University Of Cape Coast | Courses and Fees | Admission
General Information
Overview
The University of Cape Coast is a prominent public university located in Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana. Founded originally in 1962 as a college intended to train professional teachers for secondary schools, it has since expanded enormously — both in size and in the breadth of academic offerings. Today the university serves tens of thousands of students across multiple colleges and faculties, offering undergraduate, graduate, sandwich, and distance-learning programs to meet the country’s workforce and societal needs.
The campus is coastal and sits near the Atlantic Ocean, giving the university a unique geographic character and contributing to an environment that mixes academic life with historical and cultural richness typical of Cape Coast. Over the decades, the institution has grown from modest beginnings into a multi-faculty university with strong representation in education, humanities, sciences, health, agriculture, business, and legal studies. Its evolution reflects a commitment to broadening access to higher education in Ghana and supplying trained professionals across many sectors beyond just education.
Contact Informations
Address: University Post Office, Cape Coast, Central Region, Ghana
Phone Number: +233 03321-32440, +233 03321-32480-9
Fax: +233 32484
Registrar Email: registrar@ucc.edu.gh
Additionally, for academic affairs inquiries the email daa@ucc.edu.gh; for health services hospital@ucc.edu.gh
University of Cape Coast Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded (Established) | 1962 (as college) — gained full university status in 1971 |
| Type | Public University |
| Motto | Veritas Nobis Lumen |
| Location | Cape Coast, Central Region, Ghana |
| Campus Setting | Coastal, with Old Site (Southern) and New Site / Northern (Science) campuses |
| Student Population | ~78,485 (2022/2023) |
| Faculties / Colleges | Multiple (see Academics section) |
| Original Mandate | Train professional graduate teachers for Ghana’s secondary schools |
University of Cape Coast Rankings
| Ranking System / Year | National (Ghana) Standing | Global / International Standing* |
|---|---|---|
| Not publicly ranked globally / regionally (no widely published ranking found) | Considered among Ghana’s prominent public universities (especially for teacher training, humanities, sciences, health) | N/A |
* There is no clear or recent publicly available global ranking data for University of Cape Coast.
University of Cape Coast Academics
University of Cape Coast Faculties / Departments
- College of Agricultural & Natural Sciences (including School of Agriculture, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences)
- College of Education Studies (with various Faculties/Departments in Education)
- College of Health & Allied Sciences (including School of Medical Sciences, Nursing & Midwifery, Allied Health Sciences, Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences)
- College of Humanities and Legal Studies (with Faculties such as Arts, Social Sciences, Law, etc.)
- College of Distance Education (CoDE)
- School of Business (within relevant college/department structures)
- Other units covering teacher professional development, continuing education, outreach and specialized departments as per program needs
University of Cape Coast Courses and Programs / Majors
University of Cape Coast offers a broad variety of academic programs at undergraduate, graduate, sandwich, and distance-learning levels. Programs include (but are not limited to): Bachelor of Education in various specializations, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science in Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences, Agriculture, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Social Sciences, Tourism Studies, Business degrees, Law (LLB), Medical and Health Science degrees (Medicine, Nursing, Allied Health, Pharmacy), postgraduate degrees (MPhil, MBA, MA, MSc, M.Ed), PhD programs across diverse disciplines, professional teacher development certificates and diplomas, and distance-education tracks for many courses.
Online Learning
The University of Cape Coast maintains a College of Distance Education (CoDE), which provides distance-learning programs to students who cannot attend regular on-campus courses. This allows flexibility for learners needing non-traditional study formats. While the main campus and many faculties operate through in-person instruction (particularly those requiring laboratories or clinical training), the distance-education option broadens access for non-traditional students or working learners.
Average Test Scores
There is no publicly available or standardized data for average SAT, ACT, GRE or comparable international test scores for admission to University of Cape Coast. Admissions are typically based on Ghana’s internal secondary school examination results (e.g. WASSCE / SSSCE) rather than international standardized tests, so such metrics are not commonly used.
Retention and Graduation Rates
Recent publicly available sources (2022/2023 enrollment data) break down new and continuing enrollments by college and program, which provides insight into continuing enrolment numbers. However, the university does not publish a single consolidated retention or graduation rate that applies across all faculties. Retention and graduation rates likely vary significantly between faculties depending on program demands, but no official overall percentage is available.
University of Cape Coast Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Admission to University of Cape Coast is based on Ghana’s secondary school system, specifically on performance in WASSCE or SSSCE examinations. For WASSCE applicants the minimum aggregate is 36, and for SSSCE applicants the minimum aggregate is 24. Applicants must have credit passes in six subjects, including the core subjects (English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science or Social Studies) plus three relevant electives depending on the program applied for. International standardized test scores like SAT, ACT, or GRE are not part of the standard admission criteria.
University of Cape Coast Acceptance Rate
| Category | Data / Note |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Not officially published / Not publicly disclosed |
Because the university does not publish an overall acceptance rate, and because admissions vary strongly across colleges and faculties, a reliable acceptance rate figure cannot be provided.
University of Cape Coast Application Requirements
Applicants must submit certified secondary school credentials (WASSCE or SSSCE), with credit passes in required subjects and meet minimum aggregate score requirements (aggregate 36 for WASSCE; aggregate 24 for SSSCE). For relevant electives, prerequisites vary depending on the desired faculty and program. International students may need to provide equivalent credentials, proof of language/education background, and possibly additional documentation as required by admission offices. For postgraduate or graduate entries (MPhil, PhD, master’s, etc.), applicants must submit academic transcripts, degree certificates from prior institutions, references or referee reports, and for research-based programs, a research proposal as specified by the relevant department.
Application Process
- Prepare and assemble academic transcripts and secondary school certificates (or prior degrees for postgraduate)
- For international applicants or external qualifications, obtain credential equivalence and any required translations or attestations
- Choose the desired program or faculty and ensure you meet prerequisite subject and aggregate score requirements
- Submit application paperwork to the Registrar’s Office or relevant admissions office for regular, sandwich or distance programs
- Await evaluation and admission decision by the university admissions board
- If accepted, complete registration, fee payment, and enrollment formalities
University of Cape Coast Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Application Type | Deadline / Note |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Regular / Sandwich / Distance | Varies by academic cycle; applicants must follow announcements (no single published universal deadline) |
| Graduate / Postgraduate Admissions | Depend on faculty and program; deadlines vary across departments and are publicly announced per cycle |
Because deadlines vary by program and mode (regular, sandwich, distance, postgraduate), prospective applicants should consult the relevant admission notices for specific dates.
Essay Prompt
The University of Cape Coast does not generally require a written personal essay or admission essay for standard undergraduate admissions under WASSCE/SSSCE criteria. For postgraduate research-based admissions (e.g. PhD), applicants may be required to submit a research proposal rather than a personal statement, but no standard essay prompt is publicly cited as a general requirement.
University of Cape Coast Scholarships
While detailed public data on scholarships is limited, the university offers support through its offices and may offer scholarships or financial aid based on merit, need, or external funding sources—particularly for postgraduate programs. Additionally, sandwich and distance-education programs may have different fee and support schemes. Scholarship availability depends on faculty, program, and funding availability, and applicants are encouraged to contact the Student Financial Support Office or relevant college for up-to-date information.
University of Cape Coast Tuition Fees (Costs)
| Program / Type (approximate) | Estimated Annual Tuition / Fee Structure* |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Education) | 1,800 – 3,200 (local currency GHS) |
| Undergraduate (Business) | 2,200 – 3,800 GHS |
| Marine Science / related programs | 2,800 – 5,000 GHS |
| Graduate Programs (Master / Diploma) | 3,000 – 6,500 GHS |
| PhD Programs | 4,000 – 8,000 GHS |
* These estimates reflect general fee ranges and may vary depending on program, nationality (domestic vs international), and mode of study (regular, sandwich, distance).
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
The University of Cape Coast does not publicly release a detailed breakdown of its student body by age, race or ethnicity. However, enrollment data for 2022/2023 shows that of the total student population, approximately 52.4% are male and 47.6% are female, which suggests a relatively balanced gender distribution with a slight male majority. Given its location in Ghana and its national mandate, the majority of students are Ghanaian, drawn from diverse regions and socioeconomic backgrounds, though the university does attract some international students and candidates from across West Africa and beyond.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
There is no publicly available statistical data specifying the number or proportion of low-income students or students with disabilities at University of Cape Coast. As a public university in Ghana with subsidized tuition for many programs (especially for local students), it likely provides access to students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds. Student support offices may offer financial aid or support services, but a comprehensive demographic breakdown concerning socioeconomic status or disability representation is not published.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Total Students (2022/2023) | ~78,485 |
| Gender Distribution (approx) | 52.4% male / 47.6% female |
| Undergraduate Regular, Sandwich & Distance | includes large numbers; mix of modes (regular, sandwich, distance) |
University Diversity
The University of Cape Coast serves a wide and varied student population drawn from across Ghana, reflecting the country’s ethnic, cultural, and linguistic diversity. Students from different regions bring varied traditions, languages, and perspectives, which enrich classroom discussion and campus life. The presence of distance-education and sandwich programs also allows working students, mature learners, and those from remote areas to participate, increasing the socioeconomic diversity of the student body. While most students are Ghanaian, the university may also admit international students, which adds further cultural and global dimension to the campus community. This diversity shapes a dynamic academic atmosphere where a broad spectrum of life experiences and views converge, promoting cross-cultural understanding, collaborative learning, and social mobility.
Average Earnings
There is no publicly available university-wide data on average earnings of University of Cape Coast graduates. Given the wide range of disciplines the university offers — from education, agriculture, business, science, law, health, to humanities — graduates’ career paths and income levels likely vary considerably depending on field, experience, sector (public vs private), and further specialization. Some graduates may pursue careers in education or public service, while others may enter business, health care, industry, or research. Because of this diversity and the absence of longitudinal income tracking specific to alumni, it is not feasible to estimate a meaningful average earnings figure at the university level.
University of Cape Coast Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The University of Cape Coast is staffed with a large body of academic and administrative personnel distributed across its colleges, faculties, departments, and support services. Academic staff includes lecturers, senior lecturers, professors, and research supervisors who teach undergraduate, postgraduate, and distance-education courses. Administrative and support staff manage student affairs, finance, human resources, information technology services, campus maintenance, health services (through the university hospital), and other operational functions. This robust structure supports the wide range of academic programs and ensures the institution runs smoothly despite its size and diversity of offerings.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at University of Cape Coast span many disciplines, reflecting the institution’s broad academic scope: education, sciences, agriculture, health and allied sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, law, and more. Academic members are often engaged in teaching, research, and community service; in health-related faculties, they contribute to medical training and public health; in agriculture and natural sciences, they support research relevant to Ghana’s environmental, agricultural, and ecological concerns; in humanities and social sciences, they contribute to cultural, legal, economic, and social discourse; in teacher education, they help shape future educators for Ghana’s school system. The presence of a university hospital on campus further supports clinical training, research, and healthcare delivery, enhancing the practical and societal impact of the university’s work.
University of Cape Coast Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
University of Cape Coast’s campus is coastal and divided into at least two main sectors: the Old Site (Southern Campus) and the New Site (Northern Campus, often referred to as “Science”). The Old Site Campus hosts the central administration, some halls of residence (including the only female hall), some faculties, and the university hospital. The New Site Campus houses many of the science faculties, male halls of residence, broadcasting center, university garden, and zoo. The university offers on-campus housing primarily for first-year students; continuing students may be assisted in finding private hostels around campus. Student life on campus is lively, enriched by academic societies, dormitory culture, communal dining, sports, and other student activities. The coastal location adds atmosphere and community engagement, and the campus includes green spaces, libraries, laboratories, and health facilities — contributing to a comprehensive university living experience.
Transportation
Given its location in Cape Coast near the Atlantic coast and outside major urban metropolises, students and staff travel to and from campus using local transport: public buses, taxis, and private arrangements commonly used in Ghana. Within campus, the Old and New Site are located close to each other, making walking between faculties, halls, and facilities feasible, though student halls and lecture venues may be spread out so commuting on foot or via local transport may be common. For distance-education or external students, commuting flexibility or accommodation outside campus may factor in, but for regular students on campus, local transport infrastructure supports mobility between campus and town as needed.