Quick Answer: Abertay University offers several scholarships for Ghanaian students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship worth up to £5,000, Commonwealth Scholarships, and subject-specific awards. Ghanaian students need IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5, and applications typically open in November 2025 for September 2026 entry.

Why Abertay University is Perfect for Ghanaian Students

Abertay University, located in Dundee, Scotland, has emerged as an exceptional choice for Ghanaian students seeking quality education in the UK. Ranked in the top 100 UK universities by The Complete University Guide 2026, Abertay is particularly renowned for its innovative programs in computer games technology, cybersecurity, and business. For students from Ghana looking to find your perfect university, Abertay's commitment to supporting international students through comprehensive scholarship programs makes it an attractive destination.

The university's strong industry connections, particularly in technology and creative industries, align well with Ghana's growing digital economy. With over 95% graduate employability rate and average starting salaries of £28,000 for international graduates, Abertay represents excellent value for Ghanaian students' educational investment.

Available Scholarships for Ghanaian Students in 2026

International Excellence Scholarship

The flagship scholarship program at Abertay University offers substantial financial support to outstanding international students from Ghana. This merit-based scholarship provides up to £5,000 per year for the duration of your undergraduate or postgraduate program.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Academic excellence (minimum 75% in final year of secondary education for undergraduates)
• First-class or upper second-class honors for postgraduate applicants
• English proficiency: IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5
• Demonstrated leadership potential or community involvement

Application Process:

• Automatic consideration upon university application submission
• No separate scholarship application required
• Decisions communicated with admission offers in early 2026

Commonwealth Scholarships for Ghanaian Students

As Ghana is a Commonwealth country, students have access to prestigious Commonwealth Scholarships funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. These full scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return airfare.

Coverage:

• Full tuition fees (worth £15,000-£20,000 annually)
• Monthly stipend of £1,347 for living expenses
• Return economy airfare between Ghana and UK
• Thesis grant (if applicable)
• Study travel grant within the UK

Eligibility Criteria:

• Ghanaian citizenship and resident in Ghana
• First-class or upper second-class bachelor's degree for Master's programs
• Master's degree with distinction for PhD programs
• Cannot have studied in a developed country for one year or more

Subject-Specific Scholarships

Technology and Innovation Scholarships

Abertay's strength in technology education extends to specialized funding for Ghanaian students in STEM fields:

• Cybersecurity Excellence Award: £3,000 for students enrolling in MSc Cybersecurity
• Games Development Scholarship: £2,500 for undergraduate programs in Computer Games Technology
• Engineering Innovation Fund: £4,000 for students in Civil or Mechanical Engineering programs

Business and Entrepreneurship Awards

Recognizing Ghana's entrepreneurial spirit, Abertay offers:

• African Entrepreneurship Scholarship: £3,500 for MBA or MSc Business Management students
• Sustainable Business Award: £2,000 for programs related to environmental sustainability

Financial Planning for Ghanaian Students

Tuition Fees and Living Costs 2026

Understanding the complete cost structure helps Ghanaian students plan their finances effectively:

Annual Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate programs: £15,500-£17,000
• Postgraduate taught programs: £16,500-£19,000
• Postgraduate research programs: £15,000-£17,500

Living Expenses in Dundee:

• Accommodation: £4,000-£8,000 per year
• Food and groceries: £2,500-£3,500 per year
• Transportation: £600-£1,200 per year
• Personal expenses: £1,500-£2,500 per year

Total Annual Budget: £24,100-£32,200 (before scholarships)

Payment Options for Ghanaian Students

Abertay University understands the financial challenges faced by international students and offers flexible payment arrangements:

• Installment Plans: Spread tuition payments across three terms
• Early Payment Discount: 2% discount for full annual payment before September
• Direct Bank Transfer: Available from major Ghanaian banks including GCB Bank and Ecobank
• Western Union: Secure international money transfer option

Application Strategy and Timeline

Key Dates for 2026 Entry

• November 2025: University applications open
• January 15, 2026: Priority deadline for scholarship consideration
• March 31, 2026: Final application deadline
• May-July 2026: Scholarship decisions and visa processing
• September 2026: Academic year begins

Maximizing Your Scholarship Chances

Academic Excellence: Ghanaian students should aim for at least 75% in their final examinations. The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) grades should show consistent high performance across relevant subjects.

Personal Statement Tips:

• Highlight your connection to Ghana's development goals
• Demonstrate how your chosen program aligns with skills needed in Ghana's economy
• Show evidence of leadership in school, community, or work settings
• Explain your post-graduation plans to contribute to Ghana's development

Supporting Documentation:

• Academic transcripts certified by the Ghana Education Service
• English proficiency test results (IELTS Academic preferred)
• Two academic references from teachers or lecturers
• Passport copy and evidence of financial support

Alternative Funding Sources

External Scholarships for Ghanaian Students

Chevening Scholarships:

• Fully-funded master's degree scholarships
• Application deadline: November 2025
• Requires three years of work experience
• Highly competitive with 2-3 awards annually for Ghana

MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program:

• Comprehensive support including mentorship
• Focus on students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
• Covers full tuition and living expenses
• Application through partner organizations in Ghana

Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund):

• Partial scholarships for Ghanaian students
• Requires bond agreement to return to Ghana post-graduation
• Application through Ghana Education Ministry

Part-Time Work Opportunities

Ghanaian students on Tier 4 student visas can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Typical student jobs in Dundee include:

• Campus roles: £9.50-£11.00 per hour
• Retail and hospitality: £9.50-£10.50 per hour
• Tutoring and teaching assistance: £12.00-£15.00 per hour
• Research assistance: £10.00-£14.00 per hour

Visa Requirements and Support

Student Visa (Previously Tier 4) Requirements

Ghanaian students must obtain a Student visa before traveling to the UK. Abertay University's dedicated visa support team assists with:

Required Documents:

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from Abertay
• Valid Ghanaian passport
• Financial evidence showing £11,385 for living costs plus first-year tuition
• IELTS Academic results (minimum 6.0 overall)
• Tuberculosis test certificate from approved clinics in Accra

Processing Timeline:

• Standard processing: 3-6 weeks
• Priority service: 1-2 weeks (additional fee required)
• Super priority: 1-2 working days (limited availability)

Pre-Departure Support

Abertay provides comprehensive pre-departure guidance for Ghanaian students:

• Virtual orientation sessions conducted via Zoom
• Connection with current Ghanaian students at Abertay
• Airport pickup arrangements from Edinburgh or Glasgow
• Temporary accommodation booking assistance
• Banking setup guidance with UK financial institutions

The university's strong Ghanaian student community, with over 150 students from Ghana enrolled in 2025-2026, provides valuable peer support and cultural connection opportunities. Regular cultural events and the Ghana Society help maintain connections to home while embracing the Scottish academic experience.

Conclusion

Abertay University's comprehensive scholarship offerings, combined with its excellent academic reputation and strong industry connections, make it an outstanding choice for Ghanaian students in 2026. With careful planning and early application, securing funding for your UK education is highly achievable.

Key Statistics

📊 Abertay University ranks in the top 100 UK universities with 95% graduate employability rate in 2026

💰 International Excellence Scholarships worth up to £5,000 per year available for Ghanaian students with 75%+ academic performance

🎓 Over 150 Ghanaian students currently enrolled at Abertay University, creating a strong support community

📈 Average starting salary for Abertay international graduates reaches £28,000 in 2026

🏆 Commonwealth Scholarships provide full funding worth £30,000-£40,000 annually for eligible Ghanaian students

⏰ Application priority deadline of January 15, 2026 ensures maximum scholarship consideration for September entry

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Abertay University scholarships as a Ghanaian student?

Most Abertay scholarships are automatically considered when you submit your university application through UCAS or directly to the university. The International Excellence Scholarship requires no separate application - you're automatically assessed based on your academic merit. For Commonwealth Scholarships, you must apply separately through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission by October 2025. Submit your university application by January 15, 2026 for priority scholarship consideration.

What are the English language requirements for Ghanaian students at Abertay University?

Ghanaian students need IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no individual band below 5.5 for most undergraduate programs. Postgraduate programs typically require IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. Abertay also accepts TOEFL iBT (minimum 78) and PTE Academic (minimum 59). If you don't meet the requirements, you can take a pre-sessional English course at the university before starting your main program.

How much does it cost to study at Abertay University for Ghanaian students in 2026?

Tuition fees for Ghanaian students range from £15,500-£17,000 for undergraduate programs and £16,500-£19,000 for postgraduate programs. Living costs in Dundee are approximately £8,600-£15,200 per year, including accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. The total annual cost ranges from £24,100-£32,200 before scholarships. With the International Excellence Scholarship, costs can be reduced by up to £5,000 per year.

What visa do Ghanaian students need to study at Abertay University?

Ghanaian students need a UK Student visa (formerly Tier 4) to study at Abertay University. You must show financial evidence of £11,385 for living costs plus your first-year tuition fees. The visa allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during term time. Processing takes 3-6 weeks for standard applications, with priority services available. You'll also need a tuberculosis test from approved clinics in Accra and meet English language requirements.

Are there Commonwealth Scholarships available for Ghanaian students at Abertay University?

Yes, as Ghana is a Commonwealth country, students can apply for Commonwealth Scholarships which provide full funding including tuition fees, monthly living stipend of £1,347, return flights, and additional grants. These scholarships are highly competitive with only 2-3 awards annually for Ghana across all UK universities. You must be a Ghanaian citizen residing in Ghana, hold a first-class or upper second-class degree, and have not studied in a developed country for one year or more.

What support does Abertay University provide for Ghanaian students?

Abertay offers comprehensive support including dedicated visa guidance, pre-departure orientation sessions, airport pickup arrangements, and connection with the existing Ghanaian student community of over 150 students. The university provides academic support through personal tutors, career guidance, and counseling services. The active Ghana Society organizes cultural events and provides peer support. International student advisors assist with visa renewals, work permissions, and any academic or personal challenges throughout your studies.

Key Takeaways

✅ Abertay University offers multiple scholarship options worth up to £5,000 annually for Ghanaian students with strong academic records

✅ Commonwealth Scholarships provide full funding for eligible Ghanaian students, covering all expenses for Master's and PhD programs

✅ Application deadline of January 15, 2026 ensures priority consideration for scholarships and September 2026 program entry

✅ Total study costs range £24,100-£32,200 annually, but scholarships can significantly reduce financial burden

✅ Strong Ghanaian student community of 150+ students provides valuable cultural support and networking opportunities

✅ Student visa allows part-time work up to 20 hours weekly, helping offset living expenses in affordable Dundee