- Inter-University Transfer allows a student to move institutions once, requiring approval from both releasing and receiving universities and a Sh1,050 processing fee.
- Inter-Faculty Transfer allows a student to switch faculties after reporting, provided they meet the programme’s cut-off points and admission requirements.
- Intra-Faculty Transfer is the process of changing degree programmes within the same faculty, requiring departmental approval and available space in the new programme.
It is instructive to note. Before a student matriculates into any university in Kenya, it is imperative to consider a raft of fascinating factors such as availability of the course, cost of courses, university admission requirements, location of university, accreditation and recognition, reputation and ranking, employment and opportunities, accommodation options, lifestyle and environment, and university support services. Advisedly, on policy framework about this important matter, we do refer to KUCCPS School/Centre Application for Degree and TVET Programmes: Principals’ Application Guide.
In most cases, when university newbies are selecting courses and universities on the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Service (KUCCPS) portal, they are sometimes oblivious about what they are getting into. Or they could be having some real reasons to necessitate true transfers. There are four major reasons: One, on medical grounds, which are health-related reasons supported by medical documents. Two, financial reasons, which can be financial challenges supported by relevant documents. Three, academic reasons, which are academic reasons supported by academic records. Four, administrative reasons, supported by an admission letter and transfer request. So, after KUCCPS placements, there is a window for transfers. Largely, there are three types of transfers, which include: Inter-University or Institutional Transfer, Inter-Faculty or School Transfer and Intra-Faculty or School Transfer.
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1. Inter-University or Institution Transfer
Firstly, in this type of transfer, the student moves from one university or institution to another. For instance, transferring from the University of Nairobi (UoN) to Maseno University. Such applications are made during the transfer window announced by KUCCPS after the release of the placement outcomes. The student can only transfer once. The processing may take up to 14-working days.
On eligibility requirements, the student must have been placed by KUCCPS in the programme from which they wish to initiate the transfer. The student must meet the minimum entry requirements for the desired programme. The student must meet the programme cut-off points applicable during the year of placement. The student must apply for a programme that was offered during the application and placement process. The student must obtain approval from both the releasing and receiving university or institution.
In the application process, the student should log into the KUCCPS student portal. Select the transfer option. Choose the institution and programme one wishes to join. Provide real reasons for the transfer, and attach supporting documents where applicable. Pay the prescribed processing fee (currently KSh 1,050 paid to the e-Citizen Paybill no. 222222). Wait for the endorsement by the receiving and releasing institution. Download the transfer letter once approved.
2. Inter-Faculty or School Transfer
Secondly, this type of transfer happens within the university or institution. For instance, once a student has reported to a particular university, s/he may opt to move from the Faculty or School of Education to the Faculty or School of Law. In this case, KUCCPS is not involved in the direct processing of Inter-Faculty or School Transfers. In lieu of this, the issue of transfers is handled internally by the universities. However, while approving transfers, universities must observe the approved programme cut-off points and admission requirements as spelt out in the booklet titled The Essential Career Guide by KUCCPS. In this case, as part of the requirements, the student must first be admitted into a certain university. The student must meet the minimum subject requirements for the new programme. The student must meet the university’s cut-off points as well as the faculty’s or school’s raft of requirements. The student should find the available space in the desired programme.
Then, on the procedure for transfer, the student must register and report to the university first. The student should obtain transfer forms from the Office of the Registrar or Academic Affairs. The student should submit the application together with the academic documents. The student should wait for the approval from the relevant Faculty or School.
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3. Intra-faculty or School Transfers
Finally, this type of transfer happens when a student decides to change the degree programme within the same Faculty or School in a university. For example, a student admitted at Kenyatta University in the Faculty or School of Education to pursue Bachelor of Education (Arts), may wish to initiate a transfer in the same Faculty or School of Education. That is, to move from Bachelor of Education (Arts) to Bachelor of Education (Science).
In this case, the student must satisfy the admission requirements for the new programme. The student must be cognizant of the fact that space must be available in the programme. Then, approval must be granted by the concerned department of the School or Faculty. In this procedure, the student makes the application through the university’s internal transfer process. The student is expected to submit the required forms and supporting academic records. The student must obtain the departmental and Faculty’s or School’s approval.
By Victor Ochieng’
Victor Ochieng’ is a career educator. He delivers career talks in schools. He guides students on how to make informed career choices. vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232
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