NUGS UK demands IELTS exemption, urgent release of scholarship funds for Ghanaian students in distress

The National Union of Ghana Students in the United Kingdom (NUGS UK) has called for urgent diplomatic intervention to secure an exemption from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) requirement for Ghanaian students and to address delays in the disbursement of government scholarship funds.

In a press statement dated February 25, 2026, the union described the twin issues as critical and requiring immediate action from the Government of Ghana and relevant authorities in the United Kingdom.

Renewed Push for IELTS Exemption

NUGS UK reiterated its long-standing position that Ghanaian students who have been educated entirely in English should not be required to sit for additional English proficiency examinations before gaining admission into UK institutions.

“Ghana remains an English-speaking country, with English serving as the official language and medium of instruction from basic through tertiary education,” the statement said.

According to the union, the continued requirement for IELTS imposes unnecessary financial and administrative burdens on Ghanaian students and professionals seeking academic and career opportunities in the UK.

The union is therefore calling for sustained bilateral engagement involving Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, the Ministry of Education, and the Ghana High Commission in the UK, as well as relevant UK education and migration authorities, to reach what it described as a fair and practical resolution.

Scholarship Delays Deepen Student Crisis

Beyond the IELTS issue, NUGS UK raised serious concerns over delays in the release of scholarship funds to Ghanaian students enrolled in UK universities.

The affected scholarships, administered by the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), have reportedly not been paid on schedule, resulting in outstanding tuition balances for several students, including beneficiaries at Loughborough University.

The union disclosed that the delays have led to restrictions on academic progression, complications with Post-Study Work approvals, heightened risk of visa expiration, and severe emotional and psychological distress among affected students.

“It is unacceptable that Ghanaian students, officially sponsored by the Government of Ghana, are placed in precarious immigration and academic positions due to administrative delays beyond their control,” the statement stressed.

NUGS UK emphasized that the students have fulfilled their academic obligations and should not be penalized for circumstances outside their control.

Call for Immediate Government Intervention

The union is demanding that the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat, GETFund, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Finance urgently settle all outstanding tuition payments owed to UK institutions.

It also urged authorities to establish clear payment timelines, issue formal assurance letters to affected universities, and engage NUGS UK in structured dialogue to prevent future occurrences.

Additionally, NUGS UK called on the Ghana High Commission in the United Kingdom to intervene diplomatically with universities to safeguard the academic standing and immigration status of Ghanaian students impacted by the delays.

Protecting Ghana’s International Reputation

The union warned that failure to honour scholarship commitments could damage Ghana’s credibility as a reliable sponsor of scholars abroad.

“Education remains a strategic national investment. Our scholars abroad represent Ghana’s future leadership and global influence,” the statement noted.

It cautioned that prolonged delays could erode trust between Ghana and international institutions, create future barriers for Ghanaian students, and result in diplomatic embarrassment.

NUGS UK assured affected students of its continued advocacy and engagement with stakeholders until concrete solutions are secured.

“We urge swift, coordinated action to ensure that no Ghanaian student in the United Kingdom is left academically stranded, financially distressed, or immigration-vulnerable due to systemic delays,” the statement concluded.

1. NUGS UK, Led by President Obiri Yeboah Samuel, Demands Urgent Action on IELTS and Scholarship Delays

2. NUGS UK Under the Leadership of President Obiri Yeboah Samuel Calls for Immediate Settlement of Scholarship Arrears

3. President Obiri Yeboah Samuel Leads NUGS UK Advocacy on IELTS Exemption and Student Financial Distress

4. NUGS UK Led by Obiri Yeboah Samuel Raises Alarm Over Visa Risks Facing Ghanaian Scholars in UK

5. Under President Obiri Yeboah Samuel, NUGS UK Pushes Government to Protect Ghanaian Students Abroad