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Bachelor of Science in Applied Accounting

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Accounting is a degree programme that provides students with practical accounting skills and knowledge applicable in business, government and non-profit sectors. The programme is offered at Meru University of Science and Technology, equipping graduates with competencies in financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation and financial reporting.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 220,150
Ksh 880,600 total
Private tuition
Ksh 223,900
Ksh 895,600 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 220,150 a year at a public institution, Ksh 880,600 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 223,900 a year at a private one.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 4 years, full-time, with 6 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 accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, financial reporting, corporate finance, business law, economics, statistics, accounting information systems, corporate governance, ethics, research methods and strategic management. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in accounting.

Throughout the programme, students engage in lectures, case studies, accounting software practicals, industrial attachment and research projects. The practical approach ensures graduates can prepare financial statements, conduct audits, manage tax compliance and apply accounting standards in real-world business environments.

The programme emphasises the application of accounting principles to solve business problems, recognising that organisations require professionals who can translate financial data into actionable insights. Students learn about International Financial Reporting Standards, Kenyan tax regulations, audit procedures and the use of accounting software in modern business operations.

Graduates are equipped to work in accounting firms, corporate finance departments, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, banks, audit firms and consulting firms. They contribute to financial management, regulatory compliance and decision-making through accurate financial reporting and analysis.

Career opportunities exist in accounting firms, corporate finance departments, government agencies, banks, audit firms, NGOs and consulting firms. Graduates work as accountants, audit assistants, tax officers, financial analysts and accounting officers, with progression towards professional certifications such as CPA Kenya.

What you study

6 subjects
  • Applied Accounting
  • Financial Accounting
  • Management Accounting
  • Auditing
  • Taxation
  • Financial Reporting

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Introduction to Applied Accounting

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Comprehensive introduction to applied accounting, covering accounting concepts, accounting principles, and the role of accounting in business.

  • Financial Accounting

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Study of financial accounting, covering financial statements, accounting standards, and financial reporting principles.

  • Management Accounting

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Examination of management accounting, covering cost accounting, budgeting, performance evaluation, and decision-making accounting.

  • Auditing

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Study of auditing principles, covering audit procedures, audit evidence, audit reporting, and professional auditing standards.

  • Taxation

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Analysis of taxation, covering tax principles, tax computation, tax planning, and tax compliance for businesses and individuals.

  • Financial Management

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Development of financial management skills, covering financial analysis, capital budgeting, working capital management, and financial decision-making.

  • Accounting Information Systems

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Study of accounting information systems, covering accounting software, system design, and technology in accounting.

  • Business Law

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Examination of business law, covering company law, contract law, and legal frameworks for business operations.

  • Financial Reporting

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Study of financial reporting, covering international financial reporting standards, financial statement analysis, and corporate reporting.

  • Accounting Ethics

    Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

    Analysis of ethical issues in accounting, covering professional ethics, code of conduct, and ethical decision-making in accounting practice.

  • Applied Accounting Practice

    Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore

    Practical accounting work where students apply learned skills in financial accounting, management accounting, and auditing practice.

  • Applied Accounting Research Project

    Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore

    Independent research project on accounting topic, demonstrating mastery of accounting theory and practice.

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.

  • Auditing

    Specialization in audit procedures, audit evidence, and professional auditing standards. 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.

  • Taxation

    Focus on tax principles, tax computation, and tax planning and compliance. 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.

  • Financial Accounting

    Focus on financial reporting, accounting standards, and financial statement preparation. 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

Students attend lectures, conduct accounting practice, participate in case studies, and engage in financial analysis.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Growing demand for accounting professionals in corporate, government, and financial sectors.Accounting work can be detail-oriented with pressure for accuracy and meeting deadlines.
Opportunity to pursue professional certifications such as CPA and ACCA alongside the degree.Accounting requires continuous learning of new accounting standards and financial regulations.
Accounting practice and case studies provide hands-on experience with financial reporting and auditing.—

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 331 business courses
Public184k to 220k
184k at Kenyatta University220k at University of Nairobi
Private186k to 224k
186k at Management University of Africa224k at Daystar University

Annual 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

KU B.Com 183.6K/yr, UoN B.Com 220.2K/yr (KUCCPS). MUA 186K/yr, Daystar B.Com 223.9K/yr (KUCCPS).

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans, Universities Fund government scholarships and county government bursaries.

Funding options

  • HELB Undergraduate Loan

  • Universities Fund Government Scholarship

  • County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

4 recorded

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students admitted to accredited universities. Means-tested based on family income.

  • County Government Bursaries

    GrantKsh 50,000Kenyan

    Students from specific counties. Criteria vary by county.

  • Higher Education Fund (HEF)

    GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan

    Government-sponsored (KUCCPS) students in public universities. Awarded through the Higher Education Funding Model.

  • ICPAK Scholarship for Accounting and Finance Students

    ScholarshipKenyan

    Bright and needy students admitted to accounting or finance programmes

Scholarships you could apply for

6 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSEminimum entry
Alternative entry

Diploma holders in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply. CPA/CPS Part II or equivalent professional qualification may also be considered.

When it next starts

Taught at 1 institution
January 20271 institution

Including Meru University of Science and Technology.

May 20271 institution

Including Meru University of Science and Technology.

September 20271 institution

Including Meru University of Science and Technology.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • Practice Assessments

    Practicum100% of the mark

    Evaluation of accounting skills, financial reporting work, and practical applications through accounting practice and case studies.

  • Research Project

    Project100% of the mark

    Independent research project on accounting topic, demonstrating mastery of accounting theory and practice.

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Cat30% of the mark

    Regular tests, assignments, and accounting exercises throughout the semester evaluating accounting knowledge and practical skills.

  • End of Semester Examinations

    Exam70% of the mark

    Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester testing understanding of accounting theory, financial reporting, and auditing.

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education (CUE)

    NationalRequired

    CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya. This programme must be offered by a CUE-accredited university.

  • Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board (KASNEB)

    Professional

    Graduates may pursue CPA Kenya certification through KASNEB for professional recognition.

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Meru University of Science and Technology. Graduates may pursue CPA Kenya certification through KASNEB for professional recognition.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

  • Financial Analyst

    High demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000

    Analyze financial data, prepare financial reports, and support financial decision-making for organizations.

  • Accountant

    High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 110,000

    Prepare financial statements, manage accounting systems, and support financial reporting for organizations.

  • Auditor

    High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000

    Conduct audits, examine financial records, and provide assurance on financial statements and internal controls.

  • Tax Consultant

    Medium demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 125,000

    Provide tax advice, prepare tax returns, and support tax planning and compliance for businesses and individuals.

  • Financial Manager

    High demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 130,000

    Manage financial operations, develop financial strategies, and oversee financial planning and control in organizations.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in applied accounting, financial management, and auditing across Kenya's corporate and government sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • QuickBooks

    SoftwarePrimary

    Accounting software for small business bookkeeping, invoicing and financial reporting.

  • Sage

    SoftwarePrimary

    Accounting and business management software widely used in Kenyan businesses.

  • Microsoft Excel

    SoftwarePrimary

    Spreadsheet for financial modelling, data analysis and accounting computations.

  • SAP

    Software

    Enterprise resource planning software used in large organisations for financial management.

  • Power BI

    Software

    Business analytics tool for financial data visualisation and reporting.

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Applied Accounting is the same as a standard Accounting degree.

    The programme emphasises practical application of accounting principles, with focus on real-world scenarios and accounting software.

  • Graduates are limited to bookkeeping roles.

    Graduates pursue careers as accountants, auditors, tax officers, financial analysts and consultants, with progression to CPA certification.

  • The programme does not cover international standards.

    The curriculum includes International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and global accounting practices.

  • Applied Accounting graduates cannot become CPAs.

    Graduates are eligible to pursue CPA Kenya certification through KASNEB, which is the recognised professional accounting qualification.

  • The programme is only for students who want to work in accounting firms.

    Graduates work in corporate finance, government agencies, banks, NGOs and consulting firms across all sectors.

  • The programme does not cover taxation.

    Taxation is a core component of the curriculum, covering Kenyan tax law, tax planning and compliance.

Further reading

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