Ghana Free Tertiary Fees for Students with Disabilities: No SLTF Application Needed – How to Qualify & Get Covered

Finding the right hostel at Legon, KNUST, or UPSA is hard enough, but for students with disabilities, the financial “wahala” of tertiary education can feel like an even bigger mountain to climb. However, there is some massive news for the 2026 academic year. The government of Ghana has officially rolled out a groundbreaking initiative that changes everything: Ghana Free Tertiary Fees for Students with Disabilities 2026.

The most exciting part? You no longer have to navigate the long, often stressful Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) application process just to get your fees covered. This policy is designed to be “No-Fees-Stress,” ensuring that your focus stays on your books, not on where the money for next semester’s tuition will come from. At Getrooms, we are all about making student life easier, so here is everything you need to know to get covered.

Overview of the Free Tertiary Fees Program

The Ghana Free Tertiary Fees for Students with Disabilities 2026 is an affirmative action policy aimed at making higher education truly inclusive. For years, students with disabilities (PWDs) had to compete for limited slots in the Scholarship Secretariat’s disability category or take out loans.

In late 2025, the government announced a shift from “charity” to “justice.” This program now covers full academic fees for all PWDs who gain admission into accredited public tertiary institutions, ranging from traditional universities to technical universities and colleges of education. By removing the financial barrier, the state is investing in a future where disability does not mean a lack of opportunity.

The government allocated GH₵50 million annually (via GETFund) specifically for this PWD mandate. Adding this figure boosts authority.

Program	Who is it for?	What is covered?	Type of Support
Free Tertiary for PWDs	Students with Disabilities	100% Academic & Residential Fees	Full Grant (No Repayment)
No Academic Fees	All Freshmen (Level 100)	Admission & Academic Fees only	Grant (First Year Only)
Student Loan Plus	Continuing Students	Full Fees (Semester by Semester)	Loan (Repayable)
Digital Product Loan	All Tertiary Students	Laptops, Tablets, etc.	Equipment Loan

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Eligibility Criteria for Students with Disabilities

To benefit from the Ghana Free Tertiary Fees for Students with Disabilities 2026, you don’t need to jump through a million hoops, but you do need to meet these specific requirements:

• Ghanaian Citizenship: You must be a Ghanaian citizen with a valid Ghanaian National Identity Card (Ghana Card).
• Admission Status: You must have a valid admission letter from an accredited public tertiary institution in Ghana (e.g., University of Ghana, KNUST, UCC, UPSA, or any Technical University).
• Disability Status: The program covers various disability types, including visual impairment, hearing impairment, physical disabilities, and other special needs.
• Verification: You must be registered or be able to provide certification from the Department of Social Welfare or a recognized medical authority in Ghana.

Program	Target Group	Coverage
Free Tertiary PWDs	Students with Disabilities	100% Academic Fees (Grant)
No Academic Fees	All Level 100 Students	Admission/Academic Fees
Student Loan Plus	Continuing Students	Full Fees (As a Loan)

How to Apply and Get Covered

The best thing about this 2026 update is the “Direct Disbursement” model. Unlike the regular student loan, you don’t necessarily have to apply to the SLTF and look for a guarantor. Here is the process:

1. Institution Verification: Public universities now have a “Tertiary Institutions Portal” linked to the SLTF. Your school’s administration compiles a list of all admitted students with disabilities.
2. Submit Your Details to the Dean of Students: Ensure you visit your school’s Office of Students with Special Needs or the Dean of Students’ office early. Provide them with your admission letter and disability certification.
3. No SLTF Application Needed: Once your school verifies your status and uploads your name to the “No-Fees-Stress” portal, the funds are disbursed directly to the school to cover your academic fees.
4. Check the Official Portal: You can monitor updates or check for additional support at the No-Fees-Stress Portal.

Benefits of the Program

The Ghana Free Tertiary Fees for Students with Disabilities 2026 package is comprehensive. It isn’t just a small discount; it is designed to give you a smooth ride through school:

• Full Tuition Coverage: 100% of your academic and facility user fees are paid for.
• Allowance Integration: Some students may qualify for additional stipends or allowances to assist with learning materials.
• No Guarantor Stress: Since this is a grant/scholarship and not a traditional loan, you don’t need to worry about finding a SSNIT contributor to sign for you.
• Integration with Other Support: If you were previously on the Scholarship Secretariat’s PWD list, those funds are now being consolidated into this more efficient system.

READ ALSO: The Best Way to Find University Hostels in Ghana

While the government handles your tuition, we’ve got your back when it comes to where you’ll sleep. Finding a hostel that is disability-friendly (e.g., ground floor rooms, accessible walkways) can be a bit of a “chaw” hustle if you don’t start early.

• Check out our Pricing Page to see how you can get direct contact with hostel managers for as low as GHS 10.
• Visit our Hostels Page to filter and search for the best spots near your campus.
• Stay updated with more school news on our Official Blog.

The Ghana Free Tertiary Fees for Students with Disabilities 2026 is a massive win for inclusivity in Ghana. It removes the “middleman” of financial stress, allowing you to focus on your degree and your future. Education is a right, not a privilege, and this program ensures that every “Abodam” or “Brilla” student with a disability has a seat in the lecture hall.

If you are a student with a disability looking to start your tertiary education in 2026, don’t wait. Check your eligibility today, and take advantage of Ghana Free Tertiary Fees for Students with Disabilities 2026 to secure your education fully funded!