To apply to a university in Ghana, first check you meet the WASSCE requirement (credit passes in six subjects, three core including English and Core Mathematics, plus three relevant electives). Buy an application e-voucher from a bank or Ghana Post, apply online through the university portal, select up to three programme choices, upload your results, and submit before the deadline. Admission is decided against each programme’s cut-off point.
Updated January 2026. Published by websitesgh.com.
What are the basic entry requirements?
For a first degree, applicants generally need credit passes in six WASSCE or SSSCE subjects: three core subjects, which include English Language, Core Mathematics and Integrated Science or Social Studies, and three relevant elective subjects (Source: University of Cape Coast admissions, 2024). The overall aggregate is what universities score you on. Applicants with GCE, GBCE or IGCSE qualifications have equivalent routes. If you lack a credit in English or Mathematics, some institutions require you to pass a special examination in those subjects first.
How do cut-off points work?
Each programme sets a cut-off aggregate, and the more competitive the course, the lower the aggregate you need (a lower number is better). Sought-after programmes such as medicine, pharmacy and some engineering courses can demand an aggregate as strong as 6 to 8, while less competitive programmes accept much higher aggregates (Source: AACRAO, 2024). Private universities are generally more accessible, often admitting on aggregates between 10 and 30 (Source: Pulse Ghana, 2026). Check the current cut-off for your exact programme before applying, since it shifts year to year with demand.
How do I apply, step by step?
TRY THIS TODAY: follow this sequence for a public university.
- Confirm eligibility. Match your WASSCE aggregate and subjects against the programme’s requirements.
- Buy an e-voucher. Purchase an application voucher from an authorised bank or a Ghana Post office; at UCC, for example, the e-voucher costs GHS 220 (Source: UniCheck Ghana, 2026). International applicants usually apply through a separate international portal without a voucher.
- Log in to the portal. Go to the university’s application portal and log in with your voucher serial number and PIN.
- Fill in your details and choices. Enter your personal and academic information and select up to three programme choices, ranked in order of preference.
- Handle awaiting results. If you are still waiting for this year’s WASSCE, select the awaiting-results option before entering exam details.
- Submit and keep a copy. Submit online and print or save your confirmation. Note that many universities do not allow a change of programme after submission.
What are the deadlines?
Deadlines vary by university and by mode of study. As a rule, regular undergraduate applications tend to close around July, sandwich programmes around June, and distance programmes around October, but these shift each year (Source: University of Cape Coast admissions, 2026). Apply early: vouchers and portals get congested near the deadline, and awaiting-results applicants still need to verify results once WASSCE is released. Apply directly through each institution, for example the KNUST and UCC admission portals, and browse university listings and contacts on websitesgh.com.
What happens after I submit?
Your application is reviewed against the programme cut-off points, and shortlisted applicants are contacted for the next steps, which can include a medical examination and registration (Source: University of Cape Coast admissions, 2026). You can usually check your admission status online. If you are not admitted to your first choice, your second or third choice, or a related diploma that can be topped up to a degree later, may still come through.
Frequently asked questions
What aggregate do I need for university in Ghana?
You need credit passes in six subjects, and each programme sets its own cut-off aggregate. Competitive courses like medicine and pharmacy can require an aggregate of 6 to 8, while many programmes accept higher aggregates (Source: AACRAO, 2024).
Where do I buy a university application voucher?
From authorised banks or Ghana Post offices. At UCC the e-voucher costs GHS 220, and international applicants apply through a separate portal without a voucher (Source: UniCheck Ghana; University of Cape Coast admissions, 2026).
How many programmes can I choose?
Most Ghanaian universities let you select up to three programme choices, ranked by preference, on a single application (Source: University of Cape Coast admissions, 2026).
Can I apply while awaiting my WASSCE results?
Yes. Select the awaiting-results option when applying, then verify your results on the portal once WASSCE is released (Source: University of Cape Coast admissions, 2024).
Not sure where to apply? See the best universities in Ghana and our full guide to universities in Ghana.
