UG Announces Official Expensive Hostel Fees: Students React in Pain

The University of Ghana Enterprises Limited (UGEL), the body responsible for managing student hostels, has officially published the approved accommodation fees for its Diaspora Hall facilities for the 2025/2026 academic year, and the internet is buzzing. Students, both freshers and continuing students, have reacted in pain given the prices quoted. The reality is that the University of Ghana earns some fraction of the hostel fees charged by the private hostel service providers on campus directly or indirectly. It also earns nearly the entire 100% of hostel fees paid by students who secure the traditional hostel.

The announcement, shared on UG’s official Facebook page and referenced on multiple campus channels, confirms fee schedules for 11 Diaspora Halls used by both new and continuing students. The halls include prominent residences such as Jubilee Hall, Alexander Adu Kwapong Hall, Hilla Limann Hall, Jean Nelson Aka Hall, Elizabeth F. Sey Hall, and the International Students Hostel, among others.

The full list of halls now with published fees includes:

✅ Jubilee Hall
✅ Alexander Adu Kwapong Hall
✅ Hilla Limann Hall
✅ Jean Nelson Aka Hall
✅ Elizabeth F. Sey Hall
✅ International Students Hostel
✅ Valco Hostel
✅ Legon Hall Annex C
✅ Mensah Sarbah Hall C/D
✅ Akuafo Hall C
✅ Akufo Hall D

UGEL has also clarified that all hostel fee payments are to be made exclusively through Cal Bank, reinforcing a safe and official payment process for students.

UG Announces Official Expensive Hostel Fees: HOW MUCH ARE STUDENTS PAYING?

The fees vary depending on room type—from shared facilities to self-contained rooms and flats with kitchenettes—as well as occupancy category (single, double, or quadruple).

Some examples from the fee schedule include:

• Jubilee Hall (Shared facilities): GH¢2,250

• Elizabeth F. Sey Hall (Self-contained): GH¢3,500

• International Students Hostel (Single room, shared amenities): GH¢4,530

UGEL also confirmed that fees differ between undergraduate and postgraduate students. Moreover, foreign and ECOWAS students are required to pay in USD, while Ghanaian nationals pay in Ghanaian cedi.

The release comes at a time when many new students are preparing for registration and have expressed both shock and concern over the living costs.

SOCIAL MEDIA ERUPTS

As soon as the fee list went live, reactions flooded social platforms, with students expressing mixed emotions:

@Yaw Dwarkwaa:

“This is not for those without deep pockets — but at least the list is out so we can plan.”

@Ivankay:

“I’m paying my own fees and don’t have this money… University of Ghana, why make it harder after I passed since 2021?!”

Many commenters echoed similar sentiments about the financial burden, while others commended UG for releasing the fee structure early, allowing families and students time to prepare.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The fee list covers freshers and continuing students
Payments must be done through Cal Bank only
Fees are official and sanctioned by UGEL
Separate payment structures exist for international and ECOWAS students
Fees vary by room type and occupancy

Students are advised to confirm the exact amount applicable to their allocated hall and room type before making any payments.

READ: KNUST Sends Panic Online as It Updates Admission Process — Applicants React

WHY THIS MATTERS

With the 2025/2026 academic year fast approaching, many students are already planning how to balance school fees with accommodation. The release of these fees gives clarity — but also raises questions about affordability and support mechanisms for students under financial strain.

As the discussion continues online, many are calling on student bodies and university leadership to consider additional support programs or phased payment options to help ease the burden.