How to Apply for KUCCPS Placement Step by Step (2025 Guide)

Are you a KCSE graduate wondering how to join a university, college, or TVET institution in Kenya? You’re not alone. Many students get confused when it’s time to apply through KUCCPS — the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service.

In this guide, we will explain how to apply for KUCCPS placement, step by step. We’ll use simple English to make sure you understand everything clearly.

What is KUCCPS and Why Do You Need It?

KUCCPS is the government body in charge of placing KCSE candidates into universities and colleges. If you want to pursue a degree, diploma, certificate, or artisan course, you must apply through KUCCPS.

Once placed, you become a government-sponsored student, which means:

Your fees will be lower
You can apply for HELB loans
You’ll have more credibility when looking for jobs

When Can You Apply to KUCCPS?

KUCCPS usually opens applications in three phases:

School/Centre Application (done while in Form 4)
First Revision of Choices (after KCSE results are released)
Second Revision of Choices (for those not placed in the first revision)

We will focus on the First and Second Revisions, which you do online by yourself.

Step-by-Step Guide to KUCCPS Application

1. Visit the KUCCPS Student Portal

Go to https://students.kuccps.net

Tip: Make sure you are using a phone or computer with good internet.

2. Log in with Your KCSE Details

Use:

KCSE Index Number (e.g., 12345678901/2024)
KCSE Year (e.g., 2024)
Password: Use your birth certificate number or ID number

Click “Login”

3. Review Your Profile

Once you log in, check:

Your name
Index number
School
KCSE Mean Grade
Cluster points

If anything looks wrong, talk to your teacher or KUCCPS support before proceeding.

4. Know Your Cluster Points

Each course has minimum requirements, and KUCCPS uses cluster points to determine if you qualify.

You can click on a course to view:

Minimum subject grades
Cut-off points from the previous year

Make sure your cluster points match the cut-off points for your preferred course.

5. Select Your Courses

You can choose:

4 degree programs (if eligible)
4 diploma programs
4 certificate/artisan programs

These will appear under:

Choice 1 (a, b, c, d)
Choice 2 (a, b, c, d)

It’s smart to mix your choices. For example, choose:

2 competitive courses (e.g., Medicine, Law)
2 moderate courses (e.g., Education, ICT)
2 backup or less competitive courses

Looking for help picking courses? See our guide on [How to Choose the Right Course After KCSE]

6. Pay the Application Fee

Use MPESA Paybill:

Paybill Number: 820201
Account Number: Your KCSE Index Number (e.g., 12345678901/2024)
Amount:
- First-time applicants: Ksh 1500
- Revision: Ksh 1000

Keep your MPESA message — you might need it later.

7. Submit and Confirm

Once paid, go back to the portal:

Enter your course codes
Click “Submit”
You will get a confirmation of your choices

You can change your choices anytime before the deadline, but once the portal closes, your last submission is final.

What Happens After You Apply?

KUCCPS will process all applications and place you in one of the institutions you selected, depending on your cluster points and available slots.

You’ll be notified via SMS or on the KUCCPS portal.

After placement:

Download your admission letter from the school’s website
Apply for HELB loan
Prepare to join school!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring cut-off points
Applying without checking subject requirements
Not paying the application fee
Choosing only competitive courses
Waiting until the last minute

Helpful Links:

KUCCPS Cut-Off Points for 2024/2025
Best Diploma Courses in Kenya
How to Apply for a HELB Loan in Kenya
Full List of Kenyan Universities and Their Contacts
Scholarships for KCSE Graduates

Final Tips

Involve your parents or teachers
Keep checking your portal for updates
Use backup choices to increase your chances
Don’t panic if you don’t get your top choice — you can still change programs later

Conclusion

Applying for KUCCPS placement is simple when you follow the steps. Make sure you understand your cluster points, pick the right courses, and pay the application fee on time.

If you have any questions, drop them in the comments or message us on our contact page.