Study abroad
Study in Tanzania
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Tanzania
Higher education in Tanzania, in East Africa, on the Indian Ocean, gives international students a chance to study in a new academic and cultural setting. Universities and other institutions offer programmes at different levels, from first degrees to postgraduate study, across subjects such as business, engineering, health, science and the humanities.
The economy has strengths in agriculture, tourism and healthcare, which is reflected in many study options. Because English is an official language, many programmes are taught in English. Start with the subjects available here, then compare institutions, costs and application steps.
Why study in Tanzania?
There is no single reason to study in Tanzania. For some students it is the programme itself; for others it is the setting in East Africa, on the Indian Ocean, the language or links to a particular industry. It is worth being clear about what matters most to you before comparing options.
- Industry context: Agriculture, tourism and healthcare matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Hospitality, Tourism & Events and Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, with options differing between universities.
- Cities and campus life: Dodoma, Dar es Salaam and Arusha each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Tanzania means everyday contact with Swahili and English and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Look closely at course content, entry requirements and student support, and think about where you would like the qualification to take you.
Top subjects to study in Tanzania
Students heading to Tanzania often start by exploring the areas listed here. The selection is editorial and does not rank one subject above another.
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Hospitality, Tourism & Events
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Engineering
- Business & Management
- Computing & Information Technology
Because agriculture, tourism and healthcare matter locally, students in related fields may find useful context for projects and internships. Each subject has its own page for Tanzania on this site, with its specializations.
It helps to look at specializations within each area as well: two programmes with the same broad subject can lead in quite different directions.
Universities in Tanzania
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied SciencesDar es Salaam, Tanzania
- THE 2026 1501+
- University of Dar es SalaamDar es Salaam, Tanzania
- THE 2026 1501+
Scholarships to Study in Tanzania
Finding funding for Tanzania takes time, so start looking as soon as you have a shortlist of courses.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Tanzania
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Most scholarships are competitive and have their own eligibility rules, so none can be taken for granted. Read the conditions carefully, apply early and check whether funding covers tuition, living costs or both. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Tanzania
There is no national intake date for Tanzania: each university or college sets its own calendar.
Because deadlines differ between universities, keep a simple timeline for each application: when it opens, when it closes, when decisions are expected and how long the visa process may take. Leave room for delays in obtaining documents.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Tanzania
Tuition in Tanzania varies widely: public and private institutions, subjects and study levels can all have different fees.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Tanzania
Whether you need a visa to study in Tanzania depends mainly on your nationality and the length of your programme.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Tanzania in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Tanzania
Planning your living budget for Tanzania early helps you avoid surprises during your first months. Costs in Dodoma can differ noticeably from those in Dar es Salaam or Arusha and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Ask your institution for its estimate of student living costs and plan for some extra money for arrival and emergencies.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Tanzania
Why should I study in Tanzania?
It depends on your goals. Tanzania offers programmes across many subjects, a location in East Africa, on the Indian Ocean and study in Swahili and English. Students interested in agriculture, tourism and healthcare may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Tanzania?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies and Engineering. The subjects page for Tanzania lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When do courses start in Tanzania?
Start dates vary between institutions. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Tanzania?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Tanzania?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Tanzania.
Are scholarships available for international students in Tanzania?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Which cities are popular with students in Tanzania?
Dodoma, Dar es Salaam and Arusha are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Free counselling
Not sure where to begin?
Explore your study-abroad options with guidance.