UK Admission Requirements for Ghanaian Students

Studying in the Uk has become the norm for a lot of International students and Ghanaian students are not left out.

The buzz to study in the UK has increased over the years due to the not-so-stringent admission requirements for Ghanaians.

Once you have all the documents needed for admission in UK universities for Ghanaians, getting your offer of acceptance is a walk in the park.

In this article, you will learn about simplified admission procedures in the UK and discover ways to apply for student visas to have hassle free admission.

Don’t go anywhere!

Document Requirements to Study in UK

The UK requirements for Ghanaian students are the documents you need as an International student to Study in Canada.

The UK student visa requirements are as follows:

• A valid passport.
• Proof that you have enough money to pay for your living expenses while studying there.
• Academic technology approval scheme clearance certificate (ATAS) (if required)
• Tuberculosis screening.
• A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider.
• A proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if you’re under 18.
• A written consent for your application from your financial sponsor.

Note:For entry to University programmes you would be required to take the Academic IELTS test.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Undergraduate entry requirements for Ghanaians in UK universities is different from that of graduate students.

An undergraduate programme is also called a bachelor’s degree.It is a course of academic study leading to a qualification such as a bachelor of arts (BA), bachelor of science (BSc), or bachelor of medicine (MB).

It usually takes three or four years to complete full-time. Some bachelor’s degrees, like medical courses, can take longer. You can also study for a bachelor’s degree part-time, or through flexible learning.

1. Academic Qualifications

The academic qualification required for Ghanaians in UK universities included the following:

• First and foremost, you need to have completed a minimum of 13 years of education before your application
• At least two A levels at grade E or above
• Some universities like Oxford and Cambridge will require all students to attend an interview, other universities will not require this.

The University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) in the UK operates a system called the ‘UCAS Tariff’. Your previous academic qualifications from your home country can earn points on the tariff which increases your placement to a particular course. Different courses will require different numbers of points.

To find out entrance requirements for a particular course, you will need to do a search on the UCAS website.This will equip you with all the required information to apply.

2. English Language Proficiency

For you to study in the UK as a Ghanaian student, you need an English language proficiency test.

This is to show that your English language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) are to a suitable level for studying.

For entry to undergraduate University programmes, you would be required to take the Academic IELTS ( International English Language Test System)

Normally, universities in the UK ask for a minimum score of 6.0 to 6.5, but top universities may require a much higher IELTS score of 7 and above. But some universities also accept an IELTS score of 5.5.

Keep Learning: How to Study in UK from Ghana: A Step-by-Step Guide

Additional Requirements

Additional requirements for Ghanaians applying to specific UK universities is you must have a valid passport before you can even apply to any course of your choice.

Once you fulfil all requirements as a Ghanaian student to study as an undergraduate in any UK university of your choice, there is a 60% possibility of being accepted

Postgraduate Admission Requirements

To get admitted to study in the UK as a Ghanaian PG (Post graduate student), you need to meet some requirements.It is not the same as for undergraduate programmes.

1. Academic Qualifications

First off, students who are applying to masters programs at UK universities must have completed their bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 60% score in the related field.

Also, to qualify to study in the UK, you will need the equivalent of at least a lower second class honours degree, but for some competitive programs, this will require a higher grade of at least an upper second class honours degree.

Generally, if you have a CGPA  of 3.0 and above, you’re in a really good spot for most UK universities. The higher your CGPA, the better, but one fact about UK universities is that they are more lenient towards CGPA than their US counterparts. Students who have a 2.5 CGPA and above still have a good list of universities to choose from.

Armed with these facts, there is no excuse not to apply to postgraduate studies in the UK as a Ghanaian student.

2. English Language Proficiency

The English language proficiency requirements for Ghanaians in UK universities is usually the academic IELTS.

The overall band requirement varies for different courses.

• For general postgraduate programmes, an overall band of 6.0 is needed (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component)
• For computer Science (research programmes) a 6.5 overall score is required (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component)
• For IT related courses, an overall score of 7.0 score is a pass (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component)

3. Relevant Work Experience

Applicants who do not have the usual academic requirement but who have significant work experience may be considered for entry on individual merit.

While you are applying for a master’s program, it is important to have some work experience to join professional-level courses such as MBA. A minimum work experience of 1-2 years is required for Ghanaian students who want to apply to top masters programs in the UK.

In the long run, either one works. Either you have the required academic qualification or you have the relevant work experience.

4. Letters of Recommendation

In the Uk, a letter of recommendation or a letter of reference (LOR) is one of the admission requirements for Ghanaians who want to study for their Masters

It is usually prepared by a professional or academic acquaintance who knows the applicant  well enough to gauge and describe the applicant’s abilities and skills in relation to the course they are applying for.

For UK universities, at least two LORs are required for the application process. These LORs can be either an academic LOR or a professional LOR.

Keep Learning: Expert Tips for Writing a Letter of Recommendation for UK Admission

Application Process

The application process for Ghanaians in UK universities is a straightforward process and I will guide you through it step by step.

First of all,

• Decide on a university or college and course.
• Register and apply.
• Accept your offer.
• Arrange funding.
• Apply for a visa.

Once your visa is approved, you prepare for your stay in the UK.

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines for Ghanaian in UK universities or both undergraduate and graduate students is below:

• 16 October 2023 – All Cambridge and Oxford university courses and most medical related courses at other universities application deadline.
• 31 January 2024 – Application deadline for the majority of undergraduate courses for domestic and international students.
• 30 June 2024 – Final application deadline for all undergraduate courses

The deadlines follow the same calendar as undergraduate study, but postgraduate deadlines vary slightly.

Required Documents

Documents needed for admission in UK universities for Ghanaians are:

• Valid passport
• Personal statement or statement of purpose
• Academic transcript
• English language proficiency test
• Letter of recommendation
• Student visa
• A detailed CV

Application Fees

The application fees for universities in the UK varies from £50 to £150 pounds depending on your school of choice.

Submission Methods

The submission method for study programmes into both colleges and universities in the UK  is simple.All you need to do is register and apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

Alternatively, you can download an application pack or request one by phone, and apply through post.

You have the option of applying online or offline.

Visa Requirements

The visa requirements for Ghanaians studying in UK universities are not steep. If you have the following documents handy, you are good to go.

• A current passport or other valid travel documentation.
• Qualifications stated on your CAS (Confirmation of acceptance for study).
• English language proficiency.
• Proof of fund.
• Letter of consent from your sponsor.

Student Visa Categories

There are three main types of UK student visas:

• Student route visa (formerly called the Tier 4 General student visa)
• Child Student visa
• Short-term study visa.

Visa Application Process

The visa application process is the next stage after getting your CAS. Take the following steps:

• Register a user account on the GOV.UK website.
• Fill out the application form.
• Pay the visa fee and book an appointment at a visa application centre.
• Register your details on the TLScontact (visa application centre) website.
• Attend your appointment and submit your biometrics at a UK visa application centre.
• Wait for your approved visa

Keep Learning: UK Visa Requirements for Ghanaians: Latest Updates and Guidelines

Financial Requirements

One of the UK admission requirements for Ghanaian students is proof of funds.

You’ll need to show you have enough money to support yourself except you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months on the date of your application.

The amount you need depends on where and what you will be studying.

£1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London

£1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London

Keep Learning: Cost of Study in UK for Ghanaians

Health Insurance

As a student in the UK, you are automatically entitled to healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS) which is renewable yearly. There is no need to take out private medical insurance unless your course is less than six months long. However, by choice, you may decide to take private healthcare insurance as an additional measure.

Conclusion

If you desire to study in the UK, you need to meet all the admission requirements for Ghanaian students. This article has shown you how to achieve that but if you still find it confusing, don’t stress yourself anymore. Allow us to provide everything you need to have a seamless admission process.

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FAQs

What are admission requirements for UK universities?

You will need the following:

• An IELTS minimum band of 6.0
• Academic Transcript
• Letter of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Proof of funds

Is it hard to get into UK universities as a Ghanaian student?

No, it is not hard, just have all the needed documents and meet all requirements.

How much grade is required to study in the UK?

Minimum CGPA of 3.0 is required.

What are the new rules for international students in the UK?

Starting from 1 January 2024, most international students can no longer bring family members to the UK.

Which UK university has the lowest entry requirements?

Some of them are:

• Aberystwyth University.
• Bishop Grosseteste University.
• Ravensbourne University London.
• University for the Creative Arts.
• Plymouth College of Art.
• University of Sussex.
• University of Roehampton.
• Northumbria University.

Keep Learning: 19 Top UK Universities with low tuition fees for Ghanaian students to apply

How much money is required for a UK student visa?

The current fee for a student visa is £490

Can I study in the UK with bad grades?

Yes, some schools accept a CGPA as low as 2.5 but you need to have some valid work experience to compensate.

How many subjects do UK students take?

In the UK you can study a subject for a degree or two subjects for some degree courses.

What are the supporting documents required to apply to UK universities?

They are:

• A valid passport.
• Qualifications stated on your CAS.
• English language evidence.
• Proof of funds
• Letter of consent from government sponsor