Medical education in Ghana is highly competitive and expensive. From tuition and accommodation to books and clinical training costs, many talented students struggle to afford the journey to becoming a doctor.
This is why scholarships for medical students in Ghana are more important than ever, as they offer vital financial support to students with strong academic goals but limited resources.
In this guide, we’ll provide clear, up-to-date information on available scholarships for medical students in Ghana, including verified sources, eligibility requirements, and simple step-by-step guidance on how to apply. Let’s dive in!
Types of Scholarships for Medical Students in Ghana
Scholarships for medical students in Ghana come from several reliable sources, each targeting different student needs:
- Government-funded scholarships: Managed mainly by the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat and GETFund, these support tuition locally and abroad, often with bonding requirements after graduation.
- University-based scholarships: Offered by public and private medical schools to reward academic excellence or support students with financial need.
- NGO and foundation scholarships: Programs from organizations such as Mastercard Foundation, MTN Foundation, and other charities support high-performing, needy students.
- International scholarship schemes: Bilateral government programs and foreign institutions provide opportunities to study medicine outside Ghana.
- Private corporate sponsorships: Banks, telecom companies, and healthcare firms award scholarships as part of corporate social responsibility initiatives.
- Faith-based and community scholarships: Churches, mosques, district assemblies, and local associations provide smaller but helpful awards to deserving students.
Together, these options expand access to quality medical education through diverse scholarships for medical students in Ghana.
Government Scholarships for Medical Students in Ghana
Ghana Scholarships Secretariat (local and foreign awards)
The Ghana Scholarships Secretariat handles both local and foreign tertiary scholarships for deserving Ghanaian students who are admitted into accredited institutions. This support can cover full or partial tuition, academic fees, and, in some cases, other costs for students enrolled in public and approved private institutions.
Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) medical sponsorship programmes
GETFund periodically offers scholarships to undergraduates and postgraduates across Ghana, including those in health-related and tertiary programs. Although the fund’s original mandate emphasized support for priority national-development areas (often STEM and public-service fields), many students benefit from its offerings.
District Assembly/Local (decentralised) sponsorship schemes
Through the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat, scholarship applications are decentralized via district-level committees (DSRCs in each metropolitan, municipal, or district assembly). This structure helps ensure that students from across Ghana, regardless of region, have access to funding, subject to need, admission, and available quota.
Bonding requirements and service agreements
Some government-sponsored medical scholarships may come with bonding obligations: in exchange for sponsorship, beneficiaries are often expected to commit to serving the nation, for example, by working in public hospitals or underserved areas after graduation. Such requirements aim to ensure that public investment in medical education yields societal benefit, particularly addressing national health-care needs.
University-Based Scholarships for Medical Students in Ghana
In Ghana, several universities and their affiliated scholarship schemes support medical students through need- and merit-based funding. Under the heading of scholarships for medical students in Ghana, these significantly contribute to accessible medical education.
1. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), bursaries and internal scholarships
Through its Directorate of Student Affairs, KNUST offers bursaries and grants to “brilliant but needy” students, including those studying medicine.
- Its “KNUST Bursary” is available to students with a minimum CWA (Cumulative Weighted Average) of 60.
- Additional funds and scholarships may come from internal university-generated funds or support from welfare associations affiliated with KNUST.
2. University of Ghana (UG) / University of Ghana Medical School (UGMS), financial aid for medical students
UG offers financial aid options aimed at medical students who show academic merit and also face financial need.
- These scholarships may cover tuition and other academic support for eligible students enrolled in the medical faculty.
3. University for Development Studies (UDS) and private medical institutions, occasional scholarships & foundation support
Some scholarship opportunities are listed for students at the UDS’ School of Medicine. Private medical schools may also partner with external foundations or donor programs, though such opportunities tend to be more limited and competitive than at public institutions.
4. Merit-based vs needs-based awards
- Merit-based scholarships typically require high academic performance (e.g., high grades or strong CWA) and are awarded to top-performing students.
- Needs-based or bursary-style scholarships are directed at students who demonstrate financial hardship, ensuring that tuition and fees do not prevent capable candidates from completing their medical education.
- Many university-based awards in Ghana follow one or both of these models, depending on the funding source and eligibility.
5. Academic performance requirements
Students must maintain a specific academic standard (such as a CWA of 60 or higher) in order to be eligible for many internal bursaries at institutions like KNUST.
Additionally, some external foundation-linked scholarships (e.g., for needy but brilliant students) may also demand a certain WASSCE or prior academic threshold upon admission.
NGO and Foundation Scholarships for Medical Students in Ghana
Here is a brief overview of some of the key NGO, foundation, and private-sponsor scholarship options relevant to scholarships for medical students in Ghana.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
This program supports academically talented but economically disadvantaged students across Africa.
It partners with universities (including in Ghana) to cover full tuition, accommodation, study materials, and living expenses, plus mentorship and leadership development.
For eligible students studying medicine (or other courses), this can remove major financial barriers and offer comprehensive support, including stipends and support services.
MTN Ghana Foundation (Bright Scholarship)
This foundation offers scholarships for first-year and continuing tertiary students in public institutions, including those in health-care or medical-related disciplines. Applicants must be Ghanaian, “brilliant but needy,” and demonstrate good academic standing.
The Bright Scholarship can cover tuition, academic materials, accommodation, and sometimes living-cost support.
Vodafone Ghana Foundation support schemes and other private foundations
Some foundation- and corporate-led scholarship schemes (including Vodafone’s) occasionally support students in STEM or medical and health sciences programs.
These tend to be competitive and may focus support on specific fields of study, including medicine and allied health disciplines.
Local church-based, community, and small-foundation scholarships
In addition to large NGOs and corporate foundations, smaller local organizations, faith-based groups, and community associations may offer bursaries or partial scholarships to deserving medical students.
While funding may be modest compared to national or corporate programs, these grants can make a difference, especially when combined with other aid.
International Scholarships for Medical Students in Ghana
For many Ghanaian medical hopefuls, international scholarships offer a path to study abroad with financial support. Here are some of the main kinds you can explore if you qualify.
- Scholarships to study medicine abroad: Several scholarship schemes accept applications from Ghanaians admitted to medical or health sciences programs abroad. These can cover tuition, accommodation, stipends, travel, and more.
- China, Cuba, the UK, and Eastern Europe medical scholarship programs: For example, the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), for Eastern Europe or Cuba, allows eligible Ghanaian students to study in Chinese universities, sometimes covering medical courses fully.
- Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (Commonwealth scholarships): These offer fully funded postgraduate or specialized medical-related studies at universities in member countries. Ghanaian applicants can apply under this scheme.
- Bilateral government scholarship opportunities: Occasionally, foreign governments partner with Ghana (through agencies like the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat) to provide medical-education scholarships abroad.
Corporate & Professional-Body Scholarships for Medical Students in Ghana
- Bank-sponsored scholarships (e.g., Ecobank Ghana, Stanbic Bank Ghana): Some banks offer scholarships or bursaries to “brilliant-but-needy” students. While many are awarded at the pre-tertiary level, such corporate-backed aid can occasionally help undergraduates, including medical-track students.
- Professional-body or medical-field bursaries (e.g., Ghana Medical Association): Professional or health-sector organizations may offer bursaries or financial assistance to medical or allied-health students, particularly those who demonstrate academic promise and a commitment to public health.
- Health-care NGOs and hospital-foundation support: Non-governmental organizations and hospital-affiliated foundations occasionally extend support to students in medicine or related health sciences, often targeting those from under-resourced backgrounds or committed to serving underserved communities.
- CSR scholarships from telecom and energy companies and other private firms: For instance, MTN Ghana Foundation runs the “Bright Scholarship” scheme, offering full tuition, housing, and stipends to deserving students in public tertiary institutions, including health science and medical students.
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships for Medical Students in Ghana
Most scholarship programs require the following:
- Academic excellence benchmarks: Applicants often need to demonstrate strong academic records, such as good WASSCE results or a solid GPA/CGPA if already in university.
- Financial need assessments: Many scholarships target “brilliant‑but‑needy” students, so applicants must show evidence of limited family income or financial hardship.
- Leadership and community service (or good conduct): Some foundations and aid schemes consider involvement in community work or general good conduct as part of their selection criteria.
- Ghanaian citizenship and residency: Typically, only Ghanaian citizens (with a valid ID or Ghana Card) residing in Ghana are eligible.
- Admission/offer into an accredited medical (or tertiary) school: Applicants must have already been admitted and registered in a recognized (NAB‑accredited) medical or tertiary institution.
Application Process for Scholarships for Medical Students in Ghana
Most government‑linked scholarships (via the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat) follow a structured, three‑phase process:
Step‑by‑step application guide
- Research open opportunities: Monitor official portals (like the Scholarships Secretariat website) around the usual application window.
- Confirm eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria: Ghanaian citizen, admitted to an accredited medical/tertiary institution, not already receiving another scholarship, and (if required) showing financial need.
- Prepare documents: Scan and gather admission letters, academic transcripts or certificates, national ID (Ghana Card), proof of financial need (if asked), and any other required documents.
- Apply online or through institutions: Create an account at the official portal, fill out the application form, upload documents, and indicate your district for interviews.
- Attend online aptitude tests or interviews: Many schemes require applicants to take an online aptitude test, and shortlisted candidates may be invited for a district-level interview.
- Watch important timelines: Application windows open only during specific periods (e.g., late July–mid‑August 2025), so missing the window means you wait until the next cycle.
Required Documents for Scholarships for Medical Students in Ghana
Applicants generally must submit:
- Official secondary‑school certificate or results (e.g., WASSCE) or current academic transcripts for continuing students.
- An admission or acceptance letter from the medical (or tertiary) institution.
- A personal statement or motivation letter outlining academic goals and financial need.
- One or more recommendation letters (from teachers, community leaders, or referees) to support character/merit or need.
- Proof of financial hardship/support needs (e.g., parents’ income documents, hardship letters).
- Proof of identity and citizenship (e.g., birth certificate, national ID, or Ghana Card).
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Scholarships for Medical Students in Ghana
Many applications fail because students miss deadlines; scholarship boards rarely accept late submissions. Submitting incomplete applications (missing transcripts, recommendation letters, essays, etc.) is another frequent error.
Using generic personal statements, i.e., recycling the same essay for multiple scholarships, makes applications appear impersonal and less competitive. Some applicants apply for scholarships they do not qualify for, wasting time and resources.
Avoid these by checking eligibility closely, preparing documents well ahead, tailoring your personal statement, and submitting on time.
How to Increase Your Chances of Securing Scholarships for Medical Students in Ghana
Applying to multiple scholarship programs at once improves your odds; don’t rely on just one. Try to get mentors from medical schools or hospitals to guide your applications and support you with recommendation letters.
Volunteering in healthcare, community outreach, or student‑led initiatives, showing service and social commitment, strengthens your profile.
Maintaining excellent academic performance, strong grades remain a primary criterion for many awards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can first‑year medical students apply?
Yes. Many schemes, such as those from the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat and university‑based programs, allow newly admitted (Level‑100) medical students to apply after admission.
Are scholarships available for private medical schools?
Yes. Government‑administered scholarships and some foundation‑backed aid often accept students enrolled in accredited private as well as public institutions.
Are there full scholarships covering tuition and living expenses?
In some cases, yes, certain foundations and international schemes offer full funding, including tuition, accommodation, and stipends for living expenses.
Do scholarships require bonding after graduation?
Some government‑backed scholarships come with service obligations. Meaning beneficiaries must commit to working in public or underserved health institutions after completing their studies.
What GPA is considered competitive?
Competitive GPA thresholds vary by scholarship, but many university‑level scholarships expect good academic standing; for example, some need a GPA equivalent to “good standing” or above average.
Conclusion
Ghana offers a wide spectrum of opportunities for aspiring doctors, from government‑funded awards via the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat to university grants, NGO/foundation funds, and corporate and international scholarships.
Act early and apply consistently: many of these scholarships are time‑bound, and early preparation often separates successful applicants from the rest.
If you are serious about studying medicine, treat each opportunity as a stepping‑stone. Gather your documents, polish your personal statement, and submit before the deadlines.
Stay updated on new scholarship offers, consider subscribing to alerts or joining student‑scholarship Telegram/WhatsApp groups. Save a copy of this guide or download a simple checklist of requirements. Share with classmates so that more future doctors in Ghana benefit.
