KUCCPS Releases 2026 Degree Courses and Minimum Subject Requirements (2025/2026 Placement Cycle)

KUCCPS Releases 2026 Degree Courses and Minimum Subject Requirements (2025/2026 Placement Cycle)

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has officially published the 2025/2026 degree programme list, detailing the minimum subject requirements for various clusters. This update provides clarity to KCSE candidates preparing to submit their university course choices.

The document outlines approved programmes across Kenyan universities and specifies the subject combinations and grade thresholds required for each course. However, meeting the minimum subject requirements alone does not guarantee placement. Final admission will still depend on:

• Cluster points

• Programme competitiveness

• Available capacity in universities

1. Health Sciences Cluster

Health-related programmes maintain the most stringent entry requirements, reflecting the technical and clinical demands of the fields.

Key Requirements:

Applicants must demonstrate strong performance in:

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Mathematics or Physics

• English or Kiswahili

Examples of Health Courses:

ProgrammeMinimum Key GradesBachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)Biology B, Chemistry B, Math/Physics B, Eng/Kis BBachelor of Dental SurgeryBiology B, Chemistry B, Math B, Eng/Kis BBachelor of PharmacyBiology C+, Chemistry C+, Math/Physics C+, Eng/Kis C+Bachelor of Science (Nursing, with IT)Biology C+, Chemistry C+, Math/Physics C+, Eng/Kis C+Bachelor of Veterinary MedicineBiology C+, Chemistry C+, Math/Physics/Agric C

These programmes remain highly competitive, and cluster points significantly influence placement.

2. Engineering and Technology Cluster

Engineering programmes require strong foundations in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.

General Requirements:

• Mathematics: C+ or above

• Physics: C+ or above

• Chemistry: C+ (for most engineering courses)

• English or Kiswahili: C+ (for engineering degrees)

Examples:

ProgrammeKey RequirementsBachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering)Math C+, Physics C+, Chemistry C+, Eng/Kis C+Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)Math C+, Physics C+, Chemistry C+, Eng/Kis C+Bachelor of Science (Electrical & Electronic Engineering)Math C+, Physics C+, Chemistry C+, Eng/Kis C+Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)Math C+, Physics C+, Eng/Kis C

Technical science degrees such as:

• Industrial Chemistry

• Microprocessor Technology

• Astronomy & Astrophysics

also require Mathematics and Physics at competitive grades.

3. Science Programmes

Pure and applied science degrees require specific subject combinations depending on specialization.

Examples:

ProgrammeRequirementsBSc (Biology)Biology C+, Chemistry C, Math CBSc (Biochemistry)Biology C+, Chemistry C, Math CBSc (Microbiology)Biology C+, Chemistry C, Math CBSc (Food Science & Technology)Bio/Agric C, Chemistry C, Math C

Agriculture-related programmes require:

• Biology or Agriculture (C+)

• Chemistry (C)

• Mathematics/Physics/Geography (C)

4. Business, Economics & Commerce

These courses require moderate mathematics performance.

ProgrammeRequirementBachelor of CommerceMathematics CBachelor of Business ManagementMathematics CBachelor of EconomicsMathematics C+, English/Kiswahili CBachelor of Actuarial ScienceMathematics C+

Actuarial Science and Applied Statistics demand strong mathematical competence.

5. Education Programmes

Education degrees are categorized based on teaching subject combinations.

Bachelor of Education (Science)

• Mathematics and any Group II subject (C+)

Bachelor of Education (Arts)

• Two subjects from Group I, III, IV or V (C+)

Special Needs Education

• Biology/General Science C+

• Math/Physics/Chemistry/Geography C+

Applicants must meet subject thresholds in the two teaching subjects they intend to specialize in.

6. Law, Journalism & Social Sciences

ProgrammeRequirementBachelor of Laws (LL.B)English/Kiswahili BBachelor of Journalism & Mass CommunicationEnglish/Kiswahili C+Bachelor of ArtsGeneral university minimumBachelor of Criminology & Security StudiesProgramme-specific requirements

Language proficiency is critical for Law and Journalism programmes.

Important Clarification: Minimum ≠ Guaranteed Admission

KUCCPS clearly states:

Meeting subject requirements does NOT guarantee placement.

Other determining factors include:

• Cluster points calculation

• Course demand

• Available slots per university

• National competitiveness trends

Students should therefore:

• Choose competitive and alternative options wisely

• Understand cluster point computation

• Apply strategically

Possible End of C+ University Entry Grade?

KUCCPS has signaled a potential review of the long-standing C+ minimum university entry requirement, particularly as Kenya transitions into the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

The discussion follows concerns about:

• Thousands of KCSE candidates missing the C+ threshold

• Whether exam-based grading aligns with CBC assessment philosophy

If implemented, this could significantly change university admissions in the coming years.

What Students Should Do Next

1. Review the official KUCCPS programme list carefully.

2. Confirm you meet both mean grade and subject-specific thresholds.

3. Calculate your cluster points before applying.

4. Select courses strategically (high, medium, and safety options).

5. Monitor KUCCPS updates for policy changes.

Final Insight

The 2025/2026 KUCCPS degree list provides transparency on subject expectations across clusters. However, admission remains competitive. Students should combine subject eligibility with strategic application planning to improve placement chances.

If you would like, I can also:

• Calculate cluster points for a specific course

• Help you identify courses matching particular KCSE grades

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