10 List of Fully Funded Scholarships in Ghana You Can Apply
Getting a fully funded scholarship in Ghana can be a total game‑changer for a student. With rising costs of education, such scholarships don’t just cover tuition; they often include living expenses, books, accommodation, and even stipends.
In this post, we’ll walk you through 10 of the top fully funded scholarships in Ghana (and for Ghanaian students abroad), explain what they cover, and show you exactly how to apply so you can make the most of these life-changing opportunities. Let’s jump in!
How to Choose the Right Fully Funded Scholarships in Ghana
When you’re looking for fully funded scholarships in Ghana, it’s not enough to apply blindly; picking the right one can make all the difference. Here are some practical steps to guide you
1. Consider Your Study Level
Start by thinking about whether you’re applying as an undergraduate, master’s, or PhD student. Different scholarships are designed for different levels of study; make sure you pick ones that match where you are in your academic journey.
2. Evaluate Eligibility
Check who the scholarship is for. Do you need to be a Ghanaian citizen? Is academic merit a must? Or is there a component of financial need? Many Ghana-based programs require both good grades and proof of financial hardship.
3. Check Coverage Details
“Fully funded” doesn’t always mean the same thing. Some scholarships cover just tuition, while others also include accommodation, living stipends, books, and more. Knowing exactly what is funded will help you make informed decisions.
4. Calendar Planning: Deadlines & Cycles
Take the initiative by learning when scholarship portals open, when deadlines are, and how frequently applications are accepted. For instance, Ghana’s Scholarship Secretariat typically runs its local tertiary scholarship applications in specific months. Make a calendar or tracker to stay on top of all this.
5. Importance of Documentation
Documents are the foundation of strong applications. You’ll usually need transcripts, recommendation letters, your admission letter, proof of ID (like a Ghana Card), and, in some cases, proof of financial need. Your application may succeed or fail based on how well-prepared you are.
Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in Ghana You Can Apply
Here are some of the best fully funded scholarships in Ghana (or for Ghanaian students abroad) that you should consider. For each scholarship, I cover who offers it, what’s funded, who qualifies, and how to apply.
1. GETFund Scholarship (Local & Foreign)
The GETFund Scholarship is administered by the Ghana Education Trust Fund. GETFund supports both local undergraduate and graduate students and even offers foreign scholarships for master’s and PhD programs. Depending on the track, the scholarship covers tuition, books, and in some cases a living allowance.
It is eligible for Ghanaian citizens with strong academics and demonstrated financial need. To apply for GETFund, you visit the GETFund portal and submit your application.
2. MTN Ghana Foundation Bright Scholarship
There’s also the MTN Ghana Foundation Bright Scholarship is sponsored by the MTN Ghana Foundation. It supports high-performing but financially disadvantaged Ghanaian students. Through this program, selected students can receive full tuition, accommodation, book allowances, and more.
You can apply through the MTN Scholarship Portal.
3. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is offered through institutions like KNUST and Ashesi University. Students with significant leadership potential and financial need are the target audience for this scholarship. It usually provides full tuition, housing, textbooks, a monthly stipend, and even a laptop; in other words, it does more for you than just pay for your education.
Applicants must apply to the Scholars Program through the respective university portals.
4. GNPC Foundation Scholarship
Then there’s the GNPC Foundation Scholarship, offered by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation. This program often targets students in STEM fields and supports them with tuition fees, accommodation, and academic materials. The scholarship portal at GNPC is usually used to submit applications.
5. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
If you’re aiming abroad, the Chevening Scholarship in the UK is one of the most prestigious fully funded options available. With Chevening, you’ll receive full tuition, a monthly stipend, travel allowances, and other support, making it a lifeline for many future leaders.
You can apply to the application window by using the Chevening website.
6. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
For students interested in Germany, the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship is ideal. In particular, the program at the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) in the University of Ghana offers funding for a Master of Philosophy in Seed Science and Technology, covering tuition and other study-related expenses.
Apply through the DAAD portal or via partner universities.
7. Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS)
Another excellent choice is the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS). This scholarship is available to Ghanaian students at the undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels and typically covers tuition, housing, and a monthly allowance.
How to Apply: Via the Chinese Embassy or the CGS online portal.
8. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees program is a very attractive route for Ghanaian students. These programs are offered by a consortium of European universities, and scholarship winners receive full tuition, a monthly living allowance, travel and installation costs, and insurance. Visit their website on erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
9. Türkiye Scholarships
The Türkiye Scholarships, also known as Türkiye Bursları, are open to Ghanaian students across multiple levels, from undergrad to PhD, and provide a strong financial package that includes tuition, accommodation, stipend, and insurance. You can apply by visiting their portal, www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr.
10. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
If you are eyeing postgraduate opportunities outside Africa, the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is worth considering. This scholarship supports master’s students in development‑oriented fields and typically covers tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare, and health insurance.
Tips to Improve Your Chances for Fully Funded Scholarships in Ghana
- Start Early & Track Deadlines: Give yourself plenty of time to gather paperwork, write essays, and apply. Use a calendar or tracker to stay on top of deadlines.
- Write a Strong Personal Statement: Tell your story clearly and honestly. Explain your goals, why you need the scholarship, and how you’ll use it.
- Get Good Recommendation Letters: Ask people who know you well, teachers or mentors, early, and give them your CV or achievements to write something meaningful.
- Show Leadership & Community Involvement: Highlight roles or volunteer work that show you lead and give back. Committees often look for well-rounded candidates.
- Prepare for Interviews (if required): Some scholarships invite shortlisted candidates to interview. Practice common questions, speak clearly, and be ready to talk about your goals.
- Proofread & Double-Check Everything: Carefully review your application, essays, and documents for errors. Ask someone else to proofread; small mistakes can count against you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Fully Funded Scholarships in Ghana
- Missing or Incorrect Documents: Forgetting to upload key paperwork, such as transcripts, ID, or financial proof, or uploading blurry or expired documents, is a very common mistake.
- Submitting Late: Turning in your application after the deadline can instantly disqualify you. Many scholarship portals close strictly on time.
- Not Tailoring Essays to Each Scholarship: Using the same personal statement for every scholarship makes your application look lazy or generic. Scholarship panels usually notice and prefer applications that reflect the specific mission of their program.
- Overlooking Budget Details (e.g., Travel Costs): Assuming “fully funded” means everything, without checking, can backfire. Some scholarships don’t cover travel, insurance, or other costs, so you might be left with unexpected expenses.
- Ignoring Eligibility Nuances: Scholarships often have very specific eligibility criteria (Ghana ID, citizenship, field of study, etc.). Not reading these carefully can lead to applying for programs you don’t actually qualify for.
What to Do After You Apply
Once you’ve submitted your scholarship application, follow up politely via email or check the application portal to confirm everything went through.
If there’s an interview, prepare in advance so you can speak confidently about your goals. Meanwhile, don’t put all your eggs in one basket; apply to multiple scholarships as a backup.
Also, start planning your finances just in case this doesn’t work out: create a budget, explore student loans or part-time work, and keep saving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible for government scholarships in Ghana?
For scholarships from the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat, you usually need to be a Ghanaian citizen, show academic merit, and prove financial need.
When do I apply for local tertiary scholarships in Ghana?
The application period for local tertiary scholarships usually opens between June and August.
What documents do I need to apply?
Commonly required documents include your admission letter, academic transcripts (WASSCE or university), Ghana Card/ID, passport photo, and proof of financial need.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship at a time?
Yes, you may apply for multiple scholarships, but you can generally only benefit from one government-funded scholarship at a time.
Summary
These 10 fully funded scholarships in Ghana represent more than just financial aid; they’re a powerful way to unlock your academic future without paying out of pocket. When you apply wisely, such opportunities can take the weight off your shoulders and let you focus on learning, growing, and building a career.
Don’t let this list slip by: bookmark it, share it with friends, and sign up for scholarship alerts so you never miss out on new chances. With the right timing and preparation, one of these scholarships could be your ticket to achieving your dreams.
