Ghana is a West African country bordering on the Gulf of Guinea, Ghana is bounded by Côte d’Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Ghana is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Group of 24.
You will enjoy studying in Ghana as it is the second largest cocoa producer in the world, and one of the world’s largest gold producers and Ghana is home to Lake Volta, the largest artificial lake in the world by surface area.
Education in Ghana
Education is a prominent component of life in Ghana. The country is actively working to improve its literacy rate and strengthen its overall economy as a result. The adult literacy rate here is about 71 percent. Males are more likely to have an education than females.
Children enter the school at the nursery school level, usually at age three or four. They move on to primary school at the age of six. They remain in primary school for about six years. Students then move on to high school. Both a junior and a senior high school are present.
At the end of their high school years, students are tested. They will then determine if they will enter into a university program or a tertiary program. Many students will enter more vocational based educational programs rather than enrolling in university.
Higher Education in Ghana
In terms of opportunities for higher education, the country has numerous choices for students. There are 21 public training colleges in the country, most of which offer specialized education for students who need between one and three years of education.
There are 18 technical institutions present and two institutions issuing diplomas. The country also is home to six universities as well as various private programs. The following is a list of the low tuition public universities available in the country;
- The University of Ghana
- University of Cape Coast
- University of Education
- University of Mines and Technology
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
- University for Develop Studies
Additionally, the country has attracted private investment and school development. In recent years, several new universities have developed, all of which are private institutions. These include;
- Ghana Telecom University Colleges
- Central University College
- Ashesi University College
- Methodist University College of Ghana
- Regent University College of Science and Technology
- Valley View University
Of these, the oldest school in the country is the University of Ghana, which opened its doors in 1948. The focus of education throughout these schools is very diverse. Many students study business, social sciences, and medicine.
However, there is also a strong demand for technology based education, the arts, and humanities. Perhaps the most well known school in the region is Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, which has become a top school in this part of Africa.
Why Study In Ghana?
It is more developed than other African Countries
If you are looking for a study abroad destination, Ghana might have all the answers. Africa has for a while now been labelled as a continent of contrasts; while some nations continue to flounder, others prosper.
One of those which is rapidly developing is Ghana, the sub-sahara’s first colonial nation to gain its independence, and one of the most successful African nations of recent years.
Courses are Taught in English
Ghana offers students country-specific courses that are taught entirely in English. Here, you can study chemistry, music, languages, history, economics, science, technology and much more, while also sharpening your knowledge about your new surroundings.
Moreover, you have the opportunity to study for your degree while immersing yourself in the colourful local culture. You can also volunteer and work on community projects that will enrich your experience and improve your skill set.
Accredited Programs
Ghana is home to numerous accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities, some of which remain polytechnic institutions. It is also home to specialist higher education institutions, such as the National Film and Television Institute in Accra, and the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration in Legon.
According to the latest ranking reports, the University of Ghana is the top-ranked university in the country, with Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology second, and the University of Education third.
Student halls of residence are offered up and down the country, with some universities housing students in hostels for the duration of their course.
Booming Economy
Ghana is often seen as an emblem of Africa’s new image of vibrancy and growth. Thanks to a calm political climate, a solid democracy, a melting pot of cultures and a GDP that is higher than the world’s average, Ghana represents an attractive proposition for any student looking to study abroad.
Diversity in Education and Opportunities
Though many people believe that the educational system in Ghana and the surrounding area may not be ideal for all international students, there are many reasons to learn here.
One of the best reasons to do so is because the region is so diverse. When international students study here, they have the ability to interact and network with people, businesses, and governments from throughout the western portion of Africa.
As a result, there are opportunities to learn the culture and laws here and then to use those as a tool for finding employment and opportunities throughout the region.
Cost of Studying and Living In Ghana
Ghana uses the Cedi (GH₵) for currency; one Cedi can be divided into a hundred Pesewas. For comparison, $1 is currently worth around GH₵ 4.8.
Perhaps surprisingly, Ghana is not as cheap a place to live as you might expect, with its capital city Accra ranking 67th out of the 207 most expensive cities to live. Cost of accommodation can be particularly expensive and can take up a significant chunk of your budget if you choose to live privately.
However, many universities offer students halls of residences which, although often costly, reduce the pressure of having to pay your bills separately.
One of the problems you may face, though, is that international students are often charged considerably more than local students. As an example, student halls of residence for the University of Ghana start from GH₵ 510.00 per year for locals, and rise as high as GH₵ 870.00 for foreign students; Your stay in the University of Ghana’s International Students Hostel will cost you a fixed price of $1,852.00 per year.
Other necessities, such as transport, are affordable. The typical cost of transport fare for students in Ghana ranges between $2 – $3 for each trip, while clothing costs between GH₵ 30 – GH₵ 50. Food will also need to be budgeted for, with local cuisine costing in the region of N100 – N250 per dish, and international dishes costing between GH₵ 8 – GH₵ 10 per serving.
In short, international students will have to pay more than locals for pretty much everything in Ghana. As long as you manage your budget and calculate the exchange rates before hand, you will be fine.
Tuition Fees
According to USAC, an organisation that offers study abroad programs in Ghana, $5000 – $10000 is the estimate for private institutions while government schools may be around $2000 – $5000.
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Visas for International Students
Students will need to obtain a visa to study abroad in Ghana. The student visa requires students to already have an active passport and acceptance into a school.
An application for office student visas must be sent along with an invitation letter to the embassy for the student to receive a visa. There are fees associated with obtaining the visa, but for most students the process is simple and straightforward.