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.