Top 10 best universities in Ghana
Written By
Joy EmehWriter| Editor| Content Strategist
This article provides the top 10 best universities in Ghana. So, if you are planning to study in Ghana either as a national or an international student, this list will come in handy in helping you make the right choice for your school of study.
Most of the universities in this list are the best in Ghana and are also among the top-rated universities in Africa. They have gained recognition as one of the most popular universities in Africa.
What are the top 10 best universities in Ghana?
The top 10 best universities in Ghana are:
- University of Ghana
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
- University of Cape Coast
- Ashesi University
- University of Education, Winneba
- Regent University College of Science and Technology
- University for Development Studies
- Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration
- Valley View University
- Christian Service University College
The schools in this list of the top best universities in Ghana have been selected and ranked based on different criteria such as accreditation, affiliation, courses offered, quality of education offered etc.
These most popular universities in Ghana have been accredited by the Ghanaian higher education-related organizations such as:
- The Ministry of Education Ghana
- National Accreditation Board, Ghana
- African Quality Assurance Network
- Association of African Universities
- Accreditation Agencies
Let's jump right into the list of the top 10 best universities in Ghana in descending order.
1. University of Ghana
The University of Ghana is the best university among the top ten best universities in Ghana. This top-rated Ghanaian university was established in 1948 and is located in Legon, Greater Accra.
The University of Accra has campuses in Korle-Bu, Accra City. The top Ghanaian university with an enrollment range of between 30,000 and 35,000 has accreditation by the National Accreditation Board, Ghana.
Asides from the bachelor degrees, the University of Ghana also offers recognized pre-bachelor degrees (such as diplomas, certificates and associates) and postgraduate degrees (such as masters degrees and doctorate degrees) in different fields of study.
The University of Ghana provides several academic and non-academic facilities, structures and services such as housing accommodation, sports facilities, a state-of-art library, administrative services, online and distance learning opportunities, scholarships and other financial aid programmes.
Memberships and affiliations of this Ghana's best university include:
- Association of African Universities (AAU)
- Association of African Universities (ACU)
- League of World Universities (LWU)
- International Student Exchange Program (ISEP)
- International Association of Universities (IAU)
2. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is the second-best university in Ghana. Kwame Nkrumah found this top-rated Ghanaian university in 1952.
It is located in Kumasi Ashanti and has branch campuses in Sunyani, Accra.
Since its inception, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology has been rated as first class and one of Ghana's top 10 best universities.
When it comes to science, technology, entrepreneurship and research, the school has global recognization as a centre of excellence in those areas.
Over the years, the university has grown rapidly and has upgraded and enrolled a larger population of students in Ghana. The National Accreditation Board of Ghana has also recognized and accreditated the university.
KNUST is also open to international students. Thus, you can apply and gain admission as an international student. The university's teaching model is designed to favour nationals and international students.
Other memberships and affiliations of the school include:
- Association of African Universities
- Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
3. University of Cape Coast
The University of Cape Coast takes the third position in our list of top 10 best universities in Ghana. The school was established in 1962 as a non-profit high institution.
The University of Cape Coast, as its name implies, is located in the small city of Cape Coast. The school, which first kicked off as a University College, has now fully attained an independent institution with full accreditation from the right authorities.
Besides being among the top 10 best universities in Ghana, it is also one of the most popular and top-ranking universities in Africa.
The University of Cape Coast was established to produce highly skilled and qualified intellectuals and was accredited by the National Accreditation Board of Ghana.
This high institution has been ranked one of the top 10 best universities in Ghana because of its proven track record in producing highly successful and great minds across the globe.
This top Ghanaian university has a selective admission policy based on the university applicants' past educational records and grades. International students are also free to apply for enrollment into the institution.
Some memberships and affiliations of the school include:
- Association of African Universities (AAU)
- Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
4. Ashesi University
Ashesi University is ranked number 4 in our list of the top 10 best universities in Ghana. The school was established in 2002 and is a non-profit private high institution.
It is located in the small town of Berekuso (more of a rural setting). However, despite its location, the school has grown to gain a reputation as one of the top 10 best high institutions in Ghana.
Ashesi University has continuously equipped its students with the skills needed for critical thinking, professional excellence, and exceptional integrity with its high learning standards.
Ashesi university offers different programs. With an admission rate range of between 10-20%, this Ghanaian institution can be one of the country's most selective universities.
Students enrolled at the school can apply for financial aid or scholarships. The school also supports exchange programs and offers great administrative services.
Memberships and affiliations of the university include:
Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)
Association of African Universities (AAU)
Council of Independent Universities (CIU Ghana)
Global Liberal Arts Alliance
5. University of Education, Winneba
The University of Education Winneba is the 5th best university among the top ten best universities in Ghana. The university located in a suburban setting – the Winneba town in the Central Region of Ghana was established in 1992.
The university also has branch campuses in different locations in the country – Ashanti Mampong, Kumasi and Ajumako. It has attained official recognition of the National Accreditation Board of Ghana.
The University of Education Winneba has an admission rate range between 50-60% and offers top-notch academic and non-academic services to national and international students.
This Ghanaian university is one of the best when it comes to academic research. The school also encourages web research and publishing. It has membership affiliation with the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU).
6. Regent University College of Science and Technology
Regent University College of Science and Technology is the 6th university in our list of best universities in Ghana. It was established as a private university in 2003.
The university is located in the metropolis of Greater Accra and has been officially accredited by the National Accreditation Board, Accra.
This co-educational high institution was formerly affiliated with the Christian-Evangelical religion. It offers different bachelor, pre-bachelor and post-bachelor degree programs.
Despite that, this university is barely two decades old, it has recorded immeasurable success in academic excellence. It has a track record of grooming purpose-driven individuals with science and technological expertise in a competitive world.
Thus, it's no surprise that Regent University College of Science and Technology is among the top 10 best universities in Ghana and Africa as a whole.
The school has membership and affiliations with other external academic bodies such as the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
7. University for Development studies
The University for Development Studies is the 7th best university among the top ten best universities in Ghana. This non-profit public university was established in 1992. It is located in Tamale, Northern Region.
The university has officially been accredited by the National Accreditation Board of Ghana and is one of the top leading universities in Africa.
This university is guided by its motto, "Knowledge for Service", and adopts an excellent teaching methodology. Their research and outreach programs that are quite in-depth and impactful have helped them climb the ladder as one of the top 10 best universities in Ghana.
Since its inception, the University for Development Studies has aimed to address socio-economic and environmental problems plaguing many parts of Ghana, particularly the rural areas.
The high institution also has memberships and affiliations with external academic bodies such as the Association of African Universities (AAU).
8. Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration
Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) makes it to our list of top 10 best universities in Ghana as the 8th best Ghanaian university.
This non-profit public institution was founded in 1961. It is located in the metropolis of Ghana, specifically Greater Accra. The school has received accreditation from the National Accreditation Board of Ghana.
Like other high institutions on this list, the university offers a wide range of courses (pre-bachelor degrees, bachelor degrees and post-bachelor degrees).
The school also boasts state-of-the-art facilities and top-notch academic and administrative services. You will find in the school facilities such things as a big library and sports facilities.
Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration also supports study abroad and exchange programs; thus, it is a school of choice for international students.
The school also has membership affiliations with external academic bodies such as the African Universities (AAU).
9. Valley View University
The next on our list of top 10 universities in Ghana is Valley View University. Valley View University is a private university located in the urban area of Greater Accra.
The university was founded in 1979 and is a co-educational Ghanaian university formally affiliated with the Christian-Adventist religion. This Christian mission aimed to improve literacy and education levels in Ghana.
Valley View University is somewhat selective in its admission as it has an admission rate range of between 70-80 per cent. Apart from abroad and exchange programmes, the school also offers online and distance learning opportunities.
As one of the best universities in Ghana, Valley View University is also one of the top-rated high institutions in West Africa.
It received full accreditation from the National Accreditation Board of Ghana in 1997, thus making it the first private university to be granted national accreditation in Ghana.
The school's high standard of education attracts students from other parts of the world. Its selection criteria are based on students' past academic records and grades.
Asides from the national accreditation, Valley View University has specialized or programmatic accreditation from the Adventist Accrediting Association (AAA).
10. Christian Service University College
The Christian Service University College (CSUC) is on our list of the top 10 best universities in Ghana as the 10th best Ghanaian university.
The high institution was founded in 1974 and is a non-profit private school. It is located in the small town of Santasi-Kumasi, Ashanti.
CSUC has gained recognition of the National Accreditation Board of Ghana. The co-educational academic institution was formally affiliated with the Christian-Evangelical religion.
Since its inception in 1974, the university has always sought to be an internationally recognized academic centre of excellence. It has attained that height, especially in Theology, Business and Liberal Arts and information technology.
The school offers a safe and sound, ethical learning environment for all backgrounds and accepts students based on the entrance examination and past academic records and grades.