Failed English in KCSE? Courses You Can Still Do
A poor English grade does not end your options. Many courses only ask for English as one choice among several subjects, or not at all. Your English grade still counts towards your mean grade and cluster points, and every course has its own rules, so confirm on the official KUCCPS portal.
See the courses you qualify for
Enter your own grades and we check every requirement.
Degree courses without English as a must-have
546 of 554 degree courses with readable requirements do not make English your only accepted subject. Some of them still list it as one option, so check the course page.
- Bachelor of Education (Arts)56 unis
- Bachelor of Commerce50 unis
- Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)50 unis
- Bachelor of Education (Science)40 unis
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing35 unis
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology31 unis
- Bachelor of Business Information Technology26 unis
- Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science25 unis
These are examples only. Enter your grades and see every course you still qualify for.
See my coursesDiploma (TVET) courses without English as a must-have
2987 of 2987 programmes do not require English. The mean grade for each course still applies.
- Human Resource Management Level 6103 colleges
- ICT Technician Level 694 colleges
- Supply Chain Management Level 690 colleges
- Business Management Level 688 colleges
KMTC courses without English as a must-have
342 of 342 programmes do not require English. The mean grade for each course still applies.
- Certificate in Community Health Assistant1 college
- Certificate in Health Records and Information Technology1 college
- Certificate in Kenya Enrolled Community Health Nursing1 college
- Certificate in Medical Emergency Technician1 college
TTC (teacher training) courses without English as a must-have
0 of 24 programmes do not require English. The mean grade for each course still applies.
Utalii (hospitality) courses without English as a must-have
0 of 8 programmes do not require English. The mean grade for each course still applies.
Certificate (TVET) courses without English as a must-have
710 of 710 programmes do not require English. The mean grade for each course still applies.
- Supply Chain Management Level 5110 colleges
- Business Management Level 584 colleges
- Office Administration Level 567 colleges
- Human Resource Management Level 555 colleges
Artisan courses without English as a must-have
997 of 997 programmes do not require English. The mean grade for each course still applies.
- Plumbing Level 4102 colleges
- Electrical Installation Level 470 colleges
- Masonry Level 469 colleges
- Artisan in Plumbing43 colleges
Common questions
What can I do if I failed English in KCSE?
Many courses do not list English as a compulsory subject. In our data, 546 of 554 degree courses can be open to you, and there are also diploma, certificate, KMTC and artisan options below. Check each course page for its exact subject requirements.
Does a low grade in English still affect my cluster points?
Yes. Your English grade still counts in your cluster points and your mean grade, even if the course does not require English. A weak grade can lower your total, so compare your cluster points with the course cut-off.
Can I retake English?
Yes, you can register as a private candidate and retake KCSE subjects. Ask your school or the nearest KNEC office about registration dates and fees.
How do I see only the courses I qualify for?
Enter your subject grades in the CourseChecker tools. They check your mean grade, subject requirements and cluster points together and show only the courses you qualify for.
Failed a different subject?
CourseChecker is an independent helper, not KUCCPS. Requirements are read from our course data and may not capture every condition, so always confirm on the official KUCCPS portal.