The University of Cape Coast has expanded since its creation in 1962. It remains a much respected academic institution in Ghana and has over 70,000 undergraduate students locally and internationally. Some analysts consider the University of Cape Coast (UCC) to be the best in Ghana in quality education assurance, which is why thousands apply for admission every year.
Due to its high standing in the West African country, it is not an easy institution to gain admission to. UCC, as it is popularly referred to, upholds a high standard to ensure it churns out competitive graduates that go on to achieve great things in the real world. Prospective applicants into various programs should note the entry requirements stipulated by the University before proceeding to apply.
Entry Requirements for Different Programs at the University of Cape Coast (UCC)
Every year, the University of Cape Coast releases its minimum entry requirements for all academic programs ahead of time to inform all applicants about their chances before applying. It also helps cut-off those that do not meet the requirement and help streamline the number of applicants. For all candidates who desire to study at the University of Cape Coast under any program, learning the list of entry requirements is very important in determining where they stand.
Admission Requirements for UCC Undergraduate, Distance, Sandwich, and Mature Programs
The admission requirements for these programs are not the same. It is dependent on the avenue through which the applicant seeks to use to gain admission. All routes are covered below:
Entry Requirements for WASSCE/SSCE Applicants
- The minimum admission requirement aggregate score into the University of Cape Coast is 36 for WASSCE applicants and 24 for SSCE applicants.
- Both WASSCE and SSCE applicants are required to have credit passes in six subjects.
- Three of the subjects must be core subjects, including English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science, and Social Studies. The other three credit passes must be in relevant electives.
- For admission purposes, credit pass means A1 – C6 in WASSCE and A – D in SSCE.
Applicants Applying Through Other Means Should Take Note of the Following:
- Applicants applying with a General Certificate of Education (GCE) advanced level can only apply with a result obtained three years ago or earlier. Additionally, they must possess credits in five GCE ‘O’ level subjects, including English and Mathematics. Finally, they must also have at least two passes in relevant subjects.
- Prospective candidates applying with a General Business Certificate Examination result must have six credit passes in three core subjects (English Language and Mathematics included) and three relevant elective subjects.
- For applicants with the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), they must possess a minimum of Grades ‘A’ or A-C in English Language, Mathematics, and Biology at the O Level. It should be in addition to having three ‘A’ Level grades in relevant subjects.
University of Cape Coast Post-Graduate Entry Requirements
Postgraduate programs are for individuals who already scaled through the undergraduate phase of their education and pursue more academic qualifications. The entry requirements for admission to UCC depends on the postgraduate program an applicant is registering for. Check out all the admission requirements below.
UCC Entry Requirements for Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Program
Applicants in search of admission into Ph.D. programs must take note of the following:
- All applicants must have an MPhil or research MA, Med, MSc, or MBA degree in any relevant field from a recognized and accredited University.
- Applicants should have a minimum CGPA of 3.5 from their Master’s program with nothing lower than a grade of C+.
- Their research or project grade should not be lower than a B+.
- Submit an official transcript detailing their academic history
- The applicant will have to submit two referee reports. One of the referees must be an ex-lecturer.
- The applicant will submit a proposal detailing their intended area of study. The study proposal has to have a working bibliography and should contain 3 – 5 pages.
- Finally, the applicant must meet other requirements stipulated by the college, school, department, or faculty they desire to study under. It might include a selection interview.
UCC Entry Requirements for Masters Programs
Even for their Master’s programs, entry requirements are not uniform. Although different Master’s programs demand additional admission requirements, the conditions below are the general UCC requirements for all Master’s programs.
- Applicants must have a good first degree from a recognized and accredited University. The minimum grade required is a second class.
- Submission of an official transcript showing an academic record is required.
- A 2-3 page proposal on the intended area of study is required. The study proposal must contain references.
- Applicants will submit a minimum of two referee reports, with one of the referee reports being from a former lecturer.
- Satisfying other requirements provided by the college, faculty, school, or department they wish to study under, including a selection interview.
The University of Cape Coast Does Not Accept D7 in its Entry Requirement
As stated earlier, the University of Cape Coast upholds high standards. Its penchant for top-quality education ensures it has a strict admission policy. According to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) grade interpretations, D7 falls under just a pass. UCC does not accept a mere pass score for any of its undergraduate programs.
Credit grades are what any high school student should aspire towards, and the minimum grade score deemed acceptable by UCC is C6. Aside from D7, UCC also does not offer admission to students with E8, and F9. Although there are universities in Ghana that accept D7, the University of Cape Coast is not one of them.
How to Apply to the University of Cape Coast
The application process for seeking admission into the University of Cape Coast is mostly an online process, typically straightforward and fast. Application is usually open to the public shortly after the end of an academic session.
Application forms typically go on sale almost halfway through a calendar year, and the duration is generally at the university’s discretion. Prospective applicants can apply for admission into UCC by following the steps below:
- Purchase the E-vouchers from different avenues (listed later in the article)
- After purchase, applicants should visit this URL to begin the application process.
- Select the type of application you wish to complete from the options
- Complete the application form with utmost care and accuracy
- Print the completed application form
- At the back of the large EMS envelope containing their completed application form and other documents, applicants are required to write the following information:
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- Application Reference Number
- Full Name
- Postal Address
- First Choice Program
- Application Category (SSCE/WASSCE, Post-Diploma, or Post First Degree).
Note: All applicants must read the instructions and admission brochure thoroughly before filling the online application form. Failure to input the application reference number will lead to an application not being processed.
Documents needed for the application process include:
- Official transcripts
- Photocopy of all academic certificates
- Photocopy of birth certificate, passport, and other personal documents
- E-Voucher PIN
How Much Does the Application E-Voucher Cost?
The cost of the application E-Voucher depends on two factors – the program type and the applicant’s citizenship. Local applicants pay different amounts compared to international applicants. Similarly, undergraduate applicants pay a varied amount to postgraduate applicants.
- Undergraduate Programs
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- Post SSCE/WASSCE – GHs 220
- Post-Diploma – GHs 230
- International Applicants – $120
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- Postgraduate Program
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- Local Applicants – GHs 320
- International Applicants – $300
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International applicants are encouraged to make payments using their VISA card. After making payment, an e-mail containing their E-Voucher PINs will be sent to complete their online application.
Different Ways to Purchase the Application E-Vouchers
The application E-vouchers are very important. Without them, no applicant to UCC can begin their admission application process. Applicants can purchase an E-voucher through different means and locations. Check them out below:
- Cashier’s office at UCC
- All regional and central district offices of Ghana Post
- Accra office of the University of Cape Coast
- I – J Consult, Apostle Dr. Baidoo Avenue, Millennium City, Kasoa
- GCB Bank
- ADB Bank
- GT Bank
- Zenith Bank
- Prudential Bank
- ARP Bank
- Republic Bank
- CBG Bank
