How to Apply to KNUST After SHS: A Step-by-Step Guide for Ghanaian Students
For many Senior High School students in Ghana, gaining admission to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is an important academic goal. However, the application process can be confusing if applicants are unfamiliar with the University's requirements and online admissions system.
KNUST's undergraduate admission process is primarily merit-based, and applicants must meet the University's minimum requirements as well as the specific requirements for their chosen programme.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, KNUST has confirmed that Ghanaian applicants with WASSCE results, as well as candidates who will write WASSCE in July/August 2026, are eligible to apply.
Here is a step-by-step guide for an SHS student in Ghana.
Step 1: Check that you meet the admission requirements
Before buying an application voucher, first establish whether you meet the minimum requirements for undergraduate admission.
For WASSCE applicants, KNUST requires credit passes (A1–C6) in:
English Language
Core Mathematics
Integrated Science
Three relevant elective subjects
Applicants must also obtain an aggregate score of 24 or better in the relevant area of study. Programme-specific requirements may impose additional conditions, so meeting the general requirement does not automatically guarantee eligibility for every programme.
Important for SHS students
Your programme of study in SHS matters. For example, an applicant should not select a university programme without first checking whether their WASSCE elective subjects satisfy the requirements for that programme.
KNUST advises prospective applicants to check the requirements for their intended programme before making their choices.
Step 2: Decide what you want to study
Before starting the application, research the KNUST undergraduate programmes and identify programmes for which you qualify. Do not choose a programme simply because it is popular.
Consider:
Your WASSCE subjects
Your grades
The programme's specific requirements
Your interests and career plans
The competitiveness of the programme
KNUST provides prospective applicants with admission information and guidance to help them make suitable programme choices.
Step 3: Create an account on the KNUST Admissions Portal
The application is completed online through the KNUST Admissions Portal. Applicants should create an account using a valid email address. KNUST's admissions system uses the email address for account verification and other application-related communication.
KNUST Admissions Portal
Use an email account that you regularly check. Make sure you can access it throughout the admission process.
Step 4: Purchase the application e-voucher
For the 2026/2027 admission cycle, the application fee for Ghanaian applicants is GH¢250. KNUST currently provides several ways for Ghanaian applicants to obtain the e-voucher.
Option 1: Purchase online
After registering and verifying your account on the KNUST Admissions Portal, you can purchase the e-voucher online using Visa, Mastercard or Mobile Money.
Option 2: Use the USSD code
From a mobile phone:
Dial (star* 415 *star 55#), then follow the prompts to purchase the application e-voucher through Mobile Money. After purchasing it, return to the KNUST Admissions Portal and verify the voucher before beginning the application.
Option 3: Purchase from Ghana Post
Ghanaian applicants can also purchase the e-voucher from designated Ghana Post offices. After obtaining the voucher, log into the KNUST Admissions Portal and verify the voucher to begin the application.
Step 5: Prepare your documents
Before completing the form, have clear electronic copies of the required documents available. KNUST's application instructions require applicants to attach relevant supporting documents, including:
Birth Certificate
Ghana Card/Passport or other accepted identification
WASSCE results slip/certificate, where available
Other relevant academic or professional certificates, where applicable
Documents should be scanned in the required format and uploaded to the application. If you are an SHS student awaiting WASSCE results, KNUST's application instructions allow applicants to indicate “awaiting” where applicable during the results section.
Step 6: Complete your personal information
Log into the application system using your account and voucher details. Complete the personal-information section carefully.
You may be required to provide information such as:
Full name Date of birth Contact details Residential information Identification details Other personal information requested by the portal
Check your information carefully before moving forward. A mistake in your name, date of birth, examination details or other important information can create problems during the admission process.
Step 7: Enter your educational and WASSCE information
Enter your SHS and examination information exactly as it appears on your official documents.
This includes details such as:
School attended Examination type Examination year WASSCE index number Subjects Grades
KNUST specifically warns applicants to provide examination details accurately. Incorrect or missing examination information can affect an applicant's admission consideration. If you have more than one relevant result or certificate, the system provides an option to add additional results.
Step 8: Select your programme choices
This is one of the most important stages of the application. Select the programmes you wish to apply for and ensure that your WASSCE subjects and grades satisfy the requirements.
For the regular undergraduate application, applicants should select Regular as the programme stream. KNUST's application system also asks applicants whether they wish to be considered for fee-paying/parallel admission.
Do not randomly select programmes. Check the requirements for each programme before submitting your choices.
Step 9: Upload the required documents
Upload your scanned supporting documents in the appropriate sections.
Make sure:
The documents are clear and readable. Your name and relevant information can be seen. You upload the correct document in each section. You do not submit incomplete or incorrect files.
KNUST requires applicants to attach the relevant mandatory documents to the online application.
Step 10: Review the entire application
Before submitting, carefully review every section.
Check: Personal information → Educational background → WASSCE details → Programme choices → Documents → Identification information
This is the stage to correct errors
KNUST's application instructions state that applicants can save their applications and continue later, and applications can be edited before the deadline.
Step 11: Submit the application
Once you are satisfied that everything is correct, complete the declaration confirming that the information provided is accurate. Then submit the application.
Do not submit until you have checked everything carefully. KNUST advises applicants to keep a copy of the completed application for their personal records.
Step 12: Keep your application details safe
After submitting, keep your:
Application details
Login information
Voucher information
Application reference/details
Submitted application copy
Do not share your password or sensitive login information with other people. You should also regularly check the email address you used during registration for communications relating to your application.
What if you are still in SHS and awaiting WASSCE results?
You do not necessarily have to wait for your WASSCE results before applying.
For the 2026/2027 cycle, KNUST states that applicants who will write WASSCE in July/August 2026 are eligible to apply. The University's application instructions also provide an “awaiting” option for subjects where results are not yet available.
However, applicants should carefully follow the University's instructions concerning the submission and consideration of results.
How much does it cost?
For the 2026/2027 academic year, KNUST lists the application processing fee for Ghanaian applicants at:
GH¢250
International applicants are required to pay US$100 or the stated cedi equivalent.
What is the deadline?
Deadlines depend on the applicant category.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, KNUST states that Ghanaian applicants applying with WASSCE results can apply until WASSCE results are released. Other categories, including mature applicants, international applicants and Ghanaian applicants with foreign results, have separate deadlines.
Applicants should always check the University's latest admission notice rather than relying on deadlines from previous admission years.
Common mistakes SHS applicants should avoid
1. Choosing a programme without checking its requirements
A good WASSCE aggregate does not automatically qualify you for every KNUST programme.
2. Entering incorrect WASSCE information
Your index number, examination year, examination type, subjects and grades should be entered correctly.
3. Using an inaccessible email
Use an email address that you can regularly access.
4. Uploading unclear documents
Poor-quality scans can make documents difficult to verify.
5. Waiting until the last minute
Technical problems, payment issues or incomplete information can delay an application.
6. Forgetting to save your application
KNUST's system allows applicants to save and continue their applications. Use this feature when necessary.
7. Assuming admission is automatic
Meeting the minimum requirements makes you eligible to apply, but KNUST states that admission is based on merit and available places are competitive.
Final checklist before you submit
An SHS applicant should ideally have:
☑ Checked KNUST's minimum entry requirements
☑ Checked the specific requirements for the chosen programme
☑ Created and verified a KNUST Admissions Portal account
☑ Purchased and verified the GH¢250 e-voucher
☑ Prepared the required documents
☑ Entered WASSCE details correctly
☑ Selected appropriate programme choices
☑ Uploaded clear documents
☑ Reviewed the entire application
☑ Submitted the application
☑ Kept a copy of the submitted application and relevant details
The key message for SHS students
Applying to KNUST is not simply about filling out an online form. The most important part is making sure you qualify for the programme you select and entering your information accurately.
Take your time, read the University's official instructions, verify your programme requirements and review your application before submitting it.
For the latest admission requirements, programme information and application instructions, prospective applicants should rely on the official KNUST website and Admissions Portal rather than unofficial social-media posts or outdated application guides.
Official KNUST Admissions Portal: apps.knust.edu.gh/admissions