How to Apply for Ghanaian Universities as a Foreign Student and Answers to FAQs

If you are an international student interested in pursuing a university program in Ghana( Ghanaian Universities), there are specific requirements you must meet to be eligible for admission and to travel to Ghana for your studies. While Ghana is generally welcoming to foreigners and does not impose stringent restrictions, obtaining a Ghanaian student visa is a necessary step to study in the country.

This article will guide you through the application process for a Ghanaian university as an international student, outlining the criteria you need to fulfill before applying and the procedure to obtain a Ghanaian student visa, allowing you to pursue your higher education in Ghana.

What You Need to Know About Admission Requirements in Ghanaian Universities as a Foreign Applicant

As Ghana’s education sector continues to develop and embrace globalization, many universities in the country have adopted more lenient entrance standards. Compared to some other African nations like Nigeria and South Africa, where the processes can be challenging for foreign students, Ghana offers a relatively simpler method for admission.

To be accepted into a Ghanaian university, you must have six credit passes in your WAEC examinations (WASSCE if you reside in West Africa). These credits must include mandatory subjects like English, Science, and Mathematics. The remaining subjects should be relevant to the program you wish to study.

For instance, if you intend to pursue Engineering, you must also have completed courses in Chemistry and Physics, in addition to English and Maths. Similarly, if your aspiration is to study Medicine, you will need to have completed Chemistry and Biology, along with the required disciplines. For Art and Social Science programs, your optional course passes might include subjects like Commerce, Geography, Accountancy, among others. Overall, the requirements for entry into a Ghanaian university are relatively straightforward, making the process accessible for interested students.

Can I still apply to a Ghanaian university as a foreign student if I do not have WASSCE?

Absolutely! If you are a foreign student and do not have WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination), you can still apply to a Ghanaian university. In such cases, you would need to complete your high school education in your home country and meet the minimum entry requirements set by the Ghanaian university you wish to apply to.

As WASSCE is specific to West Africa, applicants from other parts of Africa and around the world are not obligated to have this qualification. Instead, you should focus on successfully passing your high school final exams in your country of origin and ensure you meet the minimum requirements specified by the Ghanaian university for international applicants.

During the application process, you will need to submit the relevant documents, including your high school transcripts and certificates, to demonstrate your eligibility for admission. Meeting these requirements will enhance your chances of acceptance into the Ghanaian university of your choice as a foreign student.

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General Admission Requirements for Foreign Students applying to universities in Ghana

Below are the general admission requirements you need to meet when applying to study in Ghana as a foreign student.

1. You must have minimum passes in either WASSCE (West Africa), International Baccalaureate (IB), IGCSE, GCSE, the American Grades 12 and 13 examinations or any other external qualifications that meet the standard to enter the university.
2. You are required to have good grades in certain subjects based on the programme you choose to study;
   1. Required subjects for Science-related programmes: English, Maths, Biology/Agriculture and Chemistry plus one Arts subject.
   1. Required subjects for Arts-related programmes: English, Maths, Biology/Agriculture and any three Arts subjects.
   2. Required subjects for Engineering-related programmes: English, Maths, Physics and Chemistry plus one Arts subject.
3. You can be admitted to Level 100 or 200 based on the nature of your qualification compared to the Ghanaian standard. You can gain admission to level 200 if your qualification can determine you have already taken some approved courses in a recognised institution, the school’s faculty will determine that.
4. If you are applying from a non-English speaking country, you will need evidence of proficiency in English to gain admission.

Check the FAQs below;

Can I apply to school in Ghana from a French-speaking country?

You can apply to a Ghanaian university from a French-speaking country, but you will need to show proof of English proficiency. If you don’t have it, you can attend a 3-6 months English language program in Ghana before applying to the university.

I failed WASSCE in Nigeria, can I apply to a university in Ghana?

If you did not pass the WASSCE examination in Nigeria, you would not meet the minimum requirements to apply to a Ghanaian university. In this case, you will be required to take the NOVDEC (November/December) examination to improve your grades and become eligible for application to a Ghanaian university.

Do you need JAMB to apply to a Ghanaian university?

You don’t need to take JAMB when applying to a Ghanaian university; only your WASSCE results are required.

I went to high school in the US, can I apply to a university school in Ghana?

Yes, you can apply to any Ghanaian university if you completed high school in the US, you do not need any extra certification.

How to Get a Ghanaian Student Visa to Study in Ghana

1. Visit the Ghanaian embassy in your home country (online or in person)
2. Request to get a Ghanaian student visa
3. Go through the process and acquire it

What is the average tuition fee for foreign students in Ghanaian universities?

The average tuition fee for foreign students in Ghanaian universities is $5,450 in state-owned universities and $3,215 in private universities. These fees are relative depending on the choice of program and school.

Are there international hostels in Ghanaian universities?

Yes, there are various international hostels across almost all recognised universities in Ghana, both state-owned and private. As a foreign student, you can also choose to live in a regular hostel with Ghanaians where you get to mingle with locals to learn the Ghanaian life and culture.

Pros and Cons of living in an International hostel

Pros

1. You get to live with people you are already familiar with
2. Easy to get along with mates
3. The standard of living is mostly better

Cons

1. You miss out on diverse culture
2. You pay high hostel fees
3. You do not easily mingle with local students
4. Difficult to blend in when you go out to the local suburbs

Can I rent an apartment in Ghana as a foreign student?

Certainly, as an international student, you have the option to lease an apartment in Ghana. This can often be a more cost-effective choice compared to residing in a hostel, where you may be required to vacate during school breaks. By having your own apartment or sharing one with someone, you can remain in Ghana throughout vacation periods, enabling you to seek employment opportunities to earn extra income or participate in internships with local companies, which might even lead to full-time job prospects after completing your studies.

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