Ghana has 8,000 to 10,000 students studying in Europe – Education Minister

Ghana has an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 students pursuing various academic programmes at higher education institutions across Europe, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, has disclosed.

He said the students were enrolled in diverse fields, ranging from engineering and green technologies in Germany and France to public policy, medicine and social sciences in the United Kingdom, Italy, Hungary and the Nordic countries.

“From engineering and green technologies in Germany and France, to public policy, medicine, and social sciences across the UK, Italy, Hungary, and the Nordic nations, our young people are asserting their academic brilliance on the continental stage,” he said.

Mr Iddrisu said the students gained more than academic qualifications, noting that they acquired technical competencies, intercultural skills and global networks that could contribute significantly to Ghana’s national development.

He made the remarks on Wednesday at the maiden Study in Europe Fair, organised by the European Union (EU) Delegation to Ghana, in collaboration with GIZ and the Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development, at the University of Ghana, Legon.

The fair provided an opportunity for Ghanaian students to explore higher education opportunities in Europe and interact with representatives of European embassies and universities.

It also offered information on academic programmes, admission requirements, visa procedures and funding opportunities available to prospective students.

Activities included a dedicated Erasmus+ information desk, a CV clinic, a thematic session on preparing successful applications, and a networking session focused on young people.

Mr Iddrisu said Europe remained a major destination for Ghanaian students seeking world-class academic and research opportunities, as well as rich cultural exposure.

He said the fair underscored the enduring partnership between Ghana and Europe, anchored in shared values, intellectual exchange and mutual growth.

Mr Rune Skinnebach, EU Ambassador to Ghana, said the event reflected a shared commitment by the EU and its Member States to bring educational opportunities in Europe closer to young people in Ghana in a practical and accessible manner.

He said the fair brought together representatives offering study opportunities in Germany, France, Italy and Austria, alongside the Erasmus+ programme, which provided pathways to higher education across Europe.

Mr Skinnebach said the practical nature of the event was particularly valuable, as it enabled participants to ask questions and receive direct answers.

He said Europe offered quality, diversity and opportunities, allowing students to choose from a wide range of countries, universities and academic programmes within a well-connected higher education system.

GNA