The University of Ghana is more than just a school — it is the heartbeat of higher education in Ghana. Founded in 1948, UG Legon sits on a beautiful hill overlooking Accra and carries a legacy that every Ghanaian student recognizes. If you are thinking about applying, this guide covers everything — from programs and fees to admission requirements and campus life.
About the University of Ghana
The University of Ghana, commonly called UG or Legon, is Ghana’s oldest and largest public university. It operates under a collegiate system, meaning its faculties are organized into semi-autonomous colleges that each manage their own academic programs and student affairs.
UG’s mission is straightforward — produce graduates who are intellectually capable, professionally competitive, and socially responsible. That mission shows in the caliber of its alumni, which includes former presidents, supreme court justices, world-class researchers, and leading professionals across every sector of Ghanaian society.
The university’s main campus in Legon, Greater Accra, spans over 850 acres — one of the most beautiful and expansive university campuses in West Africa.
Colleges and Faculties at the University of Ghana
UG organizes its academic programs into six main colleges:
| College | Key Programs |
|---|---|
| College of Basic and Applied Sciences | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Biology |
| College of Health Sciences | Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, Public Health |
| College of Humanities | Languages, Philosophy, Theatre Arts, Music, Linguistics |
| College of Education | Education Studies, Teacher Training, Educational Psychology |
| College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences | Agriculture, Food Science, Nutrition, Consumer Science |
| Legon Business School | Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Marketing, MBA |
Each college maintains its own admission standards, and competition levels vary significantly between programs. Medicine, Law, and Business Administration consistently attract the highest number of applicants each year.
Programs Offered at the University of Ghana
UG offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programs across hundreds of subject areas. Some of the most popular undergraduate programs include:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) — across humanities and social sciences
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) — across natural and applied sciences
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) — offered through the School of Law
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) — through the School of Medicine and Dentistry
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) — through Legon Business School
- Bachelor of Education (BEd) — through the College of Education
At the postgraduate level, UG offers Master’s degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and PhD programs across virtually every discipline. The university also runs professional executive programs through the Legon Business School that attract working professionals across Ghana and West Africa.
Admission Requirements at the University of Ghana
Gaining admission to UG requires meeting specific academic standards. Here is what every Ghanaian student needs to know:
For Undergraduate Admission:
- A valid WASSCE result with credits in at least six subjects including English Language and Mathematics
- Specific grade requirements vary by program — sciences require strong passes in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology; Law requires strong humanities grades
- Some competitive programs require additional entrance examinations or interviews
- International Baccalaureate (IB) and A-Level qualifications are also accepted
For Postgraduate Admission:
- A first degree from a recognized university (minimum Second Class Lower for most programs)
- Some programs require professional experience alongside academic qualifications
- Research programs require a research proposal and academic references
UG processes admissions through its online portal at admissions.ug.edu.gh. Applications open annually, and deadlines shift slightly each academic year — always check the official portal for current dates.
Fees at the University of Ghana
As a public university, UG’s fees are significantly lower than private institutions. However, costs vary by program, college, and student category.
| Student Category | Approximate Annual Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Ghanaian Undergraduate (Arts/Social Sciences) | GH₵ 3,000 – GH₵ 6,000 |
| Ghanaian Undergraduate (Sciences/Medicine) | GH₵ 5,000 – GH₵ 15,000 |
| International Students | USD 2,500 – USD 8,000 |
| Postgraduate Programs | GH₵ 6,000 – GH₵ 20,000 |
Additional costs include accommodation, feeding, registration, and examination fees. UG operates several halls of residence on campus, and accommodation is competitive — especially for fresh students.
Campus Life at the University of Ghana
UG Legon’s campus is genuinely one of the most vibrant in West Africa. Students here do not just attend lectures — they join a living, breathing academic community with decades of tradition.
The university has eight main residential halls, each with its own identity, culture, and traditions. Halls like Commonwealth Hall, Volta Hall, and Legon Hall carry reputations that Ghanaian students know well before they even arrive on campus.
Beyond academics, UG offers an active student union, dozens of clubs and societies covering everything from debate to robotics, sports facilities including a main stadium, and regular cultural festivals that celebrate Ghana’s diverse heritage.
The university’s Balme Library is one of the largest academic libraries in West Africa, housing millions of volumes and providing digital access to international research databases.
Notable Alumni of the University of Ghana
UG’s alumni list reads like a who’s who of Ghanaian and African achievement:
- John Dramani Mahama — Former President of Ghana
- Kofi Annan — Former UN Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize laureate
- Ayi Kwei Armah — One of Africa’s most celebrated novelists
- Ama Ata Aidoo — Renowned Ghanaian playwright and author
These names reflect what a UG education can open the door to — not just in Ghana, but on the global stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the University of Ghana the best university in Ghana? UG consistently ranks as Ghana’s top university and frequently appears among Africa’s top 10 universities in continental rankings. For breadth of programs and research output, it leads nationally.
Q: How do I apply to the University of Ghana? Applications are submitted through UG’s online admissions portal at admissions.ug.edu.gh. Create an account, complete your application form, upload required documents, and pay the application fee.
Q: Does UG offer scholarships? Yes. UG administers several scholarship programs including government scholarships, donor-funded awards, and departmental bursaries. Visit the university’s scholarship office or website for current opportunities.
Q: Can I study part-time at the University of Ghana? Yes. UG offers evening and weekend programs through its School of Continuing and Distance Education (SCDE), designed for working professionals and mature students.
Q: What is the university’s grading system? UG uses a cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) system on a 4.0 scale. First Class honors begins at 3.6 and above, Second Class Upper from 3.0 to 3.59.