KNUST Distance Learning (IDL) Opens Admissions for 2026/2027 Academic Year

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Top-Up Undergraduate Programmes
• Diploma Programmes
• Entry Requirements
• Specific Entry Requirements for Diploma Programmes
• Application Process

The Institute of Distance Learning (IDL), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has announced the sale of Application E-Vouchers for admission into various Undergraduate Top-Up and Diploma programmes through the Distance Learning Mode for the 2026/2027 Academic Year.

Prospective applicants are advised to carefully review the entry requirements for their preferred programme before submitting an application.

Top-Up Undergraduate Programmes

Two-Year Top-Up Programmes

1. BSc Business Administration (7 Options)
2. BSc Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics (QSCE)
3. BSc Construction Technology and Management (CTM)
4. BA Social Work (Three Years)
5. BA Sociology (Three Years)
6. BSc Information Technology
7. BSc Statistics
8. BSc Agriculture
9. BSc Actuarial Science
10. BSc Computer Science

Two-and-a-Half-Year Top-Up Programmes

1. BSc Agriculture (Certificate in Agriculture Holders)
2. BSc Civil Engineering
3. BSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering
4. BSc Geomatic Engineering
5. BSc Mechanical Engineering
6. BSc Petroleum Engineering (Online Only)
7. BSc Chemical Engineering (Online Only)

Diploma Programmes

Two-Year Diploma Programmes

• Diploma in Architectural Technology
• Diploma in Business Administration
• Diploma in Information Technology
• Diploma in French for Profession
• Diploma in Food Manufacturing
• Diploma in Health Communication

Three-Year Diploma Programmes

• Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science
• Diploma in Health Information Management

Entry Requirements Of Programmes

Two-Year Top-Up Undergraduate Programmes

1. BSc Business Administration

Entry Requirements: HND or its equivalent in business related to the options available. The options available are:

• Human Resource Management
• Management
• Accounting
• Banking and Finance
• Marketing
• Hospitality Management
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Candidates shall continue in the AREAS OF SPECIALISATION in their respective programmes for the Top–up.

HND holders from non-Business backgrounds as well as Diplomas below HND would be admitted to second year.

2. BSc. Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics (QSCE)

3. BSc. Construction Technology and Management (CTM)

Entry Requirements for QSCE and CTM: HND in Building Technology or its equivalent Diploma Certificate.

4. B.A. Social Work

Entry Requirements: Applicants with any of the following qualifications from an accredited University or Institution:

1. Diploma in Social Work
2. Degree or Diploma in Education
3. Diploma from Teacher Training Colleges/Nursing Training College
4. HND in Management or Human Resource Management
5. Degree or Diploma in Theology and Biblical Studies.

5. B.A. Sociology

Entry Requirements: Applicants with any of the following qualifications from an accredited University or Institution:

• Diploma in Social Work
• Diploma in Social Administration
• Diploma in Police/Prison Administration
• Degree or Diploma in Education
• Diploma from Teacher Training Colleges
• Diploma from Nursing Training Colleges
• Degree or Diploma in Theology
• First Degree in any Social Science Programme
• HND in Business Administration (i.e. Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing, etc.)

6. BSc. Information Technology

Entry Requirements: Applicants with any of the following qualifications from an accredited University or Institution:

• HND or equivalent Diploma Certificate in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Electronics, Data Processing, Information Systems/Sciences and any area related to any of the programmes listed.
• A first degree in any Physical Sciences or Engineering.

7. BSc. Statistics

Entry Requirements: Applicants with HND in Statistics or related equivalent Diploma certificate from an accredited Institution.

8. BSc. Agriculture

Entry Requirements: Applicants with Diploma in Agriculture, Diploma in Horticulture, HND in Agriculture or any related Science Programme from a reputable Agricultural Institution.

9. BSc. Actuarial Science

Entry Requirements: Applicants with any of the following qualifications from an accredited Institution or University:

• HND or equivalent Diploma Certificate in Actuarial Science, Statistics, Engineering, Mathematics, Physical Science or Accounting
• University graduates holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, Engineering, Physical Science or Statistics

10. BSc. Computer Science

Entry Requirements: Applicants with any of the following qualifications from an accredited Institution or University could apply. HND or its equivalent in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Electronics, Data Processing, Information Systems/Sciences (with Mathematics) and any area related to any of the programmes listed.

READ ALSO: KNUST Opens Admission to PhD and Masters Programmes for the 2026/2027 Academic Year

KNUST Opens Applications for 2026/2027 Academic Year, Announces Entry Requirements and Guidelines

Two and Half Years Top-Up Undergraduate Programmes

1. BSc. Agriculture

Entry Requirements: Applicants with Certificate in Agriculture from a reputable Agricultural Institution.

2. BSc. Civil Engineering

HND in Civil Engineering from a recognised Technical University or equivalent Diploma from a recognised institution

3. BSc. Geomatic Engineering

HND in Surveying and Mapping or Diploma in Geodetic/Geomatic Engineering or its equivalent from an accredited institution.

4. BSc. Electrical and Electronic Engineering

HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering/Computer Engineering/Telecommunication Engineering or an equivalent Diploma certificate.

5. BSc. Mechanical Engineering

HND or its equivalent Diploma Certificate from an accredited institution in any of the following Mechanical Engineering disciplines:

• Production Engineering
• Plant Engineering
• Automobile Engineering
• Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning
• Foundry Technology

6. BSc. Petroleum Engineering

1. HND in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Civil Engineering.
2. First Degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.

7. BSc. Chemical Engineering

HND or its equivalent in Chemical Engineering

Two-Year Diploma Programmes

General Entry Requirements For All Diploma Programmes

1. Science and Technology Programmes:

SSCE Candidates: Passes (A–D) in five (5) subjects comprising three core subjects of English Language, Integrated Science and Mathematics, plus two (2) elective subjects.

WASSCE Candidates: Credit Passes (A1–C6) in five (5) subjects comprising three core subjects of English Language, Integrated Science and Mathematics, plus two (2) elective subjects.

2. Arts, Business and Humanities Programmes:

SSCE Candidates: Passes (A–D) in five (5) subjects comprising three core subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, plus two (2) elective subjects

WASSCE Candidates: Credit Passes (A1–C6) in five (5) subjects comprising three core subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, plus two (2) elective subjects

3. General Certificate of Education (G.C.E) ‘A’ Level Holders

Passes in three (3) subjects (at least, one of the passes should be Grade D or better). Also, the applicant must have had credit passes (Grade 6) in five GCE Ordinary Level subjects including English, Mathematics and a Science subject (for non-science students) and an Arts subject for (Science students).

4. Advanced Business Certificate Examination (ABCE)

Passes in three (3) subjects (at least, one of the passes should be Grade D or better). In addition, the applicant must have had credit passes in five (5) subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science or Social Studies in the General Business Certificate Examination (GBCE).

5. Mature Applicants’ Entry

Mature applicants’ entry avenues to tertiary education provide opportunities for people who could not do so earlier in their lives to further their education at the tertiary level after some years in the workplace.

• The applicant must be at least 25 years old at the time of completing the application form. The applicant must also show proof of age with birth certificate or any legitimate documentary proof of birth date which is at least five years old at the time of application;
• Applicants must pass Mature Students’ Entrance Examinations in English Language, Mathematics and an Aptitude Test conducted by IDL-KNUST.

Specific Entry Requirements For Diploma Programmes

Diploma in Architectural Technology

Applicants must possess any of the following:

1. SSSCE/WASSCE holders who have A–D/A1-C6 in three (3) core subjects: English Language, Mathematics and Integrated Science plus credit in three (3) elective subjects.
2. Ordinary Level holders with passes (1-8) in at least five (5) subjects at G.C.E. “O” level (or its equivalent including English and Mathematics).
3. Proficiency Certificate in Architectural Draughtsmanship with A–D/A1–C6 at SSSCE/WASSCE in English, Mathematics and Integrated Science.
4. Construction Technician Certificate (CTC) 1 & 2 and other related professional certificates.
5. Mature Applicants – The applicant must be at least 25 years old at the time of completing the application form. The applicant must also show proof of age with birth certificate or any legitimate documentary proof of birth date which is at least five years old at the time of application. Applicants must pass Mature Students’ Entrance Examinations in English Language, Mathematics and an Aptitude Test conducted by IDL-KNUST.

Diploma in Business Administration

In addition to the General Requirements stated above, applicants with the following qualifications may apply:

• General Business Certificate Examination (GBCE) or RSA Stage II with Grade A–D in five (5) subjects including Accounting, Business Management, English Language and Mathematics.
• Advanced Business Certificate Examination (ABCE) or RSA Stage III with passes in three (3) subjects including Financial Accounting and Economics with grades D or better.
• Applicants with Diploma in Business Studies DBS should in addition, possess four (4) passes at SSSCE/WASSCE (A–D/A1–C6) including English and Mathematics.
• Mature Applicants – The applicant must be at least 25 years old at the time of completing the application form. The applicant must also show proof of age with a birth certificate or any legitimate documentary proof of birth date which is at least five years old at the time of application. Applicants must pass Mature Students’ Entrance Examinations in English Language, Mathematics and an Aptitude Test conducted by IDL-KNUST.

Diploma in Information Technology

For SSSCE/WASSCE Candidates: Preference will be given to those with both Elective Mathematics and ICT.

SSSCE/WASSCE Applicants (irrespective of option) who have done additional certificate courses in accredited institutions such as NIIT, IPMC, Blue Crest, etc may apply.

‘A’ Level Candidates: Must have GCE ‘O' level certificate with Credits in at least FIVE subjects including Mathematics and English Language. Must also have Two passes at the Advanced Level.

Mature Applicants – The applicant must be at least 25 years old at the time of completing the application form. The applicant must also show proof of age with a birth certificate or any legitimate documentary proof of birth date which is at least five years old at the time of application. Applicants must pass Mature Students’ Entrance Examinations in English Language, Mathematics and an Aptitude Test conducted by IDL-KNUST.

Diploma in French for Professions

1. SSCE Candidates: Passes (A–D) in French and four (4) subjects comprising three core subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, plus two (2) elective subjects: History, Religious Studies, Economics, Geography, Government, English Literature, Business Management, and any other General Arts Elective.
2. WASSCE Candidates: Credit Passes (A1–C6) in French and four (4) subjects comprising three core subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, plus two (2) elective subjects: History, Religious Studies, Economics, Geography, Government, English Literature, Business Management, and any other General Arts Elective.
3. General Certificate of Education (G.C.E) ‘A’ Level Holders: Passes in three (3) subjects including French (at least, one of the passes should be Grade D or better). Also, the applicant must have had credit passes (Grade 6) in five GCE Ordinary Level subjects including English, Mathematics and a Science subject (for non-science students) and an Arts subject for (Science students).
4. Mature Students’ Entry: The applicant must be at least 25 years old at the time of completing the application form. The applicant must also show proof of age with a birth certificate or any legitimate documentary proof of birth date which is at least five years old at the time of application. Applicants must pass Mature Students’ Entrance Examinations in French and English Language and an Aptitude Test conducted by IDL-KNUST. Applicants must in addition have a thorough proficiency in written and spoken English.

Diploma in Food Manufacturing

1. WASSCE/SSSCE entrants: Passes in at least two Core subjects comprising English Language, Mathematics and Integrated Science plus passes in TWO WASSCE/SSSCE Elective subjects, including Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Mathematics with a minimum aggregate of 36.
2. Mature applicants: Mature candidates must have Passes in FIVE SSCE/ GCE O’ level subjects in any of the following: Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Agricultural Science, Food and Nutrition including English and Mathematics, and must have attained the age of 25 years at the time of submitting the application. Mature candidates may be required to pass an interview.
3. Food or Agriculture related certificate courses and work experience in food related establishments could be considered where applicants have not reached the standard entry requirements.

Diploma in Health Communication

A. WASSCE/SSSCE Applicants

An applicant for admission to a diploma programme in the University must have CREDIT passes (A1 - C6 in WASSCE and A – D in SSSCE) in the THREE WASSCE/SSSCE Core Subjects (English Language, Mathematics, and Integrated Science or Social Studies), and CREDIT passes in THREE WASSCE/SSSCE Elective Subjects or its equivalent relevant to the chosen programme with aggregate 24 or better.

B. GCE/IGCSE (Cambridge) ‘A’ & ‘O’Level /Mature Applicants

Holders of GCE/IGCSE must have FIVE credits at the ‘O’ Level including English Language and Mathematics (or its approved equivalent), plus passes in at least THREE (3) subjects at the Advanced Level/Three Credits in the case of mature applicants. In addition, the applicant must fulfil the appropriate College, Faculty and Departmental requirements.

C. General Business Certificate Examination (GBCE)/Advanced Business Certificate Examination (ABCE)

ABCE and GBCE are both needed to qualify an applicant for a programme. Holders of GBCE must have passes in THREE Compulsory Subjects including English Language and passes in THREE Elective Subjects including Business Mathematics. Holders of ABCE must have passes in THREE Compulsory Subjects plus THREE (3) Optional Subjects relevant to the Programme of study.

D. Mature Applicants

Applicants must have attained the age of 25 years at the time of submitting the application forms and must have a minimum of TWO (2) years post-qualification experience. In addition, the applicant must satisfy any of the following qualifications:

• Certificate in relevant health or related fields OR
• Must satisfy the requirements for WASSCE OR ‘A’ Level (short-listed applicants must pass an entrance interview)

Programme Additional Requirements:

• Candidates may write an entrance examination and if necessary, must attend and pass an interview conducted by the Department of Health Promotion and Disability Studies.
• Applicants must also have a thorough proficiency in written and spoken English.

Diploma in Health Information Management

• SSCE: Aggregate score of Twenty-Four (24) or better in six subjects including three core and three electives.
• WASSCE: Aggregate score of Thirty-Six (36) or better in six subjects including three core and three electives.
• Certificate holders in Health Records/Information Management may be considered.
• Mature applicants must be at least 25 years old with relevant credits as specified.
• Foreign students may be considered if equivalent qualifications are met and English proficiency is demonstrated.

Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science

• Credit passes in English Language, Integrated Science and Core Mathematics plus three electives (WASSCE/SSSCE).
• GCE/IGCSE holders must meet O-Level and A-Level requirements.
• Mature applicants must meet age, academic, and interview requirements.
• Certificate holders must have experience, registration, and pass access courses.

Programme Requirements

• Entrance examinations and interviews may be required.
• Applicants must demonstrate ability to pay fees for the duration of study.
• Applicants must have proficiency in written and spoken English.

Application Process

Interested applicants should obtain an Application E-Voucher and complete the application process online through the KNUST admissions portal or dial *415*55#

Applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully review the detailed programme requirements before selecting a programme, as admission decisions will be based strictly on the qualifications provided during the application process.

Programme	Application Fee for Ghanaian Applicants
Diploma & Certificate programmes	GH¢170.00
Top-up undergraduate programmes	GH¢250.00
Postgraduate programmes (Includes entrance interview fees)	GH¢350.00

Source: IDL KNUST

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