If you are searching for the KUCCPS courses and cut off points 2026, trying to understand which degree or diploma you qualify for, or comparing options before completing your application, this guide has you covered. Thousands of students across Kenya are currently exploring the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service portal to check available programmes, cluster points, and minimum requirements. In this post, you will find a simplified and updated breakdown of KUCCPS courses, cut-off points, and how to choose the best course based on your KCSE results.
Every year, KUCCPS releases a list of courses available in:
- Public universities
- Private universities
- TVET institutions
- Teacher training colleges
Each course has:
- A minimum KCSE grade
- Subject requirements
- Cluster points (cut-off points)
Important: Cut-off points vary depending on competition and number of applicants.
What Are KUCCPS Cut-Off Points?
Cut-off points (also known as cluster points) are the minimum score required to qualify for a specific course.
They are calculated based on:
- Your KCSE performance
- Performance in relevant subjects
- Course demand
The higher the demand for a course, the higher the cut-off point.
KUCCPS Degree Courses and Cut-Off Points 2026
Below is a simplified breakdown of popular degree courses and their estimated cut-off ranges.
Medicine and Health Courses (Highly Competitive)
| Course | Minimum Grade | Estimated Cut-Off |
| Medicine and Surgery | A | 45-48 |
| Pharmacy | B+ | 42-45 |
| Nursing | B | 35-40 |
| Clinical Medicine | C+ | 30-35 |
These courses are extremely competitive and require strong science subject performance.
Cluster Subjects & Top Universities (2026 Guide)
1. Medicine & Surgery
Cluster Subjects:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics or Physics
- English/Kiswahili
Key Requirements:
- Biology: B
- Chemistry: B
- Math/Physics: B
- English/Kiswahili: B
Top Universities:
- University of Nairobi
- Moi University
- Kenyatta University
- Egerton University
2. Pharmacy
Cluster Subjects:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics or Physics
- English/Kiswahili
Top Universities:
- University of Nairobi
- Kenyatta University
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
3. Nursing
Cluster Subjects:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics or Physics
- English/Kiswahili
Top Universities:
- Kenyatta University
- Maseno University
- University of Nairobi
4. Clinical Medicine
Cluster Subjects:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics or Physics
- English/Kiswahili
Top Colleges:
- Kenya Medical Training College
- Kenya Methodist University
Engineering Courses
| Course | Minimum Grade | Estimated Cut-Off |
| Civil Engineering | B | 38-42 |
| Electrical Engineering | B | 36-40 |
| Mechanical Engineering | B | 35-40 |
Strong performance in Mathematics and Physics is required.
Cluster Subjects & Top Universities
1. Civil Engineering
Cluster Subjects:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- English/Kiswahili
Top Universities:
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
- University of Nairobi
- Technical University of Kenya
2. Electrical Engineering
Cluster Subjects:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- English/Kiswahili
Top Universities:
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
- Moi University
- Technical University of Kenya
3. Mechanical Engineering
Cluster Subjects:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- English/Kiswahili
Top Universities:
- University of Nairobi
- JKUAT
- Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
Education Courses (Teaching)
| Course | Minimum Grade | Estimated Cut-Off |
| Barchelor of Education (Arts) | C+ | 24-30 |
| Bachelor of Education (Science) | C+ | 28-35 |
These are among the most popular courses due to stable employment opportunities.
Cluster Subjects & Top Universities offering these courses
1. Bachelor of Education (Arts)
Cluster Subjects:
- Two teaching subjects (e.g. History, Geography)
- English/Kiswahili
- Mathematics (or alternative)
Top Universities:
- Kenyatta University
- Egerton University
- Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
2. Bachelor of Education (Science)
Cluster Subjects:
- Mathematics
- Two science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- English/Kiswahili
Top Universities:
- Kenyatta University
- Moi University
Business and IT Courses
| Course | Minimum Grade | Estimated Cut-Off |
| Bachelor of Commerce | C+ | 25-32 |
| Computer Science | C+ | 30-38 |
| Information Technology | C+ | 26-34 |
These courses are less competitive compared to medicine and engineering.
Cluster Subjects & Top Universities
1. Bachelor of Commerce
Cluster Subjects:
- Mathematics
- English/Kiswahili
- Business Studies/Economics
- Any other subject
Top Universities:
- University of Nairobi
- Kenyatta University
- Strathmore University
2. Computer Science
Cluster Subjects:
- Mathematics
- Physics or Computer Studies
- English/Kiswahili
- Any subject
Top Universities:
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
- University of Nairobi
- Strathmore University
3. Information Technology (IT)
Cluster Subjects:
- Mathematics
- Physics or Computer Studies
- English/Kiswahili
- Any subject
Top Universities:
- Kenyatta University
- JKUAT
- Mount Kenya University
Social Sciences and Arts
| Course | Minimum Grade | Estimated Cut-Off |
| BA Economics | C+ | 28-35 |
| BA Psychology | C+ | 25-30 |
| BA Journalism & Media | C+ | 24-30 |
Cluster Subjects & Top Universities For Students
1. BA Economics
Cluster Subjects:
- Mathematics
- English/Kiswahili
- Any Group II subject
- Humanities subject
Top Universities:
- University of Nairobi
- Kenyatta University
2. BA Psychology
Cluster Subjects:
- English
- Biology or any science
- Humanities subject
- Any subject
Top Universities:
- University of Nairobi
- Daystar University
3. Journalism & Media Studies
Cluster Subjects:
- English (very important)
- Kiswahili
- Humanities subject
- Any subject
Top Universities:
- University of Nairobi
- Daystar University
- Moi University
KUCCPS Diploma Courses and Cut-Off Points 2026
Diploma courses are ideal for students with C, C-, or D+ grades.
Popular Diploma Courses
| Course | Minimum Grade |
| Diploma in Nursing | C |
| Diploma in Education | C |
| Diploma in ICT | C- |
| Diploma in Business Management | C- |
| Diploma in Electrical Engineering | C- |
Diplomas are practical and can lead to degree upgrades later.
KUCCPS TVET Courses (For D+, D, and D- Students)
TVET institutions offer skill-based courses for students with lower grades.
Examples of TVET Courses
| Course | Minimum Grade |
| Certificate in Plumbing | D |
| Certificate in Electrical Installation | D |
| Certificate in Hairdressing and Beauty | D- |
| Cerificate in Catering | D- |
These courses focus on practical skills and self-employment.
Courses You Can Get Based on Your Grade
Programmes for A to B Students
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Pharmacy
- Computer Science
Courses for C+ Students
- Education
- Business
- IT
- Social Sciences
Programmes for C to D Students
- Diploma in Nursing
- Diploma in ICT
- Diploma in Business
Courses for D+, D, D- Students
- TVET certificates
- Artisan courses
- Technical training programmes
How to Choose the Right Course
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions.
Consider:
- Your KCSE grade
- Your strengths in subjects
- Job market demand
- Personal interests
Avoid:
- Copying friends
- Choosing courses blindly
- Ignoring requirements
How to Check KUCCPS Courses and Cut-Off Points
To get the full official list:
- Visit the KUCCPS student portal
- Log in using your KCSE details
- Click on “Programme Lists”
- Browse courses and requirements
Always confirm details from the official portal.
Important Tips for KUCCPS Application 2026
- Apply early before deadline
- Select a mix of competitive and safe courses
- Double-check programme codes
- Consider diploma and TVET options
- Stay updated on official announcements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are KUCCPS cut-off points?
These are the minimum cluster points required to qualify for a specific course.
2. Can cut-off points change?
Yes. They vary every year depending on demand and student performance.
3. Can I get a degree with a C grade?
Yes, but options are limited. You may also consider diploma courses.
4. What is the minimum grade for KUCCPS courses?
Degree: C+
Diploma: C-
Certificate: D
5. Which courses have the lowest cut-off points?
Courses in arts, humanities, and some TVET programmes usually have lower cut-offs.
Conclusion
Understanding the KUCCPS courses and cut-off points 2026 is key to making the right academic and career decision. Whether you scored an A or a D-, there is always an opportunity for you within the KUCCPS placement system.
The secret is simple: choose wisely, apply early, and stay informed.
Don’t just go for the most popular course—go for what fits your strengths and future goals. With proper planning, you can secure a course that sets you on the path to success.
