Are you ready to embark on your higher education journey in Kenya? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of applying to universities and colleges through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) online portal, including paying the application fee using the eCitizen platform.
Before You Begin: Gather Your Information
Before diving into the application process, ensure you have all the necessary information readily available. Here’s a checklist to help you get organized:
Your Academic Credentials:
- KCSE Index Number
- KCPE Index Number
- Birth Certificate Number
- Year of KCSE Completion
Contact Information:
- Your Email Address and Phone Number
- Parent/Guardian Email Address and Phone Number
Location Details:
- County Name
- Constituency Name
KUCCPS Programme Codes:
- Research and identify the program codes for the specific university courses you’re interested in pursuing.
Application Fee:
- Have the application fee amount readily available for payment.
Exploring Scholarship Opportunities (Optional):
While completing your application, consider exploring financial aid options! The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) offers scholarships and loans for students pursuing higher education. Here’s how you can explore scholarship opportunities:
- Visit the HELB Loan Portal to explore scholarship opportunities for fresh students and apply for subsequent loans if you’re a continuing student.
- Research scholarships offered by specific institutions or organizations like the KMTC Beyond Zero Scholarship and HELB Jielimishe Loan.
Steps to Apply and Pay:
1. Access the KUCCPS Online Portal:
- Visit the official KUCCPS website and navigate to the online application portal.
2. Start Your Application:
- Fill out the application form accurately, providing all the required information you gathered earlier.
3. Program Selection:
- Carefully review and select the university and college programs you’re interested in, using the corresponding KUCCPS program codes.
4. Payment Pop-Up:
- Once you submit your program choices, a pop-up window will appear with instructions on how to pay the application fee.
5. Open a Separate Payment Tab:
- Do not close the application window. Instead, open a new browser tab or window to proceed with the payment.
6. Choose Your Payment Method:
- Select your preferred method, such as M-Pesa, credit card, or debit card. Follow the specific instructions displayed on the screen.
M-Pesa Payment Option (Detailed):
- Select the “Government e-Citizen Paybill Number” (222222).
- In the payment reference field, enter the exact account number provided by KUCCPS on the pop-up window.
- Pay the application fee amount displayed on the KUCCPS portal.
- Upon successful payment, you will receive a confirmation SMS from M-Pesa containing a reference code. Keep this SMS for your records.
7. Return to Application and Enter Payment Reference:
- Go back to the KUCCPS application window you left open earlier.
- Locate the “Payment REF” section and enter the account number you used during the M-Pesa payment, not the M-Pesa transaction code.
8. Submit Your Application:
- Click the “Submit” button. The system will process your application and payment information. It might take a few seconds for confirmation.
Important Note:
- If you make a mistake entering the payment reference number, do not pay again. Simply re-enter the correct account number from your previous payment attempt and submit.