Date: August 13, 2026

By: SRC Media Team

The Bluecrest University College’s administration has officially responded to the Student Representative Council (SRC)’s request for a reduction in fees.

In a letter sent to the SRC Executives today, Vice Rector Mr. Eric Hanson communicated the Board’s decision regarding the proposed fee adjustments for the Fall 2026 semester.

The Request and the Response
Earlier this week, the SRC led by President Chris C. Karpee met with Management to present a formal request to lower the proposed fee increment from GHS 600 to approximately GHS 200 – 250. This request was compiled after the SRC met with various student groups and the SRC Senate to gauge student sentiment regarding the increasing cost of tuition.

Management took the request to the University Board. While the Board was unable to grant the SRC’s full request, they have approved a further reduction of GHS 100 for all affected programmes.

“Inflation and regulatory pressures have made it difficult to do more,” the letter stated. However, the Board emphasized that the university “remains committed to listening to students and doing what is reasonably possible.”

The New Fee Structure
Here is the final fee structure for the Fall 2026 semester:

• Fee Stability: The University has committed to freezing the current fee structure for the next two academic sessions. Students are unlikely to see another increment in the short term.
• No Change (Unchanged):
  • International Students
  • BBA
  • BA Journalism and Media
  • BSc Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Reduced Changes (Reduced from GHS 4,900 to GHS 4,800):
  • BSc IT
  • BSc Cybersecurity
  • Certificate in Cybersecurity
  • BSc Fashion Design (BScFD)
  • Higher Diploma in Fashion Design (HDFD)

Financial Context: Management’s Perspective

In the letter, the University cited “continued increase in operational costs, regulatory payments, and statutory obligations” as the primary reasons for the initial increments and the Board’s resistance to a larger reduction.

However, during the meeting with the SRC, Management provided additional context that sheds light on the institution’s financial position:

• No Tuition Increase Since COVID-19: Management revealed that tuition fees for national students have not been increased since the last reduction following the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite inflation and rising costs, the university has maintained the same fee structure for several years.
• Lecturer Salary Freeze: Salaries for academic staff have not seen an adjustment in approximately two years. This means lecturers have been receiving the same compensation despite the rising cost of living, a reality that affects staff morale and retention.
• Operating at a Loss: The university has been running at a financial deficit but has managed to keep operations afloat through prudent financial management. The fee adjustment is partly intended to address this unsustainable situation.
• Infrastructure Improvement Plans: Management emphasized that the revenue from fee adjustments will be directed toward improving facilities on campus including learning resources, student services, and infrastructure upgrades that will enhance the overall student experience.

Management noted that the decision to adjust fees was not taken lightly and is necessary to “ensure the continued delivery of high-quality teaching, learning resources, student services, and infrastructure improvements.”

Registration Dates
Students are reminded that registration for the Fall 2026 session will commence on Monday, August 3, 2026. Students are required to make a down payment of 60% of their fees to complete their registration for the semester.

SRC Response

The SRC executives, expressed mixed feelings about the outcome. While the SRC is grateful that some relief was provided (via the GHS 100 reduction and the fee freeze), the requested reduction of GHS 600 was not achieved.

“We fought hard to get the Board to look at the numbers,” the SRC said in a brief statement. “We appreciate the stability guaranteed for the next two years, but we will continue to monitor the situation and push for more student-friendly policies.”

They added, “Management shared with us their own challenges years without tuition increases, frozen lecturer salaries, and operating at a loss. We understand that the university cannot function if it is not financially sustainable. However, we also believe that students should not bear the full weight of these challenges. Our advocacy will continue.”