The University of Professional Studies (UPSA) Accra formerly known as the Institute of Professional Studies (IPS) is one of Ghana’s foremost public tertiary institutions. Rightfully so, it is the first of its kind in Ghana to introduce a dual qualification program for her students; UPSA students have the opportunity to study a chartered/professional program alongside their degrees in accounting, business, or finance. This enables them to graduate with two certificates and better their employment prospects. For this and many other reasons, the quest to study in UPSA has constantly been growing with aspiring students both in Ghana and indeed the rest of the world.
How To Apply For Admission Into UPSA And The Cost
UPSA offers yearly admission to students into its undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs. However, for any candidate to successfully apply to the university and gain admission in return, there are strict guidelines that must be adhered to and some basic and course-specific requirements which must be met. This includes meeting the minimum academic qualification/s or their equivalent/s as set by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) as well as the University’s own admission criteria.
UPSA Undergraduate Application Process
To apply for admission into USPA as an undergraduate, an applicant is expected to complete the application process online by paying a prescribed fee, go online on the university’s admission portal and submit the required documents. The steps are detailed below:
- Applicants are to purchase an Online Serial Numbers (OSN) at the cost of GH¢200.00 for Ghanaian applicants and US$120.00 for International applicants.
- Pay the prescribed fee at any Ecobank or Access Bank branch across Ghana.
- Pay with your Visa/Master card on https://www.interpayafrica.com/custom/upsa.
- This OSN can be gotten through all Ghanian telecom mobile money services by dialing *887*18#.
- Pay at any Ghana Post (Post Office) branch nationwide.
2. All applicants are to complete the application form online on admissions.upsa.edu.gh which will be accessible once admission commences. Each applicant will log in on the portal using his/her OSN and receipt number and fill the application form.
3. All applicants are to upload scanned copies of their certificates in PDF format. These include:
- Birth certificate or any national ID or legitimate documentary proof of date of birth.
- Certified copies of all certificates.
- Certified copies of original transcript(s) of academic records.
- Certificates confirmed by the professional body are required for professional applicants.
UPSA Postgraduate Application Process
For post-graduate students seeking admission into UPSA, the admission process starts with the purchase of the school’s online serial number and ends with the uploading of relevant supporting documents on the school’s website.
1. Postgraduate students are to obtain UPSA Online Serial Number (OSN) by paying GH¢200.00 for Ghanaian applicants and US$120.00 for International applicants at any:
- Ghana Post (Post Office) branch nationwide.
- Ecobank or Access Bank branch nation-wide.
- By mobile money (all networks) shortcode: *887*18#
- By Visa/Master Card/Mobile Money using the link http://interpayafrica.com/custom/upsa.
2. After the procurement of the OSN, postgraduate applicants are expected to fill an application form on admission.upsa.edu.gh by using their Online Serial Numbers (OSN) and the receipt number to gain access to the portal.
3. After logging in, applicants are expected to upload scanned copies of their documents in PDF format. These supporting documents include:
- Birth certificate or any national ID or legitimate documentary proof of date of birth.
- Certified copies of all certificates.
- Certified copies of transcript (s) of academic records.
- Certificates confirmed by the professional body are required for professional applicants.
- The vision statement for MBA/MSc.
- Applicant research proposal for MPhil applicants.
UPSA Diploma Application Process
Unlike the admission processes for UPSA undergraduate and postgraduate students, the admission process for diploma students has not been made available on the school’s website. Thus, it is best to consult the school admission office help desk by calling the admissions office hotline: 0303-937544/0303-937542 or send an e-mail to [email protected].
What Courses Does UPSA Offer?
As a full-fledged institution of higher learning, UPSA offers a variety of courses in accounting, business, or finance leading to the award of degrees to students who successfully complete their course work. The courses offered in the school and the respective degrees awarded for them include:
Undergraduate Programs
- 4-Year Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science
- Bachelor of Science in Business Economics
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance
- 3-Year Post First Degree Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations Management
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management
- Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management and Finance
Diplomas Under The Undergraduate Programs
- Diploma in Marketing
- Diploma in Accounting
- Diploma in Management
- Diploma in Public Relations Management
- Diploma in Information Technology Management
Professional Programs
- Chartered Institute Of Marketing, (CIM) UK
- Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG)
- Chartered Institute Of Management Accountants (CIMA) UK
- Association Of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) UK
- Institute Of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) UK
Postgraduate Programs
- Master of Science in Leadership
- Master of Philosophy in Finance
- Master of Philosophy in Leadership
- Master of Business Administration in Auditing
- Master of Business Administration in Marketing
- Master of Science in Insurance Risk Management
- Master of Business Administration in Internal Auditing
- Master of Arts in Brands and Communications Management
- Master of Business Administration in Corporate Governance
- Master of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance
- Master of Arts in Peace, Security and Intelligence Management
- Master of Business Administration in Petroleum Accounting & Finance
- Master of Business Administration in Total Quality Management (TQM)
- Master of Business Administration in Impact Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Distance Learning (Blended Online Learning)
Aside from its undergraduate, diploma, professional and postgraduate programs, UPSA also offers distance learning programs which is done 70% online to students. The courses and degrees they offer online include:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Auditing
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Corporate Governance
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting and Finance
UPSA Fee Structure for Various Courses
Different fee structures apply to different students in UPSA depending on their nationality and courses. The stipulated amount to be paid by any student of UPSA is usually published before the beginning of any academic session. The fees are broken into academic facility user fees, residential facility, and miscellaneous charges.
Ghanian Students: UPSA Academic Facility User Fees & Miscellaneous Charges for Undergraduate and Diploma Programs
| Student Category | Fee Type | Annual Amount (GH¢) | Initial Payment (50%) (GH¢) |
| Diploma | Academic Facility User Fees | 3,843.00 | 1,921.50 |
| Undergraduate(Morning, Evening & Weekend) | Academic Facility User Fees | 4,326.00 | 2,163.00 |
| 3-Year Post 1st Degree Bachelor of Laws (LLB | Academic Facility User Fees | 10,206.00 | 5,103.00 |
| 4-Year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) | Academic Facility User Fees | 5,376.00 | 2,688.00 |
Ghanian Students: UPSA Academic Facility User Fees & Miscellaneous Charges for Miscellaneous (Other Charges)
| Category of Students | Fee Type | Full Payment for the entire duration GH¢ | Initial payment GH¢ |
| All Diploma &Undergraduate Students | Medical Levy & Examination fees | 180.00 | 180.00 |
| Sports Levy | 20.00 | 20.00 | |
| Hostel Fund | 10.00 | 10.00 | |
| SRC Dues | 60.00 | 60.00 | |
| Faculty Dues | 40.00 | 40.00 | |
| Hall Dues | 30.00 | 30.00 |
Ghanian Students: UPSA Academic Facility User Fees & Miscellaneous Charges for Postgraduate Programs
| Category of Students | Fee Type | Full Payment for the entire duration GH¢ | Initial payment GH¢ |
| MPhil/MBA/MSc (2 Years) |
Academic Facility User Fees |
21,392.00 | 5,348.00 |
| Exceptions 1: MA/MSc IRM (1 Year) | 16,050.00 | 8,025.00 | |
| Exceptions 2: MBA in Impact Ent. & Inn. Mgt. (18 Months) | 21,828.00 | 5,457.00 |
Ghanian Students: UPSA Academic Facility User Fees & Miscellaneous Charges for Miscellaneous (Other Charges)
| All Postgraduate programs | Fee Type | Full Payment for the entire duration GH¢ | Initial payment GH¢ |
| Medical Levy & Examination fees | 180.00 | 180.00 | |
| Sports Levy | 20.00 | 20.00 | |
| Hostel Fund | 10.00 | 10.00 | |
| GRASAG Dues | 200.00 | 130.00 | |
| Faculty Dues | 40.00 | 40.00 | |
| Hall Dues | 30.00 | 30.00 |
Below is the fee schedule for UPSA students who are non-Ghanian nationals.
International Students: UPSA Academic Facility User Fees & Miscellaneous Charges for Undergraduate and Diploma Programs
| Category of Students | Fee Type | Annual Amount (US$) | Initial Payment (50%) (US$) |
| Diploma | Academic Facility User Fees | 3,000.00 | 1,500.00 |
| Undergraduate(Morning & Evening) | Academic Facility User Fees | 4,000.00 | 2,000.00 |
| Undergraduate (Weekend) | Academic Facility User Fees | 4,000.00 | 2,000.00 |
| 3-Year Post 1st Degree Bachelor of Laws (LLB | Academic Facility User Fees | 5,000.00 | 2,500.00 |
| 4-Year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) | Academic Facility User Fees | 4,000.00 | 2,000.00 |
International Students: UPSA Academic Facility User Fees & Miscellaneous Charges for Miscellaneous (Other Charges)
| Category of Students | Fee Type | Annual Amount (US$) | Initial Payment (50%) (US$) |
|
All Diploma &Undergraduate Students |
Medical Levy & Examination fees | 180.00 | 180.00 |
| Sports Levy | 20.00 | 20.00 | |
| Hostel Fund | 10.00 | 10.00 | |
| SRC Dues | 60.00 | 60.00 | |
| Faculty Dues | 40.00 | 40.00 | |
| Hall Dues | 30.00 | 30.00 |
International Students: UPSA Academic Facility User Fees & Miscellaneous Charges for Postgraduate Programs
| Category of Students | Fee Type | Full Payment for the entire duration (US$) | Initial payment (US$) |
| MPhil /MBA /MSc |
Academic Facility User Fees |
10,000.00 | 5,000.00 |
| MA | 7,503.00 | 3,751.50 |
International Students: UPSA Academic Facility User Fees & Miscellaneous Charges for Postgraduate Programs
| Category of Students | Fee Type | Full Payment for the entire duration (US$) | Initial payment (US$) |
|
All Postgraduate programs |
Medical Levy & Examination fees | 180.00 | 180.00 |
| Sports Levy | 20.00 | 20.00 | |
| Hostel Fund | 10.00 | 10.00 | |
| GRASAG Dues | 200.00 | 130.00 | |
| Faculty Dues | 40.00 | 40.00 | |
| Hall Dues | 30.00 | 30.00 |
Guide On How To Pay Your UPSA School Fees
To pay your fees, there are a variety of options available to all students that they can use at their convenience. These include paying UPSA fees via Mobile Money, or with your debit/credit card into their Access bank account.
Mobile Money
This works with MTN Momo, Vodafone Cash, and AirtelTigo Money. The steps below are how to do it –
- Go to interpayafrica.com/upsa/students
- Enter your student index number and password
- Select top up by mobile number
- Enter your mobile number and amount
- Submit
Debit/Credit Card
In other to pay your UPSA fees through your debit or credit card, you will have to provide your card details to process the payment. The steps to do it are –
- Go to interpayafrica.com/upsa/students
- Enter your student index number and password
- Select top up by credit/debit card
- Enter your card details, and amount
- Submit
Other Things to note About UPSA Fees
Aside from knowing the amount and how you will pay your UPSA school fees, there are a few other important things you should bear in mind too concerning fee payment.
- UPSA fees are constantly reviewed
It is important you bear in mind that UPSA fees are constantly reviewed every academic session. So in any academic session, you want to pay your fees, ensure it is the stipulated amount for that session that you are paying. You can also get the updated information by accessing UPSA fees schedule for that session here https://upsa.edu.gh/academics/academic-affairs/fees-schedule/.
- Option for part-payment of school fees
To make it easier for students to pay their fees, the university authority approves part-payment of 50% at the beginning of a semester and another $50 towards the end of that same semester. However, if a student chose to pay the full amount at the beginning of the semester, it is also acceptable.
- Increment in school fees in mid-session
The UPSA does not increase her school fees in the middle of an academic session. All fees paid announced at the beginning of a session are the only fees payable for that entire session.
- No refund in the case of rustication
In the event that a student is rusticated, the UPSA does not refund part or full tuition already paid back to the student in the session he or she was rusticated. Simply put, all UPSA school fees paid are non-refundable.
Is UPSA More Expensive Than Other Schools?
By all standards, the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) stands out as one of the best tertiary institutions in Ghana where students who are determined to excel in professions related to accounting, business, or finance come to be trained. As expected, this won’t come cheap because a lot goes into the running of a university, more especially an exceptional institution like UPSA.
But in comparison to other top universities in Ghana like the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Cape Coast, Ashesi University, Regent University College of Science and Technology, Valley View University, etc. UPSA fees are obviously higher. UPSA is a public tertiary institution and not a private one like it used to be. They charge up to and sometimes more than Gh¢4000 in students fees per session in contrast to about GH¢2,000 to GH¢3,000 students pay in other public tertiary institutions.
This high fee in UPSA prompted some students of the institution to call on the government to look into the high fees they pay in the school. In the news report that followed one of the several protests students have made, one of the students revealed that they are mandated to pay a fine of GH¢50 per additional week after the due date for their fee payment has passed without a student paying.
