Application Information – Ghana Scholarship Secretariat

📚 LOCAL TERTIARY SCHOLARSHIPS

Supporting Ghana’s Brightest at Home

The Local Tertiary Scholarships program is one of the core initiatives of the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat, aimed at providing financial support to academically qualified but financially challenged Ghanaian students pursuing tertiary education within the country.

This program underscores the Secretariat’s commitment to equity, access, and national development by ensuring that no deserving student is denied higher education due to lack of financial resources.

🎯 PURPOSE

To reduce financial barriers to higher education for students from low-income families, rural areas, and marginalized communities.
To promote social mobility by supporting talented students who may otherwise be excluded from tertiary education due to economic hardship.
To increase retention and completion rates at local universities, colleges, and technical institutions by providing financial stability.
To decentralize scholarship administration, ensuring that students from every region and district of Ghana have equal access to funding opportunities through local review committees.
To align human capital development with national priorities by funding students in key disciplines such as education, agriculture, engineering, nursing, ICT, and public health.
To empower youth and drive local innovation, creating a pool of skilled graduates who contribute to Ghana’s socio-economic growth at both national and community levels.
To complement other government initiatives, such as Free SHS and the TVET transformation agenda, by providing a continuum of educational support beyond secondary school.

🌍 DECENTRALISED APPLICATION PROCESS

The Local Tertiary Scholarship is administered through the District Scholarship Review Committees (DSRCs) in all 261 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). This decentralized model ensures that applications are assessed locally, promoting fairness and access for students in all parts of the country.

📅 APPLICATION PERIOD

Typically opens between June - August each academic year . Students are advised to check the official portal or visit their local assembly office for exact dates and guidance.

🏫 ELIGIBLE INSTRUCTIONS :

The scholarship covers students enrolled in:

Accredited Universities (Public and Private)
Accredited Technical Universities (Public and Private)
Accredited Colleges of Education (Public and Private)
Accredited Nursing, Midwifery and Health Training Institutions (Public and Private)
Other accredited tertiary institutions (Public and Private)

🏫 WHAT THE SCHOLARSHIP COVERS

Academic User fees/Tuition (full or partial)
Academic Facility User Fees
Examination Fees
Library and ICT Levies
Residential/Accommodation Support (in some cases)

📋 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Applicants must:

Be Ghanaian citizens with a valid Ghana Card or national ID.
Have gained admission and enrolled into an accredited tertiary institution.
Demonstrate academic merit (proof of academic records or admission letter).
Demonstrate financial need (via district-level vetting or documentation).
Not be currently benefiting from any other government scholarship.

HOW TO APPLY

Applying for the Local Tertiary Scholarship is a structured process designed to ensure
fairness, transparency, and local access. All applications are submitted online and
reviewed at the district level. Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1:
Confirm Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you:

1. Are a Ghanaian citizen with a valid Ghana Card.
2. Have gained admission to a recognized public tertiary institution in Ghana.
3. Are not currently receiving any other government scholarship.
4. Can demonstrate financial need and academic merit.

Step 2:
Create an Account
Online

Create an Account Online

1. Visit the official website: www.apply.scholarships.gov.gh
2. Click on the “Local Tertiary Scholarship” section.
3. Click “Apply Now” to create an account using a valid email address and phone number.
4. Verify your account through the confirmation link sent to your email or SMS.

Step 3:
Fill Out the Online
Application Form

Fill Out the Online Application Form

1. Log in to your account and select “Local Tertiary” your scholarship type.
2. Complete the form by providing accurate details about:
— Personal information
— Academic history
— Admission details
— Financial background
3. Choose your district of residence for local vetting.

Step 4:
Upload Required
Documents

Upload Required Documents

Make sure you have scanned and saved clear copies of the following:
— Admission letter from your institution
— Academic transcripts or previous certificates (e.g. WASSCE)
— National ID (Ghana Card)
— Passport-sized photo
— Proof of need (e.g. Social Welfare report, NHIS card, or utility bills)
— Any other relevant documentation requested

Step 5:
Attend District-Level
Interview

Attend District-Level Interview

1. After submission, your application is sent to your District Scholarship Review Committee (DSRC).
2. You’ll be invited via SMS, email, or phone for a face-to-face interview at your local District Assembly.
3. Bring along original copies of all uploaded documents. The DSRC will assess your application based on financial need, academic merit, and local criteria.

Step 6:
Wait for Notification

Wait for Notification

After the interview and verification process, successful applicants will be notified via:
— SMS
— Email
— Or through their online portal dashboard

Scholarships are awarded based on merit, need, and district quota availability.

Step 6:
Disbursement

Disbursement of Funds

Disbursement of funds to beneficiary institutions and notification of awards to beneficiaries
Scholarships are typically disbursed in batches at the beginning of each academic year. The funds cover tuition, approved fees, and in some cases, additional support such as accommodation or learning materials. Beneficiaries are encouraged to maintain academic performance and adhere to the terms of the scholarship to ensure continued support throughout their studies.

LOCAL TERTIARY SCHOLARSHIPS