An additional 3,949 tertiary students have received financial support from the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) for the 2024/2025 academic year.The recent disbursement raises the total number of beneficiaries to 35,608 across 130 public and private institutions nationwide.

According to SLTF management, the latest 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.

Earlier this year, the Fund approved financial aid for 9,433 students enrolled in 62 public and private tertiary institutions nationwide.

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.

The portal is now live and can be accessed via

or

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

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.