In Ghana, the field of science offers a wealth of opportunities for lucrative and fulfilling careers. As the country continues to develop and modernize, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals in various scientific disciplines. For science students exploring their career options, understanding which roles offer the best financial rewards can be a crucial factor in their decision-making process.

This article delves into the top 10 best-paying jobs for science students in Ghana, highlighting the qualifications needed, courses to offer both at the senior high school level and the university, the scope of work, and the potential earnings. Whether you’re drawn to the healthcare sector, engineering, technology, or research, this guide provides valuable insights into the high-paying careers that can help you achieve both professional success and financial stability.

Here are the top 10 best-paying jobs in Ghana for science students:

1. DOCTOR
2. ENGINEER
3. SOFTWARE DEVELOPER
4. PHARMACIST/CHEMIST
5. LAB TECHNICIAN
6. DENTIST
7. LECTURER
8. NURSE
9. STATISTICIAN
10. METEOROLOGIST

10. METEOROLOGIST

Meteorologists are scientists who study meteorology and forecast the weather. They aim to understand and predict Earth’s atmospheric phenomena including the weather.

Science students can become meteorologists in Ghana. To become a meteorologist, you need to study science at the university and study BSc. Meteorology at the university. As a pure science student, your electives in senior high school should include chemistry, mathematics, and physics.

Only two universities in Ghana currently offer meteorology:  the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

KNUST offers BSc. Meteorology and Climate Science and their entry requirements are credit passes in English Language, Mathematics (core and elective), Integrated Science, Physics and Chemistry or Electronics. The cutoff aggregate for BSc. Meteorology at KNUST is 19.

UCC offers a BSc. Meteorology and Atmospheric Physics and their entry requirement is an aggregate of 24. Candidates must have credit passes in English Language, Core Mathematics, Integrated science or social studies, Elective Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics.

Students who study Meteorology can work at the Ghana Meteorological Services (GMet), National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or Forestry Commission.  

Most Meteorologists in Ghana earn a salary between GH₵1,006 and GH₵5,694 per month.  A monthly wage for entry-level Meteorologists ranges from GH₵1,006 to GH₵2,684. After gaining 5 years of work experience, their income will be between GH₵1,491 and GH₵3,971 per month.

9. STATISTICIAN

Science students can become statisticians in Ghana. You must study science in senior high school with any electives including elective mathematics. After obtaining a degree in statistics, you can work at the Ghana Statistical Services.

KNUST offers BSc. Statistics and their entry requirement is credit passes in three core subjects: Mathematics, Integrated Science, English Language, and any three elective subjects which must include Mathematics. The cutoff point for BSc. Statistics at KNUST is an aggregate of 12.

UCC offers a BSc. Mathematics (regular) and Statistics and BSc. Statistics (regular). Entry requirements are passes in Elective Mathematics and any two of the following elective subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Biology, and Technical Drawing. WASSCE and SSSCE candidates must obtain an aggregate of 36 or 24 respectively.

The majority of statisticians in Ghana earn a salary between GH₵1,006 and GH₵5,694 per month. A monthly wage for entry-level statisticians ranges from GH₵1,006 to GH₵2,684. The average salary for a Statistician is GHS 3,750 per month in Ghana.

8. NURSE

Science students can become nurses in Ghana. At the senior high school, science students can offer in addition to all core subjects, biology, chemistry, and physics or mathematics. After senior high school, students can read a Certificate, Diploma, or BSc. Nursing at the university.

UCC offers three undergraduate nursing courses: BSc. Community Mental Health Nursing, BSc. Mental Health Nursing and BSc. Nursing. Entry requirements to read BSc. Nursing at UCC are passes in all core subjects and a good aggregate in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.

The University of Ghana also offers a BSc. Nursing with specialty areas in mental health nursing, pediatric nursing, midwifery, general nursing, community health nursing, and BSc. Midwifery. The cutoff aggregate for nursing at Legon is 08 for non-science students and 12 for science students.

KNUST also offers BSc. General Nursing and BSc. Midwifery with a cutoff aggregate of 08 and 09 respectively. Only science students can read nursing at KNUST.

Diploma nurses in Ghana earn GHC 2,673, certificate nurses earn GHC 1,724 and degree nurses earn GHC 3,384 a month.

7. LECTURER

Science students can become lecturers in Ghana. There are few science lecturers in Ghana so the demand for science teachers and and lecturers is very high. At senior high school, students can study any of the science electives: biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, and become a lecturer.

After completing senior high school, students who want to become lecturers can specialize in a field that interests them. They can read any of the science courses at the university and further their education to obtain a Master’s and PhD as this is the minimum requirement for lecturers in Ghana.

The average salary for a Lecturer in Ghana is GHS 5,042 per month.

6. DENTIST

A Dentist properly assesses and manages certain specific oral health problems applies appropriate procedures in oral health care, promotes oral hygiene in communities, and documents all oral health problems, observations, and findings taking into account social and legal implications for his/her actions. Dentistry refers to the science of preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth, jaws, and mouth.

The sixth best job for science students is to become dentists in Ghana.  You can read any science elective subject: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics including core subjects: English, Mathematics, and Integrated Science at the senior high school level and you must get a very good aggregate because the cutoff point for studying dentistry at the university is very high.

KNUST offers Bachelor of Dental Surgery but only as fee-paying and their cutoff aggregate is 06. A Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is followed by a three-year clinical programme.

The University of Ghana offers a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and a Bachelor of Science in Dental Laboratory Sciences. The cutoff point for Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the University of Ghana is 09.

As a dentist, you can work in any government or private hospital or facility that offers oral health care in Ghana. Dentists are paid on average a salary of about GHC 5,025 a month in Ghana.

5. LAB TECHNICIAN

The fifth best job for science students in Ghana is to become a Lab Technician. Becoming a lab technician in Ghana involves several steps, including education, training, and certification. After reading science at the senior high school level, you can read Medical Laboratory Sciences at the university.

Medical Laboratory Sciences is a field of applied biology and chemistry that focuses on conducting analytical tests on blood, tissue, and body fluids to provide laboratory information for the detection, diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. Medical Laboratory scientists work in Hospitals, clinics, research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, forensic science laboratories, and environmental laboratories.

Here is a detailed guide on how to pursue a career as a lab technician in Ghana:

1. Obtain a Relevant Secondary Education

Educational Requirements:

Senior High School (SHS): Complete your secondary education with good grades, particularly in science-related subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. This foundation is crucial for further studies in laboratory technology.

• Enroll in a Recognized Laboratory Technology Program

Diploma or Degree Programs:

Diploma Programs: Many polytechnics and technical universities in Ghana offer diploma programs in Medical Laboratory Technology. These programs typically last for three years and provide practical and theoretical knowledge.

Degree Programs: Alternatively, you can pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science. This program is offered by several universities in Ghana and usually takes four years to complete.

Institutions Offering Laboratory Technology Programs:

University of Ghana, Legon: Offers a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences and their cutoff point is an aggregate of 11.

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST): Provides a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology and their cutoff aggregate is 07.

Accra Technical University: Offers a diploma program in Medical Laboratory Technology.

Kumasi Technical University: Provides a diploma program in Medical Laboratory Technology.

• Complete Clinical Training and Internship

Practical Experience:

Clinical Training: During your diploma or degree program, you will undergo clinical training and internships in hospitals and diagnostic laboratories. This practical experience is essential for developing hands-on skills and understanding real-world laboratory operations.

Internship: Some programs may require a mandatory internship period where you work under supervision in a medical laboratory setting. This helps in gaining practical experience and applying theoretical knowledge.

• Obtain Certification

Professional Certification:

Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC): After completing your education, you must register with the Allied Health Professions Council, which regulates the practice of medical laboratory professionals in Ghana. You will need to pass their licensing examination to become a certified lab technician.

Steps to Obtain Certification:

Application: Submit an application to the AHPC with your academic transcripts, internship completion certificate, and other required documents.

Examination: Pass the licensing examination conducted by the AHPC.

Registration: Once you pass the examination, you will be registered as a certified lab technician in Ghana.

• Continuous Professional Development

Ongoing Education:

Workshops and Seminars: Participate in workshops, seminars, and training programs to stay updated on the latest developments in laboratory technology.

Advanced Certifications: Consider obtaining advanced certifications or pursuing higher education (e.g., a Master’s degree) to enhance your career prospects and expertise.

The estimated salary for a Lab Technician in Ghana is GHS 2,300 per month

4. PHARMACIST

Another lucrative career for science students in Ghana is to become a pharmacist. First, you must complete your secondary education with strong grades in science-related subjects, particularly in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. These subjects are foundational for pursuing further studies in pharmacy.

Secondly, you must enroll in a Bachelor of Pharmacy program at a recognized university in Ghana. This program typically lasts four years and covers various aspects of pharmaceutical sciences, including pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, and clinical pharmacy.

Institutions Offering Pharmacy Programs in Ghana:

• Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST): Offers a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. Pharm D (Doctor of Pharmacy) cutoff point at KNUST is an aggregate of 07
• University of Ghana, Legon: Provides a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. Doctor of Pharmacy cutoff aggregate at Legon is 08.
• University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS): Offers a Bachelor of Pharmacy program with a cutoff aggregate of 08.

After completing the B. Pharm program, you must undergo a one-year pre-registration training (internship) in an approved pharmacy setting. This practical training is crucial for gaining hands-on experience in pharmaceutical practice.

To become a licensed pharmacist, you must pass the Ghana Pharmacy Professional Qualifying Examination conducted by the Pharmacy Council of Ghana. This exam assesses your knowledge and readiness to practice as a pharmacist. Upon passing the qualifying examination, you need to register with the Pharmacy Council of Ghana to obtain your license to practice as a pharmacist. This involves submitting your academic transcripts, proof of completion of pre-registration training, and other required documents.

The average salary of a pharmacist in Ghana is GHC 4,050 per month.

3. SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

The third most well-paying job for science students in Ghana is to become a software developer. At the senior high school level, science students have the option to study IT as an elective subject in addition to the core subjects.

Studying elective ICT enables you to learn the basics of programming. Languages such as Python, Java, and C++ are good starting points. Additionally, you can utilize online resources and platforms like Codecademy, Coursera, edX, and Udacity to learn programming and computer science fundamentals.

After senior high school, enroll in a Bachelor’s program in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Software Engineering at a recognized university. This formal education can provide a structured learning path and a deeper understanding of theoretical concepts. All the top universities in Ghana offer computer science courses.

KNUST offers BSc. Computer Engineering and the cutoff point is aggregate 09. University of Ghana, Legon also offers a BSc. Computer Engineering and their cutoff point is 08/10.

To become a software developer, you must develop practical skills by building your own projects to apply what you’ve learned. Create simple applications, websites, or tools to practice coding. Use GitHub to host your projects and collaborate with other developers. This also helps build a portfolio to showcase your work to potential employers.

You can focus on some areas such as:

• Web Development: Learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js for front-end development. Learn Node.js, Express, Django, or Ruby on Rails for back-end development.

• Mobile Development: Learn mobile app development using Swift for iOS or Kotlin/Java for Android. Alternatively, learn cross-platform development with Flutter or React Native.

• Data Science: Combine your science background with programming by learning data science tools like Python, R, SQL, and libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, and TensorFlow.

On average, software developers earn GHC 4,000 a month.

2. ENGINEER

The second best job for science students in Ghana is to become an engineer. First you must complete your secondary education with a strong focus on science and mathematics subjects, particularly Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Achieving high grades in these subjects is essential for admission to engineering programs at the university level.

After senior high school, obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from a recognized university offering engineering programs. Common engineering disciplines include Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and more.

Institutions Offering Engineering Programs in Ghana:

• Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)

These are KNUST engineering programmes and their cutoff points:

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

1. BSc. Aerospace Engineering – 10

2. BSc. Agricultural Engineering – 16

3. BSc. Automobile Engineering – 13

4. BSc. Biomedical Engineering – 07

5. BSc. Chemical Engineering – 10

6. BSc. Civil Engineering – 10

7. BSc. Computer Engineering – 09

8. BSc. Electrical/Electronic Engineering – 08

9. BSc. Geological Engineering – 12

10. BSc. Geomatic (Geodetic) Engineering – 13

11. BSc. Industrial Engineering – 13

12. BSc. Marine Engineering – 11

13. BSc. Materials Engineering – 13

14. BSc. Mechanical Engineering – 10

15. BSc. Metallurgical Engineering – 14

16. BSc. Petrochemical Engineering – 09

17. BSc. Petroleum Engineering – 08

18. BSc. Telecommunication Engineering – 12

• University of Ghana, Legon

The University of Ghana also offers the following engineering programmes with their cutoff points:

1. BSc. Agricultural Engineering                  22            
2. BSc. Biomedical Engineering                   10(11)                  
3. BSc. Computer Engineering                      8(10)                   
4. BSc. Food Process Engineering                 18            
5. BSc. Materials Science & Engineering     18(19)

• University of Mines and Technology (UMaT)

UMat also offers the following engineering programmes:

1. BSc Mining Engineering
2. BSc Minerals Engineering
3. BSc Geomatic Engineering
4. BSc Geological Engineering
5. BSc Petroleum Engineering (Fee-paying Programme)
6. BSc Natural Gas Engineering
7. BSc Petroleum Geosciences and Engineering
8. BSc Petroleum Refining and Petrochemical Engineering
9. BSc Chemical Engineering
10. BSc Mechanical Engineering
11. BSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering
12. BSc Computer Science and Engineering
13. BSc Renewable Energy Engineering

• Accra Technical University

ATU also offers the following engineering courses:

1. Bachelor of Technology – Mechanical Engineering (Weekend)
2. Bachelor of Technology – Automobile Engineering (Weekend)
3. Bachelor of Technology – Electrical/Electronic Engineering (Evening/Weekend):

Engineering option

• Telecommunications Engineering option
• Bachelor of Technology – Civil Engineering (Evening/Weekend)

On average, an engineer in Ghana earns GHC 4,500 per month.

1. DOCTOR

The best job for science students in Ghana is to become a doctor. You must first complete your secondary education with strong grades, particularly in science-related subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. Achieving high marks in these subjects is crucial for gaining admission to medical school.

Apply to a recognized medical school in Ghana and study Bachelor of Medicine or Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB). The MBChB program usually lasts six years and includes pre-clinical and clinical training.

Institutions Offering Medical Programs in Ghana:

• University of Ghana Medical School (UGMS)

The University of Ghana offers Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and their cutoff aggregate is 07.

• Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) School of Medical Sciences

KNUST offers BSc. Human Biology (Medicine) and their cutoff aggregate is 06

• University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences

UCC offers a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB, Ch B) programme. UCC School of Medical Sciences programme is strictly fee-paying.

• University for Development Studies (UDS) School of Medicine and Health Sciences

UDS offers a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB, Ch B) programme and their cutoff aggregate is 09.

After completing your medical degree, you must pass the Ghana Medical and Dental Council (GMDC) licensing examination. This exam assesses your medical knowledge and clinical skills, ensuring you are qualified to practice medicine. Upon passing the licensing examination, you must complete a mandatory housemanship (internship) period, typically lasting one year. During this period, you will work under supervision in various hospital departments, gaining practical experience and honing your clinical skills. After successfully completing your housemanship, you can apply for full registration with the GMDC. This allows you to practice as a fully licensed medical doctor in Ghana.

The average salary of a newly trained doctor in Ghana is GHC 7000 per month.