The Ghana Education Service (GES) has released the approved list of subject areas and eligibility requirements for Study Leave With Pay for the 2025 academic year. The directive is intended for qualified teaching and non-teaching staff who wish to pursue further studies while continuing to receive their salaries.
According to GES policy, an applicant must have served for at least three (3) years with a satisfactory record to qualify. Additionally, staff who have worked in designated deprived areas for a minimum of two (2) years may also be considered. Non-professional graduate teachers must complete at least one year of service before applying for a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).
Staff returning from secondment are required to serve at least two (2) years before becoming eligible, while those who have left and been re-appointed into the service must serve for at least five (5) years. Moreover, any staff member who is not granted Study Leave With Pay in the first year of their programme cannot reapply the following year. Instead, they are advised to opt for Study Leave Without Pay.
Another key requirement is that an applicant must have a minimum of two (2) years left to serve after the completion of the course. This means that applicants who are 55 years or older cannot apply for Study Leave With Pay to pursue courses lasting four years or more, but may apply for programmes that run between one and two years. All applicants must also be of good conduct, have satisfactory performance, and obtain a recommendation from their immediate supervisor.
Application forms can be obtained from Metro, Municipal, or District Education Offices. Applicants are required to complete four (4) copies of the form and attach certified true copies of their certificates. The completed forms should be submitted through their Head of Institution and District or Regional Director to the GES Headquarters. The final list of qualified applicants must reach the Human Resource Management and Development (HRMD) Division of the GES by Friday, 31st October 2025.
GES has also categorized approved courses into three tiers, each with a different percentage of quota. Courses under the 60% priority category include Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Animal and Crop Husbandry, Mathematics, Engineering, Integrated Science, General Agriculture, English Language, Physical Education, French, Ghanaian Languages, and ICT.
Courses allocated 30% include Special Education, Computer Science, Social Studies, Guidance and Counselling, Early Childhood Education, Religious Studies, Economics, Government, Geography, History, and Music. This category also includes Visual Arts subjects (such as Graphic Design, Leather Work, Sculpture), Vocational programmes (such as Catering, Fashion & Design, Hospitality Management), and Technical courses (like Auto Mechanics, Plumbing, Woodwork, Electrical Engineering, Welding, and Technical Drawing).
Courses with only 10% allocation include Librarianship, Procurement and Supply Chain, Secretaryship, Business Administration, Estate Management, Laboratory Technician programmes, and Accounting.
GES urges all interested and eligible staff to take note of the requirements and timelines and to apply through the appropriate channels. This initiative continues to serve as a critical pathway for professional development within Ghana’s education sector.
