How To Apply For A Course As A Foreigner In Ghana
What courses are studied in Ghanaian universities ? Ghanaian universities offer a wide range of courses, including Business Administration (Accounting, Finance, Marketing, HR), Arts (History, English, Philosophy, Sociology, Psychology), Social Sciences (Economics, Political Science, Social Work), Sciences (Biological Sciences, Computer Engineering, Earth Science), Health Sciences (Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy), Engineering (Biomedical, Industrial & Systems, Robotics), and Agriculture (Crop Science, Animal Science, Agribusiness). Many universities also provide specialised programs in areas like Information Studies, Theology, and African Studies, focusing on national and global development challenges.
What are the requirements needed for a foreign applicant who applies for a course of his /her choice in Ghana?
Academic Requirements
Undergraduate Studies:
You must have completed your high school education with qualifications that are equivalent to the Ghanaian West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level.
Transcript & Certificates:
You must submit your academic transcripts and certificates from your previous school or university.
Specific Subject Passes:
Many courses, especially in sciences and engineering, require specific passes in subjects like Mathematics, English, and Science. Be sure to check the specific requirements for your chosen course.
Proficiency in English:
If you are from a non-English-speaking country, you will be required to provide evidence of your proficiency in English. This is often done by taking a test like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Some universities may also require an interview.
Immigration and Legal Requirements
Student Visa:
You must apply for a student visa at a Ghanaian embassy or consulate in your home country before you travel. You’ll need to submit:
Your admission letter from the Ghanaian institution.
A valid passport (with at least six months of remaining validity).
Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your tuition and living expenses.
Passport-sized photographs.
A medical certificate confirming you are free from contagious diseases.
Non-Citizen Ghana Card:
Upon your arrival in Ghana, you are required to register with the Ghana Immigration Service to obtain a Non-Citizen Ghana Card. This card is a mandatory form of identification for all foreign nationals staying in Ghana for more than 90 days. It is a prerequisite for many services, including opening a bank account and obtaining a resident permit.
Resident Permit:
All international students must apply for a resident permit to legalize their stay for the duration of their studies. Your school’s international student office will often assist with this application.
How To Apply For A Course As A Foreigner In Ghana
Check Entry Requirements:
Review the specific academic requirements for your chosen course. Ghanaian institutions will evaluate your previous qualifications (e.g., high school certificates, transcripts) to determine their equivalence to Ghana’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or other Ghanaian standards. If you are from a non-English-speaking country, you will need to provide proof of English proficiency by taking tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
Obtain an E-Voucher:
Most universities require you to purchase an electronic voucher (e-voucher) to access and complete the online application form. This can often be done via mobile money or a credit/debit card on the university’s admissions portal.
Fill the Online Form:
Log in with the serial number and PIN from your e-voucher. Fill out the application form with your personal and academic information, including details of your educational background and work experience (if applicable).
Upload Documents:
You will need to scan and upload copies of all relevant documents. This includes your passport biodata page, academic certificates, transcripts, and a passport-sized photograph. Some institutions may also require a personal statement or a research proposal for postgraduate programs.
Submit and Print:
After completing the form and uploading all documents, submit your application. It is advisable to print out a summary page for your personal records.
- Immigration Requirements (After Admission)
Once you receive an admission letter from the institution, you must begin the process of obtaining legal permits to study in Ghana.
Student Visa:
Apply for a student visa at the nearest Ghanaian embassy or high commission in your home country before you travel. You will need to submit your admission letter, a valid passport, proof of financial support, and a medical certificate, among other documents.
Non-Citizen Ghana Card:
Upon arrival in Ghana, you are legally required to obtain a Non-Citizen Ghana Card from the National Identification Authority. This card is mandatory for all foreign nationals staying in the country for more than 90 days and is a prerequisite for a resident permit.
Student Resident Permit:
All international students must apply for a resident permit to legalise their stay for the duration of their studies. Your university’s international students’ office will assist you with this. Requirements include your passport, admission letter, proof of fee payment, and the Non-Citizen Ghana Card.
Are there fees scheduled for undergraduate foreign applicants for courses?
Application Fee:
This is a mandatory, non-refundable fee paid to the university to process your application. For international applicants, this fee is typically paid in US dollars, with an average cost of about $30 to $100.
Tuition Fees:
This is the main academic charge for your course. Tuition varies widely by institution and program. For example, a non-engineering program might cost around $2,000 to $2,500 per year, while a more specialized program like engineering or medicine could be $4,000 or more per year. Some universities have different fee structures for students from ECOWAS countries versus non-ECOWAS countries.
Residential/Hostel Fees:
Most universities offer on-campus accommodation for foreign students, and this comes with an associated fee. Hostel fees vary depending on the type of room (e.g., single occupancy, shared facility) and can range from around $500 to over $1,000 per year.
Mandatory Non-Tuition Fees:
These include various administrative and service fees. They often cover expenses like medical screening, identity cards, a technology service fee, and student representative council (SRC) dues. These fees are typically paid in Ghana Cedis.
Immigration and Permit Fees:
After arriving in Ghana, you are required to obtain a Non-Citizen Ghana Card and a student resident permit. The cost for these can be significant and are separate from university fees. For example, the Non-Citizen Ghana Card can cost around $120 to $160.
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