There are many Technical and Private Universities that offer programmes you can study with D7 and E8 after completing Senior High level. These Institutions have flexible admission requirements than the Public Institutions like University of Ghana (Legon), KNUST and UCC.

The reason is that Public Universities will not accept D7 or E8 for a degree programme. However, for Arts and Business courses, they allow you to substitute a poor Integrated Science grade like D7 or E8 with a good Social Studies grade. Even with the swap, you still need a minimum grade of C6 or better in Core Maths, English and your chosen electives to gain admission.

Note: Make sure to check the entry requirements from the handbook of the University want to apply.

This guide takes into consideration the options that are available to you after securing either D7 or E8 in Core or relevant subjects. Below are few steps we recommend when you find yourself in such situations. These are proven strategies to help you reach your degree.

1. Enrol in a Diploma Programme

Many Institutions allow students with either D7 or E8 to enrol in a two year diploma programme. After completing you can then apply for “top-up” and enter a degree programme at level 200 or 300. This makes you graduate with both a diploma certificate and a degree.

2. Consider an Access or Pre-University Course

These are short courses which last only one year, designed for students who did not meet the full entry requirement. These courses are meant to improve your understanding in English, Mathematics and other relevant subjects to prepare you well for University studies.

3. Try out Technical and Vocational Training (TVET)

These are Institutions that provide practical skill-oriented programmes with certificate and HND programmes for students with lower grades in WASSCE results. They offer career courses that lead you to degree top-up opportunities.

4. Register for November/December (NovDec)

The NovDec exam gives a chance for students who performed poorly or failed in certain subjects to write those subjects again. Universities in Ghana accept two WASSCE results at once, meaning you can stregthen your admission chances by including both your previous results as well as your improved NovDec results. While working on your results, it does not stop you from starting a diploma programme at the same time.

Find out how to register for NovDec

HND and Diploma Programmes to study

Below are some popular HND/Diploma programmes you can consider if you choose to study at any Technical University or decide to go for a diploma certifcate.

Read More about Top Universities in Ghana accepting D7 and E8.

• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electical and Electronic Engineering
• Agricultural Engineering
• Interior Design and Technology
• Building Technology
• Computer Science Technology
• Medical Laboratory Technology
• Nursing Technology
• Business Administration
• Hospitality and Tourism Management

After completing your three year HND course, you can apply for a one or two year degree Top-up programme to earn a Bachelor’s degree. This means you end up with two qualifications, an HND certificate and a degree.

Recommendations

Here is what we recommend based on your grades:

• Where you had D7 in one or two subjects but passed others, apply to a Technical University for an HND programme.
• Where you had E8 in core subjects like Maths or Science, try Pre-HND Access Course at a Technical University to prepare you for an HND programme and a top-up to obtain a degree.
• Where you had bad grades in all subjects, you should consider registering for NovDec.
• If you are above 25 years old, there are entrance tests or exams designed for matured students at GCTU, GIMPA and other Universities.