KUCCPS Opens Portal for 2026 University and College Applications

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) on Wednesday announced the opening of the 2026 application window. 

The window will remain open until May 6,2026 according to a press statement from KUCCPS. 

While students enrolling for TVET programs will start reporting to institutions in May, successful applicants for degree courses are anticipated to join universities in September 2026.

In 2025, 980,444 candidates sat the KCSE tests.

268,700 of them received a mean grade of C+ or higher, making them eligible to enrol in degree programs at 31 private and 43 public universities. Public colleges and other TVET schools will accept the remaining 711,744 applicants who received scores between C plain and E.

According to the KUCCPS, there are 251 public TVET institutions eligible for placement this year, including 33 university TVET institutions. 

While individuals with grades between A and E who took the KCSE between 2000 and 2025 can apply for TVET courses, the minimal criterion for degree programs is still a C+ (plus). 

Those who received a C+ or higher during that time frame are also eligible to apply for degree programs at the Open University of Kenya.

While middle-level institutions have a total capacity of 1,132,531 for diploma, certificate, and artisan courses, the Commission for University Education (CUE) has authorized 322,396 spaces for degree programs. Secondary Teacher Training Colleges may accommodate up to 2,480 students.

Additionally, KUCCPS stated that during the application period, its officials will be stationed at universities and TVET institutes throughout all counties to help applicants. Support will also be offered at Huduma Centers across the country.