Degree Courses Available for C+ KCSE Graduates in 2026: Complete Guide

Students who attained a mean grade of C+ (plus) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination have access to a wide array of degree programs across Kenyan universities in 2026, provided they meet specific subject cluster requirements.

ALSO READ: Career Pathways for KCSE 2026 Students with C, C-, D+, D, D- Grades

While the C+ grade serves as the baseline qualification for university admission nationwide, prospective students must understand that individual courses demand additional prerequisites in particular subjects such as Mathematics, English, Sciences, or Languages.

Understanding Entry Requirements

The minimum C+ grade establishes general eligibility for degree-level study, but does not guarantee automatic placement in all programs. Universities evaluate applicants based on performance in specific “cluster subjects” relevant to each field of study.

For instance, technology-related courses typically require strong performance in Mathematics and Physics, while education programs assess grades in potential teaching subjects.

Business and Commerce Programs

Students interested in commercial fields can pursue several options:

1. Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) – Available at institutions including University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, and Moi University
2. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) – Offered at Strathmore University, United States International University, and various public universities
3. Bachelor of Procurement and Supply Chain Management – Available at technical universities and business-focused institutions
4. Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Statistics – Offered at major public universities with emphasis on quantitative subjects

Technology and Information Communications

The ICT sector offers growing opportunities for C+ graduates:

5. Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Requires C+ in Mathematics and Physics or Science; available at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Technical University of Kenya, and Multimedia University
6. Bachelor of Business Information Technology (BBIT) – Offered at Strathmore University, KCA University, and other institutions
7. Bachelor of Science in Software Development – Available at technical universities and technology-focused campuses
8. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Widely offered across public and private universities

Education Courses

Teaching remains a viable career path:

9. Bachelor of Education (Arts) – Usually requires C+ in two teaching subjects; offered at Kenyatta University, Egerton University, Maseno University, and teachers’ training colleges
10. Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) – Available at universities with education faculties including Mount Kenya University and Kenya Methodist University

Social Sciences and Media Studies

These programs address contemporary social challenges:

11. Bachelor of Arts in Community Development – Offered at universities with development studies departments
12. Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Security Studies – Available at Kenyatta University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, and security-focused institutions
13. Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Digital Media – Offered at Multimedia University, Daystar University, and major public universities
14. Bachelor of Arts in Counseling Psychology – Available at universities with psychology departments including Daystar University and Africa Nazarene University

Hospitality and Tourism Management

The tourism industry offers specialized programs:

15. Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management – Offered at Moi University, Technical University of Mombasa, and hospitality-focused institutions
16. Bachelor of Tourism and Travel Management – Available at universities in tourist regions and major cities

Engineering and Health Sciences

These competitive fields have stricter requirements:

17. Bachelor of Science in Engineering (various specializations) – Typically requires C+ overall with strong performance in Mathematics and Physics; offered at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, University of Nairobi, Technical University of Kenya, and Moi University
18. Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Highly competitive, requiring specific grades in Biology, Chemistry, and English or Kiswahili; available at University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Moi University, and Kenya Methodist University
19. Bachelor of Science in Medical Microbiology – Requires strong science subjects; offered at universities with medical schools

Application Process

Prospective students should submit applications through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) Student Portal at https://students.kuccps.net/.

The placement process for 2026 admissions requires careful attention to individual university cut-off points, which may exceed the national minimum depending on program competitiveness and institutional standards.

Applicants are advised to verify specific cluster subject requirements for their preferred courses, as these vary significantly between institutions and programs.

Strategic Considerations

Education experts recommend that C+ candidates research multiple programs within their areas of interest, as cluster subject performance often proves more decisive than the overall mean grade.

Students should also consider emerging fields where demand for graduates remains high, including technology, healthcare support services, and specialized business areas.

The 2026 academic year presents diverse opportunities for C+ graduates willing to meet program-specific requirements and strategically navigate the university placement system.