Getting a university education in Ghana is becoming more expensive each year, and many students now rely on scholarships to make their dreams possible.
Scholarships are the only way for some students to pay their tuition, purchase learning materials, or simply remain enrolled. With rising tuition costs and increasing financial pressure on families, having reliable support is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity.
In this article, we’ll give you a clear and practical roadmap on how Ghanaian undergraduate students can apply for scholarships, whether you’re just completing SHS, already in with the types of scholarships for Ghanaian undergraduate first years, or searching for opportunities abroad. Let’s get started!
Types of Scholarship for Ghanaian Undergraduate Students
When looking for a scholarship for Ghanaian undergraduate students, it is important to know the main categories available. This makes it easier to focus on the opportunities that truly match your situation. Most scholarships fall under three simple groups: merit-based, need-based, and program-specific.
- Merit-based scholarships are for students with strong academic performance, leadership qualities, or outstanding achievements. If you have high grades, awards, or a solid record of community involvement, you are likely to qualify.
- Need-based scholarships focus on financial difficulty. Students from low-income households, single-parent families, or vulnerable backgrounds are usually eligible. What matters most is showing genuine need and providing the right supporting documents.
- Program-specific scholarships target students studying certain fields such as Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, Agriculture, or other priority areas. You qualify by enrolling in a recognized program and meeting the academic standards set by the scholarship provider.
Understanding these three categories gives you a strong foundation to identify which scholarship for Ghanaian undergraduate students aligns best with your profile and increases your chances of securing support.
High School Graduates Preparing for University
If you’re wrapping up SHS and aiming for a scholarship, now is the perfect time to get organized. Below are the steps to strengthen your application and increase your chances of success.
A. Understanding Scholarship Opportunities at the Pre‑University Stage
Many scholarship bodies accept SHS students, including the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat, which runs a Local Tertiary Scholarship for first-year students. Key institutions that support SHS leavers include the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, which runs a well-known Local Tertiary Scholarship.
Corporate foundations (e.g., from telecom companies, MTN Ghana Foundation, or NGOs) also offer awards to SHS leavers with strong potential and need.
B. Preparing Essential Documents Early
Prepare and scan vital documents before deadline season hits. Getting these ready early helps you upload clean copies and avoid last-minute rushes.
- Your WASSCE results and school transcripts.
- National ID (Ghana Card) or equivalent proof of citizenship.
- A recent passport‑sized photo.
- Financial‑need proof, like utility bills or a social‑welfare letter, if applying for need-based awards.
C. Building a Strong Application Profile
- Personal statement/motivation letter: Write honestly about your goals, background, and how the scholarship fits into your dreams.
- Recommendation letters: Ask teachers who know you well, give them a summary of your achievements and ambitions so they can write something meaningful.
- Extracurricular activities: Highlight any clubs, volunteer work, or leadership experiences — these show who you are beyond your grades.
D. Application Roadmap for SHS Graduates
- Create an account on the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat portal (Apply via apply.scholarships.gov.gh).
- Fill in your application: provide personal, academic, and financial details, and upload your required documents.
- Attend district-level interview: After submitting your application is reviewed by a District Scholarship Review Committee (DSRC). You may be invited for an in-person interview; bring all your original documents.
- Wait for notification and funding: If selected, you’ll hear via SMS, email, or through your portal.
- Avoid scams: The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat clearly states that the service is free and that no third party is paid to help with applications.
First-Year University Students Needing Financial Relief
For first-year undergraduates in Ghana, scholarships and bursaries can make the difference between staying in school and dropping out. Here’s how to navigate options effectively.
1. Identifying In-School Scholarship Opportunities
Most universities offer bursaries and financial aid schemes specifically for freshmen. Level 100 students often qualify because many programs aim to support students early in their academic journey. Check your university’s financial aid office or official website for available options.
2. Using Existing Academic Records
Even in your first year, your GPA and initial results matter. Present your first transcript or result slip clearly and accurately. Some bursaries require proof of admission and a minimum performance in your initial courses.
3. Crafting a Purpose Statement That Reflects Current Needs
Write a brief statement explaining your financial situation honestly, without exaggeration. Highlight your academic commitment, goals, and how the scholarship will help you succeed. This balances need with potential.
4. Practical Steps for Level 100 Applicants
- Submit forms at the university bursary office or via the official portal.
- Follow up politely if deadlines pass or confirmation isn’t received.
- Be prepared for interviews or document verification, which may require original transcripts and ID.
Applying strategically as a first-year student increases your chances of securing a scholarship for Ghanaian undergraduate students and reduces financial stress in your early university years.
Students from Low-Income or Vulnerable Backgrounds
For students facing financial hardship, need-based scholarships can provide crucial support to stay in school. Applying strategically for a scholarship for Ghanaian undergraduate students ensures students from vulnerable backgrounds get the support they need to succeed.
A. Understanding Need-Based Scholarship Requirements
Students who qualify often include orphans, those from low-income households, or single-parent families. NGOs and government bodies typically look for clear indicators of financial need when reviewing applications.
B. Required Supporting Documents
Prepare essential documents such as:
- A letter from Social Welfare confirming your circumstances.
- Letter from a community leader (chief, assembly member).
- Proof of hardship, e.g., utility bills, income statements, or other financial records.
C. Writing a Compelling Need Statement
Clearly, politely, and honestly describe the circumstances in your home. Demonstrate how the scholarship will directly affect your education and long-term objectives.
D. Best Places to Apply
Top sources include GETFund, GNPC Foundation, District Assemblies, and church or NGO programs. Always follow application guidelines carefully and submit complete, well-organized documents to increase your chances.
STEM Students Seeking Specialized Scholarships
If you’re studying (or plan to study) in a STEM field, there are scholarships tailored just for you; here’s how to make the most of them.
1. Overview of STEM‑Focused Funding Opportunities
Many corporate partners, educational institutions, and NGOs run scholarships specifically for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). These programs often prioritize students in Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, Agriculture, and technical disciplines.
For instance, MTN Ghana Foundation’s Bright Scholarship heavily focuses on STEM students. Other STEM‑driven organizations include the Elsie Effah Kaufmann Foundation, which supports practical STEM education in Ghana.
2. Eligibility Criteria for STEM Scholarships
To qualify, you generally need:
- Strong grades in core science subjects (math, physics, biology, etc.)
- Evidence of active engagement: competing in STEM competitions, working on projects, or being a member of a research or robotics club
3. Positioning Yourself as a Strong Candidate
- Highlight your STEM achievements (science fair projects, hackathons, school experiments).
- Format your CV to emphasize technical skills and coursework (e.g., “Projects,” “Research,” or “Technical Experience” sections).
- Clearly showcase any project experience, whether it’s a project done in school, a personal or group research effort, or a practical engineering build.
4. Where to Apply
- Corporate Bodies: Apply to MTN’s Bright Scholarship, which supports STEM students with full tuition, accommodation, stipend, and even laptops. 2
- International/NGO Scholarships: Look into STEM opportunities from organizations like the Elsie Effah Kaufmann Foundation.
- Other Foundations: Some scholarships also come through petroleum‑industry-linked funds (such as GNPC), which often favor STEM programs.
Ghanaian Students Applying for International Scholarships
If you’re a Ghanaian undergraduate or soon-to-be undergrad eyeing scholarships abroad, here’s a short but clear guide to help you succeed.
A. Preparing for International Requirements Early
Start gathering key documentation well in advance: a valid passport, your academic transcripts and certificates, and, if needed, any standardized test scores (like TOEFL or IELTS). These are often required by global scholarship programs.
B. Writing an Effective Motivation Letter
Your motivation letter (or personal statement) should show ambition, leadership, and community involvement. Describe not only your academic goals but also your long-term vision. Make it clear how studying abroad aligns with your desire to contribute to Ghana or your field.
C. Getting Strong Recommendation Letters
Choose credible referees, teachers, mentors, or supervisors who truly know your academic work and character. Give them clear information: your achievements, your goals, and what makes this scholarship important to you, so they can write a meaningful letter.
D. Navigating the Application Process
- Create accounts on major scholarship platforms: DAAD, Chevening, Mastercard Foundation, Erasmus Mundus, etc.
- Carefully track deadlines, eligibility criteria, and documentation requirements.
- Prepare for interviews or additional screening once your application is submitted.
Applying for NGO, Corporate, and Government Scholarships in Ghana
When applying for NGO, corporate, and government scholarships in Ghana, there are several key providers and steps to know. Major players include the MTN Ghana Foundation, the GNPC Foundation, and the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat, as well as church and NGO‑based funds.
1. Overview of Major Scholarship Providers
The MTN Bright Scholarship supports both first‑year and continuing students, especially those who are needy but academically strong. The GNPC Foundation aims to build Ghana’s capacity in petroleum‑industry skills by sponsoring undergraduates who have gained admission and meet academic and financial criteria.
2. Typical Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, most of these scholarships ask for academic records, proof of financial need, community involvement, and a valid admission letter. For example, GNPC requires WASSCE credit passes in several subjects, and continuing students often need a minimum GPA.
3. Application Submission Process
The application process typically involves filling out online forms, uploading clear scanned documents (transcripts, ID, and motivation letters), and answering short essay questions. MTN’s application, for instance, requires a one-page motivation letter and a stamped transcript.
4. Renewal Requirements
Once awarded, many scholarships must be renewed annually. For instance, GNPC runs a yearly verification and renewal exercise where students submit their statements of results to confirm continued eligibility.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Scholarships
- Missing Deadlines
Many students miss application deadlines because they procrastinate or don’t set reminders. - Submitting Incomplete Documents
Forgetting to include transcripts, recommendation letters, essays, or other required files can disqualify your application. - Using Poorly Written Statements
Generic, vague, or error‑filled personal statements fail to stand out. - Falling for Fake or Unverified Scholarships
Scams often promise “free money” in exchange for fees or sensitive personal info. Never pay to apply, and always verify the legitimacy of the scholarship provider.
Recommended Tools and Platforms for Finding Scholarships
- Verified Ghanaian Portals
- Ghana Scholarships Secretariat: Their official site lists both local and foreign tertiary scholarship opportunities.
- UniCheck Ghana: A dedicated local scholarship database for undergraduates in Ghana.
- University Financial Aid Offices
- Example: University of Ghana Students’ Financial Aid Office (SFAO): Handles internal funding, scholarships, and bursaries for UG students.
- KNUST Bursary Office: Offers need- and merit-based support to enrolled students.
- International Scholarship Search Engines
- DAAD Ghana – Find Funding: Excellent for scholarships to study in Germany and Europe.
- Africademics: A platform that curates scholarships for African students, including fully funded international opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a scholarship for Ghanaian undergraduate students?
A scholarship for Ghanaian undergraduate students is financial support awarded to Ghanaian citizens to help cover the costs of tertiary education. These scholarships can be merit‑based, need‑based, or tied to specific fields of study.
Who qualifies for the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat’s Local Tertiary Scholarship?
Eligibility includes being a Ghanaian citizen, having a valid Ghana Card, being admitted to an accredited tertiary institution, and demonstrating academic merit and financial need.
How do I apply for a government scholarship in Ghana?
You apply via the Apply Scholarship Portal (apply.scholarships.gov.gh) by creating an account, filling in your academic and financial information, uploading required documents, and submitting your application for district vetting.
When is the application window for the Local Tertiary Scholarship?
The Local Tertiary Scholarship application usually opens between July and August, depending on the year.
Conclusion
Preparing early for a scholarship for Ghanaian undergraduate students isn’t just a good idea; it’s essential. When you start your applications well in advance, you give yourself the time to gather important documents, write thoughtful essays, and apply confidently.
Don’t limit yourself: apply broadly, explore local and international options, and stay consistent with your efforts. Even if one opportunity doesn’t work out, another might, and persistence often pays off.
Remember: there are real, credible scholarship opportunities out there for every type of student, whether you’re a high achiever, someone facing financial hardship, or aiming for a specialized field like STEM. With the right preparation, you can access support to achieve your academic dreams.
