Ghanaian students have been awarded approximately $9.2 million in scholarships to pursue higher education across more than 680 institutions in all 50 U.S. states, according to the latest report by the Institute of International Education (IIE). This substantial achievement highlights Ghana’s growing prominence in global education.
Ghana has maintained its position as the 18th top country sending students to the United States, a prestigious global ranking it has now achieved for the second consecutive year. The report also indicates that Ghana is the second-largest sender of students from sub-Saharan Africa to the U.S., following Nigeria.
The 2024 Open Doors Report, an annual publication by the IIE, revealed a record-breaking 9,394 Ghanaians studied in the U.S. during the 2023-2024 academic year. This represents an impressive 45.2% increase from the previous year and sets a new benchmark for Ghana.
Notably, Ghana has also secured its position as the ninth-largest source of graduate students globally, with 6,337 students enrolled in advanced degree programs—a remarkable 54% rise from the previous year.
The United States continues to be the premier destination for international students worldwide, hosting over 1.1 million international students in the 2023-2024 academic year, a 7% increase from the prior year.
Most of these students focus on STEM-related fields, with math and computer science emerging as the leading areas of study.
This success is underpinned by the work of EducationUSA, a U.S. Department of State initiative that provides resources and guidance to prospective students.
The program offers virtual and in-person advising through its centers in Accra and Kumasi, with a new facility in Osu set to open by the end of November.
These centers play a crucial role in assisting qualified individuals with navigating the application processes for U.S. colleges and universities, including scholarship opportunities.
The U.S. Embassy in Ghana lauded the achievement in a Facebook post on November 18, emphasizing its commitment to fostering educational partnerships and empowering Ghanaian students. The Embassy stated that these milestones reaffirm the strong ties between the two nations and the transformative impact of education on individuals and societies.
This development not only reflects the academic aspirations of Ghanaians but also underscores the global recognition of their talent and determination. It further solidifies Ghana’s position as a key contributor to the international academic community.
