Scholarships & funding
Don't let cost be the reason you don't go
Scholarships specifically open to Ghanaian and West African students, plus strategies for maximizing institutional aid.
Timeline to apply
Jan–Mar (Year before)
Research and shortlist
Build your scholarship list. Note requirements and deadlines. Start Mastercard Foundation, MasterCard Scholar programs.
Apr–Aug
Take the SAT + build application materials
Scores, transcripts, recommendation letters. Begin personal statement drafts.
Sep–Nov
Submit applications
Early Decision/Action deadlines. Most scholarship deadlines align with university deadlines.
Dec–Apr
Decisions and financial aid packages
Compare aid packages. Appeal financial aid decisions. Accept offers by May 1.
Key scholarships for Ghanaians
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Full scholarship for academically talented but economically disadvantaged African students. Covers tuition, housing, meals, travel.
USAID / US Embassy Ghana Scholarships
Various programs through the US Embassy in Accra for Ghanaian students seeking US education.
Commonwealth Scholarships
For students from Commonwealth countries including Ghana to study in the UK. Fully funded including flights.
QuestBridge National College Match
For high-achieving students with financial need. Matches you to 50+ top US colleges with full four-year scholarships.
More opportunities
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
Provides postgraduate scholarships to outstanding students from developing countries with no other means of funding.
African Development Bank Scholarships
Scholarships for African students enrolled in select African, European, and North American universities.
Maximizing institutional aid
Apply to 'need-aware' schools strategically
Schools like Colgate, Amherst, and Dartmouth meet 100% of demonstrated need for international students. These are better bets than large state schools.
Be honest about your finances
CSS Profile requires detailed family financial info. Under-reporting can hurt you. Over-reporting triggers more scrutiny. Be accurate and complete.
Apply Early Decision with caution
ED can help admission odds, but you're locked in before seeing your aid package. Only go ED if you're confident the school will fund you fully.