Ghana Scholarships Secretariat: A Complete Guide for 2025 Applicants

The Ghana Scholarships Secretariat has become a lifeline for thousands of Ghanaian students aspiring to pursue higher education both locally and abroad. Operating under the Office of the President, the Secretariat coordinates government and donor-funded scholarships to support the education of brilliant but needy students, as well as Ghanaian workers seeking professional development. Whether you’re a student seeking a degree program or a civil servant aiming for in-service training, understanding how this body works could be your gateway to academic and career advancement.

What Is the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat?

The Ghana Scholarships Secretariat is a government agency mandated to administer scholarships and bursaries in Ghana. Established to promote human capital development, it facilitates equitable access to education by disbursing funds from sources such as:

1. Government allocations

2. The Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund)

3. Bilateral and multilateral donor agreements

Its core responsibility is to award scholarships to eligible Ghanaians at both local and foreign institutions.

Scholarships Offered by the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat

The Ghana Scholarships Secretariat delivers complete financial assistance and several scholarship programs which accommodate varying requirements of its applicants. These include:

Local Tertiary Scholarships

Local Tertiary Scholarships exist for Ghanaian students who study in accredited tertiary institutions of the country. This scholarship grants full funding for tuition in addition to covering boarding expenses and offering book funding and limited stipend payments for academic needs.

Benefits:

• The financial aid covers the entire tuition fee or a portion of it according to student needs and available funds.
• The hostel fees are provided through accommodation support by the program, and it is particularly advantageous for students who came from distant locations and disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Book and Stationery Stipends: Small allowance for study materials.
• The reimbursement for food together with transportation and additional essential expenses is determined on a specific basis.

Foreign Tertiary Scholarships

The funding mechanism works directly for applicants who want to study outside their home country. The funding for these scholarships usually originates from two-way cooperation arrangements that Ghana establishes with nations including Hungary and India plus China and Serbia.

Benefits:

• The full payments of tuition fees result from agreements between Ghana and governments from partner countries.
• The scholarship benefits recipients with a monthly allowance used to pay for their meals along with transportation costs and utility bills.
• Rents in hostels are standard, or scholarship funds pay the monthly housing cost.
• Health insurance falls under scholarship coverage in numerous host countries which provide the program.
• The scholarship includes one-way flight services for arrival and departure based on funding guidelines and program rules.
• International students experience benefits from studying in different educational settings which provides them with worldwide academic training.

In-Service Training and Professional Scholarships

These scholarships focus on public sector employees to improve their professional capabilities and qualifications for Ghana’s workforce.

Benefits:

• Tuition Sponsorship: Covers full or partial tuition for local or foreign training programs.
• The programs offer advanced skill development through Professional Development programs that specific disciplines such as education policy along with ICT and public health.
• International trainees receive promotional assistance through airfare payment covering both directions of their journey.
• Participants have access to two options: training providers can give participants housing or accommodations or the participants can get lodging allowance payments.
• Career Advancement: Improves chances of promotion and leadership opportunities within the public sector.
• Networking Opportunities: Interact with professionals locally or internationally during training.

Ghana Scholarships Secretariat vs Other Major Ghanaian Scholarships

While the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat is the most comprehensive government-backed funding source, it’s not the only option. Here’s how it compares with other top scholarship programs:

 

why choose the Ghana Scholarship Secretrait

• Broader eligibility across academic levels and programs
• Direct link to government-supported training partnerships abroad
• Annual nationwide application system ensures equitable access
• Provides a more diverse range of funding: local, foreign, and in-service training

Application Process

Applying for a scholarship through the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat involves a multi-stage process. Applicants are encouraged to strictly adhere to guidelines and deadlines to avoid disqualification.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Visit the Official Portal:

Go to www.scholarships.gov.gh

2. Create an Account:

Sign up using a valid email address and create a profile.

3. Fill Out the Application Form:

• Provide personal, academic, and financial details. Upload relevant documents, such as:
• Academic transcripts
• Admission letters
• National ID (Ghana Card or Passport)
• Proof of need (e.g., utility bills, SSNIT details)
• Submit and Take the Online Aptitude Test:

The Secretariat introduced an aptitude test in 2020 as part of a more transparent selection process. You must pass this test to be shortlisted for an interview.

5. Attend District Selection Interview:

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a district-level panel interview. Ensure all original documents are available for verification.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

Qualified scholarship applicants lose their opportunities because of basic mistakes in their application process. The following issues will destroy your application process:

Submitting Incomplete or Incorrect Documents

Uploading blurry or expired documents as well as missing documents stands as one of the most frequent application problems. You must provide updated files which contain transcripts together with admission letters and a valid ID that remains easy to see and whole.

Waiting Until the Deadline

Late applications often lead students to encounter portal performance issues while making blunders in their forms. Begin your application process well in advance to prevent technological problems and fulfill every requirement.

Underestimating the Aptitude Test

The online exam constitutes a critical component during candidate selection. The main reason applicants fail to receive admission is lack of sufficient practice. Use sample questions from English and math and logic sections to make proper preparation.

Weak or Generic Motivation Letter

Certain applicants fail to deliver an acceptable written statement that shows insufficient uniqueness. The scholarship notification requires a detailed explanation of your ambitious objectives alongside your educational history and your qualification for obtaining the scholarship grant.

Failing the Interview

Disheveled presentation accompanied by lack of preparedness and uncertainty during the district-level interview event will eliminate your opportunity. You should completely prepare by wearing suitable clothing and providing authentic documents and feeling certain in your interview answers.

Ignoring Updates from the Secretariat

Checking your email and portal consistently prevents you from missing important announcements and interview invitations. Regularly monitor your dashboard in addition to following the official channels operated by the Secretariat.

Who Is Eligible?

General Eligibility Requirements (Applicable to All Applicants):

• The applicant needs to hold Ghanaian citizenship along with any of these proper documents including Ghana Card, Passport or Birth Certificate.
• Evidence of financial requirements is necessary especially for scholarships originating from the local area.
• The candidate needs to have no recorded criminal offenses alongside clear history of academic integrity.
• They must not receive government or international scholarships for this particular program which they currently hold.
• All applicants should show their dedication to follow every requirement along with envisaged post-study service duties.

Local Tertiary Applicants:

• Enrollment into any Ghanaian public educational establishment consisting of universities, polytechnics and nursing colleges is necessary for application.
• The scholarship program accepts applicants who pursue diploma and undergraduate degrees as well as postgraduate levels.
• Freshman students need to show their admission documents whereas current students need to send their academic records.
• Candidates need to pass both the aptitude test and the district selection interview through the online exam procedures.
• Both academic achievements (WASSCE scores and GPA) and financial need are used for admissions evaluation.

Foreign Tertiary Applicants:

• Recipients need admission at an international educational institution through either a bilateral or multilateral scholarship arrangement or program that the Secretariat has listed.
• The selected program needs to support Ghana’s development objectives which include STEM, health and education sectors and others.
• All levels of educational applicants starting from undergraduate to master’s and PhD representation receive consideration.
• Eligibility for certain programs includes taking language skills examinations and following mandatory orientations organized in the host nation.
• The candidates need to prove they will return to Ghana and contribute through formal bond agreements.

In-Service and Professional Applicants:

• The applicant needs to hold a position as either a public official or government staff member such as teachers or health workers or administrative officers.
• A minimum 2–3-year experience in public service is one of the requirements.
• The applicant needs to submit an official recommendation letter that comes directly from their ministry or workplace authority.
• The educational requirement must focus on their current occupation or address identified skill deficiencies in Ghana.
• The applicant needs to maintain availability for both interviews alongside sometimes needed attendance at orientation sessions based on training venue location.
• Will often be required to sign a return service bond if the program is fully funded.
• Additional eligibility requirements may apply depending on the scholarship category.

Recent Scholarship Statistics: Impact in Numbers

Understanding the scale of support offered by the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat helps reinforce its national importance. Here are some recent figures that highlight its reach:

• Over 70,000 students benefitted from local tertiary scholarships between 2020 and 2023.

• In 2022 alone, more than 55,000 local applications were received, with 40,000 scholarships awarded across all 16 regions.

• Approximately 600 students received foreign tertiary scholarships between 2021 and 2023, covering countries such as Hungary, Russia, China, Morocco, and Serbia.

• Each year, more than 1,000 public sector workers apply for in-service training scholarships, particularly for master’s degrees in public health, education policy, and IT.

• The annual budget for the Secretariat—sourced from GETFund and government allocations—has reached GHS 150 million+, with increasing emphasis on digitized processes and transparency.

Conclusion

The Ghana Scholarships Secretariat continues to serve as a critical bridge for students and professionals striving to achieve academic and career excellence. By democratizing access to education funding, the Secretariat empowers countless Ghanaians to pursue opportunities that would otherwise be financially out of reach. If you meet the criteria and have the drive to succeed, this program could be your launchpad to greatness.

Apply wisely. Apply early. Your future might just be one application away.

source: scholarshipgh

source: thefourthstategh

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