Students Loan Trust Fund Begins Registration Under New Hassle-Free Loan Scheme

The Government of Ghana has introduced a major step toward improving access to tertiary education through the launch of an online application portal for the No-Fees-Stress policy, a new initiative aimed at supporting first-year students in public tertiary institutions. Spearheaded by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, the policy is being administered by the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF).

The announcement was made official on April 29, 2025, through a press release issued by the SLTF. The release, signed by the Fund’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Saajida Shiraz, described the program as a groundbreaking move to tackle the financial constraints that prevent many qualified students from entering higher education institutions.

The new online portal is designed to simplify the application process, enabling students to submit their details electronically for swift verification and approval. It will serve as the main gateway for first-year students in public universities, technical universities, and colleges to register for government-backed financial aid.

“The No-Fees-Stress policy is a transformative and visionary initiative aimed at eliminating the financial obstacles that hinder Ghanaian students from accessing tertiary education,” Dr. Shiraz noted in the statement. “This policy reflects a long-term investment in Ghana’s human resource development and national competitiveness.”

Simplifying Access to Financial Support

The No-Fees-Stress policy removes upfront financial hurdles by allowing students to begin their academic journeys without having to immediately cover tuition or other associated fees. The SLTF will instead provide the required financial support, which students can access through the newly launched digital platform.

This move aligns with the government’s broader goal of creating an inclusive education system where every qualified student—regardless of economic background—can pursue higher learning without financial strain. The portal also enhances transparency and efficiency by reducing the time, paperwork, and bureaucracy typically associated with loan applications.

According to the SLTF, the platform will not only collect student data but also interface with academic institutions and other government databases to confirm applicants’ eligibility in real time.

“Our aim is to create a seamless, stress-free process that allows students to focus on their studies without worrying about where their fees will come from,” Dr. Shiraz added.

Aligning Policy with National Development Goals

The policy is part of the government’s wider agenda to invest in human capital and improve long-term social and economic outcomes. With thousands of students unable to pursue tertiary education each year due to financial limitations, the No-Fees-Stress policy is seen as a timely intervention to reverse this trend.

Minister Haruna Iddrisu, who officially launched the portal, reiterated the government’s commitment to removing systemic barriers in the education sector. He described the initiative as a “bold and necessary move” to ensure that talent and ambition—not financial status—determine access to higher education.

“We believe no Ghanaian student should be denied the opportunity to pursue their dreams simply because they cannot afford tuition,” the Minister said. “This policy reaffirms our dedication to building a future driven by education, innovation, and equal opportunity.”

Stakeholder Support and Implementation

The successful rollout of the program will depend on collaboration among key stakeholders, including tertiary institutions, student unions, and financial service providers. The SLTF has expressed readiness to engage all parties to ensure the smooth implementation of the policy.

Eligible students are encouraged to access the portal immediately and begin the registration process to avoid delays in financial disbursement ahead of the academic year.

The No-Fees-Stress policy is expected to mark a turning point in Ghana’s educational landscape, offering new hope to students who previously faced uncertain futures due to lack of funding. As the government pushes forward with reforms aimed at expanding access and equity, this initiative stands out as a cornerstone in reshaping the higher education experience in Ghana.