Studying abroad remains one of the most powerful ways a Ghanaian student can gain a world‑class education, build a global network, and expand future career prospects.
But for many, tuition, living expenses, and travel costs put overseas study out of reach. Scholarships act as a bridge over that financial barrier, enabling capable students to access education abroad and benefit from global exposure.
In this article, we’ll help you find 15 of the most promising international scholarships currently open to Ghanaian students, from undergraduate to postgraduate levels.
What to look for in International Scholarships for Ghanaian Students
When you explore international scholarships, it helps to know which criteria matter most.
Key factors include academic merit, financial need, nationality or residency status, the program or field of study, the academic level (undergraduate or graduate), language requirements, and strict adherence to deadlines.
Many scholarships evaluate applicants based on transcripts, prior grades, or GPA alongside proof of financial hardship or need.
Preparing your documents early, such as transcripts or certificates, admission letters, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and evidence of financial need, greatly improves your chances of success.
Finally, think about how your academic aspirations and long‑term career goals align with the scholarship’s purpose.
Scholarships often favor candidates whose goals reflect leadership potential, community impact, or development focus, especially those committed to contributing positively after studies.
Top 15 International Scholarships for Ghanaian Students
Here are 15 scholarship opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students that many Ghanaian applicants aim for when seeking to study abroad or overseas.
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
A prestigious, fully‑funded scholarship for master’s level study in the UK. It covers tuition, a monthly stipend, travel, arrival and departure allowances, and sometimes other benefits.
2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany / Europe)
Postgraduate and PhD scholarships cover tuition (where applicable), living allowances, sometimes health insurance, and travel support. Great for students in development, engineering, research, and other fields.
3. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Designed for African students, including Ghanaians, this program supports full tuition, accommodation or housing support, a stipend or living allowance, and sometimes extra support like books and materials.
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship (Europe)
Allows you to study across multiple European universities under a joint degree, with full funding covering tuition, living allowance, and travel/relocation support.
5. Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS)
Offered by Chinese institutions for undergraduate, master’s, or PhD studies. Typically includes a tuition waiver, on‑campus accommodation/housing, and a monthly allowance.
6. Commonwealth Scholarship (UK / Commonwealth countries)
Commonwealth citizens (such as those of Ghana) can pursue postgraduate studies (master’s or PhD) at universities in the United Kingdom or other Commonwealth countries, which are usually fully funded.
7. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
A globally recognized program offering fully funded graduate study in the United States for eligible international students, including Ghanaian applicants. Covers tuition, living stipend, and additional support depending on the track.
8. Türkiye Scholarships (Turkey)
Offers scholarship opportunities for undergraduates and graduates from around the world, including Ghana. Helps students access international education outside traditional Western or European destinations.
9. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
Targets postgraduate students in development‑related fields. Offers full funding for tuition, living expenses, travel, and other allowances, a good fit for those planning development‑oriented careers.
10. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
Scholarships for graduate-level study, often fully funded, offer opportunities for Ghanaian students to study in Australia’s universities under development or research‑oriented programs.
11. Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarships (South Africa / Africa‑wide)
Scholarship scheme supporting African students (including Ghanaians) for postgraduate studies, often combining academic funding with leadership and development training components.
12. VLIR‑UOS Scholarship (Belgium / Europe)
Offers scholarships especially for students from developing countries, often for master’s degrees or development‑related programs in Belgium or partner institutions.
13. University‑specific / Institution‑based Scholarships for International Students
Many universities abroad offer their own scholarship packages (full or partial) to attract capable international students. Ghanaian applicants should check the admissions and funding sections when applying.
14. Foundation / Private‑sector Scholarships & Grants
Some private foundations and scholarships from organizations or companies sometimes offer scholarships to Ghanaian students for studies abroad or research support, particularly when public or government-backed scholarships are limited.
15. Mixed‑Funding & Partial Aid Opportunities
Not all scholarships are 100% funding; partial scholarships, grants, or aid, combined with personal funding or loans, sometimes offer realistic paths for students to study abroad who cannot secure full funding.
Exploring these may still reduce financial burden significantly. (Useful especially for less competitive fields or flexible programmes.)
How to Improve Your Chances of Winning an International Scholarship
- Start early and stay organized: Begin your scholarship search and applications well ahead of deadlines. Early application gives you time to gather required documents, complete forms properly, and avoid last‑minute rushes.
- Keep a strong academic record and have documents ready: Consistent academic performance remains a key criterion. Make sure transcripts, certificates, admission letters (if required), and proof of need or financial situation are ready and correctly prepared.
- Create a compelling personal statement or motivation letter: Use your personal statement to tell a clear, well‑structured story: your background, aspirations, what drives you, and how the scholarship will help you contribute to your field or community. Tailor each application; avoid generic essays.
- Show more than just grades; highlight leadership, extracurriculars, and community impact: Scholarships often reward well‑rounded applicants. Involvement in community service, leadership roles, clubs, projects, or other extracurricular activities shows initiative and personality beyond academics.
- Apply broadly; don’t put all hopes on a single scholarship: spread your applications across multiple relevant scholarships (full, partial, regional, less competitive, etc.). This increases the odds of at least one successful outcome.
- Stay informed and update yourself regularly: Follow official portals, scholarship databases, and institutional announcements (embassies, universities, and foundations) for new opportunities. Timely awareness often makes the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible to apply for international scholarships as a Ghanaian student?
Eligibility depends on the scholarship, but most require that you are a Ghanaian citizen (or those who hold valid residency) show academic merit (grades, transcripts), and sometimes demonstrate financial need or other criteria such as field of study or language proficiency.
Do I need to get admission into a university before applying for a scholarship?
Some scholarships accept applications before admission, but many require that you already have (or at least have applied for) admission to a university. Always check the specific scholarship’s instructions carefully.
What costs are usually covered by a “fully funded” scholarship?
Depending on the scholarship, a fully funded award may cover tuition, living allowance or stipend, accommodation, travel or relocation costs, health/insurance, and sometimes books or materials. Always confirm exactly what is included.
How can I avoid scams or fake scholarship offers?
Legitimate scholarships rarely (if ever) demand a payment from applicants. If a scholarship asks for an upfront “fee,” be cautious. Always check that the offer comes from a reputable institution, government body, or official scholarship portal.
Summary
International scholarships offer a valuable gateway for Ghanaian students to access quality education abroad, opening doors to global exposure, world‑class learning environments, and broader career opportunities.
If you plan, treat scholarship applications with as much care as admission applications, and stay organized, you stand a better chance of turning ambition into reality.
Even though many applicants compete, strategic preparation, persistence, and readiness can push you ahead.
Remember, success depends not just on grades, but on timing, clear applications, and a well‑crafted personal story. Share this list with peers, stay alert for announcements, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from mentors, scholarship offices, or past recipients to strengthen your path forward.
