Ohio State University for Ghanaian Students

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Columbus, Ohio, United States ยท Big Ten Public Research University
Direct Entry Available WASSCE Accepted 3 Scholarships โœ“ Verified 2026-04
World Ranking #190
Founded 1870
Students 60,000+
Last updated: 2026-04 ยท Always verify with the official university website
Quick Facts โ€” Ghanaian Students
WASSCE Accepted Yes (via Foundation Year)
Minimum GPA (Masters) 3 / 4
IELTS Required 7 overall
Tuition Range $42,740 โ€“ $44,000/yr
Scholarships Available Yes โ€“ 3 available
Application Deadline December 1 โ€“ February 1 (varies by programme)
Processing Time 8โ€“16 weeks

Entry Requirements by Level

Academic Requirements

Direct entry available. Apply via Common Application. Fisher College of Business and College of Engineering are most popular for international students. WAEC accepted as secondary qualification.

English Language

IELTS: 7+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted โ€” contact admissions for equivalencies.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: $42,740โ€“$44,000. Application deadline: November 1โ€“15 (Early Action/Decision); January 1โ€“15 (Regular Decision).

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA: 3/4. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required. Strong graduate programmes across Engineering, Business, Agriculture, and Public Policy. Graduate College University Fellowships are highly competitive. STEM OPT eligible.

English Language

IELTS: 7+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted โ€” contact admissions for equivalencies.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: $42,740โ€“$44,000. Application deadline: December 1 โ€“ February 1 (varies by programme). Decision time: 8โ€“16 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. Most PhD programmes fully funded. University Fellowship and departmental GTA/GRA positions available. Stipends $18,000โ€“$30,000/year.

Specific Requirements

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

Deadline

December 1 โ€“ January 15

Documents Required

Official academic transcript (translated & certified)
WASSCE certificate or result slip
Motivation letter (500โ€“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

University Fellowship

Full tuition waiver + stipend โ€” highly competitive merit award for incoming graduate students Deadline: Considered with application โ€” December/January

by Ohio State University Graduate School ยท Masters, Phd

Learn more โ†’

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Full tuition + living allowance + flights + health insurance Deadline: Februaryโ€“May (via US Embassy in home country)

by US Government (Department of State) ยท Masters, Phd

Learn more โ†’

Graduate Assistantship (Teaching/Research)

Full tuition waiver + $15,000โ€“$34,000/year stipend Deadline: Januaryโ€“February (apply with graduate application)

by University Department ยท Masters, Phd

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ohio State University accept WAEC/WASSCE for undergraduate admission?

Yes โ€” WAEC/WASSCE is accepted as the secondary school qualification for undergraduate admission to Ohio State University. WES credential evaluation is recommended for graduate applications. No foundation year is required.

What GPA is required for a Masters degree at Ohio State University?

The minimum GPA for Masters admission at Ohio State University is 3.0/4.0. Competitive programmes may require 3.5+. Your undergraduate transcript from a recognised Ghanaian university is the primary academic credential.

What scholarships are available for Ghanaian students at Ohio State University?

The main scholarships for Ghanaian students at Ohio State University are: the University Fellowship (full tuition + stipend, highly competitive), the Fulbright Foreign Student Program (US government, full funding for Masters/PhD โ€” apply through the US Embassy in Ghana), and departmental Graduate Assistantships (tuition waiver + $15,000โ€“$34,000/year stipend).

Tips for Applying to Ohio State

Ohio State University offers a strong combination of academic quality (#190 QS) and affordability, with Columbus's lower cost of living compared to coastal US cities being a significant advantage for Ghanaian students. STEM graduates qualify for up to 36 months of OPT work authorization, and the University Fellowship provides full funding for outstanding graduate applicants. The large international student community at OSU includes a sizeable West African presence.

Official source: Ohio State University โ†—

Plan Your United States Student Visa

Check visa requirements, documents and costs for Ghanaian passport holders applying to United States.

Full Visa Guide โ†’

Cost of Living in Columbus, OH

Accommodation $800 โ€“ $1,500/month

Columbus is one of the more affordable major US university cities. On-campus and off-campus options available.

Food & Groceries $300 โ€“ $500/month

Cook at home for savings. Campus meal plans available.

Transport $65/month

COTA bus system covers campus and city. Many students cycle or use university shuttles.

Estimated Total Monthly Cost $1,165 โ€“ $2,065/month