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The Students Services Unit provides administrative support for students. It also provides general information for both current and past students and interprets provisions in Students’ Handbook. The Unit also assist students to access private hostels.

Some of the activities undertaken under Administrative Support Services at UPSA are;
• Issuing of introductory and attestation letters
• Endorsing of forms for students.
• Organizing of orientation for fresh students.
• Handling of issues pertaining to the undergraduate students’ handbook.
• Helping students to access private hostels.

Financial aid services provided includes:

• Facilitates the accessing of Student Loans from the Students Loans Trust Fund (SLTF).
• Introduces students who seek financial assistance from corporate institutions, District Assemblies, MP’s etc.
• Solicits for funds for the needy but brilliant student Fund of the University.
• Assisting students to apply for financial assistance from TEST for GHANA- a financial aid Institution that award scholarship to students annually.

In and around UPSA

The University of Professional Studies, Accra is a cute and ultra modern campus that is still seeing more improvement. By its very nature, students do not need any transportation facilities to move around campus. The campus is well lit by night giving students the security they need to go about their activities. The school is surrounded by such other institutions like the University of Ghana, Trinity Theological Seminary, Ideal College, the Ghana Book Trust and the very popular Asanka Locals Restaurant.

Banking Facilities

The school has within its environment the Access Bank, located just behind the Central Administration Block on campus that provides general and customised banking services for the University community and the general public. In addition, there are a number of banking and ATM facilities of some other banks within about five hundred metres radius of the institution. They include the Ghana Commercial Bank, Fidelity Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Barclays Bank, Agricultural Development Bank and Ecobank.

To open an account as a foreign student, the banks requires photocopy of student’s admission letter, introduction letter from the school, copy of travel passport and in rare instances, prove of residential address.

Accommodation

The University has residential facilities for students at its Hostel Complex which includes a spacious area for learning. Students are affiliated to the University’s four residence halls namely: Opoku Ampomah, Nelson Mandela, Liberty and Yaa Asantewaa.

A number of private hostels can also be found within close proximity to the University Campus that cater for varying accommodation standards and budget. These facilities are categorised into international, standard and affordable hostels.

The international standard hostels comprise of different categories of apartments that are exclusively designed to meet the needs of students that have a taste for and can afford a leisure accommodation. These range from apartments for 1, 2, 3 or 4 persons in a room. Whiles some apartments are exclusive, others have shared facilities (kitchen, toilets, baths, air conditioners etc). A few of the international standard hostels have shuttle facilities that transport students to and from school on a daily basis. For details concerning cost, contact and view of facilities, please contact the following accommodators:

1. Ghana Hostels limited
2. Bani Hostel – www.baniinternationalhostel.com

The second category of hostels considered as standard are relatively inexpensive as compared to the international standard ones. They have similar facilities as the international standard hostels but are in suburbs that are relatively not as standard as the international ones. Most of these hostels are around campus. For details concerning cost, contact and view of facilities, please contact the following accommodators:

Kate Ventures +233-(0)208152019/ (0)266 445 782

Am Main Hostel

Heavens Gate Hostel

The Low cost or corner side hostels which are relatively inexpensive are also dotted in the suburb of the school’s location. Most of these are shared rooms ranging from 2 to 6 students per room depending on the size. Beds are not shared though other facilities like kitchen, bath etc are shared by students. They include

1. Green Hostel
2. Stream street Hostel +233-(0)244039363/ (0)266150699

Shopping Facilities

Shopping is almost always fun for students in many tertiary institutions worldwide. The school is yet to set up a shopping mall to the benefit of its students. Awaiting this, a private shopping mall by name Quick & Fine supermarket and some eateries are located inside the enclave of the Engen filling station as well as one near completion opposite the University,

Besides these, students can shop from the Madina township within which the school is located. If one has a quest for international standard shopping malls with an array of international products, the A& C shopping mall and Accra Shopping Mall will be immensely beneficial. Both malls though not exactly located in the Madina township, are averagely 10 minutes drive from campus.
There are also a lot of corner shops within the Madina township where the school is located. These have been very popular options for shopping to many students both local and international.

The Madina market, which serves the shopping needs of the people of Madina could also be of help to students wanting to shop, especially for local African and for that matter Ghanaian foodstuff.

Restaurant Services

The University Food Court, located within the Students Centre, is the primarily eating facility for students. Operated by private catering service providers and regulated by the University, the Food Court offers decent meals at affordable prices. Students may choose from Ghanaian cuisine or international choices, snack and drinks. If you have never tasted a Ghanaian meal, then your first meal in Ghana should be at Mama Lit, Tasty Treats Restaurants and others right on campus. Slightly away from campus are the popular Asanka Local Restaurant and Home Made Eatery noted for their delicious Ghanaian dishes.  There are also a number of food joints around campus known popularly in Ghana as Chop Bars.

Transportation

Moving in and out of campus may require the use of transport services depending on how far one is travelling. It is not at all risky to travel on foot if the distance is not much. However, if a student wishes to travel distances within the Accra area or beyond, there will be the need for transport services.

In Ghana, there are options with regards to transportation. A student could opt for private commercial buses [known in the local parlance as “trotro”] or make use of passenger taxis which sit not more than 4 passengers at a time and are always almost available. These commercial passenger vehicles are relatively cheaper.

Sports

Sports remain an integral part of the UPSA experience; and the School, in recent years, has emerged as a force to reckon with in respect to sports within the Ghanaian tertiary arena. UPSA, thus has to its credit, a 500-seat capacity Astro Turf Stadium, basketball court, volley ball court, tennis court and other indoor sporting facilities like table tennis.

Night Life

Accra is a busy city by night, especially at weekends. Students have a variety of pubs and entertainment centres around the Madina area where they may hang out. For funs of night clubs, the Padees night club is only 12 minutes drive from campus. There are also such Night Clubs as Boomerang, Aphrodisiac, Collisium, Neighbourhood, Jokers, Warehouse, Timberland, Yegola, Oops etc, which are averagely 20 – 30 minutes drive from campus, depending on the Club in question.

Culture

Ghana is a multi–cultural society stemming from the fact that, the country is made up of many tribal groupings. There is, however, a commonality that runs through these groups – love for all especially visitors. Thus, it is common to be greeted by people who have never known or seen you. This aspect of the Ghanaian culture has transcended, to such an extent, impacting positively on foreigners. Therefore, a foreigner will rarely miss his or her way in Ghana since it is part of the Ghanaian culture to give directions to people and for that matter visitor who may have missed their ways to their destinations.

Health Issues

The University Clinic, located at the North Eastern part of campus, is equipped with modern health facilities [including ambulance] for emergencies under the care of the Medical Director and Principal Medical Medical Officer. The ‘Ewuntoma’ Clinic, which caters for the health needs of both staff and students, provides general medical care, counselling and laboratory examinations. Other health facilities within close proximity to the University include the Madina Polyclinic, Pentecost Hospital, University of Ghana Hospital and the 37 Military Hospital.

Pick up Services

Students will be picked up from the airport or coach station by prior arrangement with the International Affairs Unit [the Centre for International Education and Collaboration (CIEC)] of the school. Students who wish to be picked up must inform the CIEC, at least a month before arrival. Officers’ of the Centre will be available at the arrival point to pick up such students. Please note that, this attracts extra a cost.

International Student Support

The well-being of students at this University is of immense importance to us. In light of this, the CIEC is the focal point for assisting all international students. The help and advice that we give can be quite varied and covers issues such as immigration, personal concerns and academic difficulties. Being attended to at the CIEC is not by appointment. Students can come to the Centre within the working hours of 8:30 am to 4:30pm from Monday to Friday.

Visas and Immigration

The Ghana Immigration Service is the frontline agency responsible for the entry, residence and employment of foreign nationals in Ghana in accordance with the provision of the Immigration Act (Act 573), 2000.

Entry Conditions

Subject to the conditions of the Immigration Act, any person who is seeing to enter into Ghana;

a) Must be in possession of a valid passport or other travel document and valid visa to enter Ghana where applicable.

b) Must have been exempted from obtaining a visa to enter Ghana.

c) Must have his name endorsed upon a visa and is in the company of the holder or the visa.

d) Must have applied and been granted an emergency entry permit; or

e) Must have been admitted to diplomatic status by the Government of Ghana.

Visa (Regulation 4(I) (D) OF L.I. 1691)

A visa may be obtained from Ghana Embassies/High Commissions, Consulates or other Embassies authorized by the Government of Ghana to issue visas on her behalf.

Emergency Entry Permit valid for 14 days may be obtained where on application has been filed on behalf of the foreign national by other national’s host with the Director of Immigration indicating;

• Personal details including nationality, place of residence in Ghana; Occupation or business to be followed or undertaken while Ghana;
• Particulars of passport;
• Proposed date of arrival;
• Purpose of visit and duration of stay;
• A statement to the effect that the applicant will not undertake or participate in any activities which might offend the religious beliefs or any section of the community;
• In case of a passenger passing through Ghana ,route to be followed; and
• An undertaken by the applicant to return any pass granted.
• Has had a security furnished by bond, deposit or a letter of guarantee by the person who guarantees the foreign national visit.

a) Please note that applicants must satisfy the conditions that the distance between their place of abode and the Ghana Consular office should be such that the impromptu nature of your journey could not make it possible for them to travel to the office for a visa;

b) That the applicant (s) is proceeding to Ghana at a short notice for business transactions;

c) That the applicant is a guest of the Government or a member of a delegation which is coming to Ghana at the instance of the Government at short notice, or

d) That the entry permit of an applicant who is a person resident in Ghana has expired while the applicant was outside Ghana.

Visitors

Having obtained the requisite visa, visitors must satisfy the Immigration officer on arrival that;

i. He is genuinely seeking entry for a limited period as stated by him.

ii. He will leave Ghana at the end of the period granted him.

iii. He will not take up any employment while on visitor’s permit.

iv. He does not intend studying in any school.

v. He will not be of public charge.

Before his entry is allowed at the point of entry a maximum of 60 days stay (90 days in the Case of ECOWAS nationals) is granted. The extension of the duration of the stay is allowed provided that the approving officer is convinced that conditions set above have been met.

Procedure for Extension of Stay

Visitors may abide by the following procedure in their application for extension or stay.

• Completion of the requisite application forms obtained from the Immigration Headquarters or the nearest Regional Commands of the Service.
• Provision of two current passport-sized photographs.
• An application letter from those who wish to stay for a period more than 3 months stating reason (s) for the request.
• Provision of a valid return ticket or any form of guarantee that the visitor will leave the country at the end of the period requested for.
• Provision of documentary evidence of intent to invest in Ghana (applicable to would-be investors only).
• Provision of a valid passport; and
• The payment of the requisite processing fee.

Please note that employment is restricted while on visitor’s permit.

Requirements for Ghana Passport

1. Evidence (proof) of citizenship;
(a) Birth Certificate or,
(b) Certificate of Registration/ Naturalization or
(c) Old passport or
(d) Statutory Declaration by applicant’s parents or
(e) An affidavit by head of applicant’s family
2. A completed application form (obtainable at any Post Office in Ghana)
3. Four (4) current passport size photographs (Not more than six (6) months old)
4.Evidence of profession where applicable
5. Marriage Certificate (Married Women who want to use their spouse’s name)
6. Applicants with one foreign parent are required to attach copies of their Ghanaian parent’s passport to their application.
7. Applicants with foreign Birth Certificates are required to provide evidence of arrival in Ghana and also translated birth certificates in other languages into English.
8. Fee: ¢100,000 or GH¢10.00 subject to yearly review.

Immigration Notices

Prospective travellers must note that the possession of the appropriate documents does not confer a right of entry. Travellers may be refused entry into Ghana if they fall within the category of prohibited immigrants and if they do not satisfy Immigration requirements at the point of entry. The Service will not be financially liable for their repatriation. The carrier, master or agent of the aircraft, vessel, and vehicle will be wholly or severally responsible for his immediate removal from Ghana and carrier liability will be extracted where applicable.

Pre-Entry Conditions

Ghana Visa

Ghana entry visa is an authority or permit issued to foreigners who wish or desire to enter into, or transit through Ghana’s territory.
The basic objectives of Ghana’s Entry visa policy are:

• To facilitate the entry of genuine travelers while managing the associated risks; and

• To contribute to building strong international links, promoting tourism, investment, and addressing skills shortages

According to the applicant’s identity, purpose of visit and type of passport, the Ghana entry visa falls into two main categories, namely diplomatic and ordinary visas.

Diplomatic Visa

Diplomatic visas are issued to members of the diplomatic or consular services of a foreign country who are duly accredited to Ghana by the government of the country concerned i.e. Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Public Ministers, Career Diplomats or Consular Officers etc.

Officials of International Organizations who are entitled to diplomatic privileges by, or under the provisions of any enactment, such as the United Nations and its specialized Agencies, World Bank officials on official duty or assignment in Ghana.

Members of immediate families of these categories are also granted diplomatic visas – These are coded as A1, A2, A3, and are issued gratis.

Ordinary Visa

These are issued to several sub-categories of visitors on business, tourism or holidays, temporary employment, transit etc. etc. These are coded to determine the type or nature of visit.

The most common ones are:
B-1 – Business visa.
B-2 – Holiday/Tourist Visa
C-1; C-2 – Transit Visa
D – Crew Visa
F-1; F-2 – Student Visa
H-1 to H-4 – Temporary Workers Visa
Etc, etc, etc

General Entry Requirements

Please note that as with any nation, Ghana’s immigration laws may change without notice.

All foreigners seeking permission to enter Ghana require Ghana entry visa unless otherwise exempted. The visa should be endorsed on valid passport or travel documents issued by competent national or international authorities and recognized by the Government of Ghana.

a) Ghana entry visas are obtainable from any Ghana Embassy, High Commission or Consulate abroad. Where Ghana has no Consular or Diplomatic representation entry visa may be issued on arrival, if the Director of Immigration has prior notification from travelers or their sponsors or hosts. This visa also referred to as an emergency visa is valid for fourteen (14) days within which period the prospective traveler should have embarked on the journey.