NUGS UK Calls for Immediate Settlement of Scholarship Arrears for Students in Distress and IELTS Exemptions
The National Union of Ghana Students in the United Kingdom (NUGS UK) has issued a strong statement highlighting two critical issues impacting Ghanaian students in the UK: the burdensome IELTS requirements and severe financial hardships faced by government sponsored scholars.
On the IELTS front, NUGS UK reaffirms its support for diplomatic efforts to secure exemptions or alternatives for Ghanaians, who are educated entirely in English from basic to tertiary levels. As an English-speaking nation, Ghana’s students face unnecessary financial and administrative hurdles from these tests. The union urges continued talks between Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ghana High Commission in the UK, and relevant UK authorities to resolve this fairly.
More alarmingly, NUGS UK reports widespread distress among scholarship recipients from the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat and GETFund, including students at Loughborough University. Delays in fund disbursements have led to unpaid tuition, blocked academic progress, denied post-study work visas, expiring immigration status, and significant emotional strain. The union deems this unacceptable, emphasizing that students have met their obligations while institutions lag behind.
NUGS UK demands immediate action from the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat, GETFund, Ministries of Education and Finance: settle outstanding fees, set clear payment timelines, issue assurance letters to universities, and engage in dialogue with the union. It also calls on the Ghana High Commission to diplomatically intervene with affected institutions.
The statement warns that failing to honor these commitments risks damaging Ghana’s international reputation, eroding trust with global partners, and creating barriers for future students. “Education is a strategic national investment,” notes NUGS UK, standing in solidarity with those affected and vowing continued advocacy.
For the full press release, see the attached document.
Editor:
Obiri-Yeboah
