The Ghana Education Service (GES) continues to encourage qualified teachers to apply for study leave. However, receiving approval for study leave with pay must follow due process and be granted by the GES. To access this opportunity—which includes receiving your monthly salary while you study—the program you intend to pursue must be one of those approved for the year under consideration.

However, a critical question needs to be answered.

Does GES Study Leave With Pay Cover Postgraduate Programs?

Can a teacher apply for study leave to pursue a Master’s or PhD?

In an attempt to answer this question, Jerry Akporhor, the Founder and Lead Educator of the Informed Teachers Network, had this to say:

“Yes. It now covers not only master’s degrees but also PhD programs, both locally and internationally.”

This means that teachers who want to study while still at their post can be allowed to do so, up to the PhD level.

He added that since most teachers already possess first degrees, it is prudent for the GES to offer opportunities for these educators to upgrade themselves in areas the GES deems necessary.

“The current arrangement is necessary because the minimum qualification for teachers is a Bachelor’s degree—a qualification that most teachers already possess. It would be unfair and counterproductive to limit study leave with pay to only Bachelor’s degree programs,” he added.

An important revelation he made is that teachers who want to pursue their master’s are granted the opportunity more often, since the period of study is shorter, lasting a maximum of two (2) years.

“Moreover, the government benefits more from granting study leave for master’s students than for Bachelor’s students, since most master’s programs last just one or two years, while most Bachelor’s programs span four years,” he said.

The short duration of the master’s program “means teachers can return to the classroom more quickly—in just a year or two—helping to address the issue of teacher shortages.”

One key benefit of the GES permitting its teaching and non-teaching staff to embark on study leave with pay is that the quality of the service’s staff will increase, which will reflect in their productivity and in the outcomes of the education sector. While the individual teacher improves their education, qualifications, and personal development, the education sector also benefits from their new status.

“We will also have more competent teachers who are masters in their respective fields. It’s a win-win situation.”

He advised teachers who apply for study leave with pay to quote him and the reference below if they are denied the opportunity, provided they qualify and meet all requirements.

If you go to your office to apply for study leave with pay for a master’s program and the officers turn you away, tell them, “The First Class Counselor said they are witches, wizards, and enemies of progress.”

READ: Study Leave With Pay for 2025 academic year open – GES

Kindly quote this provision in the collective agreement in your application letter so that they know you’re informed.

Best of luck.