fMost Ghanaian students don’t know this: before 2017, Ghana had a dedicated Rhodes Scholarship slot, separate from Nigeria and the rest of West Africa. When the Rhodes Trust expanded its West Africa constituency to include all 17 countries in the region, Ghana and Nigeria were absorbed into the shared pool.
This history matters because it means Ghana has an established track record in the Rhodes selection process. Final interviews for the West Africa constituency are held in Accra, Abuja, or Lagos, Ghanaian students can attend the final round at home. The 2027 cycle opens June 1, 2026 and closes August 27, 2026.
Ghana also has a DAAD Regional Office in Accra — one of only 20 DAAD regional offices worldwide, running introductory sessions, Falling Walls Lab events, PhD writing workshops, and regular university presentations. Applications for the 2027 intake officially open on June 1, 2026.
Add Ghana’s English-medium higher education system, Commonwealth membership since 1957, and active Fulbright presence, and Ghana is among the best-positioned Sub-Saharan African countries for international scholarship access.
1. Rhodes Scholarship — West Africa Constituency, Oxford University
Ghana is explicitly listed in the Rhodes West Africa constituency, and has a particularly strong history with the Rhodes program, having previously held a dedicated national slot before the regional pool was established.
What it covers:
- Full tuition at the University of Oxford for at least two years
- Living stipend of approximately GBP 1,650/month (GBP 19,800/year)
- Economy airfare to and from Oxford
- Visa application fee and IHS surcharge coverage
- Oxford application fee
Requirements:
- Ghanaian citizen with at least 5 years residence in the last 10
- Outstanding academic record
- Leadership potential and commitment to service
- Under 25 (some flexibility for medical, dental, and engineering graduates)
- Completed or near-completing an undergraduate degree
Ghana-specific notes:
- Ghana and Nigeria were previously given exceptions on the Honours degree requirement, check current Information for Candidates at rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk for current Ghanaian eligibility specifics
- Final interviews are held in Accra, Abuja, or Lagos, Ghanaian finalists can attend in Accra
- IELTS waiver available if undergraduate degree was taught in English (which applies to all Ghanaian university graduates)
Key dates for 2027 cycle:
- Applications open: June 1, 2026
- Applications close: August 27, 2026 (23:59 GMT)
Apply at: rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/applications/west-africa
2. DAAD Regional Office Accra — Use It
DAAD has one of its 20 worldwide Regional Offices in Accra. This is not just an information centre, it is a full regional office for West Africa, actively running events, seminars, and scholarship guidance.
What the Accra office does:
- Introductory sessions on DAAD scholarships (next: June 4, 2026)
- Falling Walls Lab Ghana — annual science innovation competition
- PhD Proposal Writing Workshops (joint Lagos-Accra)
- Online university presentations
- Alumni event funding for former DAAD scholars from Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria
Applications for 2027 intake officially open June 1, 2026.
Contact: daad-ghana.org
Key DAAD programs for Ghanaian students:
DAAD EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses): Working professionals with 2+ years experience. EUR 850/month, health insurance, travel. Tuition free at German public universities.
DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships: Study at top African regional universities without traveling to Europe.
DAAD Research Grants: For PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers to spend time at German universities.
Language: No IELTS for English-medium programs, MOI Certificate accepted. Ghana’s English education means all Ghanaian graduates qualify.
Deadline: Most DAAD programs: October–January.
3. Commonwealth Scholarship — United Kingdom
Ghana joined the Commonwealth in 1957, one of the founding African members. The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan has operated for Ghanaian students continuously since establishment.
What it covers:
- Full tuition
- Monthly living allowance (~GBP 1,347)
- Return airfare
- Thesis allowance (for PhD)
- Medical insurance
Requirements:
- Ghanaian Commonwealth citizen
- Bachelor’s degree (2:1 minimum for Master’s)
- Clear development impact return plan
- English proficiency
Deadline: Applications typically open October–November 2026 for 2027 intake.
Apply through: British Council Ghana or cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
The British Council Ghana office actively supports Commonwealth Scholarship applicants. Contact them before the application window opens.
4. Chevening Scholarship — United Kingdom
The UK government’s Chevening Scholarship is open to Ghanaian students for a one-year Master’s at any UK university.
What it covers:
- Full tuition (no cap)
- Monthly living allowance (~GBP 1,236 in London)
- Return economy airfare
- Visa fee reimbursement
Requirements:
- Ghanaian national
- Bachelor’s degree
- At least two years of work experience
- IELTS 6.5
- Must return to Ghana for two years after
Deadline: Applications open August 2026, close November 5, 2026.
Apply at: chevening.org
Ghana’s stable democratic governance, active civil society, and growing professional sectors in finance, tech, energy, and health give Ghanaian applicants strong, specific Chevening leadership narratives.
5. Australian Awards Scholarships — Australia
Australian Awards is fully funded and open to Ghanaian students. Ghana-Australia bilateral relations and Ghana’s Commonwealth membership make this a well-supported pathway.
What it covers:
- Full tuition
- Return economy airfare
- Establishment allowance on arrival
- Monthly living allowance
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Pre-course English training if needed
Requirements:
- Ghanaian national
- Two years of work experience preferred
- Must return to Ghana for at least two years after the degree
Deadline: Applications for 2027 intake typically open February–April 2027.
Apply at: dfat.gov.au/australianawards
Australian universities are strong in mining engineering, environmental management, public health, agriculture, and business — all relevant to Ghana’s gold mining sector and development priorities.
6. Fulbright Foreign Student Program — United States
The US Embassy in Accra runs a dedicated Fulbright program for Ghanaian students for Master’s degrees in the United States.
What it covers:
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Books and materials
- Health insurance
- Return airfare
Requirements:
- Ghanaian national
- Bachelor’s degree
- TOEFL or IELTS
- Clear return plan to Ghana
Deadline: Check US Embassy Accra for current cycle — gh.usembassy.gov
7. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) — China
China and Ghana have strong bilateral relations. CSC scholarships are active for Ghanaian students, backed by substantial Chinese investment in Ghanaian infrastructure, mining, and agriculture.
What it covers:
- Full tuition
- Free university dormitory
- Monthly stipend: CNY 3,000 (Master’s), CNY 3,500 (PhD)
- Medical insurance
Requirements:
- No IELTS required — MOI Certificate accepted
- No universal GPA minimum
Deadline: February–May 2027.
Apply at: study.csc.edu.cn
Ghana’s MOI Certificate advantage: Ghana’s English-medium university system means every Ghanaian graduate qualifies for a free MOI Certificate, eliminating the cost and preparation time of IELTS for CSC, DAAD, GKS, and other programs.
8. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation is one of the most active scholarship funders in Ghana. The Foundation has specific Ghana programs at several partner institutions.
Key Ghana-specific partnerships:
- Ashesi University Ghana — Mastercard Foundation has a specific partnership funding Ghanaian students at Ashesi
- University of Ghana — Mastercard Foundation scholar programs active
- African Leadership University
- Sciences Po, McGill, Cornell, University of Edinburgh internationally
What it covers:
- Full tuition
- Living expenses
- Travel allowance
- Mentorship and leadership development
Apply through: mastercardfdn.org and partner universities directly.
9. Korean Government Scholarship (GKS) — South Korea
Fully funded with the lowest GPA minimum of any major scholarship — 2.64/4.0.
What it covers:
- Full tuition
- KRW 1,000,000/month (~USD 700)
- One year free Korean language training
- Round-trip airfare
- Settlement allowance
- Medical insurance
Requirements:
- CGPA minimum 2.64/4.0
- No IELTS — MOI Certificate accepted
Deadline: Embassy Track: February–March 2027.
Apply through: Korean Embassy in Accra.
10. Erasmus Mundus — Europe
Ghanaian “Partner Country” applicants compete in a less crowded pool and receive higher funding.
What it covers:
- Full tuition
- EUR 1,400/month living allowance
- Travel and installation allowances
- Health insurance
Strong programs for Ghanaian students:
- MESPOM — Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management
- Global Studies (EMGS) — International relations
- Public Health and Epidemiology programs
- Engineering and sustainability programs
Deadlines: November–January.
Apply at: eacea.ec.europa.eu
11. Turkiye Burslari — Turkey
Fully funded, no IELTS required, open to Ghanaian students.
What it covers:
- Full tuition + free dormitory + monthly stipend
- Turkish language course (paid)
- One-way airfare + health insurance
Requirements: No IELTS. Minimum 75% GPA. Under 30 for Master’s.
Deadline: January–February 2027.
Apply at: tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
12. Stipendium Hungaricum — Hungary
Fully funded and significantly less competitive than DAAD or Chevening.
What it covers:
- Full tuition
- HUF 43,700/month (~EUR 115)
- Free accommodation or housing allowance
- Health insurance
Deadline: January–February 2027.
Apply at: stipendiumhungaricum.hu
Ghana’s Four Unique Scholarship Advantages
1. DAAD Regional Office Accra — One of 20 Worldwide The DAAD Accra office runs regular introductory sessions, PhD writing workshops, and Falling Walls Lab events. Applications for the 2027 intake open June 1, 2026. Attend the June 4, 2026 introductory session before applying. This level of institutional support is available to very few African countries.
2. Rhodes West Africa — Ghana’s Historic Track Record Ghana previously had a dedicated Rhodes national slot before the West Africa regional pool was created in 2017. Final Rhodes interviews for West Africa are held in Accra, Abuja, or Lagos, Ghanaian finalists can interview at home. Ghana has an established selection infrastructure within the Rhodes process.
3. English-Medium Education = MOI Certificate Across All Programs Ghana’s entire higher education system operates in English. Every Ghanaian graduate from any university qualifies for a free MOI Certificate, eliminating the cost and time of IELTS for DAAD, CSC China, GKS Korea, Stipendium Hungaricum, and multiple other programs. This is a structural financial advantage.
4. Commonwealth Member Since 1957 Ghana joined the Commonwealth at independence, one of the first African members. Commonwealth Scholarships have been available to Ghanaian students for nearly 70 years, with established British Council Ghana processes and a long alumni network.
Scholarships Without IELTS for Ghanaian Students
| Scholarship | Language Requirement |
|---|---|
| DAAD Germany | MOI Certificate accepted |
| CSC China | MOI Certificate accepted |
| GKS Korea | No test required |
| Turkiye Burslari | No test required |
| Stipendium Hungaricum | Varies by program |
| Erasmus Mundus | Varies by program |
| Rhodes Oxford | IELTS waiver (English graduates) |
| Chevening UK | IELTS 6.5 required |
| Commonwealth UK | English proficiency required |
| Australian Awards | English proficiency required |
Use ScholarWing’s free MOI Certificate Generator
Scholarship Deadlines at a Glance
| Scholarship | Country | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Rhodes West Africa | UK (Oxford) | August 27, 2026 |
| DAAD Programs | Germany | Oct–Jan |
| Commonwealth | UK | Oct–Nov |
| Chevening | UK | November 5 |
| Erasmus Mundus | Europe | Nov–Jan |
| Stipendium Hungaricum | Hungary | Jan–Feb |
| Turkiye Burslari | Turkey | Jan–Feb |
| GKS Korea | South Korea | Feb–Mar |
| Australian Awards | Australia | Feb–Apr |
| CSC China | China | Feb–May |
| Fulbright | USA | Check Embassy |
| Mastercard Foundation | Various | Per university |
Documents Most Programs Require
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and official transcripts
- CV — academic format, 2 pages maximum
- Motivation letter (customized per scholarship)
- Two recommendation letters
- Research proposal or study plan
- Passport copy
- Language certificate — IELTS or MOI Certificate (free)
- Medical certificate (CSC and some others)
- Work experience letter (DAAD EPOS, Chevening, Australian Awards)
Free tools for every document: scholarwing.com
Practical Tips for Ghanaian Applicants
1. Attend the DAAD Accra introductory session — June 4, 2026 DAAD Ghana is running an introductory session on June 4, 2026 covering DAAD scholarship programs for 2027 intake. Attend before applying. Applications open June 1. Visit daad-ghana.org for registration.
2. Rhodes final interviews are held in Accra If shortlisted for the West Africa final round, interviews are conducted in Accra, Abuja, or Lagos. As a Ghanaian applicant you could interview at home. This is a practical advantage, no international travel for interviews.
3. Get your MOI Certificate before applying anywhere Ghana’s English-medium education means you qualify for a free MOI Certificate from your university registrar. Get one certificate and use it for DAAD, CSC, GKS, and Stipendium Hungaricum, saving the IELTS registration fee across multiple applications.
4. Contact British Council Ghana before the Commonwealth deadline The British Council Ghana office actively supports Commonwealth Scholarship applicants. Contact them ahead of the October-November window for free pre-application guidance.
5. Apply to Australian Awards for mining/environment/agriculture fields Ghana’s gold mining sector and agricultural development priorities align strongly with Australian university strengths. Frame your Australian Awards application around this sector-specific connection.
FAQ
Is Ghana eligible for the Rhodes Scholarship?
Yes, Ghana is explicitly listed in the Rhodes West Africa constituency. Three scholarships are awarded annually for the entire region. Applications open June 1, 2026, close August 27, 2026. Final interviews are held in Accra, Abuja, or Lagos.
Does Ghana have a DAAD office?
Yes, DAAD has a full Regional Office in Accra, one of only 20 DAAD regional offices worldwide. It runs introductory sessions, workshops, and events. Visit daad-ghana.org for program information and events. Applications for 2027 intake open June 1, 2026.
Did Ghana previously have a dedicated Rhodes Scholarship?
Yes, before 2017, Ghana had a dedicated national Rhodes Scholarship slot. The West Africa regional constituency was created in 2017, combining Ghana and Nigeria with other West African countries into a shared pool of three annual scholarships.
Do Ghanaian students need IELTS for international scholarships?
Not for most programs. Ghana’s English-medium education qualifies all graduates for a free MOI Certificate, accepted by DAAD, CSC China, GKS Korea, and others. Rhodes offers an IELTS waiver for English graduates. Chevening and Commonwealth require English proficiency.
When should I start preparing?
For Rhodes (August 27 deadline), start preparation when applications open June 1. For DAAD, attend the June 4 introductory session. November is deadline for Chevening, start June-July 2026.