First-year tertiary students who are yet to apply under the ‘No Fees Stress’ policy for the 2024/2025 academic year for academic fees reimbursement have until Thursday, August 7, to do so.

This was disclosed in a press release by the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) on Thursday, July 31.

The Fund indicated that the new date is to allow time for eligible students to complete their applications.

“This extension provides applicants with additional time to complete their submissions,” the statement said.

The policy that was implemented early this year has already benefited 15,000 first-year tertiary students.

This move is aimed at easing the financial burden on students and their families, particularly those who are struggling financially.

The policy forms part of President Mahama’s broader social protection and human capital development agenda, which was central to his 2024 election campaign.

In addition to a refund of the fee, President Mahama also highlighted to his commitment to finishing projects that had been started by the erstwhile Akufo-Addo led administration.

He added, “Let me be clear, we are not here to abandon projects. We are here to complete what was started and to expand upon it.

"The Eastern Regional Hospital project, which was initiated by the previous administration, will not be left to rot. We will complete it to serve the people of this region.”

He also added that as part of measures to deal with rising youth unemployment in the country, his outfit has launched a "National Apprenticeship Programme to equip young Ghanaians with employable skills. This is part of our broader plan to tackle youth unemployment head-on.”

He also mentioned that nursing and teacher trainees have been paid six months of unpaid allowances.

“We have also paid six months’ arrears of allowances for students at the nursing and teacher training colleges,” he stated, adding,"We promise that they will receive their allowances every month.”

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama is committed to fulfilling his promise of ensuring equal access to education. He announced a school fee refund for freshmen enrolling in September 2025 as part of his “No Fees Stress” policy.

Speaking during a major rally at Jackson Park in Koforidua, Eastern Region on Sunday, July 20th, as part of his nationwide “Thank You Tour", the president revealed that funds have already been earmarked for students enrolling in September to receive their fee refund.

“In September, the new batch of first-year students who will be enrolled, money is ready to be reimbursed for their academic fees,” he declared, receiving loud cheers from the crowd.

The Ministry of Education has made accessible a registration portal to help first-year students at public tertiary institutions in Ghana apply for financial assistance under the government’s new No-Fees-Stress Policy.

Launching the portal on Monday, April 29, Education Minister Hon. Haruna Iddrisu described the policy as a bold and strategic move by the government to improve access to tertiary education and invest in the country’s future workforce.

The SLTF explained that the new system will make it easier for eligible students to register, submit their details, and be assessed for financial support.

For additional assistance, students are encouraged to call 0302751020 or visit any SLTF zonal office across the country.

As of May, 35,608 beneficiaries across 130 public and private institutions nationwide have received financial support from the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) for the 2024/2025 academic year.

disbursement reflects the John Mahama-led administration’s pledge to ensure inclusive access to education, regardless of students' backgrounds.

The SLTF, conversely, has reiterated its resolve to release funds on time in order to allow students to gain admission into their preferred tertiary institutions without financial hindrance.

Meanwhile, the government has clarified that first-year public university students who have already paid their academic fees for the current academic year will not receive cash refunds.

Instead, the government will apply the equivalent amount as credit toward the students' second-year fees.

Earlier, the Trust Fund announced a refund for first-year students at public tertiary institutions who have paid their academic user fees for the 2024/2025 academic year.The refund is expected to take place in June this year, under the “No-Fee Stress” initiative. The Trust Fund has emphasized that applications submitted will undergo thorough checks.

Dr. Shiraz added, “We urge all first-year students to apply promptly to secure their reimbursement.”

Students have been admonished to channel inquiries via the SLTF's official website.The “No-Fee Stress” initiative was a major campaign promise by then-presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama, who pledged to absorb academic fees for all Level 100 students within the first 120 days of his administration.

In response, the government has allocated GH¢499.8 million under the 2025 national budget to support the policy.

The SLTF, established in December 2005 under the Trustee Incorporation Act 1962 (Act 106), is dedicated to managing financial resources efficiently to support students while upholding national principles.