Students Loan Trust Fund Begins 2nd Semester Disbursements Ahead of ‘No-Fees-Stress’ Initiative Launch

The Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) has officially kicked off the disbursement of loans for the second semester to tertiary students across Ghana, marking a significant step toward reducing financial pressures on students and their families.

As of Tuesday, July 1, 2025, a total of 19,703 students have already received their loan payments. This announcement was made by the Chief Executive Officer of the SLTF, Saajida Shiraz, who confirmed that funds are currently being released to eligible students at various tertiary institutions.

In a strategic move to meet the varying academic calendars of institutions, the SLTF has prioritized students from private tertiary institutions, many of which are further along in their academic schedules compared to their counterparts in public universities. This prioritization aims to ensure that students can continue their education without unnecessary delays due to financial challenges.

This round of disbursements comes just days ahead of the official launch of the much-anticipated 'No-Fees-Stress' initiative, which is scheduled for Friday, July 4. The initiative is expected to usher in a transformative era in student financing in Ghana. The ‘No-Fees-Stress’ program is designed to ease the burden of tuition and other academic expenses for students, especially those from low-income backgrounds. Although full details of the initiative will be unveiled at the launch, the early disbursement already signals a new level of efficiency and commitment from the Trust Fund.

Speaking on this development, Ms. Shiraz emphasized the importance of timely financial support for students, especially in today’s economic climate. “The days when the Trust Fund approved students for loans it couldn’t disburse are over,” she stated confidently. “The revamped SLTF is now working diligently each day to fulfill its mandate of providing timely financial support to students.”

Her comments highlight a major shift in how the SLTF operates. In the past, many students were approved for loans but had to wait indefinitely before receiving their funds, causing disruption in their studies. With the new system and renewed leadership, the Trust Fund appears to be taking steps to eliminate such inefficiencies.

This timely disbursement has been warmly welcomed by both students and stakeholders in the education sector. It reinforces the government’s commitment to ensuring equal access to tertiary education and maintaining academic continuity, even amidst economic challenges.

The proactive approach also reflects a broader effort to modernize Ghana’s student financing systems and build trust in public financial institutions. By meeting deadlines, improving transparency, and being responsive to the needs of students, the SLTF is gradually restoring public confidence in the student loan process.

As students across the country prepare for the upcoming semester, this move by the SLTF brings a sense of relief and hope. For many, it means continuing their education without the fear of dropping out due to unpaid fees. For others, it is a signal that the government is serious about investing in the future of its youth.

The launch of the ‘No-Fees-Stress’ initiative on July 4 is highly anticipated and is expected to provide further clarity on how the government intends to support students long-term. For now, the early disbursement stands as a positive sign of better things to come in Ghana’s education financing.