University of Ghana Defends Health Sciences Entrance Exam Amid GTEC Push to Scrap Mandatory Tests

The University of Ghana has justified its continued use of entrance examinations for Health Sciences programmes, even as it bows to pressure from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) by agreeing to shift the timing of the test. In a significant development for prospective tertiary students, UG announced that while it will retain the exam, it will be administered after the release of West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results beginning next academic year.

The decision comes after GTEC issued a directive on 20 July 2026, instructing all tertiary institutions to discontinue making entrance examinations mandatory for admission. The move has sparked debate about balancing institutional autonomy with efforts to streamline the university entry process across Ghana.

UG's Position on Entrance Examinations

The University of Ghana's defence of the Health Sciences entrance exam reflects concerns about maintaining academic standards in highly competitive and resource-intensive programmes. Health Sciences disciplines—including Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and other clinical fields—typically require rigorous screening to ensure students possess the foundational knowledge and aptitude necessary for success. UG's justification suggests the institution views the entrance exam as a critical quality assurance mechanism rather than merely an administrative hurdle.

By rescheduling the exam to occur after WASSCE results are published, UG appears to have found a compromise. This adjustment addresses one of the practical concerns raised about entrance exams: students previously had to sit multiple examinations simultaneously or in quick succession, creating logistical strain and financial burden on families across Ghana.

Why It Matters for Ghana

This development carries implications for thousands of Ghanaian students annually seeking admission to tertiary institutions. The GTEC directive reflects a broader policy shift aimed at reducing the financial and psychological burden on students, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Entrance exams require preparation costs, registration fees, and travel expenses that can be prohibitive for rural and low-income families.

However, UG's stance underscores the tension between accessibility and academic excellence. Health Sciences programmes have limited intake capacities and high demand; entrance exams serve to identify the most qualified candidates. The compromise—scheduling exams after WASSCE—attempts to balance these concerns by allowing students to complete their secondary education assessments before facing additional university-level screening.

The outcome of this standoff may influence how other Ghanaian universities respond to the GTEC directive. Institutions offering competitive programmes in Engineering, Sciences, and other fields may face similar pressures to either abolish or reschedule entrance requirements. The precedent set by UG could shape admission policies across Ghana's tertiary education sector for years to come.

Students and parents should monitor further announcements from both GTEC and individual universities to understand how this policy shift will affect future admission cycles. The University of Ghana's decision suggests that while mandatory entrance exams may eventually be phased out, some institutions will resist wholesale abandonment of quality control mechanisms in programmes where standards are particularly critical.