Education in Ghana has become one of the strongest in West Africa, attracting both local and international students. However, one of the biggest challenges for students and parents is the cost of tuition and living expenses. With the rising demand for higher education, many families now search for the most affordable universities in Ghana that still maintain high-quality academic standards.
In this article, we will explore the top affordable universities in Ghana for 2025, their tuition fees, available courses, admission requirements, and cost of living. Whether you are a Ghanaian student or an international applicant, this guide will help you choose the best institution that suits your budget and career goals.
Why Study at an Affordable University in Ghana?
Choosing an affordable university does not mean compromising on quality. Ghana has several institutions that offer world-class education at reasonable costs. The benefits include:
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Reduced financial burden on students and families.
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Access to quality degrees recognized locally and internationally.
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Lower living expenses compared to studying abroad.
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Wide variety of courses including medicine, engineering, business, and humanities.
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Opportunities for scholarships and financial aid.
Factors That Determine Affordability of Universities in Ghana
Before listing the top affordable universities, it is important to understand what makes an institution “affordable.”
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Tuition Fees: The direct cost of academic programs.
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Accommodation: On-campus and off-campus housing fees.
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Cost of Living: Food, transportation, and utilities in the university’s city.
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Scholarships & Grants: Availability of financial aid options.
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Flexibility of Payment: Universities that allow installment payments are often more accessible.
Summary Table of Affordable Universities in Ghana (2025)
| University Name | Location | Average Tuition Fee (per year, GHS) | Approx. Fee in USD | Popular Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Ghana (UG) | Legon, Accra | GHS 5,000 – 8,000 | $400 – $650 | Business, Law, Medicine, Arts |
| Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST) | Kumasi | GHS 4,500 – 7,000 | $360 – $570 | Engineering, Sciences, Technology |
| University of Cape Coast (UCC) | Cape Coast | GHS 3,500 – 6,000 | $280 – $490 | Education, Social Sciences, Business |
| University for Development Studies (UDS) | Tamale | GHS 3,000 – 5,500 | $240 – $450 | Agriculture, Medicine, Development Studies |
| University of Education, Winneba (UEW) | Winneba | GHS 2,800 – 5,000 | $220 – $400 | Education, Arts, Social Sciences |
| Valley View University (VVU) | Oyibi, Accra | GHS 3,000 – 6,000 | $240 – $490 | Nursing, Business, Theology |
| Presbyterian University College (PUC) | Abetifi | GHS 3,500 – 6,500 | $280 – $530 | Business, Health Sciences |
| Methodist University College | Dansoman, Accra | GHS 3,200 – 5,800 | $250 – $470 | IT, Business, Social Sciences |
| Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) | Accra | GHS 2,800 – 4,800 | $220 – $390 | Journalism, PR, Communication |
| Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) | Accra | GHS 3,500 – 7,000 | $280 – $570 | Business, Public Admin, Law |
(Note: Tuition fees vary depending on program and year. USD estimates are based on 2025 exchange rates and may fluctuate.)
Detailed List of Top Most Affordable Universities in Ghana 2025
1. University of Ghana (UG), Legon
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Location: Accra
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Average Tuition Fees: GHS 5,000 – 8,000 per year
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Why Affordable: Offers a variety of government-subsidized programs and flexible payment options.
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Popular Courses: Business Administration, Medicine, Law, Arts, Social Sciences.
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Unique Advantage: Recognized as the largest and oldest public university in Ghana, with strong international collaborations.
2. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST), Kumasi
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Location: Kumasi, Ashanti Region
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Average Tuition Fees: GHS 4,500 – 7,000 per year
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Affordable Factors: Engineering and science programs cost less compared to similar institutions abroad.
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Top Courses: Engineering, Computer Science, Pharmacy, Architecture.
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Special Note: Ranked among the top science and technology universities in Africa.
3. University of Cape Coast (UCC)
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Location: Cape Coast, Central Region
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Average Tuition Fees: GHS 3,500 – 6,000
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Why Affordable: Known for its low-cost education and focus on teacher training.
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Popular Courses: Education, Business, Social Sciences, Law.
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Special Advantage: Produces the highest number of professional teachers in Ghana.
4. University for Development Studies (UDS)
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Location: Tamale, Northern Region
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Average Tuition Fees: GHS 3,000 – 5,500
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Affordable Factors: Located in a city with one of the lowest costs of living in Ghana.
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Programs: Medicine, Agriculture, Development Studies, Education.
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Unique Advantage: Strong focus on rural development and community service.
5. University of Education, Winneba (UEW)
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Location: Winneba, Central Region
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Average Tuition Fees: GHS 2,800 – 5,000
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Why Affordable: One of the lowest tuition rates in Ghana, especially for education programs.
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Top Programs: Teacher Education, Languages, Arts, Social Sciences.
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Special Note: Best option for students who want to become professional teachers.
6. Valley View University (VVU)
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Location: Oyibi, Accra (Private University)
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Average Tuition Fees: GHS 3,000 – 6,000
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Affordable Factors: Despite being private, it offers scholarships for brilliant but needy students.
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Programs: Nursing, Business, Theology, Computer Science.
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Unique Advantage: The first private university in Ghana to be granted national accreditation.
7. Presbyterian University College (PUC)
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Location: Abetifi, Eastern Region
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Average Tuition Fees: GHS 3,500 – 6,500
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Affordable Factors: Subsidized programs, flexible payment system.
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Top Programs: Business Administration, Nursing, ICT.
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Special Note: Strong Christian values and discipline.
8. Methodist University College
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Location: Dansoman, Accra
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Average Tuition Fees: GHS 3,200 – 5,800
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Affordable Factors: Mid-range tuition fees with scholarships available.
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Programs: IT, Business, Social Sciences, Education.
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Unique Advantage: Offers evening and weekend programs for working students.
9. Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ)
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Location: Accra
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Average Tuition Fees: GHS 2,800 – 4,800
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Why Affordable: One of the cheapest specialized institutions in Ghana.
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Top Courses: Journalism, Communication Studies, PR.
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Special Advantage: Best university for students interested in media careers.
10. GIMPA (Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration)
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Location: Accra
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Average Tuition Fees: GHS 3,500 – 7,000
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Affordable Factors: Public university with international recognition in management and law.
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Programs: Business, IT, Public Administration, Law.
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Special Note: Strong partnerships with international organizations.
Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities in Ghana
Many affordable universities in Ghana also provide scholarships and financial aid. Some options include:
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Government of Ghana Scholarships.
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GETFund Scholarships.
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University-specific scholarships (UG, KNUST, UCC).
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NGO and private scholarships.
Cost of Living for Students in Ghana (2025)
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (GHS) | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (Hostel) | 500 – 1,200 | $40 – $100 |
| Feeding | 600 – 1,000 | $50 – $80 |
| Transportation | 200 – 500 | $16 – $40 |
| Utilities & Internet | 300 – 600 | $25 – $50 |
| Books & Supplies | 200 – 400 | $16 – $32 |
Average student monthly budget: GHS 1,800 – 3,500 ($145 – $280).
FAQs About Affordable Universities in Ghana 2025
1. What is the cheapest university in Ghana?
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) and Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) are among the cheapest.
2. Are private universities more expensive than public ones?
Generally yes, but some private universities like Valley View and Presbyterian University are still affordable.
3. Can international students study in Ghana at low cost?
Yes. Ghana is one of the most affordable destinations for African and foreign students.
4. Do Ghanaian universities offer scholarships?
Yes, both government and private institutions provide scholarships.
5. Which affordable university is best for engineering?
KNUST is the best affordable choice for engineering.
6. Which university is best for medicine at low cost?
UDS and University of Ghana offer medicine programs at lower costs compared to abroad.
7. Are degrees from Ghana recognized internationally?
Yes, degrees from major Ghanaian universities are globally recognized.
8. Can I study part-time to reduce costs?
Yes. Many universities offer part-time, evening, or weekend programs.
9. Is it cheaper to study in Ghana than abroad?
Yes, studying in Ghana is far more affordable compared to USA, UK, or Canada.
10. How much should I budget yearly for university in Ghana?
On average, between GHS 8,000 – 15,000 ($650 – $1,200), including tuition and living expenses.
Conclusion
Ghana offers some of the most affordable universities in Africa without compromising on quality. Institutions like UEW, UDS, GIJ, and UCC provide excellent education at low tuition rates, while KNUST and UG balance affordability with global recognition.
For Ghanaian and international students, these universities present a chance to pursue higher education at a cost that is budget-friendly yet academically rewarding.
If you are searching for the top affordable universities in Ghana 2025, this guide is your complete roadmap. Choose wisely, explore scholarship opportunities, and invest in your future at an institution that fits your financial capacity.