About Ghana
Officially the Republic of Ghana, the country is located along the Gulf of Guinea and Atlantic Ocean. It shares land borders with three countries; the Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Togo. Home to over 28.3 million people, Ghana has secluded, palm-lined beaches, a strong democracy and improving socioeconomic standards. The climate of Ghana is tropical, with two seasons; wet and dry. Temperatures don’t tend to vary greatly throughout the year, with a high of 26 degrees and a low of 23 degrees. There are a number of tourist attractions, including Kakum National Park, Basua Beach and Lake Volta, among many others.
Cost of Studying and Living In Ghana
Ghana uses the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS) as its currency.
Your tuition fees will depend on where you choose to study and what course you choose. On average, you should expect to pay between GHS 20,000 and GHS 70,000 per year for an undergraduate degree programme. For a postgraduate degree programme, you should expect to pay between GHS 20,000 and GHS 64,000 per year. Some universities offer scholarships for international students, check with your institution about availability and eligibility.
It is common for universities in Ghana to offer halls of residence for the duration of your studies. This can mean that your living costs are less than if you had to find private accommodation. On average, you should budget for between GHS 2,500 and GHS 7,500 per semester for halls of residence or a university hostel. If you choose to rent privately, your living costs are likely to be higher. Check with your institution about whether they offer accommodation.
Ghana Student Visas
If you wish to study in Ghana as an international student, you will need to obtain a student visa. This is a process that can be done either at the Ghanaian embassy in your home country, or on the Ghana High Commission website. You must be granted a visa before travelling to Ghana, or you will not be allowed to enter the country. Your institution will be able to provide assistance with the visa application process.
Language
The official language of Ghana is English. There are also 17 recognised national languages, and you might hear African slang spoken throughout the country.
Due to the official language being English, this is the teaching language at higher education institutions. If English is not your native language, you may need to provide evidence of your language proficiency. If you do not meet the required standards, you may be able to take a language programme to help you improve.
Cities
Accra
The capital city of Ghana, Accra is home to over 2.2 million people. Between 1877 and 1957, Accra served as the capital of the British Gold Coast. Since this, the city has developed into a modern metropolis. The architecture in Accra reflects its history, ranging from 19th century colonial architecture to modern skyscrapers. Accra is widely considered one of Africa’s safest cities.
Located in the city are a number of public and private universities. These include the University of Ghana, Accra Institute of Technology and Accra Polytechnic, among many others. There are also several specialist institutions, such as the National Film and Television Institute.