10 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for KMTC Courses

The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) is one of the most competitive institutions for medical training in Kenya. Thousands of students apply for KMTC courses every year through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), but not all succeed in securing a spot. Many applicants miss out due to avoidable mistakes during the application process.

To help you increase your chances of selection, here are common mistakes to avoid when applying for KMTC courses.

1. Applying Without Checking Course Requirements

One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is choosing courses they don’t qualify for. Each KMTC program has specific minimum KCSE grade requirements in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, English, or Kiswahili.

✅ How to Avoid This Mistake:
Visit the KUCCPS portal (www.kuccps.net) and check course requirements before applying. Ensure your KCSE grades match the required qualifications for your preferred course.

2. Choosing Only One Course or Campus

Many students apply for just one course or choose one campus, limiting their chances. If your preferred course or campus is full, you may miss out completely.

✅ How to Avoid This Mistake:
Select at least four courses in order of priority. Choose different KMTC campuses to increase your placement chances.

3. Ignoring the Application Deadline

KMTC applications through KUCCPS have a strict deadline. If you wait until the last minute, you might miss out due to system delays or network issues.

✅ How to Avoid This Mistake:
Start your application early (KUCCPS usually opens applications between October and December for the March intake). Check KMTC and KUCCPS official websites and social media pages for updates.

4. Making Errors in Personal Details

Mistakes in personal details like KCSE index number, ID number, or birth certificate number can cause your application to be rejected.

✅ How to Avoid This Mistake:
Double-check your KCSE index number and personal details before submitting. Ensure your M-Pesa payment details match your KCSE registration details.

5. Failing to Pay the Application Fee

Your KMTC application via KUCCPS is not complete until you pay the required fee. Many applicants submit their course choices but forget to pay the application fee, leading to disqualification.

✅ How to Avoid This Mistake:
Pay the application fee of Ksh 1,500 (first-time applicants) or Ksh 1,000 (course revision) via M-Pesa before the deadline. Use the correct KUCCPS Paybill Number: 820201 and your KCSE index number as the account number.

6. Ignoring Course Competitiveness

Some courses, like Nursing and Clinical Medicine, are highly competitive. If you apply only for competitive courses without considering alternatives, you might miss placement.

✅ How to Avoid This Mistake:
Apply for both competitive and less competitive courses. Consider courses like Health Records, Public Health, and Medical Engineering, which have good job prospects but fewer applicants.

7. Applying for a Course You’re Not Passionate About

Many students select courses randomly without considering their interests, strengths, and career goals. This often leads to frustration or dropping out later.

✅ How to Avoid This Mistake:
Research different KMTC career options before choosing a course. Think about your passion—do you love patient care, lab work, research, or technology? Choose accordingly.

8. Using the Wrong Portal for Application

Some students mistakenly apply on the wrong platform or think they can apply directly through KMTC when KUCCPS applications are ongoing.

✅ How to Avoid This Mistake:
All pre-service (government-sponsored) KMTC applications must be done via KUCCPS (www.kuccps.net). Do not send applications through the KMTC website unless they announce a separate direct intake.

9. Applying Without Internet Access or Assistance

Some applicants rely on cyber cafés without verifying their applications. Errors made by cyber attendants can cost you a chance at KMTC.

✅ How to Avoid This Mistake:
If you’re applying at a cyber café, be present and confirm all details before submission. If applying alone, use a stable internet connection to avoid system crashes. Ask for assistance from teachers, parents, or friends if you’re unsure about the process.

10. Failing to Keep a Copy of Your Application

After applying, some students don’t save or print their application details, making it difficult to track their status.

✅ How to Avoid This Mistake:
Take a screenshot or print a copy of your application details. Keep your M-Pesa transaction message as proof of payment. Regularly check your KUCCPS account for updates on your placement.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a KMTC course is a golden opportunity to join the medical field, but small mistakes can cost you a place in the institution. By avoiding these common errors, you can improve your chances of securing a spot in KMTC’s March 2025 intake.

💡 Are you applying for KMTC this year? Have any questions about the application process? Let us know in the comments!