To train as a nurse or midwife in Ghana you can enrol at a Nursing Training College for a diploma or certificate, or at a university such as UG, KNUST, UCC or UDS for a BSc. Entry needs WASSCE credit passes (A1 to C6) in six subjects, including English, Mathematics and Integrated Science, plus relevant electives, and usually an interview. Every student must index with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana and pass its licensure examination to practise.
Updated January 2026. Published by websitesgh.com.
College or university: which route?
There are two main paths into the profession. Nursing Training Colleges and Health Training Institutions, overseen through the Ministry of Health, offer diploma and certificate programmes such as Registered General Nursing, Diploma in Midwifery and the Nurse Assistant Clinical route, typically over two to three years (Source: Ministry of Health health training institutions; ghstudents, 2025). Universities offer the degree route: the University of Ghana School of Nursing and Midwifery, the KNUST Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, the University of Cape Coast and the University for Development Studies all run BSc Nursing programmes (Source: Quarmsmedia, 2025). A diploma can later be topped up to a BSc, so the college route is a valid on-ramp, not a dead end.
What are the entry requirements?
The core requirement is strong science-leaning WASSCE results. Applicants generally need credit passes of A1 to C6 in six subjects, comprising three core subjects (English, Mathematics and Integrated Science) and three relevant electives, preferably science subjects such as Biology, Chemistry and Physics (Source: Quarmsmedia; GH Results, 2026). An aggregate of 36 or better is a common threshold, though some colleges accept up to aggregate 42 with A1 to E8 in the electives, and the Ministry of Health has declined to shortlist applicants with a D7 in some intakes (Source: Nalerigu NMTC; Quarmsmedia, 2025). Most colleges also require an interview, and mature applicants may sit an entrance examination.
How does licensing work?
This is the step that turns a graduate into a practising nurse. Every pre-licensure student must be indexed with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana, usually during the first semester after admission, which is a requirement to be eligible to sit the licensure examination (Source: Valley View University School of Nursing and Midwifery, 2026). On completing the programme, you must register with the Council and pass its qualifying licensure examination before you can practise (Source: Nalerigu NMTC, 2025). Indexing and licensure-examination fees are charged separately by the Council, so budget for them on top of your tuition. The Council also accredits the programmes, so confirm your college or university programme is Council-recognised before you enrol.
What does nursing training cost?
Fees vary by institution and by whether you train at a public college, a public university or a private school. Public nursing colleges are relatively affordable, while private nursing schools and university BSc programmes cost more; on top of tuition, remember the separate Nursing and Midwifery Council indexing and licensure-examination fees (Source: Valley View University; YEN, 2024). Because figures change, confirm the current fee with the specific college’s finance office, and see our university fees guide for the wider cost picture and our scholarships and student loans guide for funding.
How do I apply?
TRY THIS TODAY: the nursing-application path.
- Confirm your grades. Check you have A1 to C6 in the six required subjects with the right electives and aggregate.
- Choose your route and school. Diploma at a Nursing Training College, or BSc at a university; confirm the programme is Council-accredited.
- Buy the admission form and apply online. Complete the application for your chosen college or university.
- Prepare for the interview. Most colleges interview shortlisted applicants; mature applicants may sit an entrance exam.
- Plan for indexing. Once admitted, index with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in your first semester so you can sit the licensure exam later.
Frequently asked questions
What grades do I need to study nursing in Ghana?
Credit passes (A1 to C6) in six WASSCE subjects, including English, Mathematics and Integrated Science, plus three relevant electives, preferably science. An aggregate of 36 or better is a common threshold, with science electives strengthening your chances (Source: GH Results; Quarmsmedia, 2026).
Do I need a licence to work as a nurse in Ghana?
Yes. You must index with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana during training and pass its licensure examination after graduating before you can practise (Source: Valley View University; Nalerigu NMTC, 2026).
Can I study nursing at a university instead of a college?
Yes. UG, KNUST, UCC and UDS run BSc Nursing programmes, and diploma holders can often top up to a degree later (Source: Quarmsmedia, 2025).
Is nursing admission competitive in Ghana?
Yes, especially at the top schools. Strong science grades, a good aggregate and interview performance all matter, and some intakes exclude applicants with weak grades such as a D7 (Source: Quarmsmedia, 2025).
Explore more in our guide to universities in Ghana, or learn how to apply to university in Ghana.
