Quick Answer: Queen's University Belfast offers multiple scholarship opportunities for Ghanaian students in 2026, including the International Merit Scholarship (up to £5,000), Commonwealth Scholarships, and subject-specific awards. With over 180 programs available and being ranked 208th globally, QUB provides excellent value with tuition fees ranging from £19,100-£26,200 annually.

Queen's University Belfast stands as one of Northern Ireland's premier institutions, offering exceptional opportunities for Ghanaian students seeking world-class education in the UK. As a Russell Group university founded in 1845, QUB combines academic excellence with competitive tuition fees, making it an attractive destination for students from Ghana.

For Ghanaian students planning their 2026 academic journey, understanding the scholarship landscape at Queen's University Belfast is crucial for making higher education financially accessible. This comprehensive guide explores all available funding opportunities specifically relevant to students from Ghana.

Why Choose Queen's University Belfast for Your Studies?

Queen's University Belfast ranks 208th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is consistently placed among the top 3 universities in Northern Ireland. The university offers over 180 undergraduate programs and 150+ postgraduate courses across various disciplines, providing Ghanaian students with extensive academic choices.

The campus, located in Belfast's vibrant Queen's Quarter, houses state-of-the-art facilities including the £50 million Graduate School and modern research centers. For Ghanaian students, QUB's multicultural environment includes a thriving African Students Society and dedicated international student support services.

With annual tuition fees ranging from £19,100 for classroom-based programs to £26,200 for laboratory-intensive courses, QUB offers competitive pricing compared to universities in England, making it particularly attractive for cost-conscious Ghanaian families.

Major Scholarship Opportunities for Ghanaian Students at QUB

International Merit Scholarship

The International Merit Scholarship represents QUB's flagship funding opportunity for exceptional international students from Ghana. This merit-based scholarship awards up to £5,000 per year and is automatically considered for all international applicants who meet the academic criteria.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Ghanaian citizenship with plans to study on student visa
• Minimum WASSCE grades of A1-B3 in six subjects including English and Mathematics
• IELTS score of 6.5 overall (6.0 in each component) or equivalent
• Acceptance into a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate program
• No additional application required - automatic consideration

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

As a Commonwealth member, Ghana participates in the UK's Commonwealth Scholarship scheme. These scholarships cover full tuition fees, living allowances, and travel costs for eligible Ghanaian students pursuing master's degrees at QUB.

Key Benefits:

• Full tuition fee coverage (£19,100-£26,200)
• Monthly living allowance of £1,236
• Return airfare from Ghana to Belfast
• Thesis grant and study travel allowance

Application Requirements:

• Ghanaian citizenship and permanent residency
• First-class or upper second-class honors degree
• At least two years of work experience
• Development-focused study program
• Application deadline: December 14, 2025 for 2026 entry

Subject-Specific Scholarships at QUB

School of Medicine Scholarships

QUB's medical school offers targeted funding for international students from underrepresented countries, including Ghana. The Medical International Excellence Scholarship provides £3,000 annually for outstanding applicants to the five-year MBBS program.

Engineering and Computer Science Awards

The School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science offers the International Innovation Scholarship worth £2,500 per year. This scholarship specifically targets students from developing nations pursuing technology-related degrees.

Business School Scholarships

The Queen's Management School provides the International Business Excellence Award, offering 25% tuition fee reduction for exceptional Ghanaian students enrolling in MBA or MSc programs.

External Scholarship Options for Ghanaian Students

Chevening Scholarships

The UK government's prestigious Chevening program offers full scholarships for one-year master's programs. Ghanaian applicants can use these awards at QUB, covering all expenses plus a generous living allowance.

Selection Criteria:

• Ghanaian citizenship
• Undergraduate degree equivalent to UK upper second-class honors
• Minimum two years of work experience
• Leadership potential and commitment to Ghana's development
• English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall)

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities

Several Ghanaian corporations and international companies operating in Ghana offer educational sponsorships. Companies like MTN Ghana, Vodafone Ghana, and mining corporations frequently sponsor promising students for UK education.

When researching funding options, students should also explore UK universities to compare scholarship offerings and find the best fit for their academic and financial needs.

Application Strategy for Ghanaian Students

Academic Preparation

Ghanaian students should focus on achieving strong WASSCE results, particularly in English Language and Mathematics. For postgraduate applicants, a first-class or upper second-class degree from a recognized Ghanaian university is essential for competitive scholarship applications.

English Language Requirements

Most QUB scholarships require IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0. Ghanaian students can prepare through:

• British Council Ghana test preparation courses
• Online IELTS preparation platforms
• University of Ghana English proficiency programs
• Private tutoring with certified instructors

Documentation Requirements

Essential Documents for Scholarship Applications:

• Certified academic transcripts from WAEC and universities
• Two academic reference letters
• Personal statement highlighting academic achievements and career goals
• Evidence of English proficiency
• Ghanaian passport copy
• Financial statements (for visa purposes)

Timeline for 2026 Applications

September 2025: Begin scholarship research and document preparation October-November 2025: Submit early applications for Commonwealth and Chevening scholarships December 2025: Commonwealth Scholarship deadline January-March 2026: University application deadlines and merit scholarship consideration April-May 2026: Scholarship results and visa application preparation July-August 2026: Final preparations for September 2026 enrollment

Living Costs and Additional Funding Considerations

Belfast offers relatively affordable living costs compared to other UK cities. Ghanaian students can expect annual living expenses of approximately £8,000-£10,000, including accommodation, food, and personal expenses.

Typical Monthly Costs for Ghanaian Students:

• University accommodation: £400-£600
• Food and groceries: £250-£350
• Transportation: £50-£80
• Personal expenses: £100-£200
• Phone and internet: £30-£50

Many scholarships provide living allowances, but students should also consider part-time work opportunities. UK student visa regulations allow up to 20 hours of work per week during term time and full-time work during holidays.

Success Tips for Ghanaian Scholarship Applicants

Building a Strong Application Profile

Successful Ghanaian applicants typically demonstrate clear connections between their studies and Ghana's development needs. Highlighting experience in sectors like healthcare, technology, agriculture, or education strengthens scholarship applications.

Community Involvement and Leadership

Scholarship committees value applicants who show leadership potential and community engagement. Ghanaian students should emphasize volunteer work, student organization leadership, or community development projects.

Research and Program Alignment

Applicants should thoroughly research their chosen programs and demonstrate clear understanding of how their studies will contribute to their career goals and Ghana's development. This alignment is particularly important for development-focused scholarships like Commonwealth awards.

Queen's University Belfast represents an excellent opportunity for Ghanaian students to access world-class education with substantial financial support. With careful planning, strong academic performance, and strategic application approaches, students from Ghana can successfully secure funding for their UK education journey. The combination of quality education, competitive fees, and diverse scholarship opportunities makes QUB an ideal choice for ambitious Ghanaian students in 2026.

Key Statistics

📊 Queen's University Belfast ranks 208th globally in QS World University Rankings 2026

💰 International Merit Scholarships worth up to £5,000 annually are automatically considered for all applicants

🎓 Over 180 undergraduate and 150+ postgraduate programs available for Ghanaian students

📈 Annual tuition fees range from £19,100-£26,200, significantly lower than English universities

🏆 Commonwealth Scholarships provide full funding including £1,236 monthly living allowance

🌍 Belfast living costs average £8,000-£10,000 annually, 30% lower than London

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Queen's University Belfast scholarships as a Ghanaian student?

Most QUB scholarships like the International Merit Scholarship are automatically considered when you apply for admission - no separate application needed. For external scholarships like Commonwealth or Chevening, you must apply separately through their official portals by December 2025. Ensure you meet academic requirements (typically first-class or upper second-class honors) and have strong English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall).

What are the main scholarship options available for Ghanaian students at QUB?

The primary scholarships include the International Merit Scholarship (up to £5,000/year, automatic consideration), Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (full funding for master's degrees), Chevening Scholarships (full funding for master's), and subject-specific awards like Medical Excellence (£3,000/year) and Engineering Innovation (£2,500/year). External corporate sponsorships from Ghanaian companies are also available.

How much does it cost for a Ghanaian student to study at Queen's University Belfast?

Annual tuition fees range from £19,100 for classroom-based programs to £26,200 for laboratory-intensive courses. Living costs in Belfast average £8,000-£10,000 per year, including accommodation (£400-£600/month), food (£250-£350/month), and personal expenses. Total annual costs typically range from £27,100-£36,200 before scholarships.

What academic qualifications do I need as a Ghanaian student for QUB scholarships?

For undergraduate scholarships, you need strong WASSCE results with A1-B3 grades in six subjects including English and Mathematics. For postgraduate scholarships, a first-class or upper second-class honors degree from a recognized institution is required. All applicants need IELTS 6.5 overall (6.0 in each component) or equivalent English proficiency certification.

When should I apply for 2026 scholarships to study at Queen's University Belfast?

Start preparing applications by September 2025. Commonwealth Scholarship applications close December 14, 2025, while Chevening deadlines are typically in November 2025. University applications with automatic merit scholarship consideration have deadlines between January-March 2026. Early application significantly improves your chances of securing funding.

Can I work while studying at Queen's University Belfast as a Ghanaian student?

Yes, UK student visa regulations allow international students to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during university holidays. This can help supplement scholarship funding and living expenses. Popular student jobs in Belfast include retail, hospitality, tutoring, and campus-based positions paying £8.21-£12 per hour.

Key Takeaways

✅ Queen's University Belfast offers automatic merit scholarship consideration worth up to £5,000 annually for all international applicants

✅ Commonwealth Scholarships provide full funding including tuition, living allowance, and travel costs for Ghanaian master's students

✅ Belfast offers significantly lower living costs (£8,000-£10,000/year) compared to other major UK cities

✅ Strong WASSCE results and IELTS 6.5 scores are essential for competitive scholarship applications

✅ Early application by December 2025 is crucial for major scholarship programs like Commonwealth and Chevening awards