KUCCPS Application and Placement Timeline: Key Dates Each Year
By Muntasir • Published Aug 07, 2026 • Updated Sep 27, 2026 • Africa Admissions & Exams
KUCCPS places KCSE candidates into government-sponsored degree, diploma, certificate and TVET programs through cluster points, opening its main window after KNEC releases results, then running revision and second-call windows to fill remaining places.
🎓 Cluster points calculated from your KCSE grades decide which programs you qualify for.
📩 A revision window lets you change your choices if you are unplaced or unhappy with your first placement.
⏱️ The 2026 cycle's second call for university application opened 16 May 2026, with late degree applications running into July 2026.
KMTC and other specialized institutions run separate intake calendars; the September 2026 KMTC intake application opened 24 July 2026.
How KUCCPS Places You
The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) is the single body that places KCSE candidates into government-sponsored degree, diploma, certificate, and TVET programs. You do not apply to individual universities directly for these placements. KUCCPS computes a cluster points score from your KCSE grades in the subjects relevant to each course group, then matches you to programs based on your ranked choices and the points cut-off each program sets that year.
The Yearly Order of Events
KUCCPS opens its main application window once the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) finalizes and releases KCSE results for the year, since placement depends on verified grades. You log in to the KUCCPS student portal, select and rank your preferred programs, and submit before the window closes. KUCCPS then releases a first placement list, and candidates who are unhappy with their placement, or who were not placed at all, get a revision window to change their choices.
Second Calls Fill Remaining Vacancies
After the first placement round, KUCCPS reopens applications through second call and late application windows to fill vacancies universities and colleges still have. In the 2026 cycle, KUCCPS announced a second call for university application on 16 May 2026 and kept a late degree application window running into July 2026 (KUCCPS ). If your first-round placement does not go through, or you missed the main window, these later calls are your route back in without waiting an extra year.
Medical Training and Other Specialized Intakes
Some placements run on their own separate calendar. KUCCPS opened applications for Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) programs for the September 2026 intake, announcing the window on 24 July 2026 (KUCCPS ). KMTC and similar specialized institutions often run more than one intake a year, so their application windows do not always line up with the main university and college placement calendar. Check the KUCCPS portal for institution-specific windows rather than assuming every course follows the same dates as degree placement.
New and Changing Institutions
The placement landscape shifts as new institutions come online. The Open University of Kenya, for example, had an ongoing application window listed on the KUCCPS portal during the 2026 cycle. Check the KUCCPS news page each cycle for newly added institutions and programs, since these can open outside the main calendar.
2026 Cycle at a Glance
| Stage | What It Covers | 2026 Example |
|---|---|---|
| KCSE results | KNEC releases results, cluster points become calculable | Precedes the main placement window |
| Main application | Degree, diploma, certificate, and TVET program selection | Runs earlier in the cycle |
| First placement list | Initial placement results released | Cycle-specific |
| Revision window | Change your choices if unplaced or unhappy with placement | Cycle-specific |
| Second call | Fill remaining university vacancies | 16 May 2026 |
| Late degree application | Final route for stragglers | Ongoing into July 2026 |
| KMTC intake | Medical training college, separate calendar | Application opened 24 July 2026 for September 2026 intake |
What to Track Every Year
KCSE result release date from KNEC, since it triggers the main KUCCPS window.
Main application opening and closing dates on the KUCCPS student portal.
The revision window, if your first placement is not what you wanted.
Second call and late application windows for remaining vacancies.
Institution-specific intakes such as KMTC, which run their own calendars.
Keep Your Documents Ready
Have your KCSE index number, national ID or birth certificate, and a valid phone number and email linked to your KUCCPS account ready before any window opens. Update your contact details on the portal the moment they change, since placement letters and call notifications go out through the account you registered.