University Of Ghana | Tuition Fees | Admissions | Courses and Programs
General Information
Reviews
The University Of Ghana enjoys a strong reputation among students, alumni, and educational observers for its robust academic environment, broad range of disciplines, and meaningful impact on Ghanaian society. Many students praise the university’s mixture of traditional scholarship and modern relevance — noting that courses blend academic depth with real-world applicability, preparing graduates for meaningful careers in government, business, academia, health, and more. Alumni frequently point out that their time at the University Of Ghana offered more than just academic credentials: it helped them develop critical thinking, leadership skills, social awareness, and a network of peers that spans different regions and professions. The diversity of student backgrounds and disciplines is often cited as a strength: undergraduates and postgraduates interact across faculties — humanities, sciences, law, medicine, business — creating a vibrant intellectual community. While some mention challenges such as crowded lecture theatres or resource constraints common to large public universities, the overall consensus portrays the University Of Ghana as a respected, socially influential institution that balances academic excellence with accessibility and broad societal reach.
Contact Information
Address: University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 25, Legon, Accra, Ghana
Phone Number (Registrar / Main Switchboard): +233 (0) 302 501 000 / +233 (0) 302 501 001
Email Address (General Inquiries): info@ug.edu.gh
School Facts
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1948 |
| Motto / Vision / Mission | “Integri Procedamus” |
| Type | Public National University |
| Campuses / Locations | Main Campus — Legon, Accra; Additional satellite and affiliated teaching hospitals / sites |
| Student Body Size (approximate) | Tens of thousands (undergraduate + postgraduate + distance learners) |
University Of Ghana Rankings
| Category | Rank / Status |
|---|---|
| National / West African Context | Recognized among top universities in Ghana and West Africa |
| African Continental Standing | Frequently listed among leading African universities |
| Global / International Rankings | Present in global ranking lists among emerging universities from Africa |
University Of Ghana Academics
University Of Ghana Faculties / Departments
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Faculty of Basic & Applied Sciences
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Engineering Sciences and Technology
- School of Agriculture
- School of Business (Business School)
- College of Education (teacher training)
- College of Health Sciences (medical, dental, allied health)
- School of Law
- Distance Education / Open & Distance Learning Department
- Graduate School (postgraduate studies across disciplines)
University Of Ghana Courses Offered and Programs / Majors
- Bachelor’s Degrees across arts, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, agriculture, business, law, health sciences
- Professional degrees: Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine (via affiliated programs)
- Master’s Degrees (MSc, MA, MBA, MPhil) in diverse disciplines
- Doctoral (PhD) Programs in sciences, humanities, social sciences, engineering, health, education
- Diploma and certificate programs in areas such as Short-term professional courses, teacher training, continuing education
- Distance and online-compatible courses under the Open & Distance Learning arm (for certain programs)
Online Courses / Online Learning
The University Of Ghana offers Open & Distance Learning (ODL) and blended learning options, enabling part-time, distance, or working students to study remotely or via hybrid formats. This flexibility helps learners who cannot commit to full-time on-campus presence — including international students, working professionals, and those living outside Accra. Learning materials, digital resources, periodic in-person sessions, and examination centres support this structure. The ODL approach broadens access to higher education across regions, supports continuing education and lifelong learning, and aligns with the university’s mission to serve national educational needs.
Degrees
- Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degrees
- Master’s Degrees (MSc, MA, MBA, MPhil)
- Doctoral Degrees (PhD)
- Diplomas and Certificates
- Professional Degrees (Medicine, Law, Health, etc.)
Summer School
While the University Of Ghana does not strictly follow a “summer school” model, certain faculties and continuing-education programmes offer short courses, professional development modules, and refresher sessions during academic breaks, accommodating part-time or working students seeking to enhance skills or complete requirements outside the regular semesters.
Average Test Scores
Because admission primarily depends on national qualifications, entrance exam results, or prior academic records rather than international standardized tests (e.g. SAT, ACT, GRE), there are no published average SAT/ACT/GRE scores. Admission standards and criteria vary by faculty and programme.
Retention and Graduation Rates
The University Of Ghana does not publish a single consolidated retention or graduation rate due to its large size, diversity of programmes, and varying modalities (full-time, part-time, distance). Nonetheless, the sustained volume of graduates across decades — in undergraduate, postgraduate and professional programmes — reflects a stable throughput, reinforced by support systems, academic advising, and institutional reputation that motivates completion among enrolled students.
University Of Ghana Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
The University Of Ghana does not use GPA, SAT, or ACT scores typical of US institutions. Instead, admission relies on national secondary school results (e.g. WASSCE or its predecessor), relevant subject passes, performance in qualifying examinations (for professional programmes), and meeting faculty-specific prerequisites. For postgraduate admissions, prior degree qualifications, academic records, and sometimes research proposals are evaluated.
University Of Ghana Acceptance Rate
| Intake Cycle / Programme | Estimated Acceptance / Admission Rate* |
|---|---|
| Typical Undergraduate Admissions | Moderate to selective depending on faculty and demand; proportion varies |
| Distance / Open Learning Admissions | Higher acceptance rate due to flexible modality |
| Postgraduate Admissions | Competitive, based on academic merit and faculty capacity |
| * Exact percentages are not publicly disclosed by the university. |
University Of Ghana Application Requirements
Prospective students must submit certified secondary school certificates (or university degrees for postgraduate admission), official transcripts, proof of meeting subject prerequisites (especially for science, engineering, medicine, law, etc.), and filled application forms. For professional faculties (medicine, dentistry, law), applicants may undergo entrance or qualifying examinations, interviews, or additional screening. Distance-learning applicants select the ODL arm and commit to periodic in-person sessions and examinations. The admissions process emphasizes academic readiness, ethical standing, and — for postgraduate and research programmes — motivation for scholarly work or professional development.
Enrollment
The University Of Ghana enrolls tens of thousands of students across undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and distance-learning programmes. The broad spectrum of modalities—full-time, part-time, distance, continuing education—contributes to a large, diverse student population that spans different ages, backgrounds, and geographic regions.
Application Process
- Obtain and complete the official application form from the University’s admissions office or online portal
- Submit required academic credentials and proof of prerequisites
- Indicate the preferred programme and study mode (full-time, part-time, distance)
- For applicable programmes: pass entrance exams or interviews
- Pay application or registration fee if applicable
- Await admissions decision and complete registration if accepted
University Of Ghana Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Admission Type | Typical Period / Note |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Regular Intake | Annually, per academic calendar (dates vary by faculty) |
| Distance / ODL Programmes | Varies — often more flexible intake periods |
| Postgraduate Admissions | As per faculty advertisement cycles |
Essay Prompt
For most undergraduate programmes, no essay prompt is required; admissions rely on academic credentials and examinations. For certain postgraduate or research-oriented programmes, applicants may be required to submit a statement of purpose or research proposal to support their application.
University Of Ghana Scholarships
The university offers scholarships, bursaries and financial aid schemes to deserving students, including need-based aid, merit scholarships for outstanding academic performance, and support for students in professional or research programmes. Additional assistance may be available through government-sponsored funding, external grants, or faculty-specific scholarship awards, particularly for postgraduate and research students.
University Of Ghana Tuition Fees
| Programme Type | Estimated Fee Range (GHS or per faculty basis) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Public / Subsidised) | Low to moderate, subsidised by government support (varies by faculty and nationality) |
| Postgraduate / Professional Programmes | Higher fee structure, varies by course and residency status |
| Distance / ODL Programmes | Fee structure adjusted for part-time and modular delivery; generally lower than full-time programmes |
University Of Ghana Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The University Of Ghana hosts a diverse student body comprising young undergraduates, mature students, working professionals, international students from Africa and beyond, and prospective postgraduate or research candidates. Age ranges broadly from late teens (fresh high-school entrants) to mature learners returning for advanced degrees or continuing education. Gender representation varies by faculty, but efforts have been made to encourage inclusion across disciplines. Students come from urban and rural areas, representing Ghana’s multiple regions, ethnicities, and social backgrounds, reflecting the university’s national reach and social mission. Language, cultural and socioeconomic diversity adds to the vibrant campus community, providing a rich environment for cross-cultural exchange and shared learning.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Given its public and national status, the University Of Ghana provides mechanisms to support students from low-income backgrounds through scholarships, bursaries, and need-based financial aid. The distance-learning and part-time modalities further enable individuals who may otherwise find full-time on-campus study economically or geographically challenging. While disability services depend on available resources, the university endeavors to offer accommodations, support services, and flexibility — especially for students enrolled through distance-learning or part-time programmes — to ensure equitable access to education.
Student Body
| Category | Approximate / Observed |
|---|---|
| Total Students (all programmes) | Tens of thousands |
| Undergraduate Students | Majority |
| Postgraduate / Research Students | Significant cohort |
| Distance / ODL Students | Substantial portion |
| International Students | Present (varied) |
University Diversity
Diversity is a hallmark of the University Of Ghana’s identity. The student population reflects Ghana’s cultural, ethnic and linguistic plurality as well as a spectrum of socioeconomic and regional backgrounds. This diversity enriches classroom discussion, collaborative projects, and community engagements. International students and exchange scholars bring further global perspectives, enhancing cross-cultural learning and broadening academic horizons. The mix of full-time, part-time, and distance-learning students encourages a dynamic academic ecosystem where traditional and nontraditional learners interact, fostering inclusive pedagogy and peer learning. Such pluralism reinforces the university’s role as a national institution committed to social mobility, equity, and development through education.
Average Earnings
Graduates from the University Of Ghana enter a wide array of sectors: education, public service, business, health, research, engineering, media, and international development among others. Early-career salaries vary depending on profession, sector, and experience; many find that their degree from a leading national university improves employability and access to meaningful job opportunities. For professionals in engineering, medicine, business management, or science, the foundational education and credentials from the University Of Ghana often lead to stable income and opportunities for upward career mobility. Others in humanities, social sciences, or public service may combine their education with further specialization or civil service roles, contributing to social impact and leadership in Ghana. Overall, the university’s broad disciplinary offerings and national reputation contribute positively to graduates’ long-term earning potential and professional growth.
Graduation Rate
Because of the diversity of programmes — full-time, part-time, distance, professional — the University Of Ghana does not publish a single consolidated graduation rate. Nonetheless, the continuous flow of graduates across faculties over many decades indicates consistent completion rates among committed students, especially those engaged in structured degree programmes.
University Of Ghana Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The University Of Ghana is staffed by a large and diverse body of academic and administrative personnel. Faculty members include professors, senior lecturers, lecturers, and tutorial staff across a multitude of disciplines — from humanities and social sciences to engineering, health sciences, business, law, and natural sciences. Administrative staff support admissions, student affairs, finance, international relations, libraries, research offices, and distance-learning coordination. Research staff, lab technicians, and support services complement teaching staff especially in science, engineering, health, and technology departments. This broad staffing enables the university to deliver a wide range of programmes while managing large student populations across different modes of study.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at the University Of Ghana often hold advanced degrees (Masters, PhD) in their respective fields and have academic publications, research contributions, and professional experience. Many engage in research, consultancy, community development, and international collaborations. Staff in science and technology faculties oversee laboratory research, applied engineering projects, and partnerships with industry or government. Those in humanities, social sciences, business, and law contribute to scholarship, public policy research, and socio-economic studies relevant to Ghana and Africa. The diverse expertise and achievements of the faculty help maintain academic quality, research relevance, and robust mentorship for undergraduate and postgraduate students alike.
University Of Ghana Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The University Of Ghana’s main campus is at Legon, Accra, a large and vibrant setting with academic buildings, libraries, laboratories, student unions, sports facilities, and residential halls. On-campus housing is available through university hostels and halls of residence, accommodating many undergraduates, especially first-year students. For those living off-campus, local housing options near Legon or in Accra provide alternatives. Student life includes clubs and societies spanning academic, cultural, sporting, religious, and social interests — enabling students to engage beyond academics in community, creativity, leadership, and personal development. The campus also hosts events, seminars, public lectures, and cultural festivals, contributing to a lively university atmosphere that balances scholarly engagement with social life and community building.
Transportation
Legon campus is accessible through public transportation networks in Accra — including buses, minibuses and taxis — enabling commuting students to travel daily. For those residing in campus housing, access is more convenient, but for commuters the city transport system offers reasonable connectivity. Students living further away may rely on a combination of transport modes. On-campus mobility is supported by pedestrian-friendly layouts, shuttle services for certain events or late hours, and proximity of accommodation, academic, and social facilities to reduce commuting burden.
Job Openings
The University Of Ghana periodically advertises vacancies for academic positions (professors, lecturers, research staff), administrative roles (student affairs, finance, registry), technical and lab personnel, library staff, postgraduate teaching assistants, and support staff for campus operations. Opportunities also arise in research offices, international relations, outreach programmes, and distance-learning coordination. Candidates with relevant qualifications, research background, teaching experience, or administrative skills are encouraged to apply when positions are announced.