The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has officially extended the application deadline for TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) courses for the September 2025 intake. This move aims to give more students, especially those from underserved regions, an opportunity to apply for hands-on training in accredited institutions across Kenya.
If you’re planning to join a TVET institution this year, here’s everything you need to know about the new deadline, reduced fees, eligibility, and how to apply through the KUCCPS student portal.
KUCCPS TVET Application Deadline Extended
Originally scheduled to close on August 22, 2025, the TVET application portal will now remain open until August 28, 2025. This 6-day extension gives thousands of students more time to submit or revise their applications online.
The extension follows growing public interest in technical and vocational programs, which are known to offer skills based training for real-world employment.
KUCCPS Reduces Application Fee to Ksh 500
In addition to extending the deadline, KUCCPS has also reduced the application fee:
- Previous Fee: Ksh 1,500
- New Fee: Ksh 500
This cost reduction is aimed at increasing affordability and accessibility for applicants, particularly in remote and low-income areas.
KUCCPS noted that the fee cut reflects government efforts to promote inclusive education and support the growing demand for TVET programs.
Who is Eligible to Apply for KUCCPS TVET Courses?
The KUCCPS TVET application portal is open to a wide range of candidates. Anyone who sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) between the years 2000 and 2024 is eligible to apply.
This includes:
- Recent secondary school graduates (e.g. 2023 or 2024 candidates)
- Older students from earlier KCSE years
- Individuals looking to reskill or upskill in a practical field
- Candidates who didn’t qualify for university admission
Whether you scored a C−, D, or even an E, you still have a chance to pursue quality technical education and build a strong career path through TVET institutions.
TVET Course Entry Requirements Explained
TVET programs are designed to be inclusive, especially for students who didn’t meet the university entry cutoff (typically C+ and above). KUCCPS offers placement into three main levels of TVET training, depending on your KCSE grade:
| TVET Program Level | Minimum KCSE Grade | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma (Level 6) | C− (minus) | For students who want to pursue more advanced technical training with higher responsibilities and job roles. |
| Craft Certificate (Level 5) | D (plain) | Offers mid-level training in practical fields like mechanics, electrical work, ICT, hospitality, etc. |
| Artisan Certificate (Level 4) | E | Ideal for students with the lowest grades. Provides basic hands-on skills for entry-level jobs or self-employment. |
Why This Matters
Many students assume they’re out of options if they didn’t get a C+ or higher, but that’s not true. TVET programs are backed by the Kenyan government to offer job-ready skills, often leading to faster employment or even self-employment through trades like:
- Plumbing
- Electrical installation
- Hairdressing & beauty therapy
- Welding
- ICT & digital skills
- Food & beverage production
No matter your grade, there is a TVET course pathway for you — and through KUCCPS, you can apply to accredited institutions like KMTC, national polytechnics, and other approved training centers across Kenya.
How to Apply for TVET Courses via KUCCPS Portal
Follow these steps to apply for a TVET course:
- Go to the KUCCPS Student Portal
- Log in using your:
- KCSE Index Number
- KCSE Exam Year
- Password (usually your Birth Certificate Number or KCPE index number)
- Browse available courses and select your preferred:
- TVET college (e.g. KMTC, Technical Training Institutes, National Polytechnics)
- Program type (Diploma, Craft, or Artisan)
- Pay the application fee of Ksh 500 via M-PESA Paybill as directed on the portal.
- Submit your application and download the confirmation slip.
Note: You can revise your choices before the deadline if needed.
Where to Get Help
If you don’t have access to the internet or need support with the application process, you can visit any of the following:
- Nearest TVET Institution
- Huduma Centres across Kenya
- Cybercafés with KUCCPS experience
- KUCCPS official contacts listed on kuccps.ac.ke
Why You Should Consider a TVET Course
TVET institutions are becoming increasingly popular due to their hands-on learning approach and employment-focused training. Many courses are aligned with the Kenyan job market and global skill demands in areas such as:
- Electrical & Mechanical Engineering
- ICT & Computer Science
- Plumbing & Masonry
- Health Sciences (KMTC)
- Agriculture
- Hospitality and Tourism
Graduates from these programs are equipped to start their own businesses or find formal employment faster than many university graduates.
Important Tips Before You Apply
- Ensure your KCSE index and credentials are accurate when logging in.
- Choose realistic and in-demand courses based on your grades and interests.
- Pay the correct fee and confirm your application status before the deadline.
- If unsure, get advice from your former school, teachers, or a nearby institution.
TVET Application Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | August 28, 2025 |
| Old Deadline | August 22, 2025 |
| Application Fee | Ksh 500 (reduced from Ksh 1,500) |
| Eligible Candidates | KCSE candidates from 2000 to 2024 |
| Entry Requirements | From Grade E and above |
| Application Portal | student.kuccps.net |
| Support Available | TVET Colleges, Huduma Centres, KUCCPS |
Useful Resources
- 👉 KUCCPS Official Portal
- 👉 KUCCPS Student Application Portal
- 👉 Visit helbportalke.com for more updates on HELB loans, TVET financing, and application support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new deadline for KUCCPS TVET applications?
The new deadline is August 28, 2025, extended from the original date of August 22. This gives applicants more time to complete or revise their applications.
Who is eligible to apply for TVET courses via KUCCPS?
Anyone who sat for KCSE between 2000 and 2024 is eligible. Whether you recently finished school or are looking to upgrade your skills, you can apply.
What are the minimum KCSE grades required for TVET programs?
- Diploma (Level 6): C−
- Craft Certificate (Level 5): D
- Artisan Certificate (Level 4): E
Even students with lower grades can apply for artisan and craft programs.
How much is the KUCCPS application fee for TVET programs?
The application fee has been reduced to Ksh 500, down from Ksh 1,500. This is part of an effort to make education more affordable.
Where do I apply for TVET courses?
Visit the official KUCCPS Student Portal at student.kuccps.net. Log in, select your preferred course, pay the application fee, and submit.
Conclusion
The extension of the KUCCPS TVET application deadline and the reduction of the application fee are timely opportunities for thousands of Kenyans to pursue career-ready technical education. Whether you’re a recent KCSE graduate or someone looking to gain practical skills for the job market, TVET programs offer flexible, accessible, and affordable pathways to success.
With entry requirements starting from as low as grade E, no student is left behind. Don’t miss this chance to apply before the August 28, 2025 deadline. Visit the KUCCPS student portal, select your course, and take the first step toward a skilled and employable future.
