Photo Credit: Pats Tune

For students in Ghana who scored D7, E8, or F9 in their WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination), gaining admission into a university in Ghana might seem challenging, but there are several options available. Students who fail their WASSCE can gain admission into the university in Ghana by following these five simple steps.

The University of Ghana, Legon does not accept D7, E8, or F9 into their diploma or degree programmes. KNUST also does not accept D7, E8, or F9 into their degree programmes. Additionally, the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and the University of Education Winneba (UEW) do not accept students who had D7, E8, or F9 into their degree programmes.

This is because the national minimum entry requirement into all tertiary institutions in Ghana is:   

SSSCE Candidates: Passes (A-D) in six (6) subjects comprising three core subjects, including English and Mathematics, plus three (3) relevant elective subjects.

WASSCE Candidates: Credit Passes (A1-C6) in six (6) subjects comprising three core subjects, including English language and Mathematics, plus three (3) relevant elective subjects.

As a result, no university in Ghana accepts D7, E8, or F9 in WASSCE into degree programmes. This does not mean that all hope is lost, they can still gain admission into the university in Ghana.

The best course of action for students with D7, E8, or F9 is to either upgrade their WASSCE results, take an access course, enroll in a pre-university, or enroll in diploma or certificate programs at private universities or technical institutions. This pathway can eventually lead to a degree and open up career opportunities.

Pre-university or access courses offer a valuable opportunity for students who didn’t meet the minimum WASSCE requirements to gain admission into a university. They provide the necessary academic support to bridge gaps in knowledge, improve qualifications, and ensure students are ready for higher education.

Here are 5 Ways Students Can Gain Admission into the University in Ghana even if they Fail WASCCE

1. Upgrade your WASSCE results

2. Enroll in a private university

3. Explore Technical and Vocational Education

4. Enroll in a Diploma programme

5. Enroll in a pre-university or take an access course

1. Upgrade WASSCE Results

One of the most common steps is to retake the specific subjects in which you performed poorly. WAEC (West African Examinations Council) offers the opportunity to resit these exams as a private candidate (NOVDEC).

Improving your grades through a resit can help meet the entry requirements for most universities. Several Remedial Schools in Ghana offer classes for students in all subjects. Enroll in any of these schools or you can also obtain a private tutor to take you through the particular subject you failed.

You can then resit and write NOV/DEC, which should help you better your grades. Universities in Ghana accept two WASSCE results, so you can apply with both results and you are more likely to gain admission.

Read more about The Best Remedial Schools in Ghana

2. Enrolling in Private Universities

Some private universities in Ghana are flexible with their admission requirements. They may accept students with D7 or E8 for certain diploma or certificate programs, which can later be upgraded to a degree. Examples of universities that may offer such flexibility include:

3. Technical and Vocational Education (TVET)

Students can also explore technical and vocational programs. TVET institutions often focus on practical skills and may accept students with lower WASSCE grades. After completing a diploma or certificate course, you can further your studies in technical universities like:

Read more about Technical Universities in Ghana and their Entry Requirements

4. Diploma Programs

Several universities offer diploma programs that accept D7 or E8 grades. After completing a diploma, students can apply for a degree program in the same or related field. Universities offering diploma programs include:

5. Take an Access Course

A pre-university or access course is designed to help students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for university admission. It provides an alternative pathway to higher education, especially for those with lower grades like D7, E8, or F9 in WASSCE.

Pre-university courses are structured to improve students’ knowledge in key subjects like English, Mathematics, and other relevant areas, ensuring they are well-prepared for university-level studies. By the end of the course, students gain a deeper understanding of subjects they struggled with in their WASSCE.

Completing a pre-university course also allows students to demonstrate their academic ability and readiness for university programs, even if their initial WASSCE results were not sufficient. Universities often view success in such courses as a sign of commitment and capability.

Many universities and colleges in Ghana accept students who have completed a pre-university or access course into their diploma or degree programs. For example, institutions like Accra Technical University, University of Health and Allied Sciences, and Valley View University offer access courses to help students transition to higher education. The University of Ghana and Ghana Communication Technology University College (GCTU) offer access courses for mature students while Central University, University of Cape Coast (UCC), All Nations University, and Pentecost University offer access courses for students who want to read nursing in Ghana.  

All Nations University also offers a one (1) year intensive pre-university programme designed to prepare weak students for a degree programme at the university. It is intended to help students develop the skills, knowledge, understanding, and attitudes required for university education.

Some access courses are tailored to specific fields, such as business, healthcare, or engineering. This focus helps students prepare for specialized diploma or degree programs, enhancing their chances of success in their chosen careers.

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