KUCCPS Issues Fresh Guidelines on University and TVET Student Placement as 2025 Application Window Opens
Nairobi, The Gulf Observer: The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has issued new directives to universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes as the 2025 student placement application portal officially opens.
In a public notice published in a local daily, KUCCPS instructed all higher education institutions — both public and private — to provide detailed and accessible information about their programmes on widely visible platforms. This initiative aims to ensure that applicants are better informed about their options during the application period, which runs from March 28 to April 30, 2025.
“TVETs and public and private universities are required to provide sufficient information about their programmes to enable potential students to make informed choices on their career pathways,” the statement read.
The directive coincides with the nationwide opening of KUCCPS’s online portal for placement into public and private universities, public TVETs, teacher training colleges (TTCs), and Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) programmes.
Eligibility Criteria and Programme Requirements
KUCCPS clarified that only Kenyan citizens are eligible for placement in public and private universities. However, non-Kenyans are allowed to apply for placement in diploma programmes in Primary Teacher Education, Early Childhood Teacher Education, and KMTC courses.
Additionally, all applicants must have sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination administered by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).
The minimum qualification requirements for various academic levels are as follows:
- Degree: KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) and above
- Diploma: KCSE mean grade of C- (minus) and above
- Certificate: KCSE mean grade of D+ (plus) and above
- Artisan courses: Open to candidates with D (plain) and below
CEO Addresses Course Placement Concerns
Addressing widespread concerns regarding students being placed in courses they did not apply for, KUCCPS CEO Agnes Wahome noted that the issue is especially common in medical-related programmes due to the high demand and limited slots.
“Many applicants concentrate heavily on a small number of courses, particularly in the health sciences. As a result, when those programmes fill up, students are often placed in alternative but related courses based on their qualifications and cluster points,” Wahome explained.
A Call for Balanced Choices
KUCCPS is urging students to explore a broader range of programmes to increase their chances of being placed in a course of their choice. With institutions now required to present clear and detailed programme data, applicants are expected to make more balanced and strategic decisions during the ongoing application period.
The placement service continues to be a key mechanism in ensuring equitable access to tertiary education in Kenya, aligning student aspirations with market needs and institutional capacities.
