New data has shown that Ghanaian students enrolling for postgraduate programmes in UK universities fell by 14 % in the 2024-25 academic year compared to the previous year.
This is part of a broader decline in international postgraduate student numbers in the UK in which postgraduate student numbers fell by about 6 %, while total international students declined overall, reflecting wider downward pressures on demand.
A major factor was the government’s stricter visa rules, particularly a ban on most international students bringing dependants. This policy change has significantly reduced demand from several key markets.
Currency volatility and economic constraints in Ghana and across West Africa have made the cost of studying abroad higher for many families, further discouraging overseas enrolments.
Other destinations are increasingly seen as attractive alternatives, and restrictive visa/work policies in the UK have made it comparatively less appealing for international students.
Beyond enrolment figures, there have been reports of Ghanaian government-sponsored students facing financial and academic difficulties, including scholarship payment delays, late tuition subsidies, and even risks of withdrawal or deportation because of unpaid fees — issues that further impact students’ ability to remain enrolled or start programmes.
The drop in postgraduate enrolments from Ghana reflects a combination of UK visa policy changes and economic challenges in source countries.
Ghanaian students have historically been a strong source market for UK postgraduate education, with many pursuing taught master’s and research degrees.
Continued declines could have implications for Ghana-UK educational links, labour mobility, and the financial health of UK universities that depend on international fee income.
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