The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) will officially open the Inter-Institutional Transfer (IIT) portal on July 14, 2025. The 30-day window allows students who were placed in various universities and colleges after the 2024 KCSE to apply for a transfer to another institution or course. This detailed article explains who qualifies, how to apply, what documents you need, how much it costs, and what to expect during the process.
What Is the Inter-Institutional Transfer (IIT)?
The KUCCPS Inter-Institutional Transfer process allows government-sponsored students who were placed in a university or college through KUCCPS to apply for a change of course or institution. It is a student-initiated process that requires approval from both the receiving and releasing institutions, followed by final endorsement by KUCCPS.
This year, the transfer portal will be active from July 14 to around August 13/14, 2025, providing students with an opportunity to correct placements that may not align with their academic interests, personal circumstances, or career goals.
Who Is Eligible for a Transfer?
Only students placed by KUCCPS in the 2025/2026 academic cycle (based on 2024 KCSE results) can apply for an inter-institutional transfer. Other key eligibility requirements include:
- You must have been placed in a course or institution by KUCCPS.
- You must meet the cut-off points and minimum requirements of the new course or programme you wish to join.
- You can only submit one transfer request per academic cycle.
- You must have a valid reason for the transfer, such as medical conditions, financial constraints, or course preference.
Step-by-Step Application Process for KUCCPS IIT 2025/26
Here’s a simplified and authoritative step-by-step guide on how to apply:
Step 1: Log in to the KUCCPS Student Portal
Go to students.kuccps.net and log in using:
- KCSE Index Number
- KCSE Year (2024)
- Password (Your birth certificate number or KCPE index number)
Step 2: Select “Transfer Application”
Once logged in, navigate to the Transfer Application tab. Here, you’ll enter the institution and programme codes for your preferred course at the new institution.
Step 3: Check Eligibility
The portal will automatically check if you meet the cut-off points and cluster subject requirements for the new course. If you don’t qualify, you’ll receive a warning, and you won’t be able to proceed.
Step 4: State the Reason for Transfer
Choose your reason for requesting a transfer from the drop-down menu:
- Medical grounds
- Financial constraints
- Program not suitable
- Person with disability
- Other (explain)
You must also provide a written explanation (minimum 300 characters) and upload supporting documents (e.g., medical letters, relocation documents, etc.)
Also Read: KNEC Unveils Real-Time Digital Certificate Verification System
Step 5: Pay the Transfer Processing Fee
A KES 1,000 non-refundable fee is required to process your application.
- M-PESA Paybill Number: 820201
- Account Number: Your KCSE Year + Index Number (e.g., 2024XXXXXXXXXXX)
Alternatively, follow the eCitizen payment process prompted on the portal. Do not pay in advance—only pay when prompted during application.
Step 6: Submit and Wait for Endorsement
After payment, enter your eCitizen payment Reference Code and portal password to submit your application.
Endorsement Process and Timeline
Once your transfer application is submitted, it goes through three stages:
1. Receiving Institution Endorsement
- The institution you wish to join has 7 working days to approve or reject your request.
- If rejected or not acted upon, you’ll be notified and can either reapply to a different institution or address the feedback.
2. Releasing Institution Endorsement
- After approval by the receiving institution, your current (releasing) institution will have another 7 working days to either release you or reject the request.
3. KUCCPS Review
- Once both institutions endorse the transfer, KUCCPS will review and finalize the application.
- If everything is in order, KUCCPS will generate a Transfer Letter.
After Approval – What Next?
Once approved:
- Download and print your Inter-Institution Transfer Letter from the student portal.
- Present it to the new institution to receive your Admission Letter and joining instructions.
- You must report to the new institution within the timelines provided to avoid disqualification.
Important Notes to Remember
- One Transfer Rule: You are allowed to submit only one transfer application per cycle.
- Do Not Skip Any Step: All submissions must go through the student portal. KUCCPS does not accept manual applications.
- Supporting Documents Are Crucial: Your request may be rejected if you fail to provide enough justification or evidence.
- Be Patient: The entire process may take up to 14 working days depending on how quickly institutions endorse the transfer.
Why This Process Matters
KUCCPS introduced the online Inter-Institutional Transfer system to simplify what used to be a time-consuming paper-based process. It ensures that students are enrolled in programs that better match their strengths, interests, and personal circumstances.
Whether you’ve changed your career plans, discovered that your current course isn’t a good fit, or are dealing with health or financial issues, the IIT window provides a one-time opportunity to make that change officially and smoothly.
Key Details at a Glance
Item | Description |
|---|---|
Portal Opens | July 14, 2025 |
Portal Closes | Around August 13/14, 2025 |
Who Can Apply | Government-sponsored students placed by KUCCPS (KCSE 2024) |
Application Platform | |
Fee | KES 1,000 via M-PESA or eCitizen |
Processing Time | Up to 14 working days |
Transfer Letter | Downloaded after final KUCCPS approval |
One Transfer Only | Only one application allowed per cycle |
Final Advice for Applicants
- Plan Early: Gather your documents, prepare your reason for transfer, and verify that you meet the required cut-off.
- Check Course Codes: Use KUCCPS resources to ensure you have the right programme codes.
- Don’t Delay: The transfer portal is only open for 30 days. Late applications are not considered.
- Use Official Channels Only: Never share your login credentials and always pay fees via official prompts.
