Ghana: Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

The higher education structure in Ghana is similar to that in the UK. Qualifications are available at MA, MPhil and PhD level. Courses are offered at universities and polytechnics, and the higher education system also includes a variety of institutions including tutorial, theological and training colleges and technical institutions. 

What courses are available?

A variety of subjects are offered at MA, MPhil and PhD level. These include English, economics, geography and political science. It is also possible to study medicine and dentistry in Ghana but there may be extra requirements for entry on to these types of courses.

The language of instruction for all postgraduate courses in Ghana is typically English.

Contact individual institutions for further information on the courses that they offer. 

Where can I study?

There are 12 universities and 10 polytechnics in Ghana. The main universities are:   

• University of Ghana  
• Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)  
• University of Cape Coast  

For a full list of universities see Ghana Government Portal - Schools and Universities .

Applying for postgraduate study

Entry requirements for postgraduate courses are a good first degree, usually a 2:2 or above, in an appropriate subject and from a recognised university. Prospective students must also have a good level of English. The specific subject and grade required varies depending on the institution so contact them directly to find out more.

Application opening and closing dates vary depending on the institution. For example, applications for the University of Ghana are open for postgraduate courses from December to 31 March each year. Check with the institution directly to find out specific dates.

The postgraduate application process varies depending on the course. Some departments use downloadable application forms, while others use paper forms. There is often an application fee, payable upon collection of the application form.

Application forms usually ask for details of previous study and a referee. There is not usually a requirement for a personal statement.

Fees and scholarships

Fees vary according to the type of programme and the institution.

The University of Ghana charges fees for application, registration services, medical services, course fees and examination fees.

Some universities also offer dedicated services for international students, e.g. orientation programmes, pastoral support and activities, which are available for a fee.

The University of Ghana gives the figure of around £3,400 for tuition fees (for MA/MSc study), £250 for examinations, £155 for the dissertation, £46 for registration and £1,000 for residential fees.

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)  works on a variety of funding projects that assist pan-Commonwealth movement schemes, such as the Commonwealth Universities Study Abroad Consortium (CUSAC), which provide funding for student exchange and study abroad opportunities. ACU also manages a range of scholarship schemes, fellowship programmes and bursaries that support international joint activities involving British scholars in collaboration with Commonwealth partners. Some of these are designed to enable medical students in Britain to gain practical experience in developing Commonwealth countries during their elective period.

Are there any exchange programmes?

The University of Ghana: International Programmes Office  runs an International Student Exchange. It has various partner institutions across the world. See the website for more information.

The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)  offers study opportunities in Ghana. CIEE helps students in Ghana locate housing in on- or off-campus apartments.

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom)  provides information about the equivalency of qualifications and skills from overseas to the UK’s national qualifications framework. Visit their website for more information on the services they provide.