As the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) opens its placement portal for the September 2025 intake, applicants are being urged to avoid common mistakes that could cost them their preferred placement. In a public advisory shared via its social media platforms, KUCCPS outlined seven frequent blunders that students make during the course application process.
First on the list is filling out the contact form with incorrect phone numbers. KUCCPS warned that providing wrong mobile contact details could prevent applicants from receiving crucial updates about their placement.
Secondly, many candidates make the mistake of leaving selected courses in the Course Basket without completing the application. “Adding courses to the basket is not the final step. You must click ‘Application/Revision’ and then ‘Apply Now’ to submit your choices,” the agency emphasized.
The third error is applying for only one course and leaving other options blank. KUCCPS encourages applicants to utilize all four available slots to maximize their chances of placement.
Fourth, some applicants apply for the same course across all four choices. While this may indicate a strong preference, KUCCPS warned it is risky—particularly for competitive courses such as Medicine, Engineering, and Nursing. “Diversifying choices improves your chances of getting placed,” they advised.
The fifth mistake involves applying for a single course at just one institution. This narrows placement opportunities and should be avoided.
Sixth, KUCCPS cautioned against arranging courses haphazardly. Applicants must rank their choices based on priority, placing the most preferred course first to avoid being locked into a less desirable option.
Lastly, the agency warned that using the M-Pesa transaction ID to submit applications is incorrect. Instead, applicants should enter the eCitizen account code—comprising alphabetical letters—found in the middle of the M-Pesa payment confirmation SMS.
To support applicants, KUCCPS has set up help centres in 63 institutions across all 47 counties. These centres will offer guidance throughout the application period.
The application window for degree, TVET, and TTC programmes closes on April 30, 2025. Prospective students are urged to apply early and carefully to ensure successful placement.
