More than 312,000 students in public tertiary institutions across Ghana have benefited from the government’s No-Fees-Stress policy, with approximately GH¢888 million already spent on the programme.

The initiative, introduced in 2025, covers full academic fees for first-year students in public universities, technical universities, nursing training colleges, and colleges of education. It is aimed at easing the financial burden on students and their families while improving access to higher education.

According to data from the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), over 152,000 students benefited during the 2024/2025 academic year. In the current academic year, more than 159,000 students have already received support, with numbers expected to rise as ongoing validation processes are completed.

The Chief Executive Officer of the SLTF, Dr. Saajida Shiraz, said the government has allocated more than GH¢1.3 billion to the programme. She noted that a substantial portion of the funds has already been disbursed to eligible students nationwide.

“The number of beneficiaries is expected to increase as we complete the validation process,” she said.

The policy also includes provisions for students living with disabilities, offering them free tertiary education support as part of efforts to promote inclusivity.

Education stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward reducing financial barriers and expanding access to tertiary education. Government officials say the policy remains a key intervention in ensuring equal opportunities for students across the country.

With growing enrolment figures each year, authorities believe the No-Fees-Stress policy could play a crucial role in strengthening Ghana’s higher education system and supporting long-term national development.

By Mariam Alhassan