University of Dar es Salaam

The University of Dar es Salaam is the oldest public university in Tanzania. It is situated on the western side of the city of Dar es Salaam, occupying 1,625 acres on the observation hill. It is 13 kilometers from the city centre. It was established on 1st July 1970 through the Parliament Act No. 12 of 1970 and all the enabling legal instruments of the constituent colleges.

The University is currently focusing on extending postgraduate training including PhD by coursework and dissertation, distancing e-learning programmes and increasing the diversity of programmes on offer. The Vision 2061 motivates the University of Dar es Salaam to excel in postgraduate studies through benefiting programmes and learning environment thus builds on a solid foundation to reach new heights of excellence nationally and globally as the premier institution for postgraduate education, innovation, and discovery.

The University has nine campuses – UDSM Mwalimu J.K. Nyerere Main Campus, Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) located in Zanzibar; School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC) located at Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam; School of Aquatic Science and Fisheries Technology (SoAF) located at Kunduchi Beach; College of Information and Communication Technology (CoICT) at Kijitonyama, Dar es Salaam, University of Dar es Salaam Mineral Resources Institute (UDSM – MRI) in Dodoma and Nzega, Mbeya College of Health and Allied Science (MCHAS) located in Mbeya; Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE) located at Chang’ombe, Dar es Salaam; and Mkwawa University College of Education (MUCE) located in Iringa. Every year, candidates are admitted into the University of Dar es Salaam to pursue various degree programmes/courses tenable at the mentioned campuses.

The University has continued to grow and expand in terms of diversified academic programmes and student numbers. The number of students admitted at the University of Dar es Salaam has been increasing steadily. There were only 14 students in 1961. Presently, the University has a population of over 40,000 students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and non-degree programmes respectively. With regard to academic programmes, the University offers various programmes leading to the award of certificates, diplomas, undergraduate, postgraduate diploma, master’s and PhD degrees.

The University admits local students as well as foreign students from several countries worldwide through established links, exchange programmes or individual applications. Most of the postgraduate students receive their bursaries from their respective governments. Also, students from other countries are considered for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate studies on self-sponsored basis.