🇰🇪 How to apply to university in Kenya

Applications go through KUCCPS (Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service). Programmes usually start: Each university sets its intakes; several admit more than once a year.

Checked on 20 October 2026 against the official sources listed below.

The essentials

Application system: KUCCPS (Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service)KUCCPS places KCSE holders in government-sponsored programmes at public universities and colleges; other students apply to universities directly.
When programmes start: Each university sets its intakes; several admit more than once a year.
International applicants: International students apply to each university directly as self-sponsored students; KUCCPS only places Kenyan KCSE candidates in government-sponsored places.
Language: English.

Key dates

International applicants follow each university's own calendar; KUCCPS placement is for KCSE candidates.

The dates for the next intake haven't been published yet. We add them once the official source does.

Your checklist

The usual steps for an international student applying to a bachelor's in Kenya, in order. Tick them off as you go — your ticks stay in this browser, with no account.

1.Choose a university and check its entry requirements for your qualification.
2.If your school certificate isn't the KCSE, ask the university how to get it equated — it usually issues a letter for the national examinations or qualifications authority.
3.Apply to the university directly (self-sponsored) and pay its application fee.
4.Receive your admission letter.
5.Have the university complete Form 30 and apply for a student's pass with the Directorate of Immigration Services, with your passport, certificates and police clearance.
6.Arrange accommodation and register at the university.

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Next steps

Sources

Written by CollegeMatcher in our own words from these official pages, checked on 20 October 2026. Dates change every year.

Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services — Student's Pass