Ghanaian PhD Scholars in UK Face Deportation Amid Scholarship Payment Delays

Government-sponsored Ghanaian PhD students in the United Kingdom are at risk of suspension and deportation due to unpaid tuition fees and stipends, some of which have been outstanding for up to four years.

The Ghanaian PhD Scholars Association in the UK disclosed that the situation has worsened in recent months, with at least ten students already withdrawn or suspended by their universities.

“Approximately ten members have been excluded from their studies due to unpaid fees and are now awaiting possible deportation notices from the UK Home Office,” the association stated.

The prolonged delays have had severe consequences for the students’ academic progress and living conditions. Many have been evicted from housing, while others face legal action over unpaid rent. Stipends, which range between £1,023 and £1,200 per month, have in some cases not been disbursed since the students began their programmes.

Currently, around 110 Ghanaian PhD students in the UK rely on scholarships funded by the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat (GSS). Among them, 36 students urgently require renewal letters to continue their studies, without which universities cannot process re-enrolments or allow research to resume.

The group also highlighted that outstanding fees are preventing some students from graduating, accessing certificates, or re-entering the UK after research trips to Ghana.

While the GSS has made some partial payments, the association described them as insufficient. About 30 students reportedly received no contribution toward their 2024/2025 tuition, leaving many unable to access university systems or academic resources. The association estimates that at least £400,000 is needed to sustain the scholarship programme for the 2025/2026 academic year.

The scholars criticised poor administrative practices by past officials as a major cause of the crisis but acknowledged ongoing government efforts to reform the scholarship programme.

Appealing directly to President John Dramani Mahama and the UK High Commissioner, the association called for immediate intervention to safeguard their education and academic progress.

“Our membership is non-partisan, and our only concern is the survival of our academic pursuits,” the statement said, expressing cautious optimism that the government and relevant authorities will act promptly.