Why Students struggle to further their education after SHS

Several interconnected factors make it difficult for many Ghanaian students to pursue higher education after high school. Lack of information is the most significant barrier to pursuing higher education in Ghana. Many students and their families, particularly those from lower-income and rural backgrounds, often lack important information with regards to education.

They might not know about the variety of universities, polytechnics, and specialized institutes available, along with the different programs that accommodate a range of academic abilities—even for those with lower grades. Though there is limited capacity and intense competition with a growing number of secondary school graduates, and limited number of available spots in universities and many qualified students might be turned away simply because there isn’t enough capacity, without proper career and academic counseling, students may not learn about alternative admission routes, remedial programs, diploma tracks, or “top-up” programs that can lead to a full degree. Some even ends up in pursuing wrong programs that at the long run inhibit their success.

This information gap perpetuates a cycle where many talented individuals miss out on opportunities simply because they aren’t aware of all the options available to them.

Financial Barriers are also one of the most significant barriers to pursuing higher education in Ghana. Even when public universities waive tuition fees, students and their families still face significant out-of-pocket costs—registration fees, examination fees, facility fees, accommodation, and transport. These hidden costs can be prohibitive for low-income families, especially when economic disparities are high.

Some of these factors are mostly neglected but as you know, you cannot solve a problem without knowing the cause. That is why we are here for you. If enjoyed this post, follow us for more.