Many students in Ghana eager to study abroad are falling victim to scams by fake agents and middlemen who promise easy admission and visa processing. These fraudsters exploit students’ dreams, taking money without delivering results.
The Vice Dean of the International Programmes Office( IPO) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Professor Esmeralda Manful, advises students to verify all scholarship links and admission offers before taking action. She explains that legitimate study opportunities exist, especially through exchange programs where partner universities admit KNUST students.
She urges students to visit the IPO for guidance to avoid scams. Flora Akosua Agyemang, a student studying in France, shares her experience.
“I only spoke to trusted people. Referrals can be risky. I completed my process in less than three months because I followed the right steps.”
Foster Boateng, a health sciences student at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, warns against relying on agents. “I searched for schools, applied, and handled my visa application myself.
I paid no agent. The visa process was challenging, but I made it.
An agent does not guarantee approval.” Isaac Asiedu Agyapong, a fifth-year medical student at KNUST, nearly fell victim to a scam from an old schoolmate.
“I received a link to an offer, but it seemed suspicious. I checked the institution’s official Instagram page and found out it was fake.”
Students seeking to study abroad are advised to be cautious, verify all opportunities, and seek help from trusted institutions to avoid falling for scams.