Admission to the University of Ghana (UG) is a goal for many students in Ghana and around the world. Whether you are finishing Senior High School, already hold a diploma, or are looking to go further with a Master’s or PhD degree, UG has a pathway for you. This guide breaks down all the entry requirements, cut-off points, and application steps in simple language, so you know exactly what you need to qualify and how to apply.
If you are wondering which campus to choose or how to navigate the University of Ghana, here is what you need to know. The University has five campuses: Legon Campus, Korle-Bu Campus, Accra City Campus, Kumasi City Campus, and Takoradi City Campus. The primary location is the Legon Campus, where most classes and research take place. It is also where the University’s central administration is located.”
UG has four main Colleges:
- College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS)
- College of Health Sciences (CHS)
- College of Education (CoE)
- College of Humanities (CoH)
Each College offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. There are also Distance Education options for people who cannot attend regular, in-person classes.
PART 1: Undergraduate Admissions
Undergraduate programmes are degree programmes for students who are applying to university for the first time, usually straight out of Senior High School (SHS). Below are the requirements for Ghanaian applicants.
1. General Entry Requirements (WASSCE / SSSCE Applicants)
To qualify for a degree programme at UG, you must have at least credit passes in the following subjects from your WASSCE or SSSCE results:
What is a credit pass?
- In WASSCE: A grade from A1 to C6
- In SSSCE: A grade from A to D
Required subjects for ALL applicants:
- English Language
- Core Mathematics
- Integrated Science (also called Core Science)
- Social Studies
- Three (3) elective subjects
So in total, you need credits in at least seven (7) subjects — the four core subjects plus three elective subjects.
2. How Aggregates Are Calculated
The word “aggregate” refers to the total score calculated from six of your subjects. A lower aggregate is better, because it means your grades were higher.
Important rules:
- Your total aggregate must NOT exceed 24 for Regular (Full-Time) admissions.
- Your total aggregate must NOT exceed 30 for Distance Education admissions.
For Science Programmes:
Aggregate is calculated from: English + Core Mathematics + Integrated Science + 3 Science electives. Social Studies is NOT included in this calculation.
For Non-Science Programmes:
Aggregate is calculated from: English + Core Mathematics + Social Studies (or Life Skills) + 3 electives in General Arts or Business. Integrated Science is NOT included in this calculation.
3. Entry Requirements by Programme
Different programmes have their own specific elective requirements on top of the general ones. Below is a breakdown by college.
A. College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS)
BSc. Family & Consumer Sciences — Family and Child Studies Option
- Core: English, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science
- Electives: Management in Living + any two of: Food and Nutrition, Textiles and Clothing, General Knowledge in Art, Biology, Chemistry
BSc. Family & Consumer Sciences — Food and Clothing Option
- Core: English, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science
- Home Science Background: Management in Living + Chemistry + either Food and Nutrition or Textile and Clothing
- Science Background: Chemistry + any two elective subjects
BSc. Agriculture (Options: Animal Science, Crop Science, Soil Science, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Agricultural Extension, Post-Harvest Technology)
- Core: English, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science
- Electives: Chemistry + any two of: Physics, Biology/General Agriculture, Geography, Elective Mathematics
BSc. Psychology
- Core: English, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science
- Electives: Biology + Elective Mathematics + any one of: Physics or Chemistry
BSc. Biological Sciences (Options: Animal Biology and Conservation Science, Biochemistry Cell and Molecular Biology, Nutrition, Food Science, Plant and Environmental Biology, Marine Science, Fisheries Science)
- Core: English, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science
- Electives: Chemistry + Physics + Biology
BSc. Information Technology
- Core: English, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science
- Electives: Any three subjects, with at least a B3 in Core Mathematics
BSc. Earth Sciences (Options: Geology, Applied Geology, Applied Geophysics)
- Core: English, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science
- Electives: Chemistry + any two of: Physics, Biology/Geography, Elective Mathematics
BSc. Mathematical Sciences (Options: Mathematics, Statistics, Biomathematics, and combined majors with Computer Science, Physics)
- Core: English, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science, Social Studies
- Electives: Elective Mathematics + any two subjects, with at least B3 in Elective Mathematics
⚠️ Note: Applicants choosing Mathematical Sciences cannot pursue a single major in Computer Science but may combine it with Mathematics, Statistics, or Physics. A single or combined major in Physics is only available if you have credit passes in both Physics and Chemistry.
BSc. Physical Sciences (Options: Physics, Chemistry, Geophysics)
- Core: English, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science
- Electives: Physics + Chemistry + Elective Mathematics, with at least B3 in Core Mathematics and C6 in Elective Mathematics
⚠️ Note: A combined major with a Mathematical Sciences subject is only available if you have at least B3 in Elective Mathematics.
B. College of Health Sciences (CHS)
Bachelor of Public Health
- Core: English, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science, Social Studies
- Electives: Any three from — Chemistry + Physics + Biology or Elective Maths; OR General Agriculture + Physics + Chemistry; OR three General Arts electives; OR two General Arts electives + Food & Nutrition; OR any three of: Economics, Food & Nutrition, Chemistry, French
BSc. Nursing (Options: General Nursing, Public Health Nursing, Paediatric Nursing, Mental Health Nursing)
- Core: English, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science, Social Studies
- Electives: Same combinations as Bachelor of Public Health above
⚠️ Note: Applicants must select one (1) nursing option when applying.
BSc. Midwifery
- Core: English, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science, Social Studies
- Electives: Any three from — Chemistry + Physics + Biology or Elective Maths; OR General Agriculture + Physics + Chemistry; OR three General Arts electives; OR two General Arts electives + Food & Nutrition; OR any three of: Economics, Management in Living, Food & Nutrition, Chemistry, General Knowledge in Art, French
School of Biomedical & Allied Health Sciences — BSc. Dietetics, BSc. Medical Laboratory, BSc. Occupational Therapy, BSc. Physiotherapy, BSc. Radiography, BSc. Respiratory Therapy
- Core: English, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science, Social Studies
- Electives: Chemistry + Physics + either Biology or Elective Mathematics
Doctor of Pharmacy
- Core: English, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science, Social Studies
- Electives: Chemistry + Biology + either Physics or Elective Mathematics
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
- Core: English, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science, Social Studies
- Electives: Chemistry + any two of: Physics, Biology, Elective Mathematics
C. College of Education (CoE) — Bachelor of Education Programmes
The general aggregate cut-off for most Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) programmes is 24. Specific subject requirements vary by specialisation. See the cut-off point table below for details on each B.Ed. programme.
D. College of Humanities (CoH)
The College of Humanities offers programmes in Law, Administration, Arts, Fine Arts, Music, and more. Specific subject requirements are not separately listed beyond the general aggregate requirements. See the cut-off points table for programme-specific details.
4. Applicants with Cambridge O & A Levels or International Baccalaureate
UG also accepts applicants with Cambridge O-Level and A-Level qualifications, as well as the International Baccalaureate (IB). These applicants should contact the UG Admissions Office directly for programme-specific requirements.
Email: admissions@ug.edu.gh
PART 2: Cut-Off Points using 2025/2026 Undergraduate Admissions as reference
The cut-off point is the minimum aggregate allowed for each programme. Remember: a lower number means better grades. If your aggregate is equal to or lower than the cut-off, you qualify.
The tables below show the cut-off points for all programmes across all Colleges for the 2025/2026 academic year.
College of Basic & Applied Sciences — Cut-Off Points
| Programme | 1st Choice | Full Fee Paying | 2nd Choice | Subject Requirements |
| BSc. Agricultural Engineering | 15 | 19/20 | – | B3 in Elective Maths |
| BSc. Biomedical Engineering | 6 | 8 | – | B3 in Elective Maths |
| BSc. Computer Engineering | 7 | 8(9) | – | B3 in Elective Maths |
| BSc. Food Process Engineering | 12 | 15 | – | B3 in Elective Maths |
| BSc. Materials Science & Engineering | 13 | 17(18) | – | B3 in Elective Maths |
| BSc. Biological Sciences | 14(15) | 15(16) | – | – |
| BSc. Psychology | 15(16) | 18(19) | – | – |
| Doctor of Veterinary Medicine | 14(17) | 15 | – | – |
| BSc. Actuarial Science | 11 | 15 | – | B3 in Elective Mathematics |
| BSc. Computer Science | 7(9) | 15 | – | B3 in Elective Mathematics |
| BSc. Information Technology | 10(11) | 15 | – | C4 in Core Maths |
| BSc. Earth Science | 15(16) | 20 | – | C6 in Chemistry |
| BSc. Physical Sciences | 24 | 24 | – | C6 in Chemistry, C6 in Physics |
| BSc. Mathematical Sciences | 15(16) | 20 | – | B3 in Elective Maths |
| BSc. Agriculture Science | 22 | – | – | – |
| BSc. Family and Consumer Sciences (Family & Child Studies) | 16(19)M | 17-24 | – | C6 in Management in Living |
| BSc. Family and Consumer Sciences (Food & Clothing) | 20(22) | – | – | C6 in Chemistry |
Notice: For BSc. Family and Consumer Sciences (Family & Child Studies), affirmative action is given to males (indicated by ‘M’).
College of Health Sciences — Cut-Off Points
| Programme | 1st Choice | Full Fee Paying | 2nd Choice | Subject Requirements |
| Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | 8 | – | – | – |
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery | 10 | – | – | – |
| Doctor of Pharmacy | 10 | – | – | – |
| BSc. Nursing | 15 | – | – | – |
| BSc. Midwifery | 15 | – | – | – |
| BSc. Medical Laboratory Sciences | 12 | – | – | – |
| BSc. Physiotherapy | 14 | – | – | – |
| BSc. Dietetics | 14 | – | – | – |
| BSc. Diagnostic Radiography | 13 | – | – | – |
| BSc. Occupational Therapy | 14 | – | – | – |
| BSc. Respiratory Therapy | 14 | – | – | – |
| Bachelor of Public Health | 9 | – | – | – |
College of Education — Cut-Off Points
| Programme | 1st Choice | Full Fee Paying | 2nd Choice | Subject Requirements |
| Bachelor of Education in Social Studies | 24 | – | – | – |
| Bachelor of Education in English | 24 | – | – | C6 in Literature in English |
| Bachelor of Education in Mathematics | 24 | – | – | C6 in Elective Mathematics |
| Bachelor of Education in Science (Physics) | 24 | – | – | C6 in Physics |
| Bachelor of Education in Science (Chemistry) | 24 | – | – | C6 in Chemistry |
| Bachelor of Education in Science (Biology) | 24 | – | – | C6 in Biology |
| Bachelor of Education (Early Grade Specialism) | 24 | – | – | – |
| Bachelor of Education (JHS Specialism) | 24 | – | – | – |
| Bachelor of Education (Upper Grade Specialism) | 24 | – | – | – |
| Bachelor of Arts in Sports and Physical Culture | 24 | – | – | – |
| BSc. Administration (Kumasi and Takoradi City Campuses) | 24 | – | – | – |
| Bachelor of Education in French | 24 | – | – | C6 in French |
| Bachelor of Education in Spanish | 24 | – | – | – |
| Bachelor of Education in Performing Arts (Music, Dance, Theatre Arts) | 24 | – | – | – |
| Bachelor of Education in ICT | 12 | 15 | – | C4 or better in Core Mathematics |
| Bachelor of Education in Consumer Sciences | 20 | 21(22) | – | C6 in Biology, Chemistry and Management in Living |
| Bachelor of Education in Arabic | 24 | – | – | – |
| Bachelor of Education in Computer Science | 9 | 12 | – | C4 or better in Elective Maths, C4 or better in Core Maths |
Distance Education — Cut-Off Points
| Programme | 1st Choice | Full Fee Paying | 2nd Choice | Subject Requirements |
| Bachelor of Arts | 30 | – | – | – |
| B.Sc Administration | 30 | – | – | – |
| B.Sc. Information Technology | 24 | – | – | – |
| Bachelor of Education (Early Grade Specialism) | 30 | – | – | – |
| Bachelor of Education (Upper Grade Specialism) | 30 | – | – | – |
| Bachelor of Education (JHS Specialism) | 30 | – | – | – |
College of Humanities — Cut-Off Points
| Programme | 1st Choice | Full Fee Paying | 2nd Choice | Subject Requirements |
| Bachelor of Laws | 7 | – | – | – |
| BSc. Administration | 9 | – | – | – |
| BSc. Administration (Full-Fee Paying) | 12 | – | – | – |
| Bachelor of Arts (General Arts Background) | 16(17) | – | – | – |
| Bachelor of Arts (Full-Fee Paying) | 20 | – | – | – |
| Bachelor of Arts (Bouquets with a Business Subject) | 12 | – | – | – |
| Bachelor of Arts (Bouquets with a Business Subject)(Full-Fee Paying) | 17 | – | – | – |
| Bachelor of Arts (Business/Science/Vocational Background) | 14(15) | – | – | – |
| Bachelor of Fine Arts | 20 | 24 | – | Audition/Interview |
| Bachelor of Music | 20 | 24 | – | Audition/Interview |
Accra City Campus — Cut-Off Points
| Programme | 1st Choice | Full Fee Paying | 2nd Choice | Subject Requirements |
| Bachelor of Arts | 24 | – | – | – |
| BSc. Administration | 24 | – | – | – |
PART 3: Distance Education Entry Requirements
Distance Education is for students who cannot attend regular in-person classes. You study from wherever you are, using learning materials provided by UG. Here is who can apply and what they need.
1. WASSCE / SSSCE Applicants
Senior High School graduates who want to do Distance Education must have:
- Credit passes (A1–C6 in WASSCE or A–D in SSSCE) in English, Core Mathematics, and Integrated Science (for Science programmes) or Social Studies (for non-Science programmes)
- Credits in three elective subjects in General Arts, Business, Science, or Vocational
- A total aggregate that does NOT exceed 30
Additionally:
- Science applicants must also have at least a C6 (WASSCE) or D (SSSCE) in Social Studies/Life Skills
- Non-Science applicants must also have at least a C6 (WASSCE) or D (SSSCE) in Integrated Science/Core Science
Required Subjects for Specific Programmes:
Bachelor of Arts:
- Core Mathematics, English, Social Studies + any three electives
- Note: At least C6 in Elective Mathematics is required if you want to read Economics
Bachelor of Arts in Administration:
- Core Mathematics, English, Social Studies + any three electives
BSc. Administration:
- Core Mathematics, English, Social Studies + any three electives
BSc. Information Technology:
- Core Mathematics, English, Integrated Science + any three electives
2. Mature Applicants
If you are 25 years or older and do not have the standard SHS qualifications, you can still apply as a Mature Applicant. Here is what you need to do:
- You must be at least 25 years old at the time of application.
- You must register for, attend, and complete the University of Ghana Access Course.
- You must pass the Mature Students’ Entrance Examination conducted by the University.
- Once you pass, you buy an e-voucher from a designated bank to access the UG online application form.
- The Access Course is run at Learning Centres in the 10 regional capitals.
- Admission will be into Level 100 of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts in Administration programmes.
3. Diploma Holders
If you already hold a University of Ghana Diploma or a recognised equivalent diploma, you may be eligible to apply for a degree programme. Requirements:
- Your Final Grade Point Average (FGPA) must be 3.00 or better.
- You must apply to the SAME area of study as your diploma, supported by two other related subjects.
- You must also have WASSCE/SSSCE passes in three (3) Core subjects and two (2) electives in the relevant subjects, OR credit passes in five subjects including English, Science, and Mathematics at GCE O-Level, plus passes in two subjects at GCE A-Level.
- All Diploma holders will be admitted to Level 200.
Special Rule for BSc. Nursing (Distance):
Applicants must hold a Diploma in Nursing from a recognised university with an FGPA of 3.00 or better, plus the WASSCE/SSSCE or GCE qualifications described above.
4. Higher National Diploma (HND) Holders
Holders of a Higher National Diploma (HND) from a recognised Polytechnic may apply if:
- Your FGPA is 3.25 or better.
- You apply to the SAME area of study as your HND, supported by one other related subject where required.
- You also have the required WASSCE/SSSCE or GCE qualifications.
- All HND holders will be admitted to Level 200.
5. Diploma Programmes (Distance)
For Diploma-level programmes under Distance Education, the minimum requirements are:
SSSCE Holders:
- Six passes (A to D) in all subjects, including English Language and Mathematics
- At least three (3) of the passes must be in General Arts, Business, or Science subjects
WASSCE Holders:
- Six passes (A1 to D7) in all subjects, including English Language and Mathematics
- Must have a minimum of C6 in any three (3) subjects in General Arts, Business, or Science
How to Apply to the University of Ghana (Undergraduate)
If you are a Ghanaian applicant with a WASSCE or SSSCE qualification, follow these simple steps to apply.
Step 1: Buy an E-Voucher
An e-voucher is like a ticket that gives you access to the online application form. It costs GH¢220.00 and you can get it in two ways:
Through a bank — visit any of these banks and ask for a UG application e-voucher: Ecobank, Republic Bank, Agricultural Development Bank, GCB Bank, Zenith Bank, Universal Merchant Bank, Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG), Prudential Bank, First Atlantic Bank, and Fidelity Bank. You will need to provide your name, phone number, and email address at the bank.
Through USSD (on your phone) — dial *887*9# on any network, type UG, then authorise payment. You will receive your e-voucher by SMS. If you do not receive an SMS, dial *887*9# again, select “Yes,” then select “Retrieve E-Voucher.” For help, call 0540134442 or 0540134441.
After getting your e-voucher, keep it safe. You will need the Serial Number and PIN to log in, and again later to check your admission status.
Step 2: Log In to the Application Portal
Go to apply.ug.edu.gh/admissions/undergrad/login and log in using the Serial Number and PIN from your e-voucher.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
Complete all the required sections of the form. UG provides application guidelines and explainer videos on their website to help you fill it out correctly.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once everything is filled in, save and submit your form. Do not leave it unsubmitted.
If You Are a Diploma or HND Holder
Before submitting, you must scan and attach your Diploma or HND transcripts, and where applicable, your O-Level and A-Level certificates or result slips. These must be saved as one PDF or Word document before attaching.
If You Are an International Applicant or a Ghanaian Applying from Abroad
Do NOT buy the e-voucher. You follow a different process. Visit admissions.ug.edu.gh/international/how-to-apply for the steps.
PART 4: Graduate Admissions (Masters & PhD)
Graduate programmes are for people who already have a first degree (undergraduate degree) and want to continue their education at a higher level. The University of Ghana’s School of Graduate Studies (SGS) offers both Masters and PhD programmes.
1. Masters Programme Entry Requirements
To apply for a Masters programme at UG, you need:
- A good first degree, preferably Second Class Lower (2:2) or better, OR a Final Grade Point Average (FGPA) of at least 2.0, from UG or any recognised/accredited University.
- Applicants with a Third Class degree may still be considered based on work experience and/or other qualifications.
- For programmes at the University of Ghana Business School, a minimum of two to three years of working experience is required.
Additional points to know:
- Some departments may require you to take an entrance examination and/or attend an interview.
- For some academic units, you may be admitted into the MA or MSc programme first. If you score an average of B+ or better in your first semester exams, you may be upgraded to the MPhil programme.
Programme-Specific Requirements:
MBA — Management Information Systems:
You must have at least two (2) years of working experience in an IT environment.
MPhil Home Science (Food Utilization and Community Nutrition):
You must have a strong science background.
2. PhD Programme Entry Requirements
Applying with a Master’s Degree:
You must hold a relevant Master’s degree from UG or any recognised/accredited University.
Applying with a First Degree:
Applicants with a very good first degree from UG or any recognised/accredited University may apply directly for a PhD. However, if admitted, you will be required to first take Level 600 (first-year Masters) courses in your department. You must pass all examinations in these courses. After successfully completing the Level 600 courses and depending on your performance, you will then progress into the four-year PhD programme.
3. How to Apply for Graduate Programmes
Ghanaian Applicants:
Purchase an e-voucher for GHS 220.00 from any of the following banks:
- Zenith Bank
- Universal Merchant Bank
- Access Bank
- Ecobank
- Republic Bank
- Agricultural Development Bank
- Consolidated Bank Ghana
- GCB Bank
- First Atlantic Bank
- Fidelity Bank
Then use the voucher to complete your application online at: https://apply.ug.edu.gh/admissions/graduate/login
International Applicants and Ghanaians Applying from Abroad:
Pay a non-refundable application processing fee of US$55.00. You can pay:
- Through the Ecobank account: Account Name: University of Ghana Fees Collection (FOREX) — for payments in Ghana; OR University of Ghana Fees Collection (FOREIGN) — for payments outside Ghana. Account No.: 0161094409780403; Swift Code: ECOCGHAC.
- Online via Visa Card or MasterCard at: https://www.ug.edu.gh/ugpay
Apply online at: https://apply.ug.edu.gh/admissions/igraduate/login
Documents Required:
- Scanned copies of your bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts in PDF format
- University of Ghana graduates must attach only their bachelor’s degree certificate
- UG graduates from 1996 to date must provide their correct Student Identity Number
- Details of three (3) referees
- Your pay-in-slip as proof of payment
⚠️ Note: Your name on the application must match exactly what appears on your certificate and transcript. If your name has changed, provide a Gazette. If the spelling or arrangement is different, provide an affidavit.
Application Deadline:
The deadline for submitting online applications for all graduate programmes is Monday, June 30, 2025.
No application will be processed without proof of payment.
4. Contact the School of Graduate Studies
- Email: sgs@ug.edu.gh or sgsadmissions@ug.edu.gh
- Telephone: 0201492545
- Address: School of Graduate Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, P.O. Box LG 571, Accra
Quick Summary
Here is a simple overview of the key requirements at a glance:
| Type of Applicant | Minimum Requirement | Aggregate / Grade Needed |
| SHS Graduate (Regular) | WASSCE/SSSCE credits in 4 core + 3 electives | Aggregate not exceeding 24 |
| Distance Education (SHS) | Same as above | Aggregate not exceeding 30 |
| Mature Applicant (Distance) | Age 25+, pass Entrance Exam | Must pass UG Access Course |
| Diploma Holder | FGPA of 3.00 or better | Admitted to Level 200 |
| HND Holder | FGPA of 3.25 or better | Admitted to Level 200 |
| Masters Applicant | Good first degree (2nd Class Lower or FGPA 2.0+) | 3rd Class considered with experience |
| PhD Applicant | Masters degree OR very good first degree | First degree holders take Level 600 courses first |
For the most up-to-date information, always visit the official University of Ghana admissions website at admissions.ug.edu.gh or the School of Graduate Studies at sgs.ug.edu.gh.
For further enquiries, contact the Admissions Office at admissions@ug.edu.gh or call +233 30 2213820.
Sources: admissions.ug.edu.gh | sgs.ug.edu.gh
All applicants are advised to review the specific requirements for their chosen programme on the official University of Ghana website and ensure that supporting documents (certificates, transcripts, birth certificates, etc.) are accurately uploaded during the application process: https://admissions.ug.edu.gh
Image credit: univofgh
