The Open University of Kenya (OUK) is Kenya’s first fully virtual university, specialising in open and distance learning.
According to the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), KCSE 2025 Students and other undergraduate applicants seeking placement at the Open University of Kenya must apply through the KUCCPS portal.
OUK received its charter on August 3, 2023, from President William Ruto at Konza Technopolis in Machakos County, under Section 24(1)(b) of the Universities Act 2012.
It operates as a public institution, headquartered near Nairobi, and focuses on technology-driven education to overcome traditional university capacity limits.
Unlike other institutions whose programmes are accessed under the Institutions tab, OUK programmes are accessed through a dedicated OUK tab.
How to Apply For Placement at the Open University of Kenya
To begin the application process, candidates should log in to the KUCCPS portal using their KCSE index number.
The initial password is either the Birth Certificate number or the KCPE index number, as used during KCSE examination registration.
This directs the applicant to the main KUCCPS dashboard, which includes several tabs, including KMTC Programmes, All Programmes, and Institutions.
On the dashboard, the applicant should navigate to the Open University of Kenya tab, where they will be prompted to re-enter their index number and password.
The system will then display a list of OUK programmes for which the applicant meets the minimum entry requirements.
Applicants are required to review the listed programmes and select only one programme. Each applicant may submit an application for a single course.
To submit the application, candidates should click the “Apply Now” button next to their preferred programme and confirm the submission by entering their password.
Also Read: Open University of Kenya Announces New Fees for Degree Programmes
Upon successful submission, a confirmation message will appear, indicating placement into the selected programme at the Open University of Kenya.
Minimum Entry Requirements
Undergraduate Programmes
- Mean grade of C+ and above at KCSE or equivalent as determined by the Senate.
- Diplomas or professional qualifications from recognised institutions.
- KCSE certificate or equivalent plus a foundational certificate or bridging course from a recognised institution.
- KACE with at least 1 principal pass and subsidiary passes.
- KCSE/equivalent certificate plus a portfolio for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) demonstrating:
- Two years of workplace training, or
- Two years of relevant work experience, or
- Two short courses (minimum 3 months each) in relevant fields.
- Other qualifications, as determined by the Senate, include recognition of prior learning, experience, and skills.
Also Read: Open University of Kenya Introduces 60 New Programs, Including Fully Sponsored Courses
Postgraduate Diploma Programmes
A bachelor’s degree from an institution recognised by the Senate.
Master’s Programmes
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent recognised by the Senate.
- A Pass degree plus a relevant postgraduate diploma from OUK or another recognised institution.
PhD Programmes
A master’s degree in a relevant field recognised by the Senate.
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