The rules concerning entry requirements of mature student into tertiary education institutions in Ghana has been updated by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
The heads of tertiary education in Ghana and the general public were notified as a result of the policy being updated policy. As per GTEC, the policy is to keep things clear and open, fairness, and equal academic expectations across all institutions.
Programmes that enroll mature applicants whofall short of the stated requirements may lose their accreditation status or may be subject to additional sanctions under the Tertiary Education Act, 2020 (Act 1023).
As per a letter dated December 8, 2025, signed by Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, the Director-General of GTEC, it was made clear that the updated policy goes into effect right away.
The statement made it clear that important changes are a threshold restricting mature student admissions to 5 per cent of total yearly intake, and a requirement that applicants be at least 25 years old with a minimum of five years of applicable professional experience.
All the applicants must also meet minimum SSSCE or WASSCE grades and pass entrance examinations in English, Mathematics, and an aptitude test. Applicants can also present officially accepted English and Mathematics test showing credit passes.
The statement read that “The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) hereby notifies all Heads of tertiary education institutions in Ghana and the general public of its revised policy on mature students” entry requirements into tertiary education institutions in the country.”
Eligibility Requirement
Again, it stated that to be eligible for mature applicant, one must be at least 25 years old, provide valid proof of age, and have a minimum of five years of applicable professional experience.
Mature applicants to chartered institutions must also pass the entrance examinations of the institution in English Language and Mathematics.
The statement drew to attention that for institution receiving guidance, the entrance exams must be reviewed and approved by their mentor institutions. “For institutions under mentorship, the entrance examinations: Must be moderated by the Mentor Institution and marked scripts must be vetted by the Mentor Institution.”
The statement added that “In lieu of sitting for the Mature Students’ Entrance Examinations, applicants may present proof of credit passes in English Language and Mathematics in WASSCE or any other nationally recognized high-school level examination (for applicants from countries outside the WAEC system).”
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