8 answers
Ssemakula
Student
Kampala, Central Region, Uganda
1
Question
Asked
2840 views
I want to study Accounting & Finance but come from a low-income household. What should I do?
Ssemakula is my name and I am located in Uganda. I finished my UACE (s6) last year and got 19 points. My combination at Ahc was HED/Sub math
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8 answers
Claudio S Barbosa
MBA, CPA
13
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Claudio S’s Answer
I came from a poor family and if not for my perseverance I would not have graduated university majoring in Accounting. So here is what I did:
1. Work - I worked while I went to school.
2. Scholarship - I paid for my education thru a combination of scholarship and working when I am not in school. I got good marks in school (university) and that qualified me for free tuition so the only thing I need to pay for is the books.
3. Books - I borrowed my school mates books instead and would offer them free tutorials in exchange.
4. Meals - I worked in a restaurant so I got some free food.
5. Transportation - the school was a short walk away from my home so I did not pay for transportation
I graduated in 3 years (I also took summer classes to expedite my graduation) and took the CPA exam. I passed the exam and then started working. I was not happy with work and was not learning much so after a year or so working, I decided to look for scholarships in the US. I ended up getting an MBA from one of the best business schools in the US. I qualified for an all expense paid scholarship - tuition, books, meals and lodging. It is what they call a "full ride" scholarship. In graduate school, I pretty much applied the same perseverance, hard work and dedication that I know of when taking on a challenge - nothing is imPOSSIBLE!
1. Work - I worked while I went to school.
2. Scholarship - I paid for my education thru a combination of scholarship and working when I am not in school. I got good marks in school (university) and that qualified me for free tuition so the only thing I need to pay for is the books.
3. Books - I borrowed my school mates books instead and would offer them free tutorials in exchange.
4. Meals - I worked in a restaurant so I got some free food.
5. Transportation - the school was a short walk away from my home so I did not pay for transportation
I graduated in 3 years (I also took summer classes to expedite my graduation) and took the CPA exam. I passed the exam and then started working. I was not happy with work and was not learning much so after a year or so working, I decided to look for scholarships in the US. I ended up getting an MBA from one of the best business schools in the US. I qualified for an all expense paid scholarship - tuition, books, meals and lodging. It is what they call a "full ride" scholarship. In graduate school, I pretty much applied the same perseverance, hard work and dedication that I know of when taking on a challenge - nothing is imPOSSIBLE!
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Ssemakula. Thank you for sharing your story. Many students face similar challenges but succeed with the right steps. Here’s what you can do:
1. Apply for scholarships: Begin by exploring government scholarships available in Uganda.
2. Look into university bursaries: Some universities have need-based bursaries. Contact their admissions office early.
3. Consider private sponsorships: Look for NGOs and private foundations in Uganda. Some support education for bright, needy students.
4. Study part-time: If full-time study is not possible, find part-time programs. You can work while studying. This may take longer, but it’s manageable.
5. Look for online scholarships: Search regularly for online scholarships, focusing on Accounting & Finance programs.
6. Start with a diploma: If a full degree is not yet affordable, start with a diploma in Accounting or Business. Later, upgrade to a degree.
7. Volunteer or intern: Find volunteer or internship roles in financial institutions. It gives you experience and sometimes opens study opportunities.
Hope this helps. All the best!
1. Apply for scholarships: Begin by exploring government scholarships available in Uganda.
2. Look into university bursaries: Some universities have need-based bursaries. Contact their admissions office early.
3. Consider private sponsorships: Look for NGOs and private foundations in Uganda. Some support education for bright, needy students.
4. Study part-time: If full-time study is not possible, find part-time programs. You can work while studying. This may take longer, but it’s manageable.
5. Look for online scholarships: Search regularly for online scholarships, focusing on Accounting & Finance programs.
6. Start with a diploma: If a full degree is not yet affordable, start with a diploma in Accounting or Business. Later, upgrade to a degree.
7. Volunteer or intern: Find volunteer or internship roles in financial institutions. It gives you experience and sometimes opens study opportunities.
Hope this helps. All the best!
MANAHIL Mujtaba
Student
19
Answers
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Updated
MANAHIL’s Answer
Hey!
It’s great that you want to study Accounting and Finance that’s such a smart choice for the future. Since you mentioned coming from a low-income background, here are a few ideas that might help:
Look for scholarships or sponsorships: Many local programs support students who have good grades and need financial help.
Start small if needed: You can begin with a short course or diploma and move toward a full degree later while working. It’s a good way to manage costs.
Work and study together: Try doing part-time jobs, internships, or even volunteering in areas related to finance. It helps you gain experience while earning something to support your studies.
Keep learning: Use free materials, community programs, or any local opportunities to build your skills before and during your studies.
Find mentors: Try talking to people already in the accounting field or other students who are studying the same thing. They can guide you and sometimes share useful opportunities.
Don’t lose hope
Manahil
It’s great that you want to study Accounting and Finance that’s such a smart choice for the future. Since you mentioned coming from a low-income background, here are a few ideas that might help:
Look for scholarships or sponsorships: Many local programs support students who have good grades and need financial help.
Start small if needed: You can begin with a short course or diploma and move toward a full degree later while working. It’s a good way to manage costs.
Work and study together: Try doing part-time jobs, internships, or even volunteering in areas related to finance. It helps you gain experience while earning something to support your studies.
Keep learning: Use free materials, community programs, or any local opportunities to build your skills before and during your studies.
Find mentors: Try talking to people already in the accounting field or other students who are studying the same thing. They can guide you and sometimes share useful opportunities.
Don’t lose hope
Manahil
Lola O
Finance
2
Answers
Princeton, New Jersey
Updated
Lola’s Answer
There are scholarships available for those interested in becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). If you submit your school scores, you might qualify for tuition support. For more details, visit the CFA Institute website.
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Ssemakula,
It is great to hear that you are looking for ways to go about studying accounting and finance. Universities/colleges can be very expensive. There are a few options you can look into that might not be as expensive.
Online Schooling- there are numerous universities that allow for online learning. Classes are held in video calls and you can complete your work remotely. There might even be some free programs or universities that provide classes like this.
Scholarships- There are many different foundations that provide scholarships to students. Be sure to apply to as many as you possibly can. There might also be private donors you can reach out to.
Work and Study- It is very common for students to work while they are completing a degree. This might take a bit longer to complete your degree, but there is no race to graduate.
Best of luck on your journey!
It is great to hear that you are looking for ways to go about studying accounting and finance. Universities/colleges can be very expensive. There are a few options you can look into that might not be as expensive.
Online Schooling- there are numerous universities that allow for online learning. Classes are held in video calls and you can complete your work remotely. There might even be some free programs or universities that provide classes like this.
Scholarships- There are many different foundations that provide scholarships to students. Be sure to apply to as many as you possibly can. There might also be private donors you can reach out to.
Work and Study- It is very common for students to work while they are completing a degree. This might take a bit longer to complete your degree, but there is no race to graduate.
Best of luck on your journey!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2434
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you have interest in accounting and finance and understand your family situation.
Below are my suggestions:
1.Find our the entry criteria of accounting and finance in colleges. Work hard on your academic to meet the criteria.
2. Explore any scholarship available
3. Check any grants/loans offer by government
4. Explore any part time job opportunities
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1.Find our the entry criteria of accounting and finance in colleges. Work hard on your academic to meet the criteria.
2. Explore any scholarship available
3. Check any grants/loans offer by government
4. Explore any part time job opportunities
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
William B. Christophers
Finance
1
Answer
Japan
Updated
William B.’s Answer
Great question! No matter which path you choose, remember that the fundamentals of Accounting remain consistent across universities. What truly matters is understanding why you want to study Accounting & Finance—your motivation will guide your success.
You have options:
University route for a broader academic experience
Professional bodies route for specialized qualifications
Take time to explore what works best for you. Visit your local library or speak with your school program advisor—they can help you identify the right path and resources.
Consider connecting with someone who’s already in the profession—a mentor can offer valuable guidance and real-world insights. You might also reach out to alumni from your school who work in the field; they often understand the journey you’re on and can share practical advice to help you succeed.
See if your school offers any business, accounting or finance courses you can take as part of an extra-curricular program. Even a short module or workshop can give you a head start and help you confirm your interest in the subject.
You have options:
University route for a broader academic experience
Professional bodies route for specialized qualifications
Take time to explore what works best for you. Visit your local library or speak with your school program advisor—they can help you identify the right path and resources.
William B. recommends the following next steps:
Lola O
Finance
2
Answers
Princeton, New Jersey
Updated
Lola’s Answer
Visit the CFA Institute website for valuable resources and information. It's a great place to learn about finance certifications, find educational materials, and stay updated on industry news.