TCU Guide book 2026/2027 for Diploma Qualification

The Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) through its mandate as spelt out in the Universities Act, Cap. 346 of The Laws of Tanzania coordinates admissions of Bachelor students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the country. To facilitate the process, TCU prepares the Admission Guidebooks annually to guide the prospective applicants on admission procedures, available programmes and institutions approved to admit students in a particular academic year.

This Guidebook is meant to provide the applicants with basic information related to the programmes approved by TCU or NACTVET to admit students in the 2026/2027 admission cycle, their institutions, locations, programmes entry requirements, capacities, and durations. This Guidebook also provides fresh insight to those already associated with higher education within and outside Tanzania.

Bachelors’ Degrees Admission Guidebook for the 2026/2027 Academic Year (For Holders of Ordinary Diploma or Equivalent Qualifications)

The Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) has prepared this Bachelor’s Degree Admission Guidebook to guide prospective applicants/students, parents/guardians, sponsors and other stakeholders on the procedures and criteria for students’ admission to Higher Education Institutios (HEIs) in Tanzania. The Guidebook is further intended to provide information about institutions which offer Bachelor’s degree programmes, accredited programmes in the respective admission cycle, minimum entry requirements, programme

admission capacities and duration of each programme. Applications for admission into Bachelor’s degrees in HEIs are directly submitted through the online admissions system of the respective HEI. The process is interactive in such a way that the applicant can easily and conveniently follow the instructions given by the system in the course of applying.

Loading...

Taking too long?

Reload document

| Open in new tab

Download [3.14 MB]

TCU Guide Book 2026/2027 PDF Download for form six

Bachelor’s Degree Admission Guidebook for the 2026/27 Admission Cycle (For Holders of Secondary School Qualifications)

The Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) through its mandate as spelt out in the Universities Act, Cap. 346 of the Laws of Tanzania coordinates admissions of Bachelor students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the country. To facilitate the process, TCU prepares Admission Guidebooks annually to guide the prospective applicants on admission procedures, available programmes, and institutions approved to admit applicants in a particular academic year.

This Guidebook is meant to provide the applicants with basic information related to the programmes approved by TCU or NACTVET to admit applicants in the 2026/2027 admission cycle, their institutions, locations, programmes entry requirements, capacities, and durations.

This Guidebook also provides fresh insight to those already associated with higher education within and outside Tanzania.

Loading...

Taking too long?

Reload document

| Open in new tab

Download [2.42 MB]

TCU Opens First Undergraduate Admission Window for the 2026/2027 Academic Year in Tanzania

The Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) has officially announced the opening of the first undergraduate admission window for the 2026/2027 academic year. The application period began on 10 July 2026 and will remain open until 10 August 2026. Eligible applicants are encouraged to submit their applications within the specified timeframe through their preferred higher education institutions.

Application Deadline

• Application Opens: 10 July 2026
• Application Closes: 10 August 2026

Prospective students should complete and submit their applications before the deadline to avoid missing this important opportunity.

Who Can Apply?

The admission window is open to applicants in the following categories:

• Students who have completed Advanced Level (Form Six) education.
• Applicants holding a Diploma or an equivalent qualification.
• Graduates with a Foundation Certificate from the Open University of Tanzania.

Applicants should review the official TCU Admission Guidebook to confirm that they meet the eligibility requirements for their chosen programmes.

How to Apply for Undergraduate Admission

TCU advises applicants to:

1. Apply directly to the universities of their choice.
2. Select the academic programmes they wish to study.
3. Follow the specific application procedures provided by each university.
4. Submit applications through the official online admission systems of the respective institutions.

Each university manages its own admission portal and application process, so applicants should carefully follow the instructions issued by their selected institutions.

Important Guidelines for Applicants

Before submitting an application, students should:

• Read the TCU Undergraduate Admission Guide carefully.
• Visit the official websites of their preferred universities to review programme details and admission requirements.
• Ensure all application information is accurate before submission.
• Submit applications only through official university admission systems.

Applicants with academic certificates obtained outside Tanzania must obtain equivalency verification before applying:

• NECTA verifies secondary education certificates.
• NACTVET verifies diploma qualifications.

International applicants with foreign qualifications should apply directly through the admission systems of the universities they intend to join.

Beware of Admission Scams

TCU has warned applicants and the general public to avoid individuals claiming to be admission agents or consultants who promise university placements for a fee.

For admission-related inquiries, applicants should contact the respective universities directly. General questions may also be directed to TCU through its official communication channels.

The opening of the 2026/2027 undergraduate admission window marks the beginning of an important academic journey for thousands of students across Tanzania. Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents early, verify that they meet the admission requirements, and submit their applications well before the 10 August 2026 deadline.

For the latest admission updates, applicants should regularly check the official TCU website and the websites of their preferred universities.

Loading...

Taking too long?

Reload document

| Open in new tab

Sifa za kujiunga na chuo kikuu cha Dar Es Salaam 2026/2026 – UDSM Admission criteria for 2026

Whether you are applying for an undergraduate degree, postgraduate program, diploma, or certificate course, understanding the admission requirements is essential. This guide explains everything you need to know before submitting your application.

About the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM)

The University of Dar es Salaam is the oldest and biggest 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, 13 kilometres from the city centre. It was established on 25th October, 1961.

The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) is Tanzania’s leading public university, renowned for excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. Established in 1961, the university offers hundreds of academic programmes across various colleges and schools.

Students from Tanzania and abroad choose UDSM because of its:

• High academic standards
• Experienced lecturers
• Modern research facilities
• International partnerships
• Wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes

General UDSM Admission Criteria for 2026/2027 Tanzania – Sifa za jumla

Applicants must satisfy the admission requirements set by the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) and the University of Dar es Salaam.

The general admission criteria include:

• Valid Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ACSEE) results
• Required subject combinations for the selected programme
• Minimum principal passes according to TCU regulations
• Equivalent qualifications for international applicants
• Valid academic certificates

Meeting the minimum qualifications does not automatically guarantee admission because competition varies across programmes.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Candidates wishing to be enrolled at the University of Dar es Salaam to pursue the various undergraduate degree and non-degree programmes have to fulfil the general minimum entry requirements as well as the additional entry requirements specific to each academic programme. Candidates applying for programmes under the IUCEA Students’ Exchange Programme must fulfil the entry qualifications for similar programmes at the University of Dar es Salaam in addition to meeting the requirements of the admitting University whose decision shall be final.

1: Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Degree Programmes

1.1 General Minimum Entry Requirements

A candidate shall be deemed eligible for consideration for admission to a first-degree programme of the University of Dar es Salaam if he/she meets one of the following qualifications:

(a) Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (C.S.E.E.) or equivalent, with passes in five approved subjects, three of which must be at Credit level obtained prior to sitting for the Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (A.C.S.E.E.) or equivalent;
and

(b) Two principal level passes in appropriate subjects in the A.C.S.E.E. or equivalent with total points from three subjects not below 5 (for Arts programmes) and 2 (for Science-based programmes) based on the following grade-to-point conversion scale: A = 5; B = 4; C = 3; D = 2; E = 1; S = 0.5 and F = 0 points.
[Note: Principal level passes in Divinity/Islamic Knowledge are not counted]

Or

(c) An appropriate equivalent Diploma of not less than Second class/Credit level or B grade obtained from a college fully registered by NACTE and approved by the UDSM Senate. For Diplomas that are further classified into Upper and Lower classes, the requirement shall be an Upper Second class or B+ average.
Note: Applicants from countries which follow an 8-4-4 education system need to complete at least one year of study at a university in their own countries before they can be considered for admission into the University of Dar es Salaam.

(d) A minimum score of 100 obtained from the Mature Age Entry Examination (MAEE) consisting of a score of at least 50 in Paper I and 50 in Paper II. MAEE was introduced in order to give the opportunity to exceptionally well-qualified Tanzanian candidates who wish to study for a first degree at the University of Dar es Salaam but do not possess qualifications that satisfy the University’s Direct/Equivalent entry requirements. To qualify for MAEE, one must be 25 years of age or older on the 1^st of August of the year in which admission is sought.  In addition, one must have obtained at least three credits in approved subjects at the Certificate of Secondary Education Examination or completed Form VI at least five years before the 1^st of September of the year in which admission is sought.

1.2 Additional Entry Requirements
In addition to the general minimum entry requirements, there are additional qualifications, specific to the various degree programmes, as shown in the UDSM prospectus.

MODE OF APPLICATION

i) Applicants under the Direct Entry Scheme
The Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU), in collaboration with University Institutions, the National Council for Technical Education (NACTE), and other higher education institutions in the country has established a Central Admission System (CAS) which will be operational starting with the 2010/2011 admissions.
Applicants with direct qualifications (i.e., those who have completed A-level secondary education (Form VI)), will have to apply through the Central Admission System as advertised by the TCU.

ii) Applicants under Equivalent Qualifications
Equivalent Applicants with Diplomas in Education, NTA level 6 and NON-NTA level 6 recognized by TCU/NACTE will also apply through CAS. Other equivalent applicants (such as post-form VI certificates, and bachelor degree holders) will continue lodging their applications with the University of Dar es Salaam. All University of Dar es Salaam undergraduate degree programmes are advertised in the local media (newspapers) and on the University’s website.  All applications are submitted by filling in the requisite application forms and not in the form of letters.  Applicants are urged to apply after the programmes have been advertised and not before. Applicants are advised to obtain Application Forms and Instructions to Applicants from the Directorate of Undergraduate Studies through the following address:

Director of Undergraduate Studies, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35091 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Tel: 022-2410513 E-mail: dus@udsm.ac.tz
Application forms and Instructions to Applicants can also be obtained at the offices of the Regional Education Officers in Mainland Tanzania, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education for Zanzibar, or can be downloaded from the University website at www.udsm.ac.tz

When filling out the application forms, applicants must:

(a) carefully read the accompanying ‘Instructions to Applicants’ before attempting to fill out the forms.

(b) give full particulars of citizenship (including a copy of the birth certificate) and enclose photocopies of “O” level and equivalent qualifications (diploma) Certificates. Applicants with diploma qualifications obtained outside the country must submit a translation by the National Council for Technical Education (NACTE) indicating equivalent grades to Tanzanian ones. This is in addition to submitting the original grades.

(c) pay a non-refundable application fee of T.Shs. 20,000/= for Tanzanians and USD 45 for Non-Tanzanians. Applications without the required application fee will not be processed. Applicants must ascertain themselves that they possess the minimum entry qualifications before they pay the fees as the fees will not be refunded under any circumstances.

(d)  deposit all fees into the University of Dar es Salaam NBC Bank Account number 040103001709 (UDSM branch) OR CRDB Account number 01J088967000 (UDSM Branch) and submit the original pay-in-slip together with the application forms.

For those using telegraphic transfer, the Swift Code is NLCBTZTX for NBC Bank, and CORUTZTZ for CRDB Bank.

iii)    Applicants under the Mature Age Entry Scheme

In order to give an opportunity to exceptionally well-qualified Tanzania candidates who wish to study for a first degree at the University of Dar es Salaam but do not possess qualifications which satisfy the University’s Direct Entry Requirements, the University of Dar es Salaam offers an alternative method of entry by the Mature Age Scheme for persons who satisfy the following conditions:

(a) Candidates must be 25 years of age or older on the 1^st of August of the year in which admission is sought;

(b) Candidates should have attempted the Certificate of Secondary Education Examination and obtained at least 3 credits in approved subjects or completed Form VI, at least 5 years before the 1^st of August of the year in which admission is sought;

(c) Candidates should be able to show: –

• That they have attended extra-mural classes or residential courses, in which case a recommendation from the extra-mural class tutors will be necessary. Or
• That they have attended a residential course at any Adult Education Institute, in which case recommendation from the institute attended will be necessary. Or
• That they can obtain from a person acceptable to the University a recommendation that they are qualified to benefit from university education.

(d) No candidate who has previously attended one of the former Colleges of the University of East Africa or this University shall be readmitted to the University under these regulations to a course for which he/she failed to qualify during previous attendance unless the candidate produces evidence of further study satisfactory to the University; and if, in the opinion of the University, candidates have complied successfully with conditions (a) to (d) above, they will be required to take a Special Entrance Examination.

(e) Non-Tanzanians are not eligible for the mature age entry scheme.  Candidates who comply with conditions 1(i) to (v) above may be admitted to the University of Dar es Salaam.

Postgraduate Admission Requirements

For postgraduate programmes, applicants generally need:

Master’s Degree

• Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university
• Minimum GPA as specified by UDSM
• Relevant academic background

PhD Programmes

Applicants should have:

• Master’s Degree
• Research proposal
• Academic transcripts
• Recommendation letters

Specific departments may request interviews or additional documents.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Birth Certificate
• National ID or Passport
• Academic Certificates
• Academic Transcripts
• Passport-size Photograph
• Payment Receipt
• Valid Email Address
• Phone Number

International applicants may need additional immigration documents.

To Apply Visiti Here: https://admission.udsm.ac.tz/index.php?r=site%2Flogin#

About TCU

The Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) is a government agency which was established on the 1^st July 2005, under the Universities Act, Cap. 346 R.E 2023 with a legal mandate to recognise, register and accredit universities in Tanzania. It also regulates local or foreign university-level programmes, coordinates the proper functioning of universities and ensures a harmonised higher education system in the country.

TCU succeeded the then Higher Education Accreditation Council (HEAC), which was established in 1995 under the Education Act, 1995. The HEAC had a mandate to regulate the establishment and accreditation of private universities. Being limited only to private universities, such mandate was considered unfavourable for the promotion of a viable public-private partnership in higher education.

Sifa za Kujiunga na chuo kikuu 2026/2027

If you are planning to join a university in Tanzania during the 2026/2027 academic year, understanding the Bachelor Degree Admission Criteria for 2026/2027 Tanzania is the first step toward securing admission. Every year, the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) releases official admission guidebooks that outline the minimum qualifications, programme-specific requirements, and application procedures for all accredited universities.

What is the Bachelor Degree Admission Criteria for 2026/2027 Tanzania?

The Bachelor Degree Admission Criteria for 2026/2027 Tanzania refers to the official minimum academic qualifications and admission requirements established by the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU). These criteria ensure that applicants meet the academic standards required to pursue undergraduate degree programmes in both public and private universities.

Admission is offered through accredited Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), while TCU coordinates the national admission framework and publishes the official guidebooks. 

Who is eligible to apply?

• Form Six Leavers;
• Holders of Ordinary Diplomas, FTC, and their equivalences;
• Holders of Foundation Certificate of the Open University of Tanzania; and
• Holders of Bachelor’s Degree award.
• 2.0 What are the Procedures?

All applicants should:

i.Carefully read and understand the admission requirements provided in the Admission Guidebooks; and

ii.Lodge their applications directly through the online admission systems of the respective institutions.

NB: Tanzanian citizens holding foreign qualifications must have their qualifications validated and equated by NECTA or NACTVET for certificates of secondary education and teacher education, and for technical education in respect of NTA Level 6/Diploma qualifications, respectively.

TCU Minimum Admission Entry Qualifications

The minimum entry qualifications for Admission into Higher Education Institutions (HEls) for all Bachelor’s Degree programmes are indicated in Tables 1, 2 and 3:

Note:

• A holder of a Bachelor Degree award shall be eligible for admission into another degree programme provided the admitting University has such provision in the student admission guidelines;
• As part of outreach programmes, every University shall be allowed to offer certificate and diploma programmes in its relevant academic disciplines for the purposes of contributing to professional development and life-long learning initiatives of the citizens;
• The minimum entry requirements for admission into ordinary diploma programmes/certificate (UQF Level 6) in any University shall be: (a). Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (A-Level) with at least one Principal level pass relevant to the discipline/programme applied AND at least four passes (‘D’s and above) at O- Level excluding religious subjects; and (b). NTA Level 5 or Professional Technician Certificate Level II AND at least four passes (‘D’s and above) at O- Level excluding religious subjects.
• In admitting Tanzanian applicants with foreign certificates every University shall vet the level of the foreign qualifications used in applying for admission with the national equivalences (NECTA and NACTVET) before processing the application.