How to Apply to ATU: A UPSA Graduate's Step-by-Step Guide

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, December 24th 2025 at 15:44 GMT by Yen.com.gh
      Locale: GHANA

How to Apply to ATU – A UPSA Graduate’s Step‑by‑Step Guide

Ghana’s higher‑education landscape is increasingly competitive, and prospective students are always on the lookout for reliable advice on navigating admissions. In a recent feature on Yen.com.gh, a former student of the University for Professional Studies and Administration (UPSA) takes a candid look at what it takes to gain entry into the African Technical University (ATU). The article is an in‑depth, interview‑style piece that covers everything from the application form to the entrance exam, scholarship options, and what to expect after admission.

1. Who is the Interviewee?

The graduate, Mr. Kofi Mensah (a nickname for many), earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from UPSA in 2018. He decided to pursue a Master’s in Business Management at ATU because of the university’s strong industry ties and its reputation for producing employable graduates. Mr. Mensah’s story serves as a practical template for other UPSA alumni—or any Ghanaian student—looking to transition into a program at ATU.

2. Why ATU?

In the article, Mr. Mensah explains that ATU offers a “hands‑on” approach to learning that aligns well with the “professional” ethos of UPSA. Key selling points he highlights include:

• Accreditation & Recognition – ATU is accredited by the Ministry of Education and recognized by the National Accreditation Board.
• Industry Partnerships – The university has formal collaborations with several multinational firms that provide internship opportunities.
• Flexible Schedule – Both full‑time and part‑time programs are available, making it suitable for working professionals.
• Modern Facilities – Campus labs, libraries, and a career services center are mentioned as major assets.

These factors together made ATU a natural choice for someone looking to build on his UPSA foundation.

3. The Application Process – Step By Step

The article is almost a “how‑to” guide, breaking down the application into clear stages. It also links to the official ATU admissions page (https://atu.edu.gh/admissions) for further detail. Below is a concise synopsis of the steps Mr. Mensah advises:

a. Download & Complete the Application Form

ATU’s online application portal is the first checkpoint. Applicants must: 1. Register an account on the ATU portal. 2. Fill out personal details, including name, ID number, contact information, and program of choice. 3. Upload required documents—see the list below.

b. Required Documents

The graduate notes the following are mandatory: Academic Transcript from the last institution attended (e.g., UPSA). It should be an official, sealed copy. Photograph – one recent passport‑style photo. Copy of ID / Passport – to verify identity. Letter of Recommendation (optional but recommended). Statement of Purpose – a brief essay explaining why you want to study at ATU and your future goals. Proof of Payment – of the application fee (GHS 150 as of the article’s publication date).

The article provides a handy PDF checklist on the ATU website to ensure nothing is missed.

c. Entrance Examination

Unlike some private institutions that accept only application forms, ATU requires a written exam for most undergraduate programs. Mr. Mensah shared that the test is:

• One‑hour long, covering English, Mathematics, and subject‑specific knowledge.
• Held once a year, typically in early March.
• Available both online and in‑person at ATU’s campuses.

He stresses the importance of preparing through practice papers available on the ATU site and, for business students, reviewing recent market reports.

d. Submission & Deadline

The article points out that the official deadline for the 2025 intake is March 31. Late applications are rarely accepted unless the applicant can demonstrate extenuating circumstances. The portal provides a submission status checker so applicants can confirm receipt.

4. Scholarships & Financial Aid

Mr. Mensah talks about ATU’s scholarship framework:

• Merit‑Based Scholarships – awarded to students with outstanding entrance exam scores.
• Need‑Based Scholarships – require a financial hardship letter and documentation.
• Corporate Sponsorships – some companies have partnership programs offering stipends to ATU students who agree to work with them post‑graduation.

The article links to ATU’s scholarship portal (https://atu.edu.gh/scholarships) where applicants can see the eligibility criteria and application deadlines. Mensah’s own scholarship was a combination of a merit award (15% tuition discount) and a corporate sponsorship from a multinational firm.

5. Post‑Acceptance Procedures

Once accepted, ATU’s student services guide you through the following:

1. Acceptance Letter – received via email; students must confirm acceptance within 10 days.
2. Orientation – a week‑long program covering campus life, registration, and health insurance.
3. Course Registration – done through the student portal, with the help of an academic adviser.
4. Payment of Tuition – due before the first semester starts. ATU offers a payment plan in case of financial strain.

The article also highlights ATU’s “Student Success” program, which mentors students through career counselling and internship placement.

6. A Word of Advice

Mr. Mensah’s core message to prospective ATU applicants is straightforward: “Start early, stay organized, and leverage every resource available.” He urges readers to:

• Create a “checklist” (the article’s PDF can be downloaded).
• Reach out to ATU’s admissions office with any clarifying questions—emails often get responses within 48 hours.
• Join the ATU student Facebook group, which provides real‑time support from current students.

7. Key Takeaways

8. Where to Find More

• ATU Admissions – https://atu.edu.gh/admissions
• ATU Scholarships – https://atu.edu.gh/scholarships
• UPSA Home Page – https://ups.edu.gh
• ATU Student Facebook Group – search “ATU Students” on Facebook

The article ends with a reminder that the academic year at ATU starts in early September, so all preparations should be complete by mid‑April to allow time for any unforeseen delays.

Final Thoughts

The feature on Yen.com.gh serves as an excellent primer for anyone planning to apply to ATU, especially those who have studied at UPSA. By breaking down the admissions journey into digestible steps, offering real‑world advice from a successful graduate, and providing direct links to the relevant university pages, the article makes the seemingly daunting process approachable and transparent. Whether you’re a fresh high‑school graduate or a working professional eyeing a master’s degree, the guidance offered by Mr. Mensah is a valuable roadmap to success at ATU.