Scholarships in Ghana are transforming education access for thousands of students every year. Whether you’re a secondary school graduate seeking university admission or a postgraduate student hoping to study abroad, 2025 presents diverse opportunities for financial aid. This comprehensive guide explores every major scholarship available in Ghana – from government and corporate programs to international, NGO, and university-based options – with tips on how to apply successfully.
Introduction
Education remains one of Ghana’s most powerful tools for social mobility, yet high tuition fees often prevent many talented students from pursuing their dreams. Scholarships in Ghana help bridge this gap, supporting undergraduates, master’s candidates, and PhD students at both local and international universities.
In 2025, Ghana’s scholarship landscape has expanded, offering more fully funded and merit-based options than ever before. Programs like the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat, MTN Bright Scholarship, GETFund, and Chevening continue to empower students across all regions. Whether your goal is to study locally or abroad, this guide provides all the information you need – eligibility, benefits, application steps, deadlines, and practical tips for success.
Overview of Scholarships in Ghana
Scholarships in Ghana are financial awards designed to support students based on merit, need, or specific fields of study. These programs typically cover tuition fees, accommodation, books, and sometimes a living stipend.
Ghana offers three main categories of scholarships:
- Government scholarships – funded by the state through the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat and GETFund.
- Corporate and NGO scholarships – sponsored by companies like MTN Ghana and organizations such as the Mastercard Foundation.
- International scholarships – offered by foreign governments and institutions including Chevening, Commonwealth, and DAAD.
Each category has its own requirements and target beneficiaries. While government scholarships aim for equity across regions, corporate and NGO programs often prioritize academic excellence and social impact. International scholarships, meanwhile, promote leadership and cultural exchange, often requiring students to return home and contribute to national development.
Government Scholarships in Ghana
Government scholarships are managed primarily by the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat (GSS) under the Ministry of Education. The GSS provides Local Tertiary and Foreign Tertiary scholarships.
Local Tertiary Scholarships
These scholarships target students studying at accredited Ghanaian universities and colleges. Applicants must create an account on the official portal at scholarships.gov.gh, fill in personal details, upload transcripts and admission letters, and complete an aptitude test and interview at the district level.
Foreign Tertiary Scholarships
Foreign scholarships cover studies abroad in countries with which Ghana has bilateral agreements, including China, Cuba, and Russia. They typically cover full tuition, accommodation, and sometimes airfare.
Key tip: Applicants should check the GSS portal regularly for announcements and adhere strictly to deadlines, usually between April and May.
GETFund and GNPC Scholarships
Two major public-sector organizations also fund higher education: the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and the GNPC Foundation.
GETFund Scholarships
GETFund focuses mainly on postgraduate students pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees locally or abroad. Applications are submitted through scholarships.getfund.gov.gh. Successful applicants usually receive full or partial funding for tuition, research materials, and travel allowances.
GNPC Foundation Scholarships
The GNPC Foundation supports students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs, as well as teacher training and vocational education. Beneficiaries receive tuition, accommodation, and book allowances.
These schemes not only boost academic development but also help strengthen Ghana’s human capital in sectors critical to national growth.
Corporate and NGO Scholarships in Ghana
Private organizations play a vital role in educational funding. Corporate and NGO scholarships in Ghana provide opportunities to thousands of brilliant but needy students every year.
MTN Bright Scholarship
Offered by the MTN Ghana Foundation, this program targets tertiary students across Ghana. It covers tuition, accommodation, stipends, and a laptop for each beneficiary. Since its inception, the MTN Bright Scholarship has supported over 500 students in various universities, including the University of Ghana and KNUST.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Partnered with universities like Ashesi University, KNUST, and the University of Ghana, this program offers fully funded undergraduate scholarships that include leadership training and mentorship.
Other NGO and CSR Scholarships
Other examples include scholarships by the Cocoa Board, Tullow Oil, and religious bodies like the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. Interested applicants should always confirm legitimacy before submitting documents.
International Scholarships for Ghanaian Students
For students dreaming of studying abroad, several fully funded international scholarships are available specifically for Ghanaians.
Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening Awards, funded by the UK government, provide full scholarships for one-year master’s degrees in the United Kingdom. They cover tuition, airfare, and living expenses. Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential and return to Ghana after completion.
Commonwealth Scholarships
Managed by the British Council Ghana, these scholarships are open to postgraduate students from Commonwealth countries. They prioritize research and fields relevant to Ghana’s development, such as public health, education, and engineering.
GREAT Scholarships
Offered under the British Council’s Study UK initiative, GREAT Scholarships support students pursuing specific postgraduate courses in the UK, usually co-funded by UK universities.
DAAD and Fulbright Programs
The DAAD (Germany) and Fulbright (USA) programs also welcome Ghanaian applicants for postgraduate and research studies, often with full financial coverage.
International scholarships emphasize not just academic performance but also community leadership and professional goals. Successful candidates gain global exposure while building networks that benefit Ghana upon their return.
Scholarships by Level of Study
Scholarship opportunities in Ghana are categorized by academic level, ensuring inclusivity across education stages.
Undergraduate Scholarships
Popular programs include the MTN Bright Scholarship, GNPC Foundation Scholarship, and Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. These focus on students in public universities and technical institutions.
Master’s Scholarships
For master’s studies, leading options include GETFund, Commonwealth, and Chevening scholarships. They typically prioritize applicants who show leadership, innovation, or research potential.
PhD and Research Scholarships
Doctoral students can apply for GETFund and DAAD research grants, which fund tuition, fieldwork, and research materials.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Ghana
Applying for a scholarship in Ghana requires careful preparation and adherence to official guidelines.
Step-by-Step Process
- Identify the right program – Use official portals or university financial aid offices.
- Create an online account on the relevant platform (e.g., scholarships.gov.gh or scholarship.mtn.com.gh).
- Complete the application form with accurate information.
- Upload documents such as academic transcripts, national ID, and admission letters.
- Prepare for aptitude tests or interviews, where required.
Common Documents Required
- Admission or acceptance letter
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Personal statement or motivation letter
- Recommendation letters
- Proof of nationality (Ghana Card or passport)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete forms
- Missing deadlines
- Using unofficial or fake portals
Pro Tip
Craft a strong motivation letter highlighting your achievements, leadership, and community service. Avoid plagiarism, and tailor your essay to each scholarship’s goals.
Tips to Win a Scholarship
Winning a scholarship in Ghana is competitive, but preparation gives you an advantage.
- Maintain strong academic performance. Many programs have minimum GPA requirements.
- Be involved in community service. Corporate and NGO scholarships often look for social impact.
- Prepare for interviews. Review likely questions about your goals, leadership, and field of study.
- Follow instructions carefully. A single missing document can disqualify your application.
- Apply early. Most portals close before the advertised date due to high volume.
Regional and Equity Scholarships
Some scholarship initiatives focus on ensuring balanced access across all regions of Ghana.
The Ghana Scholarships Secretariat and MTN Bright Scholarship prioritize applicants from underrepresented districts and support students with disabilities. Gender equality is also emphasized, with female applicants encouraged to apply, particularly in STEM disciplines.
These measures align with Ghana’s education policy promoting inclusivity and equal opportunity nationwide.
Scholarship Deadlines and Calendar
Deadlines vary by program, so early preparation is key. Below is a general timeline for 2025 applications:
| Scholarship Program | Application Period |
|---|---|
| Ghana Scholarships Secretariat | April – May 2025 |
| MTN Bright Scholarship | June – July 2025 |
| GETFund | March – April 2025 |
| GNPC Foundation | May – June 2025 |
| Chevening (UK) | August – November 2025 |
| Commonwealth (UK) | December – February 2026 |
| DAAD (Germany) | October – January 2026 |
Always visit official websites before applying, as dates and requirements may change yearly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the best scholarships in Ghana for undergraduates?
Top options include the MTN Bright Scholarship, GNPC Foundation Scholarship, and Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
2. Which scholarships in Ghana are fully funded?
Chevening, Commonwealth, DAAD, and Mastercard Foundation are fully funded. Government scholarships may also provide full support depending on funding availability.
3. How can I apply for a government scholarship in Ghana?
Visit scholarships.gov.gh, register, complete the application form, and upload required documents before the deadline.
4. Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?
Yes, but you must ensure eligibility for each and avoid duplicate funding for the same program.
5. When do scholarship applications open in Ghana?
Most open between February and May each year. International programs like Chevening start in August.
6. Are there scholarships for private university students in Ghana?
Some NGO and corporate scholarships, such as Mastercard Foundation, extend support to private institutions like Ashesi University.
7. Do Ghanaian scholarships cover study abroad?
Yes. The Ghana Scholarships Secretariat, Chevening, Commonwealth, and DAAD all fund international studies.
8. How can I avoid fake scholarship scams?
Apply only through verified portals ending in .gov.gh or official institutional domains. Avoid agents requesting payment.
Conclusion
Scholarships in Ghana continue to open doors for students across all backgrounds. With dozens of government, corporate, and international opportunities available in 2025, financial limitations should no longer be a barrier to higher education.
Start researching early, gather your documents, and prepare your personal statement carefully. Remember, every successful applicant began with a single application – yours could be next. Visit official portals like scholarships.gov.gh or scholarship.mtn.com.gh to begin your journey today.