A growing number of Ghanaian PhD students studying in the United Kingdom have begun withdrawing from their doctoral programmes due to the prolonged non payment of tuition fees and stipends promised under government scholarship arrangements. The situation has created severe financial hardship for affected students, many of whom depend entirely on the scholarship to fund their education and living expenses.
The students, who are sponsored through the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, say payments covering tuition and monthly allowances have been delayed for several academic years. As a result, several universities have reportedly blocked students from accessing academic portals, libraries, and other essential resources, making it impossible for them to continue their studies effectively.
Some of the affected scholars have also faced eviction from student accommodation due to unpaid rent, while others have been unable to register for new academic years or submit research work because their fees remain outstanding. The financial strain has placed many students at risk of breaching visa conditions, further worsening their situation.
In response to the crisis, the students have intensified their demands for urgent intervention. They claim repeated petitions and appeals to relevant authorities in Ghana have not produced any meaningful resolution, leaving them with no option but to withdraw from their programmes to avoid further debt and academic penalties.
The mass withdrawals represent a major setback for the affected students and raise broader concerns about Ghana’s ability to sustain international scholarship commitments. Observers warn that the situation could damage the country’s academic reputation and discourage future international partnerships if the issue remains unresolved.
As pressure mounts, the students are calling for immediate payment of outstanding fees and stipends, as well as clearer communication from authorities, to prevent further disruption to their academic careers and personal lives.
