UK Student Visa for Ghanaian Students
Ghana has a growing number of students choosing UK universities. This guide covers the specific requirements for Ghanaian applicants, including financial evidence in Cedis, TB testing, and the application process from Accra.
- Section
- Student & Graduate
- Reading time
- 9 min
- Last checked
- 2 September 2026
- Source
- The published Immigration Rules and GOV.UK guidance, linked throughout this guide.
- Rowan does not
- Look at your own case, tell you which route to choose, or say what the Home Office will decide. This guide shows the published rules and where to read them.
In short
- 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.
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 220,000 (£13,761)
- Outside London (9 months): approximately GHS 169,000 (£10,539)
- 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.
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:
Questions and answers
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 £1,529 a month (London) or £1,171 a month (outside London) for up to 9 months. At approximately 16 GHS to £1, the maintenance alone is around GHS 220,000 (London) or GHS 169,000 (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.
This guide is general information about published immigration rules. It is not advice about an individual application under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, and Rowan is not regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority. Immigration rules change several times a year. For advice on a particular situation, contact an adviser authorised by the Immigration Advice Authority or an immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.