The National Union of Ghana Students – United Kingdom (NUGS UK) has raised urgent concerns over two critical issues affecting Ghanaian students studying or intending to study in the United Kingdom: the continued imposition of IELTS testing requirements and delays in the disbursement of government scholarships.

The union, in a statement released on Tuesday, called on relevant Ghanaian authorities and UK educational and immigration bodies to take immediate action to resolve these challenges, warning that failure to do so could jeopardise the academic progress, financial stability, and immigration status of affected students.

NUGS UK reiterated its longstanding position supporting ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure exemptions or recognised alternatives to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for Ghanaian students educated entirely in English.

“Ghana remains an English-speaking country, with English serving as the official language and medium of instruction from basic through tertiary education. The continued requirement for additional English proficiency testing imposes financial and administrative burdens on Ghanaian students and professionals,” the statement noted.

The union urged sustained bilateral dialogue between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, the Ministry of Education, the Ghana High Commission in the United Kingdom, and relevant UK education and migration authorities to reach a fair and practical resolution.

The statement also highlighted reports from Ghanaian students in UK universities, including Loughborough University, who are beneficiaries of Ghana Government scholarships administered through the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat and GETFund.

NUGS UK expressed deep concern that delays in scholarship disbursements have led to:

• Outstanding tuition fee balances owed to universities
• Restrictions on academic progression
• Delays or refusals in approving Post-Study Work pathways
• Heightened risk of visa expiration
• Severe emotional and psychological distress

“These students have upheld their academic responsibilities. It is unacceptable that Ghanaian students, officially sponsored by the Government of Ghana, are placed in precarious immigration and academic positions due to administrative delays beyond their control,” the union stated.

NUGS UK has called on the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat, GETFund, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Finance to urgently:

1. Settle all outstanding tuition obligations owed to UK institutions
2. Establish a clear payment timeline communicated directly to affected universities
3. Provide formal assurance letters to institutions where payments are pending
4. Engage NUGS UK in structured dialogue to prevent recurrence of such situations

The union also urged the Ghana High Commission in the United Kingdom to intervene diplomatically with affected institutions to safeguard the academic and immigration status of Ghanaian students.

NUGS UK warned that failure to honour scholarship obligations could damage Ghana’s reputation as a credible sponsor of international scholars, undermine trust with foreign institutions, create barriers for future Ghanaian students, and cause diplomatic embarrassment.

“Education remains a strategic national investment. Our scholars abroad represent Ghana’s future leadership and global influence. Coordinated action is urgently required to ensure that no Ghanaian student in the United Kingdom is left academically stranded, financially distressed, or immigration-vulnerable due to systemic delays,” the statement emphasised.

The union reaffirmed its solidarity with affected students and pledged to continue advocacy and engagement with relevant stakeholders until concrete resolutions are achieved.