Level 100 students raise concerns over delayed ‘No-Fees-Stress’ refunds

Some Level 100 students under the 2026 beneficiary batch of the government’s no-fees-stress policy say they are still waiting to receive reimbursement for academic fees paid at the beginning of the school year, despite successfully completing the application process months ago.

The policy, introduced as part of government’s efforts to improve access to tertiary education, was designed to reduce the financial burden on first-year students in public universities and colleges by refunding fees paid after successful registration through a designated government portal.

However, several affected students say the delays in disbursement are creating financial difficulties for families who depended on the promised reimbursement to recover loans and other expenses incurred during admissions.

According to some beneficiaries, they fulfilled all the required procedures, submitted the necessary documentation, and received confirmation that their applications had been processed, yet no refunds have been received.

The students are now calling on the government to provide clearer communication and timelines regarding when payments will be made.

One student explained that his family had taken a loan to cover tuition and other educational costs based on expectations that the reimbursement would arrive within a reasonable period.

He said the prolonged delay has placed additional financial pressure on his parents, who were counting on the refund to settle outstanding debts.

Another beneficiary also expressed frustration over the uncertainty surrounding the programme, noting that many parents relied heavily on the government’s assurances when arranging payment plans for their children’s education.

According to the students, the lack of official updates on the status of payments has increased anxiety among beneficiaries as schools prepare to reopen for the next academic term.

The no-fees-stress policy remains one of the government’s flagship education interventions aimed at expanding tertiary education access and reducing financial barriers facing first-year students.

Education stakeholders have generally welcomed the initiative, describing it as a potentially transformative programme capable of improving enrolment and easing the burden on low-income families.

However, analysts say delays in reimbursement could undermine public confidence in the policy if concerns over implementation are not addressed quickly.

Students are therefore urging authorities to expedite the disbursement process and ensure that all qualified beneficiaries receive their refunds before the beginning of the next semester.

They also want government agencies managing the programme to improve transparency and communication with applicants to avoid uncertainty and confusion.

The issue has sparked broader conversations about funding sustainability and administrative efficiency in the implementation of social intervention programmes within Ghana’s education sector.