You face tough choices when university fees jump. The University of Ghana just raised academic fees by more than 25% for the 2025/26 year. Students and families now deal with higher costs. This change hits hard. Read on to see the facts.
Details of the Fee Increase
Administrators at the University of Ghana released a provisional fee schedule. It shows big jumps across colleges.
Breakdown by College and Level
Fresh students in the College of Humanities pay GH¢3,110 now. That’s up 34% from GH¢2,319 last year. Continuing students in the same college face GH¢2,253, a 27% rise from GH¢1,777. Other colleges follow similar patterns. The College of Education sees fees climb to GH¢2,800 for new entrants, up 28%. Science programs hit GH¢3,500 for level 100, a 30% increase.
You notice these rises affect everyone. No group escapes.
Reasons Behind the Raise
University leaders point to third-party charges. SRC and GRASAG fees drive much of the rise. They add costs for services like student activities and welfare. Inflation plays a role too. Ghana’s economy pushes up operational expenses.
Impact on Students and Families
You worry about affording school. This increase adds pressure.
Financial Strain on Households
Many families budget tight. A 25%+ jump means extra GH¢500 to GH¢800 per student. In 2024, 40% of Ghanaian households spent over 20% of income on education, per Ministry of Education data. By 2025, that figure reaches 45% with these hikes. Students drop out or delay studies.
Access to Higher Education
Enrollment drops when fees rise. Ghana’s tertiary gross enrollment ratio stood at 19.6% in 2024. It aims for 25% by 2026, but hikes slow progress. Low-income students suffer most. Women and rural applicants face barriers.
Broader Trends in Ghana’s Higher Education Costs
Costs climb steadily. You see patterns from recent years.
Rising Expenses Nationwide
In 2024, public university fees averaged GH¢2,000 to GH¢3,000. By 2025, they hit GH¢2,500 to GH¢4,000. Education spending as a share of GDP fell to 3.6% in 2024 from 4.5% in 2019, per UNICEF reports. Government funds tertiary education at GH¢5.7 billion in 2025, up 10% from 2024. Yet per-student funding drops due to more enrollees.
You can read the full UNICEF budget brief here.
Policy Shifts and Funding Gaps
Ghana introduced the No Fees Stress policy in July 2025. It covers all academic fees for first-year students in public institutions. Over 15,000 benefited by late 2025. But continuing students miss out. Universities seek other revenue.
For details on government funding, you can visit ghana-education-policies. Ministry of Education trends here.
Expert Views on the Hike
Experts weigh in. You hear direct takes.
Quotes from Key Figures
Professor Gordon Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor at UG, explains: “The reported 25% increase in academic fees for the 2025/2026 academic year is largely due to additional charges set by the SRC and GRASAG.”
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu states: “Universities take unfair advantage of the No Fees Stress policy by adjusting charges.”
These views show tension between needs and affordability.
education-experts-ghana. You can refer to full story on MyJoyOnline here.
What Happens Next
You plan ahead. University management meets student leaders soon. Protests grow. Government may step in.
Potential Outcomes
Fees stay or drop if pressure mounts. Scholarships expand. You apply early.
UG official schedule here.
Advice for You
Budget now. Seek loans or aid. Talk to advisors.
YEN.com.gh coverage here.
FAQ
You ask common questions. Here are answers.
What is the new fee for level 100 at UG in 2025/26?
Fresh students pay GH¢3,110 in Humanities, up from GH¢2,319.
Why did UG raise fees by over 25%?
Third-party charges from SRC and GRASAG drive the increase, plus inflation.
Does the No Fees Stress policy cover this hike?
It covers first-year academic fees, but not all charges or continuing students.
How does this affect enrollment?
It reduces access for low-income families, slowing Ghana’s 25% GER target by 2026.
Can students protest or appeal the fees?
Yes, student leaders meet management. Protests happen now.
What alternatives exist for affordable education?
Look at technical institutions or scholarships. Apply to Student Loan Trust Fund.
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