Government’s No Fees Stress Programme has reached a major milestone, with more than 312,000 first-year tertiary students benefiting from the initiative since its introduction.
The latest figures, presented by Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu in Parliament today, June 18, show that a total of 312,448 students have received support under the programme at a cumulative cost of over GH¢888 million.
The policy, which was launched in July 2025, was introduced to reduce financial barriers to higher education and expand access to tertiary institutions across the country.
Over 312,000 Students Supported
According to the Education Minister, 152,698 validated first-year students benefited from the programme during the 2024/2025 academic year at a cost of GH¢399.3 million.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, 159,750 students have so far received support amounting to GH¢489.4 million.
Combined, the programme has assisted 312,448 students at a total cost of GH¢888.8 million.
Expanding Access to Higher Education
Mr. Iddrisu described the No Fees Stress Programme as a transformational intervention designed to ease the financial burden on students and their families.
He said the initiative forms part of government’s broader commitment to improving access to tertiary education while ensuring quality and relevance within the education sector.
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According to the Minister, the programme is helping more young people pursue higher education without the challenge of upfront fee payments.
Legal Education Support Expanded
The Minister also disclosed that 610 students of the Ghana School of Law have received support through the Students’ Loan Trust Fund.
He noted that government is working to make legal education more accessible by allowing students pursuing professional law programmes to apply for student loans.
According to him, the intervention is helping to remove barriers that previously limited access to legal education.
Support for Persons with Disabilities
Mr. Iddrisu further revealed that 1,530 persons with disabilities in pre-tertiary institutions benefited from full fee and residential support during the 2025/2026 academic year.
The support package amounted to GH¢9.8 million and forms part of efforts to promote inclusive and equitable access to education.
No Outstanding Payments
The Education Minister assured Parliament that there are currently no outstanding obligations under the No Fees Stress Programme.
He stated that adequate funding has been released by the Ministry of Finance to sustain implementation and ensure beneficiaries continue to receive the necessary support.
Government believes the programme will continue to improve access to tertiary education and create opportunities for more young people to pursue their academic ambitions.
