What Can You Study With Your KCSE Grade? A to E Breakdown for 2027/2028

Every year, thousands of students search for "courses I can do with my grade." The truth is, Kenya's education system has a path for every single grade—from A to E. Whether you are aiming for Medicine or a hands-on artisan trade, your grade is a starting point, not a final verdict.

If You Have an A or A- You are in the top tier. You qualify for the most competitive degree courses in Kenya and abroad.

Medicine and Surgery (MBChB)

Law (LL.B)

Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)

Actuarial Science

Pharmacy You can also target top global scholarships. But be careful: even with an A, you must meet the cluster subject requirements (e.g., a B in Chemistry and Biology for Medicine).

If You Have a B+, B, or B- You have excellent options. You qualify for most degree programmes, though you may need to be strategic about the most competitive ones.

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)

Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)

Nursing (BSc)

Information Technology (BSc)

Business Management You can also qualify for partial scholarships at top universities. Use Coursechecker to see exactly which degree programmes your specific B grades unlock.

If You Have a C+ or C This is the "university borderline" zone. A C+ qualifies you for government degree placement, but not for competitive courses like Law or Medicine.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Social Sciences

Bachelor of Education (Arts)

Bachelor of Commerce (lower-tier universities)

Diploma in Clinical Medicine (KMTC)

Diploma in Nursing (KMTC) With a C plain, you are better off targeting high-quality diplomas at institutions like KMTC or Kenya Utalii College, which often have better job prospects than generic degrees.

If You Have a C- or D Do not panic. You are perfectly positioned for TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) courses. These are hands-on, highly employable, and take less time.

Certificate in ICT

Certificate in Business Management

Certificate in Community Health

Artisan courses in Plumbing, Welding, or Electrical Installation

If You Have a D- or E The TVET ladder is designed for you. You can start with an Artisan Certificate (no minimum grade required) and upgrade later.

Artisan in Masonry

Artisan in Tailoring and Dressmaking

Artisan in Motor Vehicle Mechanics

Artisan in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy The secret? A D student who completes a certificate can later apply for a diploma on equal footing with a C- student.

Bottom Line: Do not guess. Use Coursechecker to enter your exact grades and instantly see every course you qualify for across all Kenyan institutions.