The International Collaborations Office (ICO) is pleased to welcome international exchange and sponsored students to SDD UBIDS. We believe that educational exchanges present a unique opportunity for students to become culturally aware citizens. As long as international students engage in activities that align with the university’s teaching, research and community service mandate, ICO is happy to support Faculties and Departments to host them.

We particularly support Erasmus+ exchange students and provide a congenial learning environment for their stay in SDD UBIDS. As such, the International Collaborations Office provides various specialized support services to all international students on issues concerning immigration/visa applications, accommodation, health insurance, cultural integration, admission and enrollment. In addition, pre-departure and pre-arrival briefings, counselling services and orientation sessions are organized for international exchange students in collaboration with the Counselling unit.

Do not hesitate to contact us at dico@ubids.edu.gh with any questions about your travel to and stay in SDD UBIDS if you do not find the information you need here.  SDD UBIDS places priority on the well-being of its international exchange students.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Exchange Students

To participate in an exchange programme as an international exchange student (e.g. Erasmus+ exchange students), contact the international office of your home university to find out if it is a partner of SDD UBIDS. Our partner institution/university will send your nomination to us via email, and we will send you the necessary application documents to complete.

However, if your home institution is not a partner with SDD UBIDS and you are interested in becoming an international exchange student here, please contact the Office of International Collaborations directly at dico@ubids.edu.gh.

Regular international students

SDD UBIDS offers admission to international applicants across all our undergraduate and graduate programmes.

For advice on admission requirements, certificate equivalence and application procedures, send an email to dico@ubids.edu.gh. You could also study our undergraduate and graduate programmes catalogue at https://ubids.edu.gh/admissions and apply directly through https://mis.ubids.edu.gh.

The International Office looks forward to assisting you through your application process and helping you prepare for your stay in Wa, Ghana.

TRIMESTER DATES

SDD UBIDS runs a trimester system. The term dates for the 2022/2023 academic year are as follows:

  • First trimester: 5th January to 8th April, 2023
  • Second trimester: 2nd May to 29th July, 2023
  • Third trimers: 21st August to 29th September, 2023

ACCOMMODATION

We endeavour to ensure you get a conducive environment for your studies here at SDD UBIDS as an international student. However, as decent and secure accommodation arrangements take some time to put in place here in Wa, we advise that you contact us ahead of time for accommodation arrangements. Please contact any of the following with specific requests concerning accommodation:

VISA AND PERMITS

Except you are a national of a country (E.g. ECOWAS Nationals) that is exempted from obtaining an entry visa into Ghana, you are required to apply for an entry visa from the nearest Ghana Embassy or High Commission in your country of origin. Kindly visit the website of the Ghana Embassy/Consulate/High commission closest to you and the Ghana Immigration Service website at https://www.gis.gov.gh/visa_permits.html  for more information on visa application and extension.

Please note that you are legally required to apply for an extension of your stay permit if you are staying beyond the period stipulated in your entry visa. Check here for fees for visa extension https://www.gis.gov.gh/fees_charges.html.

Exchange/ international students who intend to travel outside of Ghana and return during their stipulated stay are advised to acquire a Multi-entry visa before their first arrival in Ghana.

ECOWAS Citizens

Once you arrive in Ghana, it is required by law that you obtain a resident permit to enable you to stay throughout your study period beyond the 90 days allowable stay. Please contact the International Office immediately after you arrive for assistance with the resident permit application. The following are required by the Ghana Immigration Service for a residence permit application:

  • A valid passport (at least six months validity)
  • A photocopy of the data page of your passport
  • Non-Citizen Ghana Card (original and photocopy)
  • Admission letter from SDD UBIDS (original and photocopy)
  • Introductory letter from the International Collaborations Office (ICO), SDD UBIDS
  • Proof of payment of fees (A photocopy of your current tuition fees receipt)
  • Four passport-sized photographs
  • Ghana Immigration processing fee for ECOWAS countries at https://www.gis.gov.gh/fees_charges.html.