GES has opened applications for the 2026 Study Leave With Pay programme. Eligible teaching and non-teaching staff can apply through their District Education Offices.
Priority programmes in Mathematics, Science, ICT and Special Education to receive 60% of available study leave slots
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Study Leave With Pay programme, offering eligible teaching and non-teaching staff the opportunity to pursue further education while continuing to receive their salaries.
According to the Service, the programme is designed to strengthen professional capacity and address critical human resource needs within Ghana’s education sector. Applications are now being accepted through Metropolitan, Municipal and District Education Offices nationwide.
Under the 2026 allocation framework, the majority of available study leave slots have been reserved for staff pursuing programmes in priority teaching areas identified by GES.
Key Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | 2026 Study Leave With Pay |
| Institution | Ghana Education Service (GES) |
| Applications | Now open |
| Application point | Metro, Municipal and District Education Offices |
| Largest allocation | 60% for priority teaching programmes |
| Eligible applicants | Qualified teaching and non-teaching staff |
GES Prioritises Critical Teaching Areas
The Ghana Education Service has allocated 60 per cent of available study leave opportunities to staff pursuing programmes in critical teaching disciplines where demand for qualified professionals remains high.
Priority areas include:
- Mathematics
- Integrated Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Computer Science
- English Language
- French
- Ghanaian Languages
- Special Education
- Guidance and Counselling
- Robotics and Coding
- Engineering-related programmes
GES believes increasing the number of qualified teachers in these subject areas will help improve learning outcomes and address staffing shortages across schools.
➡ Related: GES Teacher Professional Development Programmes Explained
➡ Related: How to Apply for GES Study Leave With Pay
Additional Study Leave Allocations for Other Programmes
Apart from the priority category, GES has earmarked 30 per cent of available slots for a second category covering both teaching and technical programmes.
These include:
- Visual Arts
- Vocational Education
- Electronics
- Applied Electricity
- Auto Mechanics
- Welding
- Plumbing
- Carpentry
- Building Construction
The remaining 10 per cent of study leave opportunities have been allocated to non-teaching disciplines, including:
- Librarianship
- Procurement
- Secretaryship
- Business Administration
- Estate Management
- Laboratory Technician training
- Accounting
The allocation framework reflects GES’s efforts to balance classroom teaching needs with administrative and technical support services within the education sector.
➡ Related: Priority Subject Areas for Teacher Recruitment in Ghana
➡ Related: Career Development Opportunities for GES Staff
Eligibility Requirements for Applicants
GES has outlined specific conditions that applicants must satisfy before applying for the 2026 Study Leave With Pay programme.
Eligible staff must:
- Have completed at least three years of satisfactory service.
- Demonstrate good conduct and satisfactory work performance.
- Obtain a recommendation from their immediate supervisor.
- Have at least two years remaining before retirement after completing their course of study.
Only applicants who meet these requirements will be considered during the selection process.
➡ Related: GES Conditions of Service for Teachers
➡ Related: Teacher Promotion and Career Progression in Ghana
How to Apply for the 2026 Study Leave With Pay Programme
GES has directed eligible staff to obtain application forms from their respective Metropolitan, Municipal or District Education Offices.
Completed forms must be submitted through the approved administrative channels within the prescribed application period.
Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all supporting documents are complete before submission to avoid delays in processing.
GES has advised staff to rely only on official information from the Service regarding the application process.
➡ Related: GES Circulars and Official Notices
➡ Related: Checklist for GES Study Leave Applications
Why the Programme Matters
Study Leave With Pay remains one of the Ghana Education Service’s key professional development initiatives.
The programme enables teachers and education professionals to upgrade their qualifications while remaining in active employment.
By supporting further education in priority subject areas, GES aims to strengthen instructional quality, improve educational leadership and equip schools with professionals who possess current knowledge and specialised skills.
The initiative also contributes to national efforts to improve learning outcomes through continuous teacher development.
➡ Related: Importance of Continuous Professional Development for Teachers
➡ Related: Teacher Education Reforms in Ghana
EducateGhana Analysis
The 2026 Study Leave With Pay policy reflects GES’s continued focus on aligning professional development with national education priorities.
The decision to allocate 60 per cent of available slots to Mathematics, Science, ICT, Special Education and other high-demand disciplines demonstrates a strategic approach to addressing teacher shortages in critical learning areas.
At the same time, reserving opportunities for technical and administrative programmes recognises the important role played by non-teaching professionals in supporting effective school management and educational service delivery.
Eligible staff should carefully review the requirements and submit complete applications through the appropriate channels to improve their chances of selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the 2026 GES Study Leave With Pay programme?
Eligible teaching and non-teaching staff who meet the prescribed service, conduct and retirement requirements.
Which programmes receive the highest allocation?
Priority teaching programmes, including Mathematics, Science, ICT, English Language, Special Education and Engineering-related fields, receive 60 per cent of available slots.
Where can application forms be obtained?
Application forms are available at Metropolitan, Municipal and District Education Offices.
How many years of service are required?
Applicants must have completed at least three years of satisfactory service.
Can non-teaching staff apply?
Yes. GES has allocated study leave opportunities for selected non-teaching disciplines, including Procurement, Accounting, Business Administration and Librarianship.
Conclusion
The opening of applications for the 2026 GES Study Leave With Pay programme provides another opportunity for eligible staff to enhance their academic qualifications while continuing to receive their salaries.
With a strong emphasis on priority teaching subjects and professional development, the initiative is expected to contribute to improving educational quality and addressing critical workforce needs within Ghana’s education sector.
GES has encouraged all qualified staff to obtain application forms through their respective education offices and submit their applications through the approved channels.
Source
Ghana Education Service (GES)
Official announcement on the 2026 Study Leave With Pay programme.
About the Author
Ferdinand Ellis is an education policy analyst, curriculum specialist, researcher and founder of EducateGhana.com, Ghana’s Education Intelligence Platform. He writes extensively on teacher professional development, education policy, curriculum reforms and developments within Ghana’s education sector.
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