Education can be a costly endeavor, even in countries like Ghana. But there’s good news: NGOs (non-governmental organizations) are stepping up to ease the financial burden. Whether you’re a Ghanaian student or a foreigner studying in Ghana, you might qualify for these scholarships, which are designed to help underprivileged students cover expenses like tuition, textbooks, and other essential school supplies.
NGO Scholarships in Ghana
Finding the right scholarship can be a bit of a needle-in-a-haystack situation, but several organizations are dedicated to helping students. Here’s a rundown of some top NGO scholarships available in Ghana:
- David Oyedepo Scholarship Foundation This scholarship is aimed at deserving African students who are native to the continent. Whether you’re pursuing a master’s, undergraduate, or secondary school program, you could be eligible.Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a citizen or permanent resident of any African country.
- Proficiency in English is required.
- Applicants should be between 18 and 25 years old at the time of application.
- Good academic performance in high school is necessary.
- African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) Founded in 2000, AWDF is based in Accra and focuses on empowering African women and girls. This organization plays a key role in funding women’s rights initiatives across the continent.AWDF provides grants, networking opportunities, and capacity-building resources for projects aimed at enhancing women’s health, economic empowerment, and political participation, while tackling gender-based violence.
Since its launch, AWDF has distributed over $50 million to more than 1,400 organizations in 46 African nations, making it a major player in promoting gender equality.
- MTN Ghana Foundation Scholarship This scholarship is open to Ghanaian students who demonstrate academic promise but face financial hardships. Both new and continuing students at public tertiary institutions are eligible.Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a Ghanaian citizen.
- Demonstrate a solid academic track record.
- Submit a one-page motivation letter explaining why you deserve the scholarship.
- Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) GNAT offers scholarships primarily to students aspiring to become teachers, especially in underserved rural areas. They collaborate with the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to provide financial support based on merit and need.Beyond scholarships, GNAT promotes teacher training and development to enhance educational quality in Ghana.
- Timothy Ansah Memorial Foundation Scholarship This foundation focuses on supporting students from Ghana’s Western Region in their pursuit of higher education at KNUST. There’s no set deadline for applications, but it’s advisable to apply early.Eligibility Criteria:
- Must reside in Ghana.
- Should be in their second, third, or fourth year of college.
- Cannot be receiving any other financial aid at the time of application.
Required Documents:
- Admission and acceptance letters
- High school transcript
- WASSCE certificate
- Recommendation letters
- Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) Ghana VSO Ghana offers scholarships for students interested in teaching, particularly in areas with limited access to education. The aim is to equip students with skills for community development.
- Mastercard Foundation Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Students at Ashesi University, KNUST, and the University of Ghana can apply for scholarships through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which focuses on academically talented individuals with leadership potential.
- Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarship AIG promotes good governance in Africa and offers scholarships for talented West Africans to study for a Master’s in Public Policy or Governance at leading UK universities.Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a citizen of Nigeria or Ghana with a first- or second-class upper degree.
- A commitment to public service is essential.
The award covers tuition, housing, and living expenses, with a rigorous application process.
- Plan International While Plan International Ghana doesn’t offer scholarships, it works tirelessly to improve educational access for children and youth, especially girls. Their initiatives focus on enhancing teaching quality and addressing barriers like gender-based violence.
- Kingdom Books and Bursary Scheme This scholarship is tailored for academically gifted but needy students at KNUST. A total of fifty scholarships are available.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must reside in Ghana and not be receiving any other financial aid.
- Full-time students in their second to fourth years must have a minimum of a second-class standing.
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Africa Scholars Program This program targets bright but underprivileged African students for postgraduate studies.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be an African with proof of English proficiency and at least a Bachelor’s degree from a reputable institution.
- African Development Foundation (ADF) The ADF provides scholarships aimed at students pursuing fields like science, engineering, and agriculture. They occasionally award scholarships to encourage students to use their skills for community betterment.
Conclusion: NGO Scholarships in Ghana
If you’re in Ghana and have a solid academic record or meet any NGO criteria, don’t hesitate to apply for these scholarships. It’s a smart move to submit multiple applications—after all, you never know which one might come through for you!
Keep in mind that NGO scholarships are typically funded by donations and are designed to help students who need it most. So if you’re ready to take the plunge, good luck!
