The government’s efforts to make tertiary education more accessible have resulted in more than 312,000 students receiving financial support under the “No Fee Stress” policy over the past two academic years, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has announced.
Addressing Parliament on Thursday, June 18, Mr. Iddrisu said the initiative had so far cost the state approximately GHS 888.8 million, reflecting the government’s commitment to reducing financial barriers to higher education.
According to the Minister, 152,698 first-year students benefited from the programme during the 2024/2025 academic year at a cost of more than GHS 399 million. An additional 159,750 students have already been supported in the ongoing 2025 academic year, with government expenditure nearing GHS 489.5 million.
He noted that the intervention forms part of a broader strategy aimed at ensuring greater access, relevance and quality within Ghana’s tertiary education sector.
Beyond the No Fee Stress initiative, the Minister highlighted targeted support for students with disabilities. He disclosed that 1,530 persons with disabilities received full tuition and accommodation support for the 2025/2026 academic year, at a cost of GHS 9.84 million.
The Minister also announced a significant expansion in educational financing opportunities for law students. Under the revised student loan arrangements, students pursuing legal education can now access support through the Student Loan Trust Fund Plus scheme.
Mr. Iddrisu revealed that 1,332 law students are currently benefiting from full-fee coverage loans paid directly to their institutions, including 610 students enrolled at the Ghana School of Law.
He described the move as a major step toward broadening access to legal education and removing longstanding financial obstacles that have limited opportunities for many aspiring lawyers.
The Education Minister explained that the No Fee Stress programme comprises several interventions designed to ease the financial burden on students and their families while promoting increased enrolment and participation in tertiary education.
He maintained that the government remains committed to investing in human capital development through policies that expand educational opportunities and support students from diverse backgrounds.
