Ghana is located in West Africa , on the Gulf of Guinea, part of the Atlantic Ocean. It is framed by Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Togo. The former colony used to be called the “Gold Coast” because of its wealth of raw materials. In the up-and-coming African country, there are many further training opportunities in addition to traditional studies abroad at a university.
Interesting facts about living and studying in Ghana
As a country located in Africa according to ejinhua, Ghana looks back on a long history of changing European colonial rule. The country was most strongly influenced by British rule, which lasted until Ghana’s independence in 1957. To this day, English is therefore also the official language in the former crown colony, with an additional 79 languages and dialects being registered.
The country of Ghana covers an area of around 240,000 square kilometers and lies in a low plain framed by hills and plateaus . The low plains with their picturesque sandy beaches and species-rich mangrove areas are located on the kilometer-long coastal areas. In addition, rainforest areas and savannas determine the landscape. Due to its proximity to the equator, the climate is tropical, i.e. humid and hot. There are no classic seasons, only the alternation between rainy and dry seasons.
Ghana’s population has grown rapidly over the past few decades. Around 24 million people currently live in the multi-ethnic state. The capital is Accra ; about two million people live here. Accra is an extremely lively and culturally diverse metropolis. It is also the economic center of the country. The production of textiles and chemicals as well as the wood industry play the largest economic role.
Education reform in Ghana
The government of Ghana has been investing a lot in promoting education for several years . In 2007 there was a comprehensive educational reform, in the course of which higher education also experienced a change. In Ghana, education should not be an elitist good, but a basic right for all sections of the population. The literacy rate is currently just under 60 percent. Above all, the country suffers from a severe shortage of teachers, which is due to the low teachers’ salaries. International students can study in the midst of highly motivated local students because studying in Ghana is still a privilege.
Study abroad in Ghana: costs and financing
The costs for studying in Ghana vary depending on the chosen university, the type of study program and the respective study section:
- In undergraduate studies , they are around US $ 1000-2000 per semester for foreign students.
- In postgraduate studies , it is approximately US $ 1,500-3500.
There are also registration and examination fees of around US $ 75.
In the case of private institutions and special training offers, for example from foreign organizations, the fees can be higher.
Cost of living while studying in Ghana
The cost of living in Ghana is only around a third to half of the usual expenses in Germany. A warm meal, for example, can already be purchased for the equivalent of around EUR 1. Of course, this also results from the far lower wage level in Ghana.
Accommodation is correspondingly cheaper: the monthly rent for a single room is around EUR 50-190. The student residences attached to the universities have single and shared rooms in which foreign students usually stay. Local host families also often provide accommodation. This is a cheap and fun option to get to know the daily life and culture of Ghana.
Financing options for studying in Ghana
Before studying in Ghana, students should find out which financial support offers they can take advantage of. One way of financing a semester or year abroad in Ghana is, for example, the federally financed BAföG for abroad . In addition, various social, political and cultural foundations support talented and interested applicants with partial or full scholarships . Another financial aid is an education fund .
Visa and entry requirements for Ghana
German citizens must apply for a visa to study in Ghana . The Berlin-based embassy of the Republic of Ghana is responsible. This entry visa is initially only valid for 60 days . However, it can then be extended during the stay via the Ghana Immigration Service in the capital Accra. The documents to be submitted for this consist of:
- several passport photos
- a valid passport
- the completed application documents from the Embassy of Ghana
- the confirmation of a place at a Ghanaian university in combination with an English-language letter of recommendation from a German lecturer
- proof of a yellow fever vaccination
An extension of the visa is subject to a fee.
For those interested in studying in Ghana, it is also important to have a foreign health insurance . Here you should get advice in good time.
