Do Ghanaian students need a TB test for a UK Student visa?

Yes. Ghana is on the TB-testing list. You must get a TB test at an approved IOM clinic in Accra before applying for your visa. The certificate is valid for 6 months.

How much financial evidence do Ghanaian students need?

You need outstanding tuition fees plus living costs of £1,334/month (London) or £1,023/month (outside London) for 9 months. At approximately 16 GHS to £1, the maintenance alone is around GHS 192,000 (London) or GHS 147,000 (outside London).

Is Ghana a majority English-speaking country for UK visa purposes?

No. Despite English being the official language, Ghana is not on the Home Office list of majority English-speaking countries. You need a SELT result or your university's assessment to prove your English.

How long does the UK Student visa take from Ghana?

Standard processing from Ghana takes approximately 3-4 weeks. Priority service may be available at the VFS centre in Accra. During peak season, allow extra time.

UK Student Visa for Ghanaian Students 2026

Updated 10 March 20269 min read

What you need to know

•TB test is mandatory from an approved clinic in Accra.
•Ghana is not classified as a majority English-speaking country for visa purposes.
•Financial evidence must cover tuition plus maintenance in GBP equivalent.
•Applications are processed through the VFS centre in Accra.
•Many Ghanaian students pursue master's degrees in business, nursing, and engineering.

Ghanaian students increasingly choose the UK for higher education, particularly for master's programmes. This guide covers the requirements specific to Ghanaian applicants, including financial evidence in Ghana Cedis, the mandatory TB test, and navigating the application through the VFS centre in Accra.

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Popular Universities and Courses

Ghanaian students are represented across UK universities. Popular choices include:

University of East London, Coventry University, University of Bedfordshire
University of Northampton, De Montfort University, University of Sunderland
Popular courses: nursing, business and management, accounting, engineering, and public health

Financial Evidence in GHS

At approximately 16 GHS to £1, the financial requirements are:

London maintenance (9 months): approximately GHS 192,000
Outside London (9 months): approximately GHS 147,000
Plus outstanding tuition fees

Bank statements from Ghanaian banks are accepted. Education loans and family sponsorship are common funding methods. See our financial documents guide.

TB Test and English Language

Ghana is on the TB-testing list. Get tested at an approved IOM clinic in Accra. For English, you need a SELT or university assessment, as Ghana is not on the majority English-speaking country list.

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Applying from Ghana

Apply online on GOV.UK and book biometrics at the VFS centre in Accra. Standard processing takes 3-4 weeks. Plan well ahead during peak season (June-September). See our processing times guide and biometrics guide.

After Your Studies

Ghanaian graduates can use the Graduate route or switch to a Skilled Worker visa. For more on switching, see our switching guide.

Next Steps

Related guides:

This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an OISC-registered adviser or immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.

Preparing a UK visa application?

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