News Summary
The University of Memphis has announced that 185 Ghanaian students are at risk of academic dismissal due to insufficient funds from the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat. The scholarship, intended to cover tuition and fees, has received only $400,000 of the required $3.6 million, leaving students in financial distress. Many cannot enroll for the upcoming fall semester, affecting their academic standings and visa statuses. As a result, students are seeking donations to meet their financial obligations, while the university explores potential solutions to assist affected students.
Memphis, TN – The University of Memphis (U of M) has announced that 185 students from Ghana are at risk of academic dismissal due to a failure in financial obligations from the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat (GSS). This situation has arisen as a result of insufficient funds allocated to support these students under a scholarship program established between the university and the Republic of Ghana in 2023.
The scholarship program was designed to cover tuition and fees for Ghanaian students studying at the U of M, with a total required funding amount of $3.6 million. However, the Republic of Ghana has disbursed only $400,000 thus far, leading to significant financial strain on both the students and the university.
Because of the GSS’s continued failure to meet these financial commitments, many of the affected students are unable to enroll in classes for the upcoming fall semester. This predicament not only jeopardizes their academic standing but also threatens to create complications regarding their visa status and housing, as well as access to broader support services provided by the university.
Previously, U of M had expressed optimism that the financial situation would be resolved before the commencement of the August 2025 semester. However, students have been informed that they are responsible for paying any outstanding balances by July 11, 2025, to avoid having their courses dropped, which has escalated the anxiety surrounding their academic futures.
In response to the crisis, the University of Memphis has proposed potential solutions for the affected students, including options for loans or grants to help cover necessary expenses. Despite these efforts, many students find these options inadequate or impractical given their financial circumstances.
The students facing dismissal are commendably academically strong, boasting an average GPA of 3.75. Among them is biomedical engineering student Manuel Asiamah, who has highlighted that the current scholarship funding is insufficient to meet their educational expenses, a sentiment echoed by others in similar situations. The lack of sufficient resources raises concerns not only about their ability to continue their education but also about their overall welfare while studying abroad.
As the fall semester draws near, these students are actively seeking donations to help alleviate their financial burdens, urging community members and benefactors to support their educational aspirations. Their situation underscores the importance of reliable funding for scholarships that enable students from developing nations to pursue higher education opportunities in the United States.
The University of Memphis remains committed to assisting the affected students as they explore all available avenues to resolve their financial challenges. However, the ongoing funding issues with the GSS have cast a cloud over the future of these promising students, leaving them in a precarious position as they navigate the complexities of their education.
In conclusion, the financial disputes between the University of Memphis and the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat highlight the significant impact of funding shortages on international students. The university’s proactive approach to finding solutions is commendable, but the urgency of the situation demands immediate attention to ensure these students do not face unnecessary setbacks in their academic journeys.
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Additional Resources
- Commercial Appeal: University of Memphis Ghana Students
- Fox13 Memphis: U of M Students from Ghana
- WREG: U of M Ghanaian Students at Risk
- Google Search: University of Memphis Ghana students scholarship
- Local Memphis: Ghanaian UofM Students Dismissed
- Wikipedia: University of Memphis
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
