The Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) is Ghana's government-backed scheme that helps tertiary students finance their education. After a major overhaul that removed the guarantor requirement and increased the amounts, it has become far easier to access. This guide explains who qualifies in 2026, how much you can borrow, the interest rate, how to apply through the SLTF portal, and when and how you repay.
What is the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF)?
The SLTF is a public fund set up to provide financial assistance to Ghanaian students in accredited tertiary institutions — public and, in defined cases, private. Its purpose is to make sure that no qualified student is denied higher education because of money. Over the past few years the scheme has been modernised: applications moved fully online, identity is verified through the Ghana Card and biometric registration, and the old guarantor system — which used to block many students who could not find guarantors — has been scrapped.
Who is eligible in 2026
To qualify for an SLTF loan you generally need to be:
- A Ghanaian citizen with a valid Ghana Card;
- An actively registered student in an accredited tertiary institution;
- Enrolled on a recognised programme and able to complete biometric registration for identification and tracking.
In addition, Ghanaian persons with disabilities in public tertiary institutions are entitled to full academic fee coverage under the Free Tertiary Education policy, separate from the regular loan. The scheme covers students across universities, technical universities, colleges of education and other accredited institutions.
How much you can borrow
Following a 50% increase announced in late 2025, the regular SLTF loan now ranges from about GH¢2,250 to GH¢4,500 per academic year, depending on the student's category and need. The loan is intended to support fees and living costs rather than cover every expense, so most students treat it as a top-up to family support or other funding. Because the amount is disbursed per academic year, you re-apply or renew each year you remain enrolled.
The interest rate: now 6% simple
One of the most important recent changes is the cost of the loan. The interest rate was reduced to 6% simple interest during the study and moratorium periods, down from the previous 12% compound rate. Simple interest (charged only on the original principal) is far cheaper over time than compound interest (charged on principal plus accumulated interest), so the reform meaningfully lowers what graduates eventually repay. This makes the SLTF significantly cheaper than commercial student or personal loans in Ghana, which carry much higher rates.
No guarantor required
Historically, the biggest barrier to an SLTF loan was finding guarantors — often a SSNIT contributor or a recognised professional — who were willing to vouch for the student. That requirement has been removed. The system now relies entirely on the student's Ghana Card and biometric verification to confirm identity and track the borrower for future repayment. This single change has opened the loan to thousands of students who previously could not apply.
How to apply through the SLTF portal
The application is done online and then confirmed in person. The typical steps are:
- Register and complete the application form on the SLTF online portal (www.sltf.gov.gh);
- Provide a valid e-zwich or GCB Bank account for disbursement;
- Upload your admission letter and student ID, along with your Ghana Card details;
- Visit an SLTF zonal office to complete biometric verification.
Once verification is done and your application is approved, the funds are disbursed to the account you provided. Apply early in the academic year, as processing and verification take time and disbursement follows after approval.
When and how you repay
Repayment is designed to start only once you can realistically afford it. It begins after graduation, completion of National Service, and a one-year grace period — so you typically have well over a year after finishing your programme before the first payment is due. The repayment period then runs from 2 to 10 years, depending on how many loans (academic years) you took.
You can repay through several channels: mobile money using the short code *827#, salary deduction once you are employed, or payments through partner banks. Keeping up with repayment matters beyond the loan itself: defaulting can affect your credit record with Ghana's credit bureaus and make future borrowing harder.
How to check your SLTF balance and manage your loan
Once you have a loan, it is important to track what you owe across the years you borrowed. You can check your SLTF balance through the SLTF online portal by logging into your account, or via the mobile money short code *827#, which is also used for repayment. Keeping an eye on your running balance helps you avoid surprises when repayment begins and lets you make voluntary early payments to reduce the interest you pay.
For applications, status updates and balance enquiries you can also use the SLTF application form on the portal and contact the Fund directly. The SLTF operates a head office in Accra and zonal offices across the country where biometric verification is done; the current office locations and contact details are listed on www.sltf.gov.gh. If you ever fall behind, note that persistent non-payment can place you on the Fund's defaulters list and be reported to Ghana's credit bureaus, which affects future borrowing — so engage early if you have difficulty paying.
Is the SLTF worth it?
For most Ghanaian tertiary students, the SLTF is the cheapest and most accessible way to finance education. At 6% simple interest, with no guarantor and a long, grace-period-protected repayment window, it is far gentler than commercial loans. The main limitations are the annual cap (GH¢2,250–GH¢4,500), which may not cover full costs, and the need to complete biometric verification in person. Used sensibly — borrowing only what you need and keeping track of your total balance across years — it is a sound way to fund your studies without the heavy cost of private credit.