All Disciplines
Ghana
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
Fulbright U.S. Scholars in Ghana engage in teaching or teaching/research grants. Applicants combining teaching and research are advised to plan on an 80:20 teaching-to-research ratio. Scholars discuss with the head of the department whether to work with undergraduate and/or graduate students, the course load, and other ways to assist the department.
Some scholars will be asked to co-teach with a faculty member at the host institution. Fulbright U.S. Scholars are encouraged to be flexible in terms of which courses to teach and the format. Scholars may be asked to advise master's or doctoral students. Host departments may also seek assistance with curriculum development and/or faculty training. This is a great opportunity to share knowledge, expertise, and identify joint research interests.
Scholars may carry out their Fulbright at an accredited tertiary institution in 13 of Ghana’s 16 regions including the following (listed alphabetically):
- Ahafo
- Ashanti
- Bono East
- Bono
- Central
- Eastern
- Greater Accra
- Northern (parts of the region)
- Oti
- Savannah (parts of the region)
- Volta
- Western North
- Western
There are airports in Accra (Kotoka International Airport), Takoradi (Western Region), Ho (Volta Region), Kumasi (Ashanti Region), and Tamale (Northern Region). Regions may also be accessed via road.
Fulbright U.S. Scholars may work with a department for one semester (August or January start) or an academic year (August only start). Applicants are encouraged to contact the host institution's head of the department for the anticipated schedule/timeline for the upcoming term.
It is noteworthy that arrival prior to August or in late December/early January, and departure after June of the academic year, may result in limited support from the university or U.S. Embassy staff.
As a result of the pandemic, many academic calendars have shifted. Note that the traditional calendar reflects the following:
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Academic year: August - May
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First Semester: August - December
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Second Semester: January - May
The academic calendar may vary by institution or department and is subject to change.
Modest housing is usually provided on campus by the host institution. Scholars and accompanying family members will be placed in on-campus housing if it is available.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Applications to work with colleges or universities that have infrequently hosted American scholars are highly valued. Candidates are encouraged to reach out directly and as early as possible to the head of the department (HOD) at the institution to vet whether they are in the position to host a Fulbright U.S. Scholar. A letter of invitation from the HOD is not required but preferred.
The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Ghana reserves the right to recommend alternate placements.
All teaching and research will be in English; proficiency in another language is not required.
Ph.D. or other terminal degree is preferred by most host institutions, and academics should have a PhD or other terminal degree. Exceptions may apply in the fields of communication or fine arts. It is highly recommended to discuss qualification requirements/preferences/flexibilities with the head of the department of the host institution.
Below is a short list of public and private universities and colleges in Ghana (listed in alphabetical order). Kindly note that institutions not on this list may also be suitable hosts:
- African University College of Communications (AUCC)
- Ashesi University
- Central University
- Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ)
- Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA)
- Knutsford University College
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)
- Methodist University College Ghana
- Mountcrest University College
- University for Development Studies
- University for Development Studies (UDS)
- University of Cape Coast
- University of Education, Winneba
- University of Energy and Natural Resources
- University of Ghana
- University of Mines and Technology
- University of Professional Studies, Accra
- Valley View University
Round-trip, economy-class, international travel arranged by travel agent designated by IIE, for scholar and up to two accompanying dependents. A $2,050 allowance will be provided to cover the costs associated with relocation and excess baggage.
$1,000 books and educational materials allowance for teaching and teaching/research awards only; if possible, educational materials should be donated to the host institution (or other entity) upon grantee's departure.
Additional living and housing allowance is provided for grantees with one accompanying dependent or two or more accompanying dependent. These amounts range from $200/month to $500/month.
In addition, round-trip, economy-class travel is provided for up to two dependents.
Dependent education allowance of up to $12,500 per child or $25,000 per family for accompanying dependents in grades K-12 is reimbursed for a full academic year, upon submission of receipts, and depending on funding availability. Amount may be adjusted for shorter grant periods. Reimbursement is based on actual cost of tuition and fees only.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
When university housing is provided to Fulbright Scholars, grantees will receive a supplemental housing allowance in lieu of a full housing allowance for refurbishments, utilities, and other miscellaneous expenses that arise. The full housing allowance will not be provided to grantees if they elect to decline on-campus or university housing.
Please refer to the figures above for an estimate of total monthly Fulbright award benefits. Benefits may include a monthly base stipend, living and housing allowances, and additional one-time allowances. Benefits may vary based on a scholar's current academic rank (or professional equivalent), the city of placement, the type of award (teaching, teaching/research, or research), and the number of and duration of stay of accompanying dependents. Research-only or Professional Project grantees receive a standard stipend that is not adjusted for academic rank. In most cases, dependent benefits will not be provided to Flex grantees, or to grantees pursuing grants less than four months (or a semester) in length.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State reserves the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Ghana
Ghana has many educational and cultural sites throughout the country and Fulbrighters are encouraged to travel throughout the country during their stay.
Some Fulbrighters decide to buy or lease a car for ease of transportation, but transportation apps like Uber, Bolt, and Yango are often utilized in major cities. There are also car rental or travel companies that can provide a driver with the vehicle, which is great for local trips or hosting visiting guests.
If bringing school-aged children to Ghana, there are several international-standard K-12 schools in Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast. Since space is limited with international schools, scholars should make arrangements for placement well in advance.
Getting involved in community, departmental activities and mentorship are great ways to give back and remain connected while in-country. Fulbright U.S. Scholars are encouraged by the U.S. Embassy to give talks to students seeking to study in the United States working with EducationUSA Centers and share about American culture and history with the American Spaces team. These are great opportunities to share your professional expertise and American culture in Ghana.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.