How to get your fees paid under government’s new tertiary first year fee exemption plan for public students

As per the Minister for Government Communications, Mr Felix Ofosu Kwakye, the government has started disbursing funds to first-year students in public tertiary institutions under a newly introduced fee exemption programme.

During the  Joy FM’s Newsfile on Saturday, May 10, 2025, Mr Ofosu Kwakye said the programme is being administered through an online portal launched three weeks ago. The system enables students to submit their information for verification before receiving the funds directly into their bank accounts.

He said that “All students who have registered with their universities must also register on the new portal NoFeesStress.sltf.gov.gh. Once your information is verified and your bank account details are confirmed, the money will be sent directly to you.” The programme relates solely to students in public universities, technical universities and nursing training institutions. It does not presently cover private or subvented tertiary institutions.

Mr Ofosu Kwakye made it clear that the initiative is financed by the Student Loan Trust Fund. He said the National Council on Tertiary Education and the Ministry of Education student data facilitates verification of enrollment figures and prevent fraudulent claims.

He emphasized that the support is not automatic and will only be given to those who provide accurate portal information. He said that “We are not working with raw university lists. You have to fill the portal with verifiable information so we know who you are. That is how we are tracking disbursements and closing the loopholes.”

Responding to inquiries regarding students who had already paid their fees before the programme was declared, Mr Ofosu Kwakye said they will receive a refund after verification.

He added that although GH¢458 million has been allocated for 2024–2025 academic year, the final cost will vary based on the number of students who register. He highlighted that even if payment persist in future years , the overall cost would still be lower than the annual budget for the Free Senior High School programme.

He added that “If people can’t afford GH¢1,000 or GH¢1,500 at SHS level, how do we expect them to afford GH¢3,000 or GH¢5,000 at the university level? This is why the intervention is necessary.” The Ministry of Education has confirmed that more than 5,000 students have registered on the portal so far. Government is urging all eligible first-year students in public institutions to register soon to reap the benefits.

READ: Gov’t’s “first year fee exemption initiative” to cover only Legon, KNUST, UCC and other public tertiary institutions – Minister