Cheapest Universities in Ghana with Tuition Fees
Ghana is an African country located in the western region with its capital at Accra. It borders the Atlantic Ocean to the South. It’s a multi-ethnic country with a diverse population. Since 1993, the country has ranked well in the continent, with its economy and education stabilization. It has a target of becoming the first developed country in Africa between 2020 to 2029, through its mixed economy plan.
- Catholic Institute of Business and Technology
Year of establishment – 2007
Location – Accra
Average Tuition Fees – $1100
Website – https://cibt.edu.gh
This is a private and affordable university affiliated with the Catholic church but not faith-based, it offers many courses for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Sikkim Manipal University
Year of establishment – 1995
Location – Sikkim
Average Tuition Fees – $1500
Website – https://smu.edu.in
Is a private and second cheapest university, with Indian based system of education, with specialization in the healthcare and medical field programs.
- Mount crest University college
Year of establishment – 2008
Location – Accra
Average Tuition Fees – $1780
Website – https://mountcrestuniversity.edu.gh
Is the third cheapest university, private and coeducational university, offering several courses programs for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Regent University of Science and Technology
Year of establishment – 2003
Location – Accra
Average Tuition Fees – $1900
Website – https://regent.edu.gh
This is a government-owned university, ranks as one of the best in the country, scientifically oriented with modern methods of teaching and training.
- Kings University of Ghana
Year of establishment – 2009
Location – Accra
Average Tuition Fees – $2000
Website – https://www.kuc.edu.gh
This is the last cheapest university on our list, one of the best government universities in Ghana, with affiliation to the university of Cape Coast, Ghana, and Liaoning University of China. The university has a conducive learning environment and facilities, thus has gained a reputation and they accept large numbers of students annually.
What these tuition figures actually cover
The fees listed above are tuition only. They exclude accommodation, feeding, health insurance, textbooks, local transport and visa costs. When budgeting, treat tuition as roughly half of what a year will genuinely cost you.
Ghana uses the Ghanaian cedi (GHS). For Nigerian students the main advantage is proximity — short flights, no long-haul costs, and a similar climate and culture, which removes much of the adjustment burden of studying overseas.
Budgeting realistically as a Nigerian student
Work out the full picture before committing:
- Tuition — confirm the current figure directly with the institution, as published figures date quickly
- Accommodation — on-campus housing is usually cheaper than private rental
- Feeding and daily living
- Health insurance — typically mandatory for international students
- Flights — short and relatively inexpensive from Lagos or Abuja to Accra
- Visa and immigration fees
- Proof of funds — you will usually need to show you can support yourself for the full period of study
Entry requirements to expect
Requirements vary by institution and programme, but international applicants are generally asked for:
- WAEC, NECO or equivalent secondary certificates for undergraduate entry
- A recognised bachelor’s degree and transcripts for postgraduate entry
- A valid international passport
- Proof of financial capacity
- Academic references
On English tests: Ghana is English-speaking and Nigerian degrees are taught in English, so IELTS or TOEFL is generally not required. Confirm with the specific institution.
How to apply
- Shortlist two or three institutions from the list above and confirm they are accredited and offer your programme.
- Contact admissions directly and request the current international student fee schedule. Do not rely on figures from any third-party site, including this one, without confirming.
- Ask about English test requirements for Nigerian applicants specifically.
- Prepare documents early — transcript and certificate collection routinely takes weeks in Nigeria.
- Apply, then begin the student visa process once you receive an offer letter.
- Arrange proof of funds in the format the immigration authority requires.
Working while studying
Work rights for international students in Ghana are limited and tied to your immigration status. Do not build your funding plan around part-time earnings. Confirm what your permit allows with the institution’s international office.
Is Ghana the right choice for you?
Ghana suits you if you want an affordable, English-speaking degree close to home with straightforward travel and lower total costs than studying overseas. As an ECOWAS country, entry arrangements for Nigerians are generally simpler than for Europe or North America.
Be clear-eyed about one thing: a low tuition fee is not the same as an affordable degree. Once flights, living costs and visa expenses are counted, self-funding is rarely cheaper than a fully funded scholarship, where tuition, accommodation and travel are all covered and you pay nothing.
If cost is your priority rather than location, apply to funded programmes in parallel:
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC — fully funded Master’s in Canada, including flights and a laptop
- Chevening Scholarship — fully funded UK Master’s for Nigerians
- DAAD EPOS Scholarship — fully funded Master’s in Germany
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarship — fully funded doctoral study in the UK
Frequently asked questions
Can Nigerians study in Ghana?
Yes. Nigerian students study in Ghana in significant numbers, and ECOWAS arrangements make travel and residency comparatively straightforward.
Do Nigerians need a visa to study in Ghana?
As an ECOWAS citizen your entry arrangements are simpler than for most destinations, but studying still requires the correct immigration status and student permit. Confirm current requirements with the Ghana Immigration Service and your institution before travelling.
Is Ghana cheaper than studying elsewhere?
Ghana is usually far cheaper in total cost than Europe or North America once flights and living expenses are counted, which is its main appeal for Nigerian students.
Are these tuition fees current?
Fees change regularly. Treat the figures above as a comparison guide only and confirm current rates directly with each institution before making any decision.
Always verify tuition, entry requirements and visa rules directly with the institution and the relevant immigration authority before applying or making payment.