University of Ghana Explains Pre-WASSCE Entrance Exams for Health Programmes

The University of Ghana has explained its decision to hold entrance examinations for applicants to selected College of Health Sciences programmes before the release of the 2026 WASSCE results, describing the arrangement as a temporary measure.

The clarification follows a directive from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), which on July 20, 2026, instructed tertiary institutions to discontinue making entrance examinations a compulsory condition for admission.

GTEC maintained that admissions should follow the approved national framework, with WASSCE serving as the main qualification. The Commission also raised concerns that mandatory entrance examinations could affect fairness, transparency and equal access.

The University of Ghana had earlier announced computer-based entrance examinations for applicants to selected health-related programmes from August 3 to 8, 2026. The University indicated that the entrance examination would be considered alongside applicants’ WASSCE results in the selection process.

In its response to GTEC dated August 3, the University stressed that WASSCE remains an essential requirement for undergraduate admission, including programmes offered by the College of Health Sciences.

The University explained that the additional examination was introduced because of the intense competition for the limited number of places available in health-related programmes. Rather than serving as a replacement for WASSCE, the examination is intended to help identify applicants who will proceed to the interview stage.

Management also acknowledged concerns about equity and access, assuring GTEC that it remains committed to maintaining a transparent and fair admissions process.

According to the University, changes to the WASSCE timetable following the COVID-19 pandemic had affected its ability to complete admissions within the academic calendar. Waiting for examination results before conducting entrance examinations had also placed pressure on the University’s personnel and facilities.

With WASSCE now returning to the May-June examination period and the University’s academic calendar back on its regular schedule, Management said the current arrangement will end after the 2026 admissions cycle.

From next year, the University of Ghana plans to return to conducting its entrance examinations after the release of WASSCE results.

The University has reiterated that it will continue to align its admissions procedures with national policy while maintaining its academic standards and ensuring that applicants are treated fairly.