Scholarship Delay Leaves 36 Ghanaian PhD Students Facing Academic Suspension in the UK
Thirty-six Ghanaian PhD students studying in the United Kingdom are facing severe academic and financial challenges following the government’s delay in issuing scholarship renewal letters. The delay, which has persisted for nearly ten months, has left many of the students unable to re-enrol for the 2025/2026 academic year.
According to a statement released by the group representing the scholars, the situation is the result of administrative lapses and negligence by officials at the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat. The affected students said the delay has placed them at risk of losing their studentship and being deported from the UK.
“Currently, thirty-six of our members urgently need these renewal letters, yet there is still no solution in sight,” the group stated. “Without the renewal, we cannot continue our studies or complete our academic progression reviews.”
The scholars revealed that the non-payment of tuition and stipends has caused widespread hardship. Some students have been withdrawn from their programs, while others face eviction and legal action due to unpaid rent.
“About ten members have already been excluded or withdrawn from their universities, and some await possible deportation notices from the UK Home Office,” the statement said.
Data gathered from eighty-six members indicates that nearly thirty students have not received any tuition payments for the 2024/2025 academic year. The group estimates that about four hundred thousand pounds will be needed to sustain their studies for the 2025/2026 academic year.
Although the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat has made a few partial payments, the scholars say these have been insufficient. Several universities have also blocked access to academic portals and re-enrolment systems due to outstanding balances.
The statement added that ten members are unable to obtain the “Letter of No Objection” (LONO), a requirement for two years of practical industry experience in the UK. The scholars clarified that this work visa does not lead to permanent residency as has been falsely reported by some media outlets.
Some students who travelled to Ghana for data collection have been denied re-entry to the UK due to tuition arrears and flagged immigration records. Others remain stranded in Ghana because of financial and visa restrictions.
The scholars are appealing to Ghana’s newly appointed High Commissioner to the UK and President John Dramani Mahama to urgently intervene and address the crisis.
“We are appealing to the High Commissioner and the President to treat this issue as a matter of urgency and help secure an immediate resolution,” they concluded.
