A degree in Forestry, Journalism, Sociology or Theology will not qualify you for a Teachers Service Commission (TSC) secondary or junior school post in the 2026/2027 recruitment. TSC’s post-primary recruitment guidelines, Circular No. 15/2026 of 13 August 2026, say applicants whose training is in subjects not currently in the secondary school curriculum are not eligible. This applies even if they hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) or other additional training.
Courses TSC does not accept
The circular names these Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees:
- Natural Resources
- Meteorology
- Forestry
- Animal Husbandry
- Biochemistry
- Horticulture
- Farm Machinery
- Sociology
- Journalism
- Fisheries
- Anthropology
- Biotechnology
- Theology/Divinity
The list says ‘but is not limited to’. A course that is not named can still be rejected if it trains you in a subject not taught in secondary schools. If you are unsure, ask your TSC County Director. The circular directs all qualification enquiries there.
Does a PGDE fix it?
- TSC states that these applicants are ineligible ‘regardless of whether’ they have completed a PGDE or any other enhancement. A PGDE makes a Bachelor of Science or Arts degree eligible only when the degree is in subjects taught in secondary schools.
Routes TSC does accept for graduate teachers
A graduate teacher applicant must have the required KCSE grades and one of the following:
| Route | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Education | Two teaching subjects |
| Bachelor of Science or Arts plus PGDE | Two teaching subjects |
| Bachelor of Science with Education, or Bachelor of Arts with Education | Two teaching subjects |
| Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Extension | Two teaching subjects |
The KCSE requirement for graduate teachers is a mean grade of C+, and C+ in each of the two teaching subjects. The alternative is two principal passes and one subsidiary pass at A-Level.
Check your units as well as your course title
Even when your course is acceptable, TSC checks your training in each teaching subject. A graduate teacher must have:
- at least eight course units in each of the two teaching subjects
- studied teaching methods in both subjects
- completed at least three months of teaching practice
Unit enhancement counts only if you did not reach the minimum units during your degree or diploma. If you studied a third teaching subject, you must show that you completed all its units, including teaching methods and practice, over four years at an institution. You must also show the required credit hours.
An applicant who was previously on contract and had their service terminated for insufficient teaching units may apply again once they hold certificates showing adequate units.
Subjects that do count
Applicants who have taken courses in the new CBE learning areas are eligible to apply. The circular names integrated science, Pre-Technical Studies, Creative Arts, Sports and Social Studies.
Read Also: TSC Plans Recruitment of 16,000 More Teachers and New CBE Training for Creative and Media Subjects
Before you apply
Every applicant must be a registered teacher under Section 23(1) of the TSC Act, 2012. Applications go through the Teachers Online portal, www.teachersonline.go.ke. TSC does not accept provisional transcripts at verification, so carry your original certificates and official transcripts.