Africa's #2 study permit market with SDS access
Ghana recorded the second-highest number of Canadian study permit applications among African countries in 2024, with Accra as the primary source city. Ghanaian students are SDS-eligible, enabling faster processing for applicants who meet financial and language requirements at participating institutions.
| Indicator | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian study permit applications (2024) | 2nd in Africa (~23,763) | IRCC |
| SDS eligibility | Yes — Ghana included | IRCC |
| Approval trend (2024) | Improved vs prior year in several reports | ApplyBoard / IRCC |
| Language | English (official) | National context |
| Top fields for Canada | Business, IT, engineering, health, nursing | FPP events data |
Ghanaian students view Canada as offering the best balance of quality, affordability relative to the US and UK, and post-graduation work rights. The PGWP provides up to three years of work experience depending on program length — a major factor in family decision-making.
SDS streamlines processing for students with qualifying IELTS scores, GIC deposits, and tuition payment evidence. Canadian institutions should ensure their programs are SDS-compatible and communicate this clearly to Accra agents and school counsellors.
For Canadian institutions: Accra offers a motivated, internationally oriented applicant pool. Success depends on communicating clear Canada-specific pathways — study permits, PGWP, FMCSP (where eligible), and program outcomes — with the same rigour students expect from this market.