US Embassy: Record Number of Ghanaians Opt for Higher Education in the United States – 31.6% Surge in Enrollment

The Institute of International Education’s 2023 Open Doors Report has revealed a significant surge in Ghanaian students opting for undergraduate and graduate studies in the United States. The report, released recently, indicates a substantial increase of 31 percent in the academic year 2022-2023, with over 6,400 Ghanaian students choosing U.S. universities for their education. This surge represents a remarkable 31.6% increase from the previous academic year.

U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, expressed delight in witnessing this growing trend, emphasizing the exceptional educational opportunities offered by American colleges and universities. She highlighted how Ghanaian students in the United States contribute to strengthening bonds between both countries, fostering relationships in various spheres – from friendships to family connections and business collaborations.

Ghana now stands among the top 25 countries globally for sending students to the United States. The 2023 Open Doors Report highlights that the count of Ghanaian students pursuing graduate degrees soared to 4,140, marking a substantial 38% increase from the previous year. Notably, Ghana ranks 14th as the largest sender of graduate students to the United States. In the past year alone, Ghanaian students secured nearly $9 million in scholarships across 700 higher educational institutions spanning all 50 states.

To cater to this growing demand for educational opportunities, the U.S. Embassy has processed a record number of student visa cases in the last fiscal year.

In the broader context, the United States continues to lead as the preferred destination for international students, hosting over one million students in the academic year 2022-2023, showcasing a 12% increase from the preceding year. The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields remain the primary focus for most international students, with mathematics and computer science leading the preferences.

U.S. Embassy Ghana facilitated the largest EducationUSA college fairs held in Accra and Kumasi this year, attracting over 13,000 attendees, including students, parents, and academic professionals.

The U.S. Embassy’s EducationUSA network, comprised of education advisors, assists individuals aspiring to study in U.S. colleges and universities. Ghana presently hosts two EducationUSA Advising Centers, where advisors guide and mentor students, aiding them through the college application process. Over the past year, these centers have supported thousands of Ghanaian students in applying to numerous accredited U.S. higher education institutions.