KUCCPS TVET Courses 2025: Subject Requirements for Diploma, Certificate and Artisan Programmes

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has released the official subject requirements for diploma, certificate and artisan courses under the 2025 TVET placement cycle, giving students who scored Grades C, D and E in the 2025 KCSE a clear pathway into technical and vocational training.

If you did not meet university entry requirements in the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, TVET programmes offered through KUCCPS remain a viable and rewarding option. Here is everything you need to know about the available courses, minimum grades and subject requirements.

What Is KUCCPS TVET Placement?

KUCCPS manages the placement of students into public universities, colleges and TVET institutions across Kenya. For the 2025 cycle, the placement body has outlined entry requirements for over 30 programmes at diploma, certificate and artisan levels — targeting candidates who scored between Grade E and Grade C in their KCSE results.

These programmes focus on practical, hands-on training aligned with Kenya’s job market needs across sectors including health, engineering, agriculture, business, hospitality and construction.

KUCCPS TVET Entry Grade Summary

English or Kiswahili is required in nearly all programmes, with a minimum grade ranging from D plain to C plain depending on the course.

KUCCPS TVET Courses and Subject Requirements 2025

1. Health and Medical Sciences Courses

Courses include: Pharmacy, Nursing, Clinical Medicine, Medical Laboratory Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, Environmental Health, Health Records and Information Management

Diploma Entry Requirements:

• Minimum Mean Grade: C plain
• English or Kiswahili: C plain
• Biology: C plain
• Chemistry: C plain
• Mathematics or Physics: C plain

These are among the most competitive TVET programmes and are best suited for students with a strong science background. Candidates who performed well in Biology and Chemistry are particularly encouraged to apply.

2. Engineering and Technology Courses

Courses include: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Surveying Technology, Engineering Technology

Diploma Entry Requirements:

• Minimum Mean Grade: C-

Certificate Entry Requirements:

• Minimum Mean Grade: D plain

Artisan Entry Requirements:

• Minimum Mean Grade: D- and below
• No specific subject requirements at artisan level

Engineering and technology programmes are offered at all three levels, making them among the most accessible TVET pathways for students across a wide range of KCSE scores.

3. Agriculture and Natural Resources Courses

Courses include: Animal Health, Fisheries Management, Forestry, Irrigation Technology

Diploma Entry Requirements:

• Minimum Mean Grade: C plain
• Biology: C plain
• English or Kiswahili: C plain
• Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics: C-

These courses are ideal for students with an interest in food security, conservation and rural development, and are offered across several public TVET institutions in Kenya.

4. Business and ICT Courses

Courses include: Accountancy, Computing and Informatics, Tax Administration, Customs Administration

Diploma Entry Requirements:

• Minimum Mean Grade: C-

Business and ICT programmes are widely available and do not carry strict subject-specific requirements beyond the general minimum mean grade, making them accessible for a broad range of students.

5. Hospitality and Social Sciences Courses

Courses include: Tourism Management, Hotel and Hospitality Management, Community Development

Diploma Entry Requirements:

• Minimum Mean Grade: C-

The hospitality sector remains one of Kenya’s fastest-growing industries. These programmes prepare students for careers in tourism, food and beverage management, event coordination and community services.

6. Education Diploma Courses

KUCCPS offers education diplomas for students pursuing teaching careers at the primary level. Requirements differ depending on whether the course is science-based or non-science-based.

Science-Based Education Diploma:

• Minimum Mean Grade: C plain
• English: C plain
• Mathematics: C plain
• Two Teaching Subjects: C+ each

Non-Science Education Diploma:

• Minimum Mean Grade: C plain
• English: C plain
• Mathematics: D+
• Two Teaching Subjects: C+ each

7. Architecture, Construction and Surveying Courses

Courses include: Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Land Surveying

Diploma Entry Requirements:

• Architecture: C plain
• Surveying: C-
• Mathematics: C plain
• Physics: C plain
• English or Kiswahili: C-

Certificate Entry Requirements:

• Architecture: C-
• Surveying: D plain

Artisan Entry Requirements:

• Minimum Grade: D- and below
• No strict subject requirements

TVET Courses for Students With Disabilities

KUCCPS has made inclusive provisions for candidates with visual or hearing impairments. Adjusted subject requirements apply to education diploma programmes under this category.

Education Diploma — Visually and Hearing Impaired Applicants:

• Minimum Mean Grade: C plain

Science-Based Track:

• English: C-
• Mathematics: C-
• Two Teaching Subjects: C plain each

Non-Science Track:

• English: C-
• Mathematics: D plain
• Two Teaching Subjects: C plain each

How KUCCPS TVET Placement Works

According to KUCCPS, all placements will adhere to the minimum requirements set for programmes offered by TVET institutions that administer internal examinations, as mandated by the relevant Act of Parliament. Students are expected to apply through the KUCCPS placement portal and select courses for which they meet the prescribed subject and grade thresholds.

Who Should Apply for TVET Programmes Through KUCCPS?

TVET programmes are a strong option for:

• 2025 KCSE candidates who scored between Grade C and Grade E
• Students who did not attain the minimum university entry grade of C plain
• Candidates interested in hands-on, practical training leading to employment
• Students with disabilities seeking inclusive higher education pathways
• Individuals looking to enter the job market faster through shorter training programmes

Key Takeaway

The 2025 KUCCPS TVET placement cycle presents a significant opportunity for thousands of Kenyan students to access quality technical and vocational education regardless of their KCSE performance. With courses available in health, engineering, agriculture, business, ICT, hospitality, education and construction — and entry points starting from Grade D- — there is a pathway for nearly every candidate.

Students are advised to review the full subject requirements carefully, confirm their eligibility and apply through the official KUCCPS portal before the deadline.

For the latest updates on KUCCPS placement deadlines and application guidelines, visit the official KUCCPS website or follow announcements through the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).