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Bachelor of Science in Science - Accounting

The Bachelor Of Science In Science - Accounting is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in science - accounting. The programme falls under the Business & Economics category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 259,000
Ksh 1,036,000 total
Private tuition
Ksh 221,400
Ksh 885,600 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 259,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,036,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 221,400 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, plus 4 subject grades. 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 6 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Forensic Audit Investigator, at 17 out of 100.The detail

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Overview

The curriculum covers Accounting, Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Financial Reporting. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in technical and analytical competencies. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Accounting Information Systems, Accounting Law, Accounting Ethics, Auditing, Financial Reporting. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.

The programme offers specialisations in Financial Accounting, Auditing, Taxation. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.

Graduates of the Bachelor Of Science In Science - Accounting pursue careers as Financial Analyst, Auditor, Accountant, Tax Consultant. They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.

What you study

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

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Introduction to Accounting

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Comprehensive introduction to accounting, covering accounting concepts, financial principles, and approaches to financial reporting.

  • Financial Accounting

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

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

  • Management Accounting

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

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

  • Auditing

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Study of auditing, covering audit principles, audit procedures, internal controls, and audit reporting.

  • Taxation

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Analysis of taxation, covering tax principles, tax planning, tax compliance, and tax law.

  • Financial Reporting

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Development of financial reporting skills, covering financial analysis, financial statements, reporting standards, and financial communication.

  • Accounting Law

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Study of accounting law, covering company law, tax law, regulatory frameworks, and legal frameworks for accounting.

  • Accounting Ethics

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Examination of accounting ethics, covering ethical principles, professional ethics, and ethical decision-making in accounting practice.

  • Strategic Management

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Study of strategic management, covering strategic analysis, strategy formulation, and strategic implementation in accounting context.

  • Accounting Information Systems

    Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

    Analysis of accounting information systems, covering accounting software, data management, system design, and system implementation.

  • Accounting Practice

    Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore

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

  • Accounting Research Project

    Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore

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

Specialisations

  • Financial Accounting

    Focus on financial statements, accounting standards, and financial reporting for financial accounting careers.

  • Auditing

    Specialization in audit principles, audit procedures, and internal controls. 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 planning, and tax 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.

  • 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.

A day as a student

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

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Diverse career opportunities in accounting across corporations, government, and accounting firms.Accounting roles often involve high pressure and responsibility for financial accuracy.
Strong foundation in both financial accounting and management accounting skills.Accounting requires continuous learning of new accounting standards and tax regulations.
Financial accounting and auditing provide hands-on experience with financial reporting and tax compliance.—

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 259k
184k at Kenyatta University259k at University of Nairobi
Private186k to 221k
186k at Management University of Africa221k 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

UoN B.Com 259K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke). KU B.Com 183.6K/yr (KUCCPS). MUA 186K/yr (eafinder), Daystar 221.4K.

HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.

Funding options

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

Scholarships

4 recorded

  • Higher 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

    Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies

  • ICPAK Scholarship for Accounting and Finance Students

    ScholarshipKenyan

    Bright and needy students admitted to accounting or finance programmes

Scholarships you could apply for

12 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, Business Administration, Finance, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

Subject requirements
English/KiswahiliC
MathematicsC
Business Studies/EconomicsC
Any Group II subjectC

When it next starts

Taught at 6 institutions
January 20276 institutions

Including United States International University Africa, The Co-operative University of Kenya, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.

May 20276 institutions

Including United States International University Africa, The Co-operative University of Kenya, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.

September 20276 institutions

Including United States International University Africa, The Co-operative University of Kenya, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • End of Semester Examinations

    Exam70% of the mark

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

  • Practice Assessments

    Practicum100% of the mark

    Evaluation of accounting skills, accounting work, and practical applications through financial accounting 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 knowledge and practical skills.

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education

    NationalRequired

    Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.

Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

  • Financial Analyst

    High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000

    Analyse financial data, conduct financial analysis, and support financial reporting and decision-making.

  • Auditor

    High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000

    Conduct audits, develop audit strategies, and coordinate audit procedures and internal controls.

  • Accountant

    High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 110,000

    Manage accounting operations, develop accounting strategies, and coordinate financial accounting and financial reporting.

  • Tax Consultant

    High demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 125,000

    Provide tax expertise, consult on tax planning, and support organizations in tax compliance.

  • Accounting Manager

    High demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 125,000

    Manage accounting operations, develop accounting strategies, and coordinate financial management and reporting.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in accounting across Kenya's accounting and finance sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • SAP FICO

    ErpPrimary

    SAP financial and controlling module.

  • QuickBooks Enterprise

    Accounting

    Advanced accounting for SMEs.

  • Microsoft Excel

    SpreadsheetPrimary

    Financial modelling and analysis.

  • SAP ERP

    ErpPrimary

  • Oracle ERP

    Erp

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • This programme has limited career opportunities.

    Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.

  • The programme is only for top-performing students.

    While academic excellence is valued, the programme accepts students meeting the minimum KCSE requirements and supports diverse learners.

  • Graduates cannot find employment in Kenya.

    Kenya's growing economy creates demand for qualified graduates across public, private, and NGO sectors.

  • The degree is not recognised internationally.

    The programme is accredited by CUE and is recognised under regional and international qualification frameworks.

Further reading

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