KUCCPS outlines 7 mistakes to avoid when applying for courses

KUCCPS CEO Mercy Wahome

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has cautioned candidates interested in applying for various courses on some of the missteps they should learn to steer clear of during their submissions.

In an explainer thread through their social media platforms on Monday, KUCCPS outlined some of the mistakes applicants usually make when the placement portal is opened and urged them to avoid these costly mistakes.

“The first mistake is filling the contact form with incorrect phone numbers,” the agency stated.

KUCCPS further explained that applicants who filled in incorrect details, such as mobile contacts, risked missing out on important communication sent to them.

“Mistake number two is leaving courses in the Course Basket without submitting an application,” the agency said.

KUCCPS further explained that applications usually don’t end at the Course Basket and urged applicants to always remember to submit their applications for them to be considered.

To submit, click the “Application/Revision” button, then “Apply Now,” KUCCPS said.

Another blunder applicants make, according to KUCCPS, was applying for one programme while leaving the other choices blank.

It has called on applicants to apply for the four available options to increase their chances of placement.

“Mistake number four is applying for the same course in all the choices. This is a risk, especially for applicants interested in competitive courses like Medicine, Nursing and Engineering,” KUCCPS said.

“You should have different options to minimise the risk of missing out.”

Applicants who select only one course in one institution were also faulted, as KUCCPS pointed out that this limited their chances of being placed.

Another mistake KUCCPS highlighted was arranging courses randomly in the application form.

“When applying, ensure you arrange the courses in your order of priority, with choice number 1 being your most preferred course and number four being your least preferred. Otherwise, you could miss your preferred course,” it said.

Finally, the institution warned against using M-Pesa transaction ID to submit applications and called for applicants to use the eCitizen account which is indicated in the middle of the M-Pesa payment confirmation SMS and is made up of alphabetical letters only.

KUCCPS has opened the placement portal for degree, Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) and Training and Technical Trainer College (TTC) programmes admissions in various learning institutions in readiness for the September intake.

It further announced setting up support centres in 63 institutions across 47 counties where officers were be deployed to guide and advise applicants for the admissions.

 The application deadline for the September 2025 intake is April 30, 2025.