Revised policy on mature students’ entry requirements into tertiary education institutions in Ghana
Revised policy on mature students’ entry requirements into tertiary education institutions in Ghana.
The policy on mature students’ entry requirements into tertiary education institutions in Ghana has been revised by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
All heads of tertiary education in Ghana and the general public have therefore been notified of the revised policy.
The policy is to ensure transparency, fairness, and uniform academic standards across all institutions, according to GTEC.
Programmes that admit mature applicants who do not meet the stated requirements risk having their accreditation withdrawn or facing other penalties under the Tertiary Education Act, 2020 (Act 1023).
In a statement released by GTEC on December 8, 2025, signed by the Director-General of GTEC, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, it was explained that the revised policy takes immediate effect.
It also stated that key changes include a cap limiting mature student admissions to 5 percent of the total annual intake, and a requirement that applicants be at least 25 years old with a minimum of five years of relevant work experience.
Applicants must also meet minimum SSSCE or WASSCE grades and pass entrance examinations in English, Mathematics, and an aptitude test, unless they present recognized credit passes in English and Mathematics as an alternative.
“The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) hereby notifies all Heads of tertiary education institutions in Ghana and the general public of its revised policy on mature students’ entry requirements into tertiary education institutions in the country,” it read.
Eligibility Requirement
It stated that to qualify as a mature applicant, an individual must be at least 25 years old, provide valid proof of age, and have a minimum of five years of relevant work experience.
Also, mature applicants to chartered institutions must pass the institution’s entrance examinations in English Language and Mathematics.
The statement said for institutions under mentorship, entrance exams must be moderated and vetted by their mentor institutions.
“For institutions under mentorship, the entrance examinations: Must be moderated by the Mentor Institution and marked scripts must be vetted by the Mentor Institution.”
“In lieu of sitting for the Mature Students’ Entrance Examinations, applicants may present proof of credit passes in English Language and Mathematics in WASSCE or any other nationally recognized high-school level examination (for applicants from countries outside the WAEC system),” the statement added.
