University for Development Studies
Tamale, Ghana • Founded 1992 • World Rank #2725
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1992, the University for Development Studies is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Tamale (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Northern Region.
Officially recognized by the National Accreditation Board, Ghana, University for Development Studies (UDS) is a large-sized coeducational Ghanaian higher education institution. University for Development Studies (UDS) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. UDS also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Looking to reach University for Development Studies? Address, contact details, and online links below. For finance and tuition payment queries, the bursar or finance office is typically a separate contact point.
Academic Details
University for Development Studies's key academic numbers — student body size, faculty composition, and accreditation context. Numbers reflect the most recent figures published by the institution and recognised bodies.
Academic Structures
Browse the academic-unit structure of University for Development Studies. Multi-faculty programmes exist but are usually administered by a lead faculty that handles admissions and credentialing.
Unit 5 items
- Centre of Postgraduate Studies and Research
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Applied Sciences
- Faculty of Integrated Development Studies
- School of Medicine and Health Services
Degrees
The full range of degrees University for Development Studies awards is grouped by level below. Awards typically map to recognised qualifications frameworks, easing credit transfer abroad.
Bachelor's 53 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Actuarial Science
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Agronomy
- Animal Husbandry
- Aquaculture
- Arabic
- Banking
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Business Education
- Chemistry
- Communication Studies
- Computer Science
- Consumer Studies
- Development Studies
- Ecology
- Economics
- Education
- Environmental Management
- Family Studies
- Finance
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Forensic Medicine and Dentistry
- Forestry
- Health Administration
- History
- Horticulture
- Hotel Management
- Human Resources
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Irrigation
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Medical Auxiliaries
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Midwifery
- Molecular Biology
- Natural Resources
- Nursing
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Preschool Education
- Public Administration
- Soil Science
- Statistics
Master's 53 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Education
- Agricultural Management
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Applied Chemistry
- Applied Physics
- Banking
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Communication Studies
- Community Development
- Community Health
- Computer Science
- Crop Production
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Testing and Evaluation
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Management
- Finance
- Fishery
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Harvest Technology
- Health Administration
- Health Education
- Horticulture
- Human Resources
- Leadership
- Logistics Management
- Management
- Management Systems
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Nutrition
- Occupational Health
- Physics
- Preschool Education
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Rural Studies
- Social Sciences
- Soil Management
- Special Education
- Statistics
- Water Management
Doctoral 37 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Economics
- Animal Husbandry
- Aquaculture
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration
- Communication Studies
- Computer Science
- Crop Production
- Development Studies
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Management
- Finance
- Fishery
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Harvest Technology
- Health Sciences
- Horticulture
- Human Resources
- Irrigation
- Logistics Management
- Management Systems
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Nutrition
- Pathology
- Pharmacy
- Physics
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Social Sciences
- Soil Science
- Statistics
- Waste Management
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under National Accreditation Board, Ghana.
Agriculture, Food and Consumer Sciences (Faculty) 15 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Economics
- Agriculture
- Agronomy
- Animal Husbandry
- Biotechnology
- Crop Production
- Environmental Studies
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Horticulture
- Irrigation
- Natural Resources
- Rural Planning
- Soil Science
Common Career Paths
- Agricultural Scientist
- Agronomist
- Farm Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Bioscience (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aquaculture
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Fishery
- Forensic Medicine and Dentistry
- Microbiology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Communication and Media Studies (Faculty) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Advertising and Publicity
- Anthropology
- Communication Studies
- Government
- History
- Journalism
- Media Studies
- Modern Languages
- Performing Arts
- Political Sciences
- Public Relations
- Sociology
- Theatre
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Faculty) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Education
- Arabic
- Business Education
- Child Care and Development
- Health Education
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Mathematics Education
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
- Special Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Industrial Arts and Technology (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Design
- Technology
Natural Resources and Environment (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Ecology
- Environmental Management
- Forestry
- Hotel Management
- Natural Resources
- Tourism
Physical Sciences (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Sciences (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Development Studies
- Geography
- History
- Philosophy
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Religion
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Sustainable Development Studies (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Development Studies
- Peace and Disarmament
- Sustainable Development
- Town Planning
Allied Health Sciences (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Community Health
- Health Sciences
- Medical Technology
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Nutrition
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business (School) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Health Administration
- Human Resources
- Logistics Management
- Marketing
- Public Health
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Dentistry (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
- Oral Pathology
- Orthodontics
Common Career Paths
- Dentist
- Oral Surgeon
- Dental Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Waste Management
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Graduate (School) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Medicine (School) 19 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anaesthesiology
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Psychology
- Community Health
- Dentistry
- Internal Medicine
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Ophthalmology
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Paediatrics
- Pathology
- Pharmacy
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Radiology
- Surgery
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Nursing and Midwifery (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Nursing
Common Career Paths
- Registered Nurse
- Clinical Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Public Health (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Epidemiology
- Health Administration
- Occupational Health
- Public Health
Common Career Paths
- Public Health Officer
- Epidemiologist
- Health Policy Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Verterinary Sciences (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Veterinary Science
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
University for Development Studies's teaching programmes are listed below — search or scan by level. International student eligibility varies by programme — some require additional language or visa-pathway checks.
191 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Ghana
Bachelor's Degree 51 programmes
Showing 10 of 51.
Master of Business Administration 7 programmes
Master of Philosophy 41 programmes
Showing 10 of 41.
Master's Degree 44 programmes
Showing 10 of 44.
Doctorate 32 programmes
Showing 10 of 32.
Diploma 11 programmes
Showing 10 of 11.
Postgraduate Diploma 4 programmes
How to apply to University for Development Studies
Step-by-step guidance for applying to University for Development Studies, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
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1
Research programmes at University for Development Studies
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. University for Development Studies runs 191 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Before applying to University for Development Studies, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Ghana.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with University for Development Studies's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Lodge your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.uds.edu.gh). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +233 (71) 22422. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about University for Development Studies
Common questions students ask about University for Development Studies — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.
When did University for Development Studies open?
University for Development Studies traces its founding to 1992 (approximately 34 years ago).
Where can I find University for Development Studies?
The institution is located in Tamale, Ghana.
Is University for Development Studies public or private?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students does University for Development Studies have?
The institution has a student body of 20,000-24,999.
Where does University for Development Studies stand in university rankings?
University for Development Studies holds rank #2725 globally and #4 in Ghana.
What degrees does University for Development Studies offer?
Programmes at University for Development Studies cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How many faculties does University for Development Studies have?
University for Development Studies has 5 academic units.
Who recognises University for Development Studies?
Yes, University for Development Studies is recognised by Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
Where can I learn more about University for Development Studies?
University for Development Studies's official website is www.uds.edu.gh.
Members of Association of African Universities (AAU)
Fellow Association of African Universities (AAU) members alongside University for Development Studies are gathered below — useful if institutional networks matter to your decision. Networks shape exchange opportunities, joint degrees, and credential recognition across borders.
Faculties at nearby universities
Healthcare and student insurance rules often apply at the regional level around University for Development Studies. Nearby universities typically follow the same health-coverage requirements for enrolled students.
Where Else to Study Agriculture
Accreditation portability differs for Agriculture programmes across Ghana. Professional accreditation (where applicable) matters more than institutional accreditation for regulated career paths.
Universities Compared with University for Development Studies
Endowment and financial peer comparison signals institutional resources and scholarship depth. Universities comparable to University for Development Studies in this dimension often offer similar aid packages.
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