Ghana Scholarship Secretariat: A guide to applying, registering & using the portal

Ghana Scholarship Secretariat: A guide to applying, registering & using the portal

Ghana is known for its high-quality education, but many bright students struggle to attend university due to high fees. Fortunately, the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat provides financial aid to deserving students who struggle with tuition fees. To benefit, applicants must meet specific requirements and apply before the set deadline.

A young graduate celebrates her achievement with a smile during her graduation and Scholarship Secretariat logo
The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat scholarships supports needy, brilliant, and deserving students at the tertiary educational level. Photo: @serhii_bobyk, @ghscholarshipsecretariat (modified by author)
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Scholarship Secretariat's applicants must meet academic requirements and apply through an online portal.
  • Applicants must pass an aptitude test and attend an interview before their application is validated.
  • Scholarships are available for students in Ghana and abroad, with international applicants applying via bilateral agreements or direct applications.
  • Deadlines vary by program, with late applications for local tertiary institutions accepted from September 1st to September 30th annually.

Ghana Scholarship Secretariat 2025

The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat represents the government's initiative to provide financial aid to Ghanaian students for local and international studies. It supports education by covering tuition, accommodation, and living expenses based on merit and need.

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What does the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat cover?

The GSS provides scholarships that support needy, brilliant, and deserving students at the tertiary educational level. It applies to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students. Items covered include:​

  • Full payment of the student tuition fee.
  • Payment of students' housing expenses.​
  • The scholarships also cover partial allowances for living expenses.​
  • Coverage of airfare for international studies.

What are the requirements for the Scholarship Secretariat?

The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat's requirements vary based on the level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate) and whether the scholarship is for local or international institutions. to be eligible for a scholarship, you must meet the minimum requirements set by the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat. The applicants must therefore:

  • Be a Ghanaian citizen residing in Ghana.
  • Possess relevant academic qualifications (WASSCE for undergraduate, degree with at least 2nd Class Upper for postgraduate),
  • Meet the age restrictions (21 for undergraduate, 25 for postgraduate).
  • Have the specific documents include admission letters, transcripts, academic certificates, passport, Ghana Card, and a passport-sized photo.

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Types of scholarships offered by the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat

The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat provides various scholarships supporting students at different levels. Here are the main types of scholarships provided by the Secretariat.

Local tertiary scholarships

The local tertiary scholarships are for students who want to study in Ghana. It has the following requirements for applicants:

  • An existing admission into a local tertiary institution.
  • Registered and enrolled to study a course at the institution.
  • The institution should be accredited by the National Accreditation Board (NAB)

You can apply if a public or private tertiary institution has registered and enrolled you to study for a course. Also, you are eligible if you attend a study program in nursing or teacher training colleges, polytechnics, technical universities, universities, or certificate-awarding tertiary institutions.

Student with diploma poses outdoors and college students spend time together on campus in the university yard.
The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat's local tertiary scholarships are for students who want to study in Ghana. Photo: @ASphotofamily, @ASphotowed (modified by author)
Source: UGC

An example of a local tertiary scholarship under GSS is the GNPC Foundation Scholarships. The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) also offers scholarships, with specific eligibility criteria for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, according to the GNPC Foundation.

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Foreign tertiary scholarships

The foreign tertiary scholarships apply to Ghanaian students who want to study abroad. Students who are already beneficiaries of the fund should renew their awards each year.

These scholarships offer non-bilateral and bilateral application options. For non-bilateral scholarship awards, the applicant will receive the award online once it is advertised.

A non-bilateral scholarship example is the Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program, offered in partnership with CEE International Exchange Programs in the USA.

The program supports emerging civil society leaders from over 100 countries, including Ghana. Hence, it provides scholarships for emerging civil society and community leaders, aged 21-27, who are citizens of eligible countries and are currently living and working in their home country.

CEE fellows participate in a three-month practicum in the U.S. and then implement a community-based project in their home country. The program is fully funded and covers expenses like J-1 visa support, travel, a monthly allowance, and health benefits.

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Applicants should have at least two years of experience in community or civil society work, be actively involved in a community engagement initiative, and demonstrate a commitment to returning home to implement a community-based project after the program.

As for bilateral application, an applicant can complete an online application upon the confirmation of their awards by the awarding country. The countries that fall under this category include:

  • Russia
  • Hungary
  • Algeria
  • China
  • Morocco
  • German Government Doctoral Programme (DAAD)

An example is the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, Hungary Scholarship, which provides fully funded opportunities for Ghanaian students to pursue bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees in Hungary.

The partnership between the GSS and Stipendium Hungaricum allows Ghanaian students to apply for these Hungarian scholarships through the GSS. Applicants need to apply through the Stipendium Hungaricum online portal and also register with the GSS.

Successful applicants receive full funding, including tuition-free education, a monthly stipend, accommodation, and medical insurance.

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The application deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year is January 15, 2025, according to an Instagram post.

A smiling male graduate and two female college graduates wearing caps and gowns share a laugh on campus.
The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat's foreign tertiary scholarships apply to Ghanaian students who want to study abroad. Photo: @freepik, @ROGER YEBUAH (modified by author)
Source: UGC

How can you get a scholarship for the Secretariat?

The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat offers scholarships to Ghanaian students pursuing local and international studies. Eligibility criteria vary based on the level of study (undergraduate, postgraduate, etc.) and the specific scholarship program.

Generally, applicants need to be Ghanaian citizens, have gained admission to a recognized tertiary institution in Ghana, and meet academic requirements like WASSCE results or degree classifications. Specific requirements, such as age limits, may also apply.

Here is more detailed information:

Undergraduate Scholarships eligibility requirements

Undergraduate scholarship applicants need the following:

  • WASSCE Results: Applicants generally need to have completed Senior High School with an aggregate score between 6 and 15, with credit passes (A1-C6) in relevant subjects, including English, Mathematics, and Integrated Science or Social Studies.
  • Age Limit: Applicants should be between 21 and 27 years old.
  • Ghana Card and Passport: A valid Ghana Card and passport are usually required.
  • Admission Letter: An admission letter from a recognized tertiary institution in Ghana is essential.
  • Transcripts and Certificates: Relevant academic transcripts and certificates are also needed.

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Postgraduate Scholarships eligibility requirements

Postgraduate scholarship applicants need the following:

  • Degree Qualification: Applicants usually need to hold a relevant degree (e.g., bachelor's for master's, master's for doctoral).
  • Second Class Upper Division: For Master's, a Second Class (Upper Division) or better is often required.
  • National Service: Completion of National Service may be required.
  • Age Limit: There may be an age limit for postgraduate studies, for example, not more than 25 years for Master's.

General scholarships eligibility requirements

Generally, an applicants need the following:

  • Admission: Applicants must have gained admission to a tertiary institution or be in the process of applying.
  • Accreditation: The institution must be accredited by the National Accreditation Board (NAB).
  • Online Application: The application process is typically done online and may involve an aptitude test.
  • Interviews: Some scholarships require an interview before a panel.

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How to apply for the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat

The application process generally involves registering on the Secretariat's website, completing an application form, and potentially participating in an aptitude test and interview. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the scholarship.

A screenshot of the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat portal
A screenshot of the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat portal. Photo: apply.scholarships.gov.gh
Source: UGC
  • Click "Create now" to create an account and apply for a scholarship.
  • Fill out the required details and click "Sign Up."
A screenshot of the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat portal
A screenshot of the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat portal. Photo: apply.scholarships.gov.gh
Source: UGC
  • After creating an account, complete the online Ghana Scholarship Secretariat application form.
  • Upload your academic transcripts, admission letters, and academic certificates.
  • Complete an online aptitude test.
  • Once you complete the online aptitude test, you will be invited to the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat interview in the district you selected during the application.
  • After the interviews, the district will forward your information to your learning institution for confirmation and validation.
  • Once done, the Scholarship Secretariat will issue you an electronic award letter.
  • Finally, the Secretariat will make the payments to your institution.

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Does GSS offer NGO scholarships in Ghana?

The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat focuses on awarding scholarships to brilliant but needy Ghanaians for both local and international studies, but it does not appear to be directly affiliated with or administering scholarships specifically from NGOs.

The Secretariat's core mandate is to support Ghanaians in accessing education, both within the country and abroad, through various scholarship schemes. While they may partner with other institutions, including NGOs, on specific scholarship programs, they are primarily a government entity.

What is the mode of application for the Scholarship Secretariat?

The primary mode of application for the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat is online, through their website, scholarships.gov.gh. Applicants need to create an account, complete the application form, upload required documents, and may be required to complete an online aptitude test and attend a selection interview.

What are the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat login details?

Applicants can log into the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat portal using the emails and passwords they used to create accounts/register on the portal. Here is how to access the portal:

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  • Go to the official Ghana Scholarship Secretariat website.
  • Click "Apply Now" to access the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat portal.
  • Key in your email address and password and click "Login" to enter the portal.
  • If an applicant forgets their login password, they can key in their email address and click "Forgot Password" to reset the password.

The portal is usually open during scholarship application periods, so it is important to check deadlines and announcements from the Secretariat.

When is the deadline for the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat?

The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat has different deadlines depending on the type of application.

  • For local tertiary scholarship applications for the 2025/2026 academic year, the application portal is open from Wednesday, July 30, 2025, to Friday, August 15, 2025.
  • For continuing students applying for local scholarships, the deadline is May 15th.
  • New students with late admission have until September 30th to apply.
  • There are also other scholarship opportunities with varying deadlines, such as the Pearson International Scholarships with a nomination deadline of November 30, 2025.

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What are the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat foreign scholarship deadlines?

The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat's foreign scholarship deadlines for the 2025/2026 academic year vary depending on the specific program and whether you are a continuing or new student. Here is a table summarizing the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat application deadline:

Type of applicationDeadline
Local Tertiary Scholarships (New Students)July 30 - August 15, 2025
Local Tertiary Scholarships (Continuing Students)May 15, annually
Local Tertiary Scholarships (Late Admission)September 30, annually
Pearson International Scholarships (Nomination)November 30, 2025

What should you expect in a Ghana Scholarship Secretariat interview?

Expect questions about your academic background, financial need, career goals, and how the scholarship will help you contribute to Ghana's development.

Who is the secretary of the Ghana scholarship?

The scholarship secretariat's Ghana boss is Kingsley Agyemang.

How to contact the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat

For more information about Ghanaian government scholarships, contact the Scholarship Secretariat using the following details.

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  • Ghana Scholarship Secretariat contact number: +233 30 290 7051
  • WhatsApp number: +233 30 296 2926
  • Mobile number: +233 30 290 7058
  • Emails: info@scholarships.gov.gh, apply@scholarships.gov.gh, reports@scholarships.gov.gh
  • GPS address: GA 028-2065
  • The Secretariat's location: North Ridge, GES Council Building, behind Accra High School.

The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat administers all government scholarships to Ghanaians to fund their higher education, locally or abroad. You can also apply for the scholarship to improve your technical skills. All you need is to download an application form, fill in the correct details and send your application with the necessary documentation.

DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

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Yen.com.gh also published an article about the UCC student portal, which offers registration, logging in, results checking, password reset, and more. The University of Cape Coast has created a student portal where all these services are available at the tap of a button.

UCC may have started as a teacher training college to accommodate the growing need for trained teachers, but it has since grown into one of Ghana's major institutions. Once students have registered, they can access most of the institution's services on the portal.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Ryan Mutuku avatar

Ryan Mutuku Ryan Mutuku is a writer with over 3 years of working in digital media. He is an alumnus of the Faculty of Media and Communications at Multimedia University. Ryan focuses on the Facts and Life Hacks section from 2017. When he is not writing, Ryan is a volunteer who participates regularly in community outreach events. Email: Ryanellismutuku@gmail.com

Peris Wamangu avatar

Peris Wamangu (Lifestyle writer) Peris Wamangu is a reporter with more than four years of experience as a content writer. Peris joined Yen in 2024. Before that, she worked with Legit's team from 2021 to 2024. Peris graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Nairobi in 2019. She enjoys writing about various topics such as fashion, currency, biographies, entertainment and business. In 2023, Peris finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and the Google News Initiative course. Email: wamanguperis@gmail.com

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