GIJ 2026/2027 fees and the courses that produce Ghana's most sought-after journalists
The Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), now part of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), has produced some of the most prominent media personalities and public figures. From Anas Aremeyaw Anas to Kwami Sefa Kayi, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, and Juliet Bawuah, these celebrities have inspired many, with some following their roots by studying at UniMAC. You can apply to the institution online to pursue your dreams in media, creative arts, or global communication.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- All about GIJ (UniMAC)
- GIJ location and contacts
- How can you apply for admission to GIJ?
- How can you contact GIJ for admission?
- What is the cut-off grade for GIJ?
- Is GIJ a government institution?
- What does GIJ stand for?
- What is the Ghana Journalists Association?
Key takeaways
- UniMAC was established on 16 October 1959 by former Ghanaian president Kwame Nkrumah.
- The institution offers a diverse range of programmes through its constituent institutes: Journalism (IJ), Film and Television (IFT), and Languages (IL).
- It has reportedly produced over 70% of journalists in Ghana since its inception.
All about GIJ (UniMAC)
The University of Media, Arts and Communication- Institute of Journalism, formerly GIJ, is a public university in Ghana. GIJ's first principal was Mr Richard McMillan, a retired Director of British Information Services in Ghana. Find out more details about the institution.
Faculties and schools
GIJ (UniMAC) has the following faculties and schools offering different programmes.
- Faculty of Integrated Communication Sciences
- Faculty of Journalism & Media Studies
- Faculty of Public Relations, Advertising & Integrated Marketing
- School of Alternative Learning
- School of Graduate Studies and Research (SoGSaR)
What programmes are offered at GIJ?
The university offers several journalism courses. These are divided into two major categories: academic courses and short courses. The requirements differ from one course to another.
Academic courses
The academic programmes offered by GIJ are listed below.
- Diploma in Communication Studies
- B.A in Communication Studies
- 2-year B.A Communication Studies (Top-Up)
- M.A in Journalism
- M.A in Public Relations
- M.A in Media Management
- M.A in Development Communication
Short courses
The Institute offers short courses for practitioners and the general public in communication-related areas. Check out the list of these courses below.
- Action and Strategic Planning
- Advanced Advertising
- Advanced Communications
- Advanced Marketing
- Advanced Public Relations
- Broadcast Journalism
- Contemporary English Language
- Customer Care
- Online Journalism
- Effective Public Speaking, Speech Writing and Presentation
- Events Management
- Photojournalism
- Public Relations, Advertising and Marketing
- Radio and Television Presentation
- Radio Journalism
- T.V. Journalism
- Writing for Newspapers & Magazines
- Writing Skills
GIJ courses and requirements
The institution accepts applicants who meet the minimum requirements. Below is a general overview of these requirements.
Diploma programmes
The following are some essential entry requirements for admission into a diploma programme at GIJ.
- SSSCE applicants: Must have received an A-D in five subjects, including three electives. Similarly, an average of 20 or above in the optional topics is required.
- WASSCE holders: Five subjects must be passed, including three obligatory topics (A1–C6). In addition, an applicant must have a combined score of 30 or above in two optional topics.
Bachelor of Arts programmes
Below are the general requirements for prospective students hoping to pursue a bachelor's degree at GIJ.
- SSSCE holders: Applicants must have passed (A–D) in six subjects, with an overall aggregate of 24 or better, including three core subjects (including English and Mathematics) and three (3) elective subjects.
- WASSCE holders: Applicants must have passes (A1-C6) in six subjects, three core subjects (English, Mathematics, and three (3) elective subjects), and an overall aggregate of 36 or higher.
- GCE Advanced level holders: Applicants must have a General Certificate of Examinations (GCE) 'A' Level Grade E or better in three subjects, with one subject at Grade D or higher. In addition, credit passes, i.e. a grade of 6 or higher in five GCE Ordinary Level ('O' Level) subjects, including English, Mathematics, and a Science subject, are required for non-science students.
- Diploma holders: GIJ Diploma holders with a CGPA of 1.79 or lower are eligible to apply for admission to level 200.
- Mature students: Must be at least 25 years old to apply for admission. They must also show proof of age, such as a birth certificate or other legitimate documentary proof of date of birth (at least five years old).
Graduate students
A candidate must have at least a 2nd Class Lower Division Communication Studies degree from the same institution or another accredited university.
How to apply to GIJ (UniMAC)
Source: Original
If you wish to join this institution, follow the step-by-step guide below.
- The first step is paying the nonrefundable application fee at the nearest Prudential Bank branch.
- Provide your name and telephone number when paying. You can also pay the application fee via mobile money, Visa, or MasterCard.
- After you pay, you will get a serial number and PIN at the bank or via MoMo receipt. You will need this information to access the online GIJ portal.
- Proceed to the Online GIJ Admission Portal to start the application process.
- Enter the serial number and PIN to initiate the process. Create an account and follow the prompts to complete the process. Always ensure you provide correct information.
Check the application fee for the GIJ forms is as follows:
Category | Application fee |
Diploma | GH¢ 200 |
Degree | GH¢ 250 |
Postgraduate (Masters) | GH¢ 300 |
Mature (tutorial and examination) | GH¢ 650 |
International students | $100 |
GIJ registration process
Source: UGC
Successful applicants usually receive instructions on the admission and registration process. Below are the steps you should follow to complete the semester course registration process.
- Log in as a student to the online registration portal with your username and password.
- Once you are logged in, click Student, then My Information, to display the Student Details page.
- Click on the tab to display the Course Registration, Retake, and Requests page.
- Locate and click the Select button to choose your course groups using the teaching timetable. Click Change if you need to make some corrections in the group selection.
- Click the Confirm Registration button to confirm the courses.
- Print proof of registration. Students are to submit proof of registration to their Head of Department for signature.
GIJ courses and fees
The school fees at GIJ depend on the level of study and course. Successful applicants will get their fee structure before admission. Similarly, continuing students get their fee structures before the start of a new academic year or semester.
Here is the breakdown of the provisional fees for the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) for the 2025/2026 academic year.
1. Institute of Journalism (IJ)
Programme / Level | Regular (GHS) | Evening (GHS) | Weekend (GHS) |
Level 100 | 3,149.00 | - | - |
Level 200, 300 & 400 | 3,140.00 | - | - |
Top-Up (Regular) | - | - | 3,807.00 |
Top-Up (Fee Paying) | - | - | 4,957.00 |
Diploma in Communication Studies / Diploma in Public Relations
Year | Regular (GHS) | Evening (GHS) | Weekend (GHS) |
First Year | 2,899.00 | 3,301.00 | 3,577.00 |
Second Year | 2,899.00 | 3,301.00 | 3,577.00 |
Postgraduate programmes
Programme | Regular (GHS) | Evening (GHS) | Weekend (GHS) |
Master of Arts | 12,317.00 | 12,317.00 | 15,192.00 |
MPhil Year 1 | 12,317.00 | - | 15,192.00 |
MPhil Year 2 | 12,317.00 | - | - |
MPhil Top-Up | 12,317.00 | - | 15,192.00 |
PhD Year 1 | 17,250.00 | - | - |
PhD Year 2 | 16,325.00 | - | - |
International students
Programme | Fees (USD) |
Degree (Fresh Students & Level 200) | 4,850.00 |
Degree (Level 300 & 400) | 4,620.00 |
Diploma (First and Second Year) | 3,690.00 |
Post Graduate programmes | 5,780.00 |
PhD | 7,126.000 |
2. Institute of Film and Television (IFT)
Programme / Level | Ghanaian Students (GHS) | International Students (USD) |
Degree Level 100 | 4,107.00 | 5,810.00 |
Degree Level 200 | 4,221.00 | 6,370.00 |
Degree Level 300 | 5,227.00 | 7,420.00 |
Degree Level 400 | 5,511.00 | 7,820.00 |
Diploma (Year 1) | 4,000.00 | 3,000.00 |
Diploma (Year 2) | 4,221.00 | 3,000.00 |
Certificate | 4,000.00 | 3,000.00 |
MFA Documentary Film Production | 15,192.00 | 5,780.00 |
3. Institute of Languages (IL)
Programme / Level | Ghanaian (GHS) | International (USD) |
School of Translators (L100) | 3,124.00 (Reg) / 3,424.00 (Eve/Wknd) | 3,301.00 |
School of Translators (L200-300) | 2,393.00 (Reg) / 2,693.00 (Eve/Wknd) | 3,083.00 |
School of Translators (L400) | 2,843.00 (Reg) / 3,143.00 (Eve/Wknd) | 3,083.00 |
Bilingual Secretaryship (L100) | 3,047.00 | 1,760.00 |
Bilingual Secretaryship (L200) | 2,724.00 | 1,640.00 |
Bilingual Secretaryship (L300) | 3,174.00 | 1,640.00 |
Diploma (Level 100) | 2,210.00 | - |
Diploma (Level 200) | 2,110.00 | - |
One Language Course | 1,200.00 | 320.00 |
Two Languages Course | 2,000.00 | 650.00 |
BA French w/ Business Comm (Top-up) | 3,124.00 (Reg) / 3,424.00 (Eve/Wknd) | - |
Note: International student fees are quoted in US Dollars. The document references an exchange rate of GHS 12.50 = $1 for calculation purposes.
GIJ location and contacts
If you need to contact GIJ (UniMAC) for more information, use the contact details below.
- Physical location: 32nd Gamel Abdul Nasser Rd. Osu
- Postal Address: P.O. Box GP 667, Accra
- Telephone number: (+233) 302 228336
- Email: info@gij.edu.gh
- Fax: +233 302 221750
How can you apply for admission to GIJ?
Check out the application process in the How to apply section above.
How can you contact GIJ for admission?
You can contact the institution using the contact details given above.
What is the cut-off grade for GIJ?
The cut-off grade depends on the course and level of study you wish to pursue. Check out the entry requirements in the previous sections of this article.
Is GIJ a government institution?
Yes. The Ghana Institute of Journalism is a public university of learning licensed by the National Accreditation Board (NAD). It is registered under the Ministry of Education.
What does GIJ stand for?
It stands for the Ghana Institute of Journalism. The famous institution is now known as the University of Media Arts and Communication (UniMAC) GIJ.
What is the Ghana Journalists Association?
The Ghana Journalists Association is the umbrella organisation to which all journalists in Ghana belong.
GIJ, now known as the University of Media Arts and Communication, is one of Ghana's most prestigious journalism schools. The institution has provided quality education to its students since its inception.
Yen.com.gh recently published a list of the best STEM schools in Ghana and their location. The global demand for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education has increased significantly recently.
Ghana is one of the African countries that has recognised the importance of encouraging innovation and excellence in STEM sectors. As a result, various institutions nationwide have emerged as leaders in providing high-quality STEM education.
Source: YEN.com.gh
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