How to register for national service if you missed it after university, as a private candidate or a foreign-trained graduate

The National Service Authority has opened registration for Ghanaian graduates who did not undertake their national service, in a new window for the 2026/2027 service year.

The announcement, made on April 28, 2026, covers defaulters who missed their service year after completing tertiary education, private candidates, and Ghanaians who studied abroad.

The exercise starts a fresh cycle months after the 2025/2026 service year began in November 2025, following changes to the Authority’s digital registration system.

Applicants are required to visit gnsa.gov.gh, select “Apply for PIN Code” and complete the online form. A processing fee of GH¢50.00 is payable online.

Applicants are expected to submit five documents. These are a letter addressed to the Director-General requesting a PIN code, a letter of attestation or introductory letter from the institution attended, a certified school certificate and academic transcript, a Ghana Card, and a student ID. Applicants who studied abroad must also submit a copy of their passport.

After completing the online process, applicants must present their original documents in person at the NSA Head Office or a regional office for verification. The exercise will take place between 8:30am and 4:30pm on working days.

This is not the first such exercise by the Authority. A similar registration window was opened for the 2025/2026 service year, with the process running from March to July 2025. At the time, the Authority cautioned the public against fake websites set up to defraud applicants, and the warning remains in force.

The Authority said under the National Service Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1119), national service is a legal requirement for all Ghanaian graduates of accredited tertiary institutions.

The statement was signed by the Director-General, Ms Ruth Dela Seddoh.