Many teacher trainees and students in other tertiary institutions keep asking GH EDU PRO an important question:
“Will the No Fees Stress support be given every year, or is it just once?”
This question comes up often because students want to plan well for their finances throughout their stay in school. Paying fees has always been one of the biggest challenges for tertiary students, especially for first years who are just beginning their journey. The introduction of the No Fees Stress policy came as a big relief for freshers. But the truth is, many are still confused about how long it lasts.
To clear the confusion, here is the simple answer: The No Fees Stress policy is given only once. It is not something you will receive every year throughout your program. Let’s break it down.
Who is eligible for the No Fees Stress policy?
The support is strictly for newly admitted students, usually referred to as Level 100 or First Year students. This means that once you gain admission into a college of education, a university, or any other tertiary institution that benefits from the policy, you qualify in your first year.
Who is not eligible?
If you are already in Level 200, 300, or 400, you do not qualify. Continuing students are not part of the policy. It is designed to make the entry point into tertiary education less stressful by reducing the immediate financial burden on freshers.
What happens in the following years?
In the next academic year, the No Fees Stress support does not continue for the same group of students. Instead, it goes to the new batch of admitted freshers who are just entering Level 100. So, while you may have benefited in your first year, the following year’s support will go to another group of new students.
This means you only enjoy it once, at the very beginning of your tertiary education. After that, you are expected to make your own financial arrangements to pay your fees.
What can continuing students do for financial support?
After receiving the No Fees Stress in your first year, when you move on to the next level, you no longer receive it. At that point, students who face financial challenges can apply for the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF). The student loan is meant to help continuing students who need support to pay their fees and take care of their basic needs in school.
In summary
- No Fees Stress is only once — it is for freshers or newly admitted students only.
- Continuing students (Level 200 and above) do not qualify.
- Every academic year, the support goes to new first years.
- From second year onwards, you may apply for a student loan if you qualify.
The No Fees Stress policy is a good starting point, but students must prepare themselves for how to handle fees in the following years. Understanding this will help you plan your finances better and avoid future disappointments.
