There has been an increasing number of prospective students asking about the criteria used by Ghana’s Colleges of Education when selecting applicants for admission.
In response to these concerns, this article explains some of the key factors colleges consider during the admission process and what applicants must meet to improve their chances of gaining entry.
Academic Results
One of the most important requirements considered by colleges of education is the applicant’s academic performance.
To qualify, candidates must obtain credit passes (A1–C6) in three core subjects—English Language, Mathematics, and Integrated Science—as well as three relevant elective subjects.
However, meeting the minimum entry requirements does not automatically guarantee admission. Due to intense competition, colleges often prioritize applicants who achieve higher grades. In simple terms, stronger results significantly increase the likelihood of being selected.
Example
Consider two applicants who applied to Komenda College of Education for the 2025/2026 academic year when only one slot is available.
If Applicant A meets the minimum requirement with an aggregate of 12 while Applicant B has an aggregate of 9, the college is more likely to admit Applicant B because of the better overall grades, even though both applicants meet the basic qualification criteria.
Choice of Programme
Another factor colleges examine is the program an applicant chooses.
Candidates are expected to select programs that align with the subjects they studied in senior high school. For example, a student who studied agricultural science is more suited to apply for a JHS program rather than choosing a completely unrelated programme such as early childhood education.
Selecting a program that matches your academic background helps avoid disqualification during the screening process.
Selecting the Right Programme in the Right College
Applicants are also advised to carefully review the programs offered by the colleges they intend to apply to.
In some cases, applicants select programs that are not offered in their chosen institutions or do not match their academic background, which can lead to their applications being rejected.
Choosing a program that aligns with both your SHS background and the programs available at the college increases the chances of a successful application.
Choice of College
Colleges of Education may sometimes give preference to applicants from within their catchment areas. For this reason, candidates are often advised to select a college closer to their location as their first choice.
Applicants are required to choose three colleges and also select a Ghanaian language.
For instance, if an applicant chooses Twi as the accompanying language, colleges that offer Twi will appear as options during the selection process. Selecting a language you can read and speak comfortably is therefore important.
Submission of Application Documents
After completing the online application form, applicants must print the completed form and submit it together with one passport photograph and copies of their result slips (if available).
These documents must be placed in an EMS priority envelope obtained from Ghana Post and addressed to the principal of the applicant’s first-choice college.
Failure to submit the required documents properly may result in disqualification from the admission process.
Important Notice
Colleges of Education verify applicants’ examination results with the West African Examinations Council as part of the admission process.
Applicants who submit forged or falsified documents will be disqualified.
By understanding these requirements and carefully following the application guidelines, prospective students can improve their chances of securing admission into their preferred Colleges of education.