qualify, you get placed there — your other choices are not checked. So put your dream course first. Then your second choice. Keep going. For your later choices, pick courses with lower cluster points as backups.

6

Check Everything

Look at every detail: your name, your ID number, your course codes, the order of your choices, the college names. Make sure your subjects match what each course needs. Use the preview button to see your application the way KUCCPS will see it.

7

Submit & Download Your Slip

Click Submit. You will see a confirmation on the screen with an application reference number. Download it or take a screenshot. KUCCPS will also send an SMS to your phone. You cannot make changes after this — until the revision window opens.

Pro tip: Apply during the first application window. That is when most slots are available. If you wait for the revision window, fewer courses are open and more people are competing for them.

Application Fees Breakdown

Application TypeFee (KES)
First Application1,500
First Revision — Students not placed1,000
First Revision — Students placed500
Second Revision1,000

All fees paid via M-Pesa Paybill 820201. Account number format: KCSE index number + exam year.

Not Sure Which Courses to Pick?

Learn how cluster points work, how to arrange your priority list, and what subject combinations are required for different courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for KUCCP placement?
Step 1: Pay KES 1,500 through M-Pesa. Use Paybill 820201. Your account number is your KCSE index number plus your exam year. Step 2: Log in to students.kuccps.net. Use your KCSE index number and the year you did the exam. Step 3: Fill in your personal details. Step 4: Choose your courses. You can pick up to 7 degree courses and 4 diploma courses. Step 5: Put your courses in order — favorite first. Step 6: Review everything. Step 7: Submit. Download your acknowledgment slip. You can only apply when KUCCPS opens the application window.
Can I change my KUCCP course choices after submitting?
Yes — but only during the revision period. If you were not placed in any course, you can apply again during the first revision. Pick new courses. If you were placed but want to change, you can also apply during revision. The revision fee is KES 1,000 if you were not placed. It is KES 500 if you were placed. You cannot change anything after the revision window closes.
What happens if I am not placed in any course?
Do not panic. KUCCPS opens a revision window. You can re-apply with different course choices. Look at the cluster points for the courses you chose — you may have picked courses with cutoffs above your KCSE grade. Try choosing courses at less competitive colleges. Or apply for diploma and certificate courses instead of degrees.
Can I apply for both degree and diploma courses?
Yes. In one application, you can pick up to 7 degree courses and up to 4 diploma or certificate courses. Degree courses are for university. Diploma and certificate courses are for TVET colleges. You could be placed in either — or both. It depends on your KCSE grades and cluster points.