GES Opens Applications for Study Leave With Pay for 2026 Academic Year
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced the approved subject areas and conditions for Study Leave With Pay for the 2026 academic year, urging eligible staff to apply through the appropriate channels.
In a notice issued by GES, the Service said the initiative is in line with its Study Leave With Pay policy and is intended to build capacity in critical subject areas across both teaching and non-teaching categories.
For the 2026 academic year, GES has allocated 60 percent of available slots to teaching subjects.
These include Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Integrated Science, ICT, Computer Science, English Language, French, Ghanaian Language, Engineering, Early Childhood, Special Education, Guidance and Counselling, Robotics and Coding, and Career Technology, among others. Another 30 percent has been set aside for Teaching and Non-Teaching areas such as Visual Arts, Vocational Education, and Technical Courses including Electronics, Applied Electricity, Auto Mechanic, Welding, Plumbing, Carpentry, and Building Construction.
The remaining 10 percent is for non-teaching areas including Librarianship, Procurement, Secretaryship, Business Administration, Estate Management, Laboratory Technician and Accounting.
According to GES, applicants must meet several conditions to qualify. A staff must have completed a minimum of three years of satisfactory service and will be bonded for a period equivalent to the number of years served plus one year. Staff who have served for two years in a designated deprived area may also be considered.
Non-professional graduate teachers must have served at least one year before qualifying for a Post Graduate Diploma in Education, while staff returning from secondment must serve two years before becoming eligible. Those who vacated and were re-appointed must serve five years before applying.
GES further stated that a staff must have at least two years left to serve after the course. For instance, a staff member who is 55 years and above cannot apply for a course lasting four years or more, but may apply for courses between one and two years. Eligibility is also subject to good conduct and performance and recommendation by an immediate supervisor.
A staff who does not qualify in the first year cannot reapply in the second year of the same course and must instead apply for Study Leave Without Pay.
On the application process, GES said interested staff should obtain forms from Metro, Municipal and District Education Offices, complete four copies, and attach certified true copies of certificates.
Applications are to be submitted to the Regional Director through the Metro, Municipal or District Director or Head of Institution for 2nd Cycle schools.
Regional and District Directors have been directed to ensure that the list of all fully qualified beneficiaries reaches the Director of Human Resource Management and Development at GES Headquarters not later than Friday, October 30, 2026.
The Service said the approved subject areas are aimed at addressing gaps in critical fields and strengthening service delivery in schools across the country.
