This guide is written for expats, diaspora families, international students, and Ghanaian locals comparing strong universities in Ghana for undergraduate and postgraduate study. All schools listed teach in English, and each entry includes best-fit guidance, typical tuition ranges, admissions notes, and the official website.
If you are relocating for school, these GhanaCitizenship.com pages help you plan your budget and lifestyle:
Cost of living in Ghana vs USA
Table of Contents
- Best university picks (quick shortcuts)
- Top 10 comparison table
- Admissions requirements (locals and internationals)
- Student visa and immigration basics
- Top 10 universities (full profiles)
- FAQs
- Sources and official websites
Best university picks
If you want a fast decision, use these shortcuts. The full details and official links are below.
- Best overall (research + wide programs): University of Ghana (UG), Legon
- Best STEM and engineering: KNUST
- Best for a quieter coastal academic vibe: University of Cape Coast (UCC)
- Best for development and field experience: University for Development Studies (UDS)
- Best for business and professional training in Accra: UPSA
- Best for governance and executive education: GIMPA
- Best private leadership and ethics focus: Ashesi University
- Best UK degree experience in Ghana: Lancaster University Ghana
- Best private value (broad programs + hostels): Central University
- Best modern STEM innovation campus: Academic City University College
Top 10 comparison table
Tuition ranges below reflect commonly published ranges and typical examples for international students. Costs can change by year and vary heavily by program, especially medicine, pharmacy, engineering, and some graduate tracks. Always confirm on the official university website before applying or paying any fees.
| University | City | Type | Best for | Typical international tuition (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Ghana (UG) | Accra | Public | Most programs, research, big campus | $3,500 to $7,000 |
| KNUST | Kumasi | Public | Engineering, STEM, applied sciences | $4,000 to $8,000 |
| University of Cape Coast (UCC) | Cape Coast | Public | Education, health, calmer environment | $3,000 to $6,000 |
| University for Development Studies (UDS) | Tamale area | Public | Development, agriculture, community health | $2,500 to $5,000 |
| University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) | Accra | Public | Business, accounting, professional tracks | About $4,000 |
| GIMPA | Accra | Public (chartered) | Governance, law, executive education | $3,000 to $4,000 |
| Ashesi University | Berekuso (near Accra) | Private | Leadership, ethics, small classes | $4,000 to $5,000 (plus housing) |
| Lancaster University Ghana | Accra | Private (UK branch) | UK degree experience in Ghana | About $9,000 |
| Central University | Miotso / Accra | Private | Broad programs, hostels available | $1,400 to $2,000 (typical) |
| Academic City University College | Accra | Private | Engineering, innovation, project-based learning | $3,000 to $4,000 |
Admissions requirements (locals and internationals)
Ghanaian applicants (typical baseline)
- WASSCE: Credit passes (A1 to C6) in six subjects, usually including English and Math, plus relevant electives.
- Competitive programs: Medicine, pharmacy, engineering, and law usually require stronger aggregates than the minimum.
- Mature entry: Many universities offer mature entry exams and interviews (often 25+).
International applicants (common pathways)
- A-Levels / IB: Accepted by most public and private universities (subject requirements vary by program).
- US high school diploma: Often accepted, but competitive programs may require additional evidence (AP courses, SAT/ACT, or school-specific screening).
- English proficiency: If your prior schooling was not in English, a university may request IELTS/TOEFL or an internal language screening.
- Foundation year: Some universities offer foundation programs if your qualification does not map directly to Ghanaian entry pathways.
Student visa and immigration basics
Many international students enter Ghana using the appropriate entry visa based on nationality and travel purpose, then complete longer-stay requirements after arrival if needed. Your university’s international office usually provides guidance on the most current documents and steps.
- Start with your school: Ask for the current international student checklist and recommended process.
- Use official immigration guidance: Confirm requirements with the Ghana Immigration Service.
- Plan ahead: If you plan to stay long-term, assume extra time for documentation and processing during peak seasons.
Official reference:
Ghana Immigration Service
Related GhanaCitizenship.com planning pages:
Top 10 universities in Ghana
1) University of Ghana (UG), Legon (Accra) (Public)
Why people choose it: If you want the widest program selection and the most recognizable flagship campus in Ghana, UG is the default starting point.
Academic strengths: Arts, sciences, engineering, business, medicine, law, and strong research output.
Expat-friendly notes: English instruction, international student support, and the advantage of being in Accra for internships and networking.
Typical tuition: Local fees are subsidized; international fees commonly fall around $3,500 to $7,000 per year depending on program.
Admissions snapshot: WASSCE credits plus competitive aggregates for selective programs. International equivalents accepted (A-Levels, IB, and other recognized credentials).
Official website: https://www.ug.edu.gh
2) Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi (Public)
Why people choose it: KNUST is the top pick for engineering and applied science, with a large residential campus and strong technical culture.
Academic strengths: Engineering, computer science, architecture, pharmacy, health sciences, and business.
Expat-friendly notes: English instruction, international office support, and a self-contained campus that makes student life straightforward.
Typical tuition: International tuition commonly ranges from about $4,000 to $8,000 per year depending on faculty.
Admissions snapshot: Strong WASSCE performance (especially math and science) for STEM programs. International equivalents accepted, often with subject prerequisites.
Official website: https://www.knust.edu.gh
3) University of Cape Coast (UCC), Cape Coast (Public)
Why people choose it: Many students prefer UCC for its calmer coastal environment and strong academic focus.
Academic strengths: Education, business, law, health sciences, computer science, and research activity.
Expat-friendly notes: English instruction, international support services, and a city setting that feels less intense than Accra.
Typical tuition: International tuition commonly falls around $3,000 to $6,000 per year depending on program.
Admissions snapshot: Standard WASSCE credits for locals. International equivalents accepted. English proficiency may be requested depending on background.
Official website: https://www.ucc.edu.gh
4) University for Development Studies (UDS), multi-campus (Public)
Why people choose it: UDS is a strong fit for development-focused students who want field experience tied to real community needs.
Academic strengths: Development studies, agriculture, public health, community medicine, environment, and sustainability-related fields.
Expat-friendly notes: English instruction and a deeper immersion option outside the typical Accra expat experience.
Typical tuition: International tuition is often roughly $2,500 to $5,000 per year (some health programs can be higher).
Admissions snapshot: WASSCE credits for locals and recognized international equivalents for expats. Mature entry options exist at many institutions.
Official website: https://www.uds.edu.gh
5) University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Accra (Public)
Why people choose it: UPSA is well known for business education and professional pathways in Accra.
Academic strengths: Accounting, finance, marketing, business administration, and growing offerings across law and technology-adjacent programs.
Expat-friendly notes: English instruction, urban access to internships, and a campus location close to many expat amenities.
Typical tuition: International tuition is often around $4,000 per year for many programs (varies by course of study).
Admissions snapshot: WASSCE credits plus relevant electives. International equivalents accepted. Some programs may require screening steps.
Official website: https://www.upsa.edu.gh
6) Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Accra (Public, chartered)
Why people choose it: GIMPA is a strong fit if you want governance, public administration, executive education, and professional graduate pathways.
Academic strengths: Public administration, business, law, and executive programs commonly taken by working professionals.
Expat-friendly notes: English instruction and a campus culture that often suits working adults and graduate students.
Typical tuition: International tuition often ranges around $3,000 to $4,000 per year (law and some graduate tracks can be higher).
Admissions snapshot: Undergraduate entry follows standard credentials. Graduate programs usually require a recognized first degree, sometimes plus work experience.
Official website: https://www.gimpa.edu.gh
7) Ashesi University, Berekuso (near Accra) (Private)
Why people choose it: Ashesi is known for leadership and ethics, smaller classes, and strong outcomes in tech and business.
Academic strengths: Computer science, engineering, MIS, business administration, and a liberal-arts-style foundation.
Expat-friendly notes: English instruction, residential campus, and a highly international student mix.
Typical tuition: Often around $4,000 to $5,000 per year plus housing and meal costs (financial aid and scholarships can reduce totals).
Admissions snapshot: Holistic admissions are common, including essays and sometimes interviews. International credentials accepted (IB, A-Levels, and other recognized pathways).
Official website: https://www.ashesi.edu.gh
8) Lancaster University Ghana, Accra (Private, UK branch campus)
Why people choose it: If you want a UK-style degree structure and international brand while studying in Ghana, Lancaster Ghana is built for that.
Academic strengths: Business, finance, computer science, economics, international relations, and related tracks (program availability can change by year).
Expat-friendly notes: English instruction, UK academic structure, and international campus services.
Typical tuition: Often around $9,000 per year for many undergraduate programs (foundation year options may differ).
Admissions snapshot: A-Levels, IB, and recognized equivalents accepted. Foundation pathways exist for some entry backgrounds.
Official website: https://lancaster.edu.gh
9) Central University, Miotso / Accra (Private)
Why people choose it: Central University is often selected for broad program variety and a value-focused private option with hostels available.
Academic strengths: Business, law, nursing, pharmacy, engineering and other professional tracks (availability varies by campus).
Expat-friendly notes: English instruction, accommodation options, and a quieter main campus environment compared to central Accra.
Typical tuition: Often around $1,400 to $2,000 per year for many programs (lab-heavy programs can cost more).
Admissions snapshot: Standard WASSCE credits for locals and recognized international equivalents for expats. Some programs may require interviews or screening.
Official website: https://www.central.edu.gh
10) Academic City University College, Accra (Private)
Why people choose it: Academic City appeals to students who want modern STEM training, project-based learning, and a newer campus feel.
Academic strengths: Engineering and computing tracks, innovation-focused coursework, and entrepreneurship-linked learning.
Expat-friendly notes: English instruction, modern facilities, and a student mix that often includes international learners.
Typical tuition: Often $3,000 to $4,000 per year, with scholarships commonly available depending on intake.
Admissions snapshot: Strong math and science background helps for engineering. International equivalents accepted. Screening steps may apply.
Official website: https://acity.edu.gh
FAQs
Are Ghanaian universities internationally recognized?
Many Ghanaian universities are widely recognized, especially established public institutions and accredited private universities. Recognition still depends on your destination country and profession. If you are in a regulated field, confirm requirements with your licensing board or intended employer.
Can international students work while studying in Ghana?
Rules can depend on your immigration status and local requirements. If you plan to work, confirm current guidance through your university and the Ghana Immigration Service.
What is the cheapest option for expats?
Public universities are usually cheaper than private institutions, but pricing depends on the program. Some private schools can be cost-effective, while international branch campuses tend to be higher.
Is Accra the best city for expat students?
Accra is convenient for airports, embassies, and internships. Kumasi offers a strong campus culture (KNUST), and Cape Coast is often preferred by students who want a calmer environment.
Sources and official university websites
The information in this article is based on publicly available data from official university websites and Ghanaian government sources. Tuition ranges and admissions requirements can change, so always confirm details directly with the institution before applying or paying fees.
- University of Ghana (UG): https://www.ug.edu.gh
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST): https://www.knust.edu.gh
- University of Cape Coast (UCC): https://www.ucc.edu.gh
- University for Development Studies (UDS): https://www.uds.edu.gh
- University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA): https://www.upsa.edu.gh
- Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA): https://www.gimpa.edu.gh
- Ashesi University: https://www.ashesi.edu.gh
- Lancaster University Ghana: https://lancaster.edu.gh
- Central University: https://www.central.edu.gh
- Academic City University College: https://acity.edu.gh
- Ghana Immigration Service: https://immigration.gov.gh
Final notes and next steps
Ghana offers strong public and private university options for locals and international students. If you want a large research institution, start with UG, KNUST, or UCC. If you want a professional business pipeline in Accra, consider UPSA or GIMPA. If you want smaller classes and a leadership-heavy private campus, Ashesi is a strong pick. If you want a UK-style campus experience inside Ghana, Lancaster Ghana is designed for that.
Next step checklist:
- Pick 2 or 3 schools that match your goal and budget.
- Confirm tuition, deadlines, and document requirements on each official university site.
- Ask the international office for the latest international student checklist and the recommended process.
- Plan your monthly living budget using:
Cost of living in Ghana vs USA.
