Bachelor of Financial Services
The Bachelor of Financial Services at Strathmore University is a four-year degree programme that provides a firm foundation in financial management, business analytics, and skills for the financial services sector. The programme covers banking, microfinance, financial cooperatives, asset management, and insurance.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 365,000 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (Plus) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, part-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 1 institution.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers financial management, business analytics, banking operations, microfinance management, financial cooperatives, asset management, insurance, risk management, financial regulations, digital financial services, investment analysis, accounting, economics, and research methods.
Teaching uses a practical, case study-based approach reflecting the changing world of financial services and digital disruption. Students complete industrial attachment and a research project. The programme emphasises real-world application of financial services knowledge.
Graduates pursue careers as banking officers, microfinance managers, insurance underwriters, asset managers, financial analysts, risk managers, and financial cooperative officers. Opportunities exist in commercial banks, microfinance institutions, insurance companies, SACCOs, asset management firms, and fintech companies.
The programme is offered at Strathmore University, a private university in Nairobi. Admission requires a KCSE minimum mean grade of B- plus an entrance examination in English and Mathematics and an oral interview. The programme runs for four years with intakes in March and June.
Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Annual tuition is approximately KES 450,000. Strathmore University offers scholarships and financial aid for eligible students.Key SubjectsCalculus and Linear AlgebraOrganic ChemistryCell BiologyClassical MechanicsStatistical MethodsAnalytical ChemistryMicrobiologyQuantum PhysicsEcologyResearch MethodsSpecializationsGeneral PracticeBroad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field.Research and AnalysisFocus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making.General PracticeBroad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field.Research and AnalysisFocus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making.
What you study
10 subjects- Calculus and Linear Algebra
- Organic Chemistry
- Cell Biology
- Classical Mechanics
- Statistical Methods
- Analytical Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Quantum Physics
- Ecology
- Research Methods
Modules
8 in the programmeFoundations of the Discipline
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundations of the Discipline: Introduction to core concepts, theories, and principles of the field. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
Information Technology Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Statistics and Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical methods, probability, and data interpretation for research and practice.
Professional Ethics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Ethical principles, professional conduct, and regulatory frameworks in the field.
Project Management
Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore
Project Management: Project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation techniques. Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Business planning, venture creation, and innovation management. Equips students with practical skills for venture creation and business management.
Specialisations
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
A day as a student
A typical day involves attending science lectures, conducting laboratory experiments, analysing experimental data, writing lab reports, attending field trips, and studying for practical examinations.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). | Limited programme specialisation options may be available. |
| Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding. | Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 331 business coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
Strathmore Univ (private) ~Ksh 365K/yr est. from Commerce FT total 1.46M/4yr per sbs.strathmore.edu.
Government scholarships cover up to 53% of tuition for needy students. HELB provides loans up to Ksh 60,000. DAAD and DAAD-IKEN offer scholarships for STEM students.
Funding options
HELB Undergraduate Loan
Loan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited undergraduate programmes
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)
Scholarship
Needy students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
DAAD Scholarship
Scholarship
Undergraduate students in STEM fields
Scholarships
3 recordedHigher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need.
Scholarships you could apply for
6 usable where it is taught- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- Safaricom Foundation ICT Scholarship
Closes 30 June 2027FullSafaricom Foundation
Full tuition + internship
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
- Strathmore University Financial Aid
Before semester startsPartialStrathmore University
Up to 50% tuition
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE C+ (Plus) OR A Level with two principal passes; OR a relevant Diploma from a recognised institution; OR any other qualification recognised by the university senate and CUE.
When it next starts
Taught at 1 institutionIncluding Strathmore University.
Including Strathmore University.
Including Strathmore University.
How you are assessed
2 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Scientific programmes are regulated under NACOSTI guidelines for research activities.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesGraduate Trainee
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level position applying academic knowledge in a professional environment.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 65,000
Supporting research projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Project Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 80,000
Coordinating and implementing projects in public, private, or NGO sectors.
Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000
Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as laboratory technologists, research assistants, quality control officers, data analysts, and science teachers in Kenya's scientific and industrial sectors.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Cloud Security EngineerTechnology14Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- Industrial Robotics ProgrammerTechnology14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for financial analysis, loan modelling, and data management.
QuickBooks
Software
Accounting software for financial services and bookkeeping.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for financial research data.
Power BI
Software
Business analytics tool for financial data visualisation and reporting.
SWOT Analysis
Strategy
Strategic planning tool for assessing financial service opportunities and risks.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Science degrees only lead to teaching careers.
Science graduates work at KEMRI, ICIPE, KALRO, KEBS, pharmaceutical companies, environmental agencies, and data analytics firms.
Pure science is less marketable than applied science.
Analytical and research skills from pure science are valued in data science, finance, technology, and quality assurance industries.
Science degrees are too theoretical.
Most science programmes include laboratory work, field research, and industrial attachments.
You need a postgraduate degree to be employable with a science degree.
Many entry-level positions in laboratories, quality control, and research assistance are available with a bachelor's degree.