Ghanaian students in the UK are still waiting for scholarship payments

This is not a new issue. It has been affecting Ghanaian students in the UK for several years and, despite a change in government, many students say they are still waiting for tuition fees and living allowances that were promised under their scholarship agreements.

The problem first received widespread attention in 2025 when hundreds of Ghanaian postgraduate students studying at UK universities reported delays in scholarship payments. Some struggled to pay rent and meet day-to-day living costs, whilst others faced restrictions from their universities because tuition fees had not been paid.

At the time, the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat said the new administration had inherited significant debts from the previous government, including money owed to UK universities. An audit of scholarships was launched and discussions began with universities on how the outstanding payments would be settled.

However, the issue has not gone away.

According to a recent BBC report, six Ghanaian master's students at Loughborough University have been unable to graduate because their tuition fees remain unpaid. Although they completed their courses last year, university regulations mean their degrees cannot be awarded until the outstanding fees have been cleared.

The students say they have repeatedly contacted the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat but are still waiting for a resolution. Earlier this month, some also held a peaceful protest outside the Ghana High Commission in London, calling for urgent action.

The National Union of Students has previously called on UK universities to provide additional support for affected Ghanaian students, warning that many are facing financial hardship through no fault of their own.

Whilst the current government has said it inherited these financial commitments, students continue to live with the consequences. For many, this is no longer simply about delayed payments. It is about being able to graduate, begin the next stage of their careers and move on with their lives after completing their studies.

Many will be hoping that a lasting solution is found soon, bringing an end to an issue that has affected students for far longer than anyone expected.

Sources: BBC News, Scholarship students 'abandoned' as fees left unpaid (12 July 2026); The Guardian, Ghanaian students at UK universities face deportation amid funding crisis (14 December 2025); National Union of Students (NUS), Open Letter to universities – support Ghanaian students facing financial hardship and deportation.