Ghana is one of the easiest places to study in West Africa. It has a growing number of scholarships for African and international students. Ghana is a good place to get a good higher education because it has good universities, English is the language of instruction, and living expenses are not too high.
Some countries rely heavily on fully funded scholarships, but Ghana has a mix of government-funded, university-funded, international partnerships, and donor-funded programs that can cut your study costs by a lot or even cover them completely.
This full guide goes over the best scholarships, who can get them, what they can do for you, and how to apply successfully.
Why an African Student Should Study in Ghana
Many people think that Ghana is one of the most stable and education-friendly countries in Africa.
Some of the main benefits are the following:
- The language of instruction is English.
- Tuition and living costs that are not too high
- Scholarships for African students
- Universities that are well-known around the world
- Cultural awareness for African students
Ghana also works with international groups and donors to give scholarships, especially to students from developing countries.
Best Scholarships in Ghana for Students from Africa
1. Scholarships from the Government of Ghana (Scholarships Secretariat)
Ghana Scholarships Secretariat is the main organization that gives out scholarships in Ghana.
These scholarships are meant to help students from Ghana and other countries who are studying in Ghanaian schools.
What It Covers
- Help with paying for school
- Accommodation (sometimes)
- Money for students who need it
The Secretariat also runs special programmes like the “Needy but Brilliant” scheme, which helps students who are smart but don’t have a lot of money.
Level of Study
- Undergraduate
- Master’s
- Doctorate
Important Insight
Most government scholarships require proof of both academic merit and financial need. Most of the time, applicants also need to be accepted into a school that is well-known before they can apply.
2. Scholarships for the University of Ghana
There are a number of scholarships available for African and international students at the University of Ghana.
Common Choices
- Tullow College Scholarship
- Scholarships from the Financial Aid Office
- Paths to Education Scholarship for people from other countries
What They Talk About
- Some or all of the tuition
- Money to help with living costs
- Grants for school
Most of the time, applicants have to fill out an online application and send in essays and other documents.
3. Fully funded DAAD scholarships at the University of Ghana
This is one of the best scholarships in Ghana for African students that pays for everything.
What It Covers
- All tuition costs
- Yearly stipend (about €6,460)
- Money for travel
- Insurance for health
- Help with research
Level of Study
- Master’s
- Doctorate
Main Benefit
- For African students only
- In many cases, no IELTS is needed.
This scholarship is particularly robust in agriculture, science, and development-related disciplines.
4. Scholarship from the MTN Ghana Foundation
This is a well-known scholarship in the private sector in Ghana.
What It Covers
- Help with tuition
- Materials for studying
- Help with money
Process of Applying
People who want to apply must:
- Fill out the form online
- Send in a letter of motivation
- If you are chosen, go to the interviews.
Best For
- Students who do well in school and need money
5. Scholarship from the GNPC Foundation
The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation gives out scholarships to help people in Ghana’s energy sector improve their technical skills.
What It Covers
- Fees for school
- Help with studies related to oil and gas and engineering
The goal of the programme is to help people in the area become experts in the oil and gas industries.
6. Scholarships for Ghanaian students at Lancaster University
This private school has a lot of scholarships for students from other countries.
Different kinds of scholarships
- Scholarships for Academic Achievement
- Scholarships for financial aid
What They Talk About
- Partial waivers of tuition
- Help with money
Students who do well in school may be able to get big discounts on their tuition.
7. Scholarships for international and outside students in Ghana
Ghana is also home to a number of international scholarship programmes.
For example:
- DAAD (money from Germany)
- Erasmus+
- Scholarships from the Rotary Foundation
Students from different countries can apply for these scholarships, which can help pay for school in Ghana.
Different Types of Scholarships in Ghana
There are three main types of scholarships in Ghana:
1. Scholarships that pay for everything
These include:
- School fees
- Costs of living
- Travel (sometimes)
For example:
- DAAD Grants
2. Scholarships that only cover part of the cost
These include:
- Tuition costs (in full or in part)
This is where most university scholarships fit.
3. Scholarships Based on Need
These are given out based on:
- Need for money
- Being great in school
For example:
- Government programme for “Needy but Brilliant”
Requirements for Eligibility
Even though requirements differ, some common ones are the following:
Requirements for School
- Good grades in school
- A good GPA or something like it
Other Things You Need
- Getting into a university in Ghana
- Passport that is still good
- Proof of need for money (for some scholarships)
Age Restrictions
- Undergraduate: less than 25
- Master’s: less than 35
- PhD: less than 40
Documents Needed
You usually need the following to apply successfully:
- Certificates for school
- Records
- Copy of your passport
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
For people who have already finished college:
- Proposal for research
Would it be possible to study in Ghana without taking the IELTS?
Yes, many universities in Ghana let students study without taking the IELTS.
Other options are:
- Letter of English proficiency
- Previous study of English
Ghana is one of the easiest African countries to study in without taking the IELTS test because English is the official language of instruction.
How to Apply Step by Step
Step 1: Pick a scholarship
To begin:
- Ghana Government Scholarship
- DAAD Grant
- Scholarships for college
Step 2: Send in your application to a university
Most scholarships require you to apply first.
Step 3: Get your papers ready
Pay attention to:
- A strong personal statement
- Being great in school
Step 4: Send in your application for the scholarship
Send in your application:
- Portal for the government
- Portal for college
Step 5: Interview (If Necessary)
Some scholarships may ask you to come in for an interview.
Step 6: Wait for the Results
Results usually come out in a few months.
Timeline for Applications (2026 Intake)
A normal timeline:
- You can apply from January to June.
- Deadlines: different for each scholarship
- Results: in the middle to late 2026
How much it costs to live in Ghana
Students can afford to live in Ghana.
Monthly costs on average:
- Lodging: low to moderate
- Food: cheap
- Transportation: cheap
Students can still handle costs well, even if they don’t get all the money they need.
The Advantages of Studying in Ghana
Studying in Ghana gives you:
- Education that doesn’t cost a lot
- Programmes taught in English
- A strong academic network in Africa
- Different cultures
Ghana is especially good at:
- Economics and business
- Farming
- Building
- Social studies
Things You Shouldn’t Do
Many students miss out because of the following:
- Putting off applying
- Weak personal statement
- Documents that aren’t complete
- Not applying for more than one scholarship
Last Words
Ghana is one of the best places for African students to go if they want to get a scholarship. There are fully funded opportunities, but the country also has a lot of cheap and partially funded options that can still make your education almost free.
To do well:
- Pay attention to DAAD and government scholarships.
- Send applications to more than one school.
- Get ready for strong academic papers
- Get going early
If you have the right plan, you can get a scholarship in Ghana and go to school in a safe, culturally familiar place where you can get a quality education.