Ashesi University: A Model Liberal Arts Institution in Ghana
Ashesi University in Berekuso, Ghana is one of Africa's most respected liberal arts colleges, with full and partial scholarships for African students. Programs, scholarships, application path.
At a glance
- Sponsor
- Ashesi University, Berekuso, Ghana
- Level
- 4-year undergraduate (BSc / BA)
- Funding
- Need-based aid — full and partial scholarships, including Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Deadline
- Round 1 Nov · Round 2 Mar · Round 3 May (varies)
Who is eligible
- African secondary-school graduate (WASSCE, A-Level, IB, IGCSE, or equivalent).
- Strong academics — Ashesi's middle-50 WASSCE applicants typically have A1–B3 in core subjects.
- Demonstrated leadership and community impact for need-based aid consideration.
- Apply online via the Ashesi admissions portal.
What the award covers
- Need-based financial aid — Ashesi meets demonstrated financial need for the majority of admitted African students
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program — full cost (tuition, room, board, travel, stipend, computer)
- Merit awards for top WASSCE / A-Level / IB candidates
- Re-entry programs for second-chance and refugee-background applicants
How to apply
- Open the Ashesi application at ashesi.edu.gh/admissions.
- Submit transcripts, WASSCE/A-Level/IB results (predicted is fine), and one essay.
- Submit a financial aid application alongside admissions — aid is not automatic.
- Mastercard Scholars Program applicants complete a parallel MCFSP form.
Frequently asked questions
What does Ashesi teach?
Ashesi offers Business Administration, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Management Information Systems, and Mechatronic Engineering — all 4-year BSc/BA degrees.
Is Ashesi accredited?
Yes. Ashesi is accredited by Ghana's Ministry of Education and chartered as a private university. Degrees are recognised across Africa and by international graduate schools (Oxford, Stanford, MIT, U of T, McGill, Mastercard host campuses).
How affordable is Ashesi without aid?
Tuition is around US$10,000–US$12,000/year — below most international options. With need-based aid the majority of African students pay a small fraction of that.
Can I apply from outside Ghana?
Yes. Ashesi recruits across Africa — Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe — and many Mastercard Scholars come from outside Ghana.