Germans in Ghana
Modern Ghana stands out because it is a relatively secure and stable country in the region. This attracts students, volunteers, interns and professionals from all over the world. Many international companies and organisations have branches in Ghana. The following information is provided to give Germans considering studies in Ghana a first overview.
Ghana today boasts 205 tertiary institutions, among them ten state university and another ten state technical universities. All officially accredited institutions can be found on the website of the National Accreditation Board (NAB).
There is a wide range of German and Ghanaian Institutions that have partnered up and signed formal cooperation agreements.
Information regarding existing partnerships can be found HERE .
Ghana and the German state of North-Rhine Westphalia also have a state partnership and Cape Coast and the former German capital Bonn are twin cities.
There are numerous opportunities to work or intern in Ghana.
The DAAD offers a scholarship for a language assistant for German Language Education at the University of Education Winneba. Further information can be retrieved HERE.
Under the volunteering programme ‘kulturweit’ applicants have the chance to work at the DAAD Information Centre Accra. More information regarding the application process and the requirements can be found HERE.
A few German Organisations in Ghana:
German Political Foundations in Ghana:
Student Life
- Degrees or credit points gained in Ghana are mostly accepted by universities worldwide, and this attracts a number of international students. Usually, students live close to the campus. Ghanaian campuses offer accommodation that is on par with international standards. Campus life includes many extra-curricular activities from sports to cultural activities and beyond. You will meet people from different countries and walks of life at your universities.
Living Costs
- Living costs in Ghana are lower than in Germany. Fresh food such as fruits and vegetables are for sale on the markets and at the roadside. However, there are also supermarkets in major towns that offer imported goods for sale, but for a higher price. Medical services can be provided in the major towns and cash machines are also widely available there.
Transport
- Transport costs vary with the choice of means of transport. Public transport heavily relies on so-called ‘trotros’, minibuses that pass different routes. Prices can vary depending on the size of the city and the length of the journey. They will seldom exceed 5 Euros and mostly will range around under 1 Euro. For areas not covered by trotros and journeys after dark taxis and taxi services such as Uber are a good choice. Prices here depend on skillful bargaining. After getting used to bargaining one develops a good idea about the adequateness of taxi fares. Shared taxis are a more affordable alternative.
Traveling
- During a stay in Ghana one can experience the country and travel extensively. Busses will go from any major town to the most remotes parts of the country. For longer travels long distance offer trips on different levels of price and comfort. Buses also go to neighbouring countries such as Togo, Benin and Burkina Faso.
Accommodation in Ghana
- Rents vary widely depending on the area. Student dormitories are generally located on campus and international students can usually be assisted in their search for housing. The respective international office might be able to offer assistance. Outside Accra rents tend to be lower, however, rents often have to be paid well in advance.
Visas for Germans
- A study visa for Germany must be applied for at the Ghanaian Embassy in Berlin. The tuition fees for foreign students are different according to subject field and university. In General, the tuition fees for international students are higher than those for domestic students. In average the fees amount to around 1500 bis 3000 USD. Private institutions will charge more. Further information can be found on the websites of the individual universities. The DAAD offers funding opportunities for potential exchange students. Please visit the Scholarship Database for details.
Kekeli Vincent Abbey (Kulturweit volunteer, August 2018)While volunteering at the DAAD IC Accra I was able to collect valuable working experience in a new cultural setting. Working directly at the link between German universities and Ghanaian students gave me the opportunity to explore Ghanaian culture, mentalities, methods and processes. Being part of a motivated, professional and intercultural team made my time in Ghana exceptional. Outside of work, too, I gained insights and made many friends.
