Economic challenges faced by undergraduate first year social work students at Makerere University

Abstract

Introduction: Access to higher education is a critical driver of socioeconomic advancement, yet first-year undergraduate students in Uganda, particularly those enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration program at Makerere University, face persistent economic hardships that undermine their academic success and personal well-being. Despite the existence of government sponsorship schemes, many students continue to struggle with unmet economic needs, including food, transport, accommodation and academic resources. This study aimed to explore the nature and extent of these economic challenges and assess their impact on students’ academic adjustment and daily survival. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 55 first-year Social Work students at Makerere University during the 2024/2025 academic year. Participants were selected using simple random sampling through the department’s official WhatsApp group. Data was collected using structured, self-administered questionnaires and analysed using Stata version 15.0. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages and cross-tabulations were used to summarize the findings. Additionally, qualitative insights were obtained through key informant interviews with a class coordinator and a university counsellor to contextualise the quantitative data. Results: The findings revealed that students faced significant financial constraints across multiple domains. Nearly half of the respondents (49%) reported occasionally skipping meals due to lack of money, while 34% consistently walked to campus to save on transport costs. A significant proportion (29%) lacked internet or data access for academic purposes. Academicrelated expenses were also a major concern, with 21% of students consistently struggling to pay tuition on time, 59% lacking textbooks or handouts, and an equal proportion not owning a laptop. Furthermore, 30% experienced difficulty accessing e-learning platforms. Accommodation challenges were pronounced with 56% finding hostel or rental fees unaffordable, 64% being required to pay rent in advance, and 46% incurring high transport costs due to distant housing. Quantitative data underscored the emotional toll of these challenges, including missed examinations, social isolation and in some cases, dropout due to tuition delays. Conclusion: First-year Social Work students at Makerere University face complex and interrelated economic challenges that significantly hinder their academic performance, mental health and overall university experience. These difficulties persist despite government sponsorship and highlight systemic gaps in student support. Addressing these barriers requires comprehensive institutional reforms, including flexible tuition payment policies, subsidized housing options, improved digital access, and expanded welfare services. Such interventions are essential to fostering equity, retention and academic success among vulnerable student populations.