In a significant move to alleviate the financial burden on students and their families, the Government of Ghana has launched the “No Fees Stress” initiative. This program aims to cover academic facility user fees for first-year students enrolled in public tertiary institutions for the 2025 academic year.
President John Dramani Mahama announced the initiative during his 120-day social contract address, highlighting the government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education. A total of GH¢452.9 million has been allocated to support 156,294 first-year students across the country.
To streamline the reimbursement process, the government has developed the “No Fees Stress” portal, allowing eligible students to register and authenticate their eligibility for the funding. As of May 21, 2025, over 57,000 students have accessed the portal, with 41,647 successfully completing the registration process.
The Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), under the Ministry of Education, is overseeing the implementation of the initiative. According to SLTF’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Saajida Shiraz, reimbursements for students who have already paid their fees are set to commence in June 2025. Applications submitted through the portal will be verified against admission records from the respective public tertiary institutions to ensure accuracy and prevent fraud.
The “No Fees Stress” initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to invest in Ghana’s human capital and ensure a brighter future for its youth. By removing financial barriers to tertiary education, the program seeks to reduce inequality and promote social mobility among Ghanaian students.
Eligible students are encouraged to complete their registration on the official portal: nofeesstress.sltf.gov.gh. The SLTF has also announced plans to relaunch the portal in the third week of June to increase publicity and encourage more students to apply.
For more information and updates on the “No Fees Stress” initiative, students and stakeholders can visit the official portal or follow announcements from the Ministry of Education and the Students Loan Trust Fund.
