Scholarship to Study Abroad for Ghanaian Students

Getting higher education abroad is one of the best ways to set yourself up for success in the future. There are several tiered scholarships available, and you can apply for them at undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD levels. 

As a Ghanaian student, plenty of scholarship options are available to you and many other African students. It’s up to you to find these opportunities, capitalize on them, and apply for a scholarship to study abroad. 

If you want to learn how to apply for a scholarship to study abroad for Ghanaian students, this guide is for you. We’ll cover the basics of scholarships and the application process so you can start your journey toward studying abroad.

Understanding Scholarships

A scholarship is a money-based award designed to cover academic expenses. Scholarships are usually tied to qualifications you must meet to be eligible. 

The specific qualifications will depend on the individual scholarship program. Some awards are based on academic performance, artistic or athletic achievements, or being part of some organizations, such as community development organizations. 

Scholarships come in varying amounts. Full scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and sometimes even flight costs. Partially funded scholarships may only cover the tuition fee or a percentage of it. 

Where to Find Scholarships for Ghanaian Students

Scholarships are usually available through various sources, including schools, foundations, private businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations. The internet is an excellent resource for finding scholarships.

Most scholarships will let you apply online directly, so you can apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously. Even as you apply for several scholarships, ensure you put in effort because you’re competing with other applicants, and your application needs to stand out. 

Here are some examples of sources of scholarships to study abroad for Ghanaian students:

Scholarship Portals

These are websites that offer a comprehensive database system for all scholarships available. You can search for scholarships using filters like your country and the type of scholarship. Narrowing down your search improves your chances of qualifying. 

Some of the portals you can use to find scholarships specifically for Ghanaian students are: 

• Ghana Scholarship Secretariats: This institution, which is under the president’s office, grants scholarships to brilliant but needy Ghanaian students. 
• Commonwealth Scholarship: This scholarship scheme caters to students from across the Commonwealth who can’t afford to study in the UK. The scholarship funds postgraduate studies in various fields to help support future leaders and innovators. Most of these fully funded scholarships cover your tuition costs, living allowance, and airfare to and from the UK. To apply, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country. 
• GNPC Scholarship: This is the Ghana National Petroleum Cooperation Scholarship that supports academically excellent students in Ghana to study abroad. The scholarship accepts applicants for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. 
• GETFund Scholarship: The Ghanaian government also supports students who want to study locally and abroad for their Master's and PhD degrees. 

University Websites

If you’re interested in particular schools in specific countries, you can browse their official websites to check for any available scholarships. Most universities post details of available scholarships, including the different subject areas offered, levels of study, requirements for application, and deadlines. 

You can also contact the institution via email to inquire about scholarships if the information is unavailable on their website. 

Official Country Websites

Lastly, you can also search for scholarships depending on the country you want to go to. Some countries have official websites for higher education, such as Study Australia or EducationUSA. 

Ensure you read the qualifications carefully and take note of the deadlines to avoid applying for expired offers. 

How to Apply for a Scholarship to Study Abroad for Ghanaian Students

For most scholarship applications, you take three simple steps: 

• Online application
• Submission of documents
• Wait for acceptance

Below is a more detailed, step-by-step process for applying for scholarships:

1. Visit the universities’ websites

You should take time to look at the details provided on official university websites. Even if you use scholarship portals, visit the school’s website for more information. You can even contact the school’s financial aid office. 

2. Get Your Documents in Order

You’ll be asked for personal and academic information when applying for the scholarship. For instance, you have to submit documents showing your date of birth and your citizenship.

You may have to include information like where you want to study and your plans for after you graduate. The specific requirements tend to vary depending on the scholarship. 

We’ll look at document requirements in more detail in the next section. 

3. Sell Yourself

Some scholarships require you to write an essay to show why you’d be a good fit. Remember that you’re competing with other applicants, so you should use this essay to show why you stand out. 

Don’t be in a hurry to submit the essay. Take time to write, read, and edit it to perfection. You can have someone, like your professor or academic mentor, go through it and share their feedback. 

4. Include your references

Most scholarships require references from your professor, or coach, depending on the type of scholarship. Contact these people as soon as possible and let them know you’ll need their help applying for a scholarship. 

Contact your references several weeks before the deadline so they have enough time to write you a good letter. 

Once you’ve completed your application, it’s out of your hands, and you can wait to hear back from the institutions. You should expect them to communicate within eight weeks of the application deadline. The exact timelines are included in the application information. 

5. Apply Early

It’s crucial to apply for scholarships as soon as you can. For most scholarships, you apply even a year before the academic year begins. Still, it’s never too late. Just confirm the deadline.

Documents to Prepare for Your Application Process

The specific documents required will depend on the scholarship you’re applying for, but typically, you’d need the following for the application process:

• Duly filled application form: Ensure you fill in the information correctly and accurately to avoid inconsistencies that lead to delays. 
• Copy of your ID/Passport: Your passport must be valid for six months after your departure for it to be accepted. 
• Transcript/diploma copies: You need to share transcripts from the school where you graduated. This shows your courses and the credits and grades you achieved for each. The document must have the faculty's official stamp and signature for legitimacy. 
• Statement of Purpose: This is a letter where you explain the reasons for applying for that particular scholarship and program. It’s typically one page, roughly 400 words. Strive to sell yourself without going overboard. Maintain honesty as you present the qualities that make you a suitable candidate. 
• Resume/CV: You may not have work experience at the time, but including a CV that shows your study experiences, achievements, hobbies, and interests gives more information about why you’d be a good fit. Ensure you include any skills, volunteer work, and short courses related to your study field. 
• Standardized test scores: You’ll also need to include your scores for standardized tests like GRE, IELTS, SAT, GPA, and ACT. 

For students applying for degrees in art, design, and similar fields, you may be asked to provide a portfolio of your work that showcases your skills. 

Scholarships to Study in Ghana for International Students

Several universities in Ghana, including The University of Ghana, offer scholarships, grants, and fellowships to international students. For more information about available scholarships for international students in Ghana, you can visit the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat portal. 

Once you find a scholarship, grant, or fellowship you’re eligible for, you can complete your application form and attach the required documents and academic certificates. You’ll then be required to complete an online aptitude test, after which you’ll be scheduled for selection.

Helpful Tips for Applying for Scholarships

When applying for scholarships, success is not guaranteed since there’s usually high competition. So, how can you improve your chances of success? 

Apply for Multiple Scholarships

The more scholarships you apply for, the higher your chances of succeeding. Since most of them typically ask for the same information, you don’t have to tweak your application too much. 

However, carefully read all the requirements and tailor your application properly. Inconsistencies in your application show you’re not a serious candidate and give other applicants an edge over you. 

Share Your Personal Experiences

Share interesting personal experiences that give the panel more insight into the kind of person you are. If you have interesting hobbies, travel, or volunteer experience, these can give you a competitive advantage. 

Pay Attention to Details

The importance of reading the requirements and paying attention to key details cannot be overstressed. Take note of details like word limits and only submit requested documents, nothing more. 

Final Thoughts

Scholarships are an excellent way to turn your dreams into a reality. As a Ghanaian student, plenty of scholarship options are available to you, so it’s up to you to research. 

You can use various resources to find different types of scholarships. Apply for as many scholarships as possible to improve your chances of success.