How to Get Into KNUST: A Complete Guide to Understanding the Admissions Process

Gaining admission to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) involves more than just sitting your WASSCE and hoping for a good grade. Many students are caught off guard by programme-specific subject requirements, cut-off aggregates, and the voucher purchase process. This guide breaks everything down so you can apply with confidence.

Step 1: Get Your E-Voucher

Before you fill in a single application field, you need an e-voucher. There are three ways to get one:

Option 1 – Online (Ghanaian and International applicants)

Visit the KNUST Admissions Portal at `https://apps.knust.edu.gh/admissions/`, register with a valid email, and purchase a voucher using Mastercard, Visa, or Mobile Money.

Option 2 – USSD (Ghanaian applicants only)
Dial `*415*55#` on your mobile device and follow the prompts to buy via Mobile Money. Then visit the portal, register, and validate your voucher.

Option 3 – Ghana Post (Ghanaian applicants only)
Purchase a physical voucher from any Ghana Post Regional or designated office, then validate it on the admissions portal.

International applicants must also pay a non-refundable application processing fee of US$100.00


Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Have the following ready before you start your application — all supporting documents must be scanned in PDF format:

- Examination results (WASSCE, GCE, HND certificate, etc.)
- Birth certificate
- Ghana Card or passport (PDF)
- Passport photograph with a light green background
- English Proficiency Certificate (required for applicants from non-English-speaking countries)


Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Log into the portal with your voucher credentials. Key things to know:

- Fill all fields marked with; these are mandatory.
- If your school is not listed, select Private Schools (Others).
- If your exam type is not listed, select Certification/Diploma/Degree.
- For non-WASSCE/SSSCE exams, select May/June (School) as your sitting.
- If you are awaiting results, select “Awaiting” as the grade.
- You can save and exit to continue later, but do not leave the session idle for more than 5 minutes you will be automatically logged out.
- You can edit your application as many times as needed before the deadline.

When choosing your programme, select
Regular as the stream. Tick Yes if you want to be considered for fee-paying or parallel admission.


Understanding Minimum Entry Requirements

WASSCE/SSSCE Applicants

You must have credit passes (A1–C6 for WASSCE; A–D for SSSCE) in:

- The three core subjects: English Language, Mathematics, and Integrated Science
- Three relevant elective subjects for your chosen programme
- A combined aggregate of 24 or better

GCE/IGCSE (Cambridge) A & O Level Applicants

- Five credits at O Level, including English Language and Mathematics
- Passes in at least three subjects at A Level

International Baccalaureate (IB)

- Minimum grade 4 at Higher Level (HL) in three relevant subjects
- Minimum grade 5 in Chemistry for Health and Allied Sciences
- For Engineering: at least grade 5 in Mathematics at HL
- Minimum grade 4 in English Language and Mathematics at Standard Level (SL)

American High School Grade 12

- Minimum Final Grade Point of 3.0
- For Medicine and Dentistry: minimum 3.25

GBCE/ABCE

Both GBCE and ABCE are required together. GBCE: passes in three compulsory subjects including English Language and three electives including Business Mathematics. ABCE: three compulsory subjects plus three optional subjects relevant to the programme.


What Is a Cut-Off Aggregate — and Why Does It Matter?

The cut-off aggregate is the minimum score at which KNUST actually selects candidates for a specific programme in a given year. It sits within the general minimum of aggregate 24, but competition often pushes it much lower (meaning a better grade is required).

How the Aggregate Is Calculated

Your aggregate is the sum of your grades in your best six subjects the three core subjects plus three relevant electives. The grading values are:

• A1 in WASSCE is equivalent to Grade A in SSSCE and carries a value of 1.
• B2 in WASSCE is equivalent to Grade B in SSSCE and carries a value of 2.
• B3 in WASSCE is equivalent to Grade C in SSSCE and carries a value of 3.
• C4 in WASSCE is equivalent to Grade D in SSSCE and carries a value of 4.
• C5 in WASSCE is equivalent to Grade D in SSSCE and carries a value of 4.
• C6 in WASSCE is equivalent to Grade D in SSSCE and carries a value of 4.

Lower aggregate = Better performance. An aggregate of 06 (six A1s) is far stronger than an aggregate of 24.

Example: A1, B2, B2, B3, B3, B3 = 1+2+2+3+3+3 = Aggregate 14

2025/2026 Cut-Off Aggregate Snapshot (as a guide — these change yearly)

The KNUST cut-off aggregates for WASSCE applicants serve as a guide to the minimum aggregate score typically required for admission into various programmes. Admission aggregates are calculated using a candidate’s best six subjects, comprising the three core subjects and three relevant elective subjects. In this system, a lower aggregate indicates better performance. For example, a student with grades A1, B2, B2, B3, B3, and B3 would have an aggregate of 14.

The cut-off aggregates vary across colleges and programmes. In the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, aggregates generally range from 13 to 24. Programmes such as Packaging Technology and Agricultural Management are among those with lower cut-off requirements in the college, while Natural Resources Management is relatively more competitive.

Within the College of Art and Built Environment, cut-off aggregates range from 7 to 24. Architecture is one of the most competitive programmes in the college, requiring a very strong aggregate, while programmes such as Ceramics and some STEM Education specialisations have higher aggregate limits.

The College of Engineering is one of the most competitive colleges at KNUST. Cut-off aggregates generally range from 2 to 13, with most engineering programmes admitting students with aggregates between 6 and 7. This reflects the high demand for engineering-related courses.

In the College of Health Sciences, cut-off aggregates range from 6 to 14. Highly competitive programmes such as Medicine and Surgery (MBChB), Pharmacy (Pharm D), and Medical Laboratory Science typically require an aggregate of 6. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine usually admits students with an aggregate around 10, while other health-related programmes may have slightly higher aggregate requirements.

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences also contains highly competitive programmes. Law (LLB), for instance, typically requires an aggregate of 6. Other programmes within the college may admit students with aggregates extending into the mid-teens, depending on demand and available spaces.

In the College of Science, programmes such as Doctor of Optometry and Computer Science are among the most competitive. Optometry generally requires an aggregate of 6, while Computer Science often requires an aggregate of 7. Other science programmes may have higher aggregate requirements depending on their popularity and capacity.

For applicants interested in studying at the Obuasi Campus, cut-off aggregates generally range from 9 to 19. Medical Laboratory Science is among the most competitive programmes offered at the campus, while engineering programmes typically admit students with aggregates between 10 and 16.

It is important to note that these cut-off aggregates are only intended as a guide. The actual aggregate required for admission can change from year to year based on factors such as the number of applicants, programme popularity, and available spaces. Therefore, meeting the stated cut-off aggregate does not automatically guarantee admission. Additionally, KNUST notes that BBA refers to the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration programme.

Overall, the most competitive programmes at KNUST include Medicine and Surgery (MBChB), Pharmacy (Pharm D), Optometry, Law (LLB), Computer Science, Architecture, and most Engineering programmes. Courses such as Packaging Technology, some Fine Arts programmes, and certain Education programmes generally have less competitive admission requirements.


Important: Cut-off aggregates are not fixed. They change every year based on the number of applicants and available spaces. Always check the KNUST admissions portal for the most current figures.


Your High School Subjects Matter as Much as Your Grade

One of the most overlooked aspects of KNUST admissions is programme-specific subject requirements. A good aggregate alone is not enough — you must have studied the right elective subjects in high school.

Here are a few examples:

- BSc Nursing / Midwifery – requires Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics
- BSc Civil / Mechanical / Electrical Engineering – requires Physics, Elective Mathematics, and Chemistry
- BSc Architecture – requires Elective Mathematics plus subjects from Technical, Visual Art, or Science
- LLB (Law) – requires three electives from General Arts, Business, Visual Art, or General Science
- BSc Computer Science – requires Elective Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry or Applied Electricity/Electronics
- BSc Agribusiness Management – accepts Science, Business, General Arts, or Agriculture combinations
- Home Economics background – note that students from this track cannot apply for BSc Nursing at KNUST

Always cross-check the subject requirements for your intended programme before selecting it on your application form.


Special Applicant Categories

Mature Applicants

Must be at least 25 years old at the time of application and have a minimum of two years’ post-qualification experience. Most programmes require shortlisted mature applicants to pass an entrance examination and interview.

HND / Diploma Holders

Depending on their class of award and the programme, HND holders may be admitted directly into Year 2 or Year 3. Admission is usually based on transcripts plus an interview.

Transfer Applicants

Submit your official transcript, high school results, and a cover letter through the Deputy Registrar, Academic Affairs at `[email protected]` or the International Programmes Office at `[email protected]`.

International Applicants with Non-Standard Certificates

KNUST may require an evaluation of results from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) or another International Credential Evaluation Agency.


Final Checklist Before You Submit

- [ ] E-voucher purchased and validated
- [ ] All documents scanned in PDF (birth certificate, results, ID, photo)
- [ ] Programme subject requirements verified against your high school subjects
- [ ] Cut-off aggregate for your chosen programme checked on the admissions portal
- [ ] All mandatory fields completed
- [ ] Application reviewed before final submission
- [ ] Copy of submitted application saved for personal reference



Note: All information in this guide is based on KNUST’s published admissions requirements. Cut-off aggregates and specific programme details can change from year to year. Always verify the latest information at https://apps.knust.edu.gh/admissions/> before applying.