Students to study in Ghana and abroad under proposed higher education policy

The government says it is prioritising transnational education to expand access to higher education and meet growing demand from Ghana's youth population.

Under the policy, joint and double-degree programmes will become compulsory, allowing students to complete portions of their academic programmes in Ghana and at partner institutions abroad.

Speaking at the Study in Europe Fair 2026, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu said the initiative would give students international academic exposure while helping them maintain a strong connection to Ghanaian institutions.

He explained that a student could complete one or two semesters at the University of Ghana, spend two or three semesters at a partner university overseas, and return to Ghana for the final semester before graduating.

“While physical student mobility remains vital, the Ministry of Education recognises that relying solely on traditional study-abroad pathways cannot fully meet the demands of our growing youth demography,” he said.

“In light of this, the Ministry is prioritising transnational education as a core policy initiative, through comprehensive joint and double-degree programmes.”

Mr Iddrisu said the policy was intended to expand access and promote equity by making international academic opportunities available through partnerships between Ghanaian and foreign universities.

He said access, quality and relevance remained central to the government's vision for higher education, adding that institutional capacity and collaboration between universities would be important to the success of the initiative.

The Minister also raised concerns about the challenge of retaining skilled professionals while benefiting from international academic exposure.

“We have a duty and a responsibility to keep the brain drain, but at the same time maximise the brain gain,” he said.

He said the government wanted to ensure that international academic collaboration contributed to Ghana's development while strengthening the country's capacity to retain and attract skilled professionals.