Maynooth University for Ghanaian Students

🇮🇪 Maynooth, Ireland · National University of Ireland
Direct Entry Available WASSCE Accepted 2 Scholarships ✓ Verified 2026-04
Founded 1795
Students 14,000+
Last updated: 2026-04 · Always verify with the official university website
Quick Facts — Ghanaian Students
WASSCE Accepted Yes (via Foundation Year)
Minimum GPA (Masters) 2.75 / 4
IELTS Required 6.5 overall (6 each)
Tuition Range €14,000 – €18,000/yr
Scholarships Available Yes – 2 available
Application Deadline Rolling
Processing Time 3–6 weeks

Entry Requirements by Level

Academic Requirements

Foundation Year required via Maynooth University Foundation Programme. WASSCE accepted as O-level equivalent. Foundation route required for WAEC holders. Maynooth is 30 min from Dublin by train.

English Language

IELTS: 6.5+ overall, 6+ per component. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: €15,000–€20,000. Application deadline: Rolling — apply by March for September intake.

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA: 2.75/4 (2:2 UK equivalent). Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required.

English Language

IELTS: 6.5+ overall, 6+ per component. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: €14,000–€18,000. Application deadline: Rolling. Decision time: 3–6 weeks.

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA: 3/4. Master's degree required (or Bachelor's with First Class Honours for some programmes). Fully funded positions available.

Specific Requirements

Research proposal required. Identify and contact a potential supervisor before applying. References from two academic supervisors.

Deadline

Rolling

Documents Required

Official academic transcript (translated & certified)
WASSCE certificate or result slip
Motivation letter (500–1,000 words)
Two academic references
Valid international passport
IELTS/TOEFL score report
Financial evidence (bank statement or sponsor letter)
Research proposal (PhD applicants)

Available Scholarships

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES)

Full tuition fee waiver + €10,000 stipend for one academic year Deadline: November–January (annual, check hea.ie)

by Irish Government (HEA) · Masters, Phd

Learn more →

VP International Scholar Award

€7,500 scholarship — 2 awards per year; Africa eligible Deadline: Check Maynooth scholarships page annually

by Maynooth University · Masters

Learn more →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Maynooth University accept WAEC?

WAEC/WASSCE is accepted as a secondary school qualification for undergraduate foundation entry at Maynooth. For Masters admission, a recognised Ghanaian Bachelor's degree with minimum GPA of 2.75/4.0 (2:2 equivalent) is required — WAEC is not relevant at Masters level.

What GPA is needed for Masters at Maynooth University?

Maynooth University requires a minimum GPA of 2.75/4.0 (UK 2:2 equivalent) for most Masters programmes. Named Sunday Times University of the Year, Maynooth offers quality education with accessible entry requirements, 30 minutes from Dublin by train.

Are there scholarships for Ghanaian students at Maynooth University?

Yes. The VP International Scholar Award offers €7,500 (2 awards annually) for Africa-eligible applicants, and the International Excellence Scholarship provides €5,000. The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) also applies at Maynooth for full tuition waiver plus €10,000 stipend.

Tips for Applying to Maynooth

Maynooth University offers a rare combination: the academic credibility of a National University of Ireland institution, lower tuition than Dublin universities, and proximity to Dublin (30 minutes by train) — ideal for Ghanaian students who want Dublin career access without Dublin living costs. The VP International Scholar Award at €7,500 is one of the most generous individual awards in Ireland for African students. After graduation, the 24-month Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) enables graduates to work in Ireland, with the Dublin commuter belt location making job opportunities in the capital readily accessible.

Official source: Maynooth University ↗

Cost of Living in Maynooth

Accommodation €800 – €1,300/month

Maynooth is 30 minutes from Dublin — more affordable than the capital.

Food & Groceries €270 – €420/month

Transport €80 – €120/month

Estimated Total Monthly Cost €1,150 – €1,840/month