By The University of Ghana (UG), fondly known as Legon, stands as a pillar of higher education in West Africa, blending a rich legacy with bold strides toward global prominence. Founded in 1948, UG remains Ghana’s oldest and largest public university, consistently ranked as the nation’s top institution and among Africa’s elite.
In 2025, UG is making headlines with its innovative initiatives, robust academic programs, and a new strategic plan (2024–2029) that positions it as a leader in addressing global challenges like digital transformation and sustainable development. This article explores UG’s achievements, its role in shaping Ghana’s future, and what prospective students need to know for the 2025/2026 academic year.
A Legacy of Excellence
Established as the University College of the Gold Coast under British colonial rule, UG gained degree-awarding status in 1961 and has since grown into a collegiate university with four colleges: Health Sciences, Humanities, Basic and Applied Sciences, and Education. Its sprawling campus in Legon, a suburb of Accra, hosts over 30,000 students, including hundreds from more than 60 countries, fostering a vibrant multicultural environment.
UG’s secondary campuses, including a teaching hospital in Korle Bu and a graduate school of nuclear sciences at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, underscore its commitment to specialized education.
In 2025, UG’s global standing is stronger than ever. The Times Higher Education (THE) Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings place UG fifth in the region and first in Ghana, with an overall score of 74.3. Globally, it ranks 1001–1200 in the THE World University Rankings and 672 in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability, excelling in social sciences and humanities, particularly development studies (ranked 51 worldwide).
Key Developments in 2025
UG’s new Strategic Plan (2024–2029), launched in April 2025, outlines ambitious goals to enhance research, digitalization, and global competitiveness. A flagship initiative is the Pan-African Virtual College, a collaboration with the California Community Colleges (CCC) system and A²MEND (African American Male Education Network and Development).
Announced on April 25, 2025, this virtual platform aims to provide accessible, high-quality education across Africa, leveraging UG’s expertise in health sciences and humanities to train a new generation of leaders.
Another milestone is UG’s response to national educational challenges. At the April 25, 2025, inauguration of its 19-member Governing Council, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu urged UG to address Ghana’s foundational literacy and numeracy gaps.
The council, chaired by Marietta Brew, includes prominent figures like Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo and is tasked with making UG a modern, globally competitive institution. Iddrisu emphasized training students for a “fast-changing and complex world of work,” a mandate UG is meeting through programs in nuclear physics, biomedical engineering, and information technology.
Academic Programs and Admissions for 2025/2026
UG offers a wide range of undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs, with applications for the 2025/2026 academic year open since March 13, 2025. The university’s admission process is merit-based, considering academic performance, extracurricular activities, and, for some programs, entrance exams or interviews. Key programs include:
- Health Sciences: Medicine, pharmacy, and nursing, offered as first-choice programs at the College of Health Sciences. The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research leads in tropical disease studies.
- Sciences and Technology: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, computer engineering, and biomedical engineering, all first-choice programs at the College of Basic and Applied Sciences.
- Humanities and Education: Law, business, development studies, and teacher training, with flexible options like distance learning.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, UG has streamlined its admissions process. The application portal (https://admissions.ug.edu.gh/) allows applicants to submit documents, select up to six program choices, and track their status. Admission forms cost GHS 220 for Ghanaian applicants and USD 110 for international students, available at banks like Ecobank and Zenith or via the USSD code 8879#.
The deadline for undergraduate applications is June 30, 2025, while postgraduate deadlines vary by program. Applicants awaiting 2025 WASSCE results are eligible, with cut-off grades set at aggregate 26 for WASSCE and 24 for SSSCE.
UG’s self-placement system, introduced in 2024, allows applicants not admitted to their original choices to explore alternative programs, enhancing accessibility. The first batch of 2024/2025 admissions was released in January 2025, with subsequent batches ongoing. Successful applicants must accept offers and pay fees promptly to secure their spots.
Student Support and Accessibility
UG is committed to removing financial barriers. The Student Financial Aid Office (SFAO), established in 2000, supports needy but talented students through scholarships like the Mastercard Foundation, which funds 1,000 students annually.
Tuition ranges from GHS 2,500–6,000 for locals and $5,000–$10,000 for international students, with additional aid for postgraduate studies. The Vice-Chancellor’s Student Digitisation Initiative, launched in 2024, seeks donations to equip students with digital tools, reflecting UG’s push for tech-driven learning.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its achievements, UG faces challenges. Funding constraints and infrastructure gaps, noted by the World Bank, limit expansion, particularly for rural campuses. The delay in 2024 WASSCE results disrupted admissions, prompting UG to extend verification deadlines to January 3, 2025. However, government exemptions from post-retirement contract suspensions ensure academic continuity.
Opportunities abound. UG’s partnerships with universities in North America, Europe, and Africa facilitate student exchanges and collaborative research. Its focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) aligns with Africa’s need for technical skills, as advocated by UG’s Prof. Elsie Kaufmann. The university’s leadership in sustainability, evidenced by its QS Sustainability ranking, positions it to tackle climate challenges.
Conclusion: A Premier Destination for Learning
In 2025, the University of Ghana continues to shine as a premier institution, blending tradition with innovation. Its Pan-African Virtual College, strategic plan, and diverse programs underscore its global ambition.
For prospective students, UG offers a transformative experience, supported by scholarships and a dynamic campus life. As Minister Iddrisu noted, UG’s mission is to produce graduates who thrive in a competitive world, a goal it is achieving with distinction.
Prospective applicants should act now—visit https://admissions.ug.edu.gh/, purchase e-vouchers, and apply before June 30, 2025. Join UG’s vibrant community and shape the future of Ghana and beyond.
1 Comment