Pertaining the latest career updates, again, Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) opened its portal for application for Degree courses targeting the KCSE candidate class of 2024. The portal is also open for applications for Diploma (Level 6), Craft Certificate (Level 5) and Artisan Certificate (Level 4) courses in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) open for KCSE candidate classes from 2000 to 2024. Likewise, the portal is still open for 3 teacher-training colleges offering Diploma in Secondary Teacher Education and the rest in Diploma in Primary Teacher Education.
Ideally, KUCCPS School/Centre Application for Degree and TVET Programmes: Principals’ Application Guide, has good guidance and advice on how students can apply for courses in colleges and universities. Then, KUCCPS agency has announced 63 placement support centres across the country, targeting the aforesaid applicants. Officers have been deployed in those centres to chaperone applicants.
Largely, students secure placements into Degree courses based on their academic performance in KCSE, merit and affirmative action. Focusing on programmes, students have 18 options, which include: 6 Degree options (1a, 1b, 1c, 2, 3 and 4), 4 Diploma (Level 6) options (1, 2, 3 and 4), 4 Craft Certificate (Level 5) options (1, 2, 3 and 4), and 4 Artisan Certificate (Level 4) options (1, 2, 3 and 4).
Advisedly, students should apply only for programmes they are comfortable to pursue. In case students are not to apply, they should not enter anything in the fields. Instead, it is okay to leave the choice cells blank, and only fill the contact details. Likewise, failure to fill the portal means either the student is not interested to join tertiary institution in Kenya. Or is planning to see beyond the sea – study abroad.
In addition, pertaining Degree courses, choices 1a to 1c, should be the same programme in three different universities. For instance, Engineering at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT).
Conversely, in case the programme only exists in one or two institutions, students should enter only the one available, and skip the other. There will be first and second revision of courses. Application costs Sh 1,500 paid to the e-Citizen pay bill 222222. While choosing courses in universities, students should consider factors such as cluster requirements, accreditation details, fees or cost, accommodation, location, ranking, marketability, work study programmes, scholarship opportunities, et cetera.
Moreover, matters cut-off points and cluster points must be taken into account. Some courses have additional subject requirements published on KUCCPS portal when it opens for applications. For degree programmes, cut-off points and applicants’ weighted cluster points will also be a factor. On minimum requirements for admission to various levels, KUCCPS states: Entry into Degree courses requires a C+ (plus) of 46 points, and above. Diploma (Level 6) is C- (minus) and above. Albeit, for a course such as Diploma in Nursing, the mean Grade is C (plain) and above. With at least a C- (minus) in Mathematics and D+ (plus) in Biology. Craft Certificate (Level 5) is the mean grade of D (plain) and above. Artisan Certificate (Level 4) is a mean grade of E.
Consequently, on matters cluster points, there are 4 key subjects required for a particular course. For instance, for medical courses such as Medicine itself, Clinical Medicine and Nursing, The Essential Career Guide by KUCCPS postulates, apart from peerless performance in all subjects, these key subjects will apply: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics and English or Kiswahili.
Finally, these are the guidelines on how to access, and apply for courses on KUCCPS portal. Computer and digital skills are of help here. With sufficient bundles or internet connectivity, the student can apply using a hand-held device like a phone or tablet. It can also be done on a laptop, or desktop at home with sufficient internet connectivity. The student can also visit the cybercafé in close range for assistance in application.
It begins with logging to: students.kuccps.net. Or send an email to info@kuccps.ac.ke. Enter the index number. Enter the KCSE year. Enter password: Birth certificate number/entry number/KCPE index number. Click programme lists. Select the programme/institution you wish to apply. The document will be downloaded as a PDF file. Check out for the programme codes and note them down.
Go back to the menu bar. Click application or revision. Key in the forms for submitting the programme code. Type the codes you had noted. Submit it. Go for payment instructions: For eCitizen, pay bill number is 222222. Enter the account number provided. Pay Sh 1,500. Get a confirmation text. Go back to the application window and enter the account number (Payment REF). Submit it. The application will be successful.
The writer guides students on how to make informed career choices.
vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232.