Useful tips for the Ghanaian planning to study in the UK

Studying in the UK is a fantastic option for many Ghanaian students. We have listed a few more top reasons why more and more students are choosing to study in the UK…

Going to university is not only an important milestone in many people’s lives but a must for anyone who wants to succeed in a highly competitive professional world. Along the way, you'll also gain many valuable life experiences that will enrich and mold you into a different and better person! That’s why it’s extremely important to choose the right university, and the right foreign destination, for you.

Reasons why you should study in the UK

1. The Quality of Education: If you have always dreamt of studying in the UK then you know that there is no better place in the world when it comes to educational standards and practices. UK universities and their facilities consistently rank among the best in the world and furthermore boast some of the most qualified, knowledgeable, dedicated, passionate, and talented professors anywhere in the world.

2. Affordable Tuition Fees: The average annual cost of studying in the UK is currently around 12,000 pounds, actually making it quite affordable compared to other countries such as America and Canada. Opting for the British Isles as your number one study destination, therefore, will make it far easier to find a university and courses within your tuition budget.

3. High Standards of Living: Though staying in a foreign country can be challenging, students visiting the UK tend to get used to things quickly and soon find it a very easy and convenient place to live. In addition, shopping and eating out becomes very cheap once you learn your way around.

4. Flexible Entry Requirements: Generally, schools consider student applications on a case-by-case basis. Nigerian students applying to UK universities don’t always need to take the IELTS exam, and can often simply submit their SCCE results or a letter of exemption from local universities offering English-taught degrees. There are also flexible undergraduate options for above-average students who wish to switch courses or fields of study.

5. Work While You Study: The UK allows students to work up to 20 hours per week during each semester, and full time during holidays. These employment opportunities can help you make enough money to cover your daily expenses and offers valuable work experience.

Entry requirements to study in the UK for Ghanaian students

To qualify for a university program in the UK, you must have certain academic credentials and/or practical work experience. Please note, however, that requirements vary by course.So, what are the main entry requirements for studying in the UK? Basic entrance criteria for applying to the institution of your choice are outlined below according to the following three main categories:

1. Age Requirements

2. CGPA

3. A-Levels English Proficiency Examination (IELTS or TOEFL)

Undergraduates

To apply for an undergraduate program, students must be at least 18 years old.A-Levels (WASSCE/NECO) are a combination of WASSCE and NECO examinations. For an undergraduate degree, your A-Level results (WASSCE/NECO Results) must meet the university's standards for the program you're applying to. Some colleges, for example, only accept students who have obtained a minimum of six credits (C6) in math, English, and other key subjects.An English proficiency exam is a test that assesses your ability to communicate in English. It is highly likely that the institution of your choice will require confirmation of your English language competency in the form of a successfully completed IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam. However, some institutions will recognize your WASSCE/NECO English scores (at least one credit) as to satisfactory proof of proficiency.

Postgraduates

Though age requirements are generally not specified with regard to postgraduate applicants, a certain class or grade criteria must be satisfied in order to apply to most UK schools. To be considered for postgraduate admission, for instance, certain colleges will not admit students with less than a second class upper (2:1) degree or a cumulative GPA of less than 3.5.Similarly, unless international postgraduate applicants can demonstrate that they were taught in English at a local institution or have achieved high scores in WASSCE English language tests, the successful completion of an English proficiency exam (usually IELTS or TOEFL) might be required.

Top universities in the UK

Quality education, unique curricula, multicultural environments, and abundant opportunities are just some of the reasons why so many Ghanaian students choose to study in the United Kingdom. Below are some of the top British institutions for you to consider.

Durham University

With a rich and proud heritage, historical and highly-rated Durham University is one of the oldest collegiate universities in England. Having continued to grow since its heady origins, it now welcomes scholars from all over the world. Its more than 17,000 students, moreover, enjoy an enviable quality of life in one of the safest and prettiest cities in the UK.

University of Warwick

UK universities are known for the quality of their teaching and research, and their graduates are highly valued by employers worldwide. Warwick is no exception and international students at this fine institution can choose from over 37 courses in fields as diverse as the arts, humanities, science, medicine, and engineering. Ranked 8th in the UK and 70th in the world (QS World Rankings 2019), Warwick offers expert instruction and superb facilities across all disciplines.

University of Bath

Situated in beautiful surroundings, the University of Bath is the only campus university to feature among the UK’s top 10 tertiary institutions. Apart from first-class facilities, UOB’s multi-cultural and highly active campus community is, in addition, made up of staff and students from over 140 countries, thereby promising a very unique and stimulating international experience for visiting scholars.

Loughborough University

Frequently listed as another of the nation’s top ten schools and winner of the Whatuni? Student Choice Awards in 2020, Loughborough University enjoys a global reputation both for its academic excellence and its state-of-the-art facilities. The fact that it’s located on a lush, 440-acre campus situated right in the heart of the UK, is just one more reason why Loughborough is so popular among local and international students.Now that you know what it takes to study in the UK, and now that you’re familiar with some of the UK’s finest schools, we hope you’ll allow IDP to assist you in making all the right choices. Our international study specialists have helped thousands of Nigerian students to successfully complete the application process to many of the UK’s top institutions, and we invite you to make use of our expert free services too. If you have any questions about the application process or the required documents, you can make an appointment to consult one of our counsellors.