KNUST Sends Students Abroad Every Year Through a Program Many Students Don’t Know About

Almost every student you meet has a dream of travelling abroad, but they usually assume they have to wait until after graduation. They believe international exposure only comes with a degree, a job offer, or a big scholarship. What most students do not realise is that some of their colleagues are already travelling while still in school, attending classes in foreign universities, and returning to complete their degrees at home.

This opportunity exists through what is known as an exchange program. In simple terms, an exchange program allows a student to study in a partner university abroad for a semester or a year, while remaining a registered student of their home university. At KNUST, this is coordinated through the International Programs Office, commonly called IPO. Similar offices exist at the University of Ghana, Legon, through the International Programmes Office, and in other public universities across Ghana.

An exchange program is not a transfer. You do not lose your place in your university, and you do not start again. You simply study abroad for a period, earn credits, and return home to continue your programme. For many students, this is their first time holding a passport, boarding a plane, or experiencing a different academic culture.

Eligibility is often simpler than students expect. You usually need to be in good academic standing, often in your second year or above, depending on the agreement. Some programs require a minimum CWA, while others focus on motivation and departmental approval. Contrary to popular belief, you do not always need to be a top student. What matters is readiness and awareness.

What the program involves is where its real power lies. Students attend lectures, use world-class libraries, interact with international peers, and experience teaching styles that challenge their thinking. Many return more confident, more disciplined, and clearer about their academic goals. It also strengthens a student’s CV in ways that grades alone cannot.

Cost is the question that scares most students, but for KNUST students, tuition fees are usually catered for under the exchange agreement. This means you do not pay school fees at the host university. However, students are generally expected to cover accommodation, feeding, and personal expenses, though some programs offer stipends or partial support depending on the destination.

The biggest barrier is not money or grades. It is lack of information. Many students graduate without ever hearing about these programs, while others travel simply because someone told them early enough. Opportunity often favors awareness.