Colleges & Universities in Tanzania

Universities in Tanzania New

Introduction

What are the most popular Universities and Colleges in Tanzania? uniRank answers this question by publishing the 2025 Tanzanian University Ranking of 30 Tanzanian higher-education institutions meeting the following uniRank selection criteria:

  • being chartered, licensed or accredited by the appropriate higher education-related organization in Tanzania
  • offering at least three-year bachelor's degrees or postgraduate master's or doctoral degrees
  • delivering courses predominantly in a traditional, non-distance education format

2025 Ranking of Tanzanian Universities

2025 University Sub-rankings by Regions

The United Republic of Tanzania is divided into 31 regions (Swahili: mikoa), which are further subdivided into 169 districts (Swahili: wilaya). The largest number of higher education institutions meeting the uniRank selection criteria are located in the Dar es-Salaam region, which hosts the largest city and former capital of Tanzania. The following uniRank sub-rankings and league tables take into account all regions that include at least one Tanzanian higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.


Arusha (4)  
Dar es Salaam (7)  
Dodoma (2)  
Iringa (2)  
Kilimanjaro (2)  
Mara (1)  
Mbeya (2)  
Mjini Magharibi (3)  
Morogoro (3)  
Mwanza (2)  

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Overview of Universities in Tanzania

Overview of Tanzania Universities

Tanzania's higher education system features public and private universities accredited by the Tanzania Commission for Universities. Public institutions receive government funding and focus on national development priorities, while private universities offer specialized programs often with religious or international affiliations. Universities provide comprehensive and specialized education across undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels, with key disciplines including agriculture, health sciences, technology and social sciences. The system emphasizes research and innovation, particularly in sectors critical to Tanzania's economy like agriculture and healthcare.

Top 10 Tanzania Universities

  1. University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) - Ranked #1 in Tanzania and #1579 globally. Established 1970 in Dar es Salaam. Public, comprehensive university offering diverse fields including engineering, business and social sciences at all academic levels.
  2. Mzumbe University (MU) - Ranked #2 in Tanzania and #2939 globally. Founded 2003 in Morogoro. Public university specializing in law, public administration and business management with undergraduate to PhD programs.
  3. Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) - Ranked #3 in Tanzania and #3912 globally. Established 1984 in Morogoro. Public agriculture-focused institution offering degrees from bachelor to doctorate in agricultural sciences, veterinary medicine and environmental studies.
  4. University of Dodoma (UDOM) - Ranked #4 in Tanzania and #4861 globally. Founded 2007 in Dodoma. Public comprehensive university with programs in education, humanities, sciences and health sciences across multiple degree levels.
  5. Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) - Ranked #5 in Tanzania and #5474 globally. Established 2007 in Dar es Salaam. Public specialized university training healthcare professionals through bachelor, master and doctoral programs in medicine, nursing and public health.
  6. State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) - Ranked #6 in Tanzania and #5974 globally. Founded 2002 in Zanzibar City. Public comprehensive university offering education, ICT, tourism and languages at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
  7. Ruaha Catholic University (RUCU) - Ranked #7 in Tanzania and #6097 globally. Established 2014 in Iringa. Private university providing programs in education, business, law and social sciences from diploma to master's level.
  8. Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NMAIST) - Ranked #8 in Tanzania and #7277 globally. Founded 2009 in Arusha. Public research university specializing in science, engineering and technology postgraduate programs.
  9. Ardhi University (ARU) - Ranked #9 in Tanzania and #7872 globally. Established 2007 in Dar es Salaam. Public specialized university focusing on architecture, urban planning, real estate and environmental sciences at all academic levels.
  10. Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS) - Ranked #10 in Tanzania and #8243 globally. Founded 1994 in Mwanza. Private specialized university offering health science programs including medicine, pharmacy and medical laboratory sciences from bachelor to PhD.

Analysis of University Types

Tanzania hosts 30 accredited universities. Public institutions constitute 40% (12 universities), while private universities dominate at 60% (18 universities). This distribution reflects significant private sector participation in higher education, particularly in specialized fields like health sciences and business management.

Global Ranking and Standing

No Tanzanian universities currently rank in the global top 200 (view top 200 universities) or top 1000. While institutions show regional strength, this highlights opportunities for enhanced international research collaboration and academic investment to boost global competitiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the oldest university in Tanzania?
A: The University of Dar es Salaam, established in 1970, is Tanzania's oldest and highest-ranked university.

Q: Are private universities in Tanzania internationally recognized?
A: Yes, accredited private universities like CUHAS and RUCU offer recognized degrees, particularly in specialized fields such as health sciences and theology.

Q: Which Tanzanian university specializes in agricultural studies?
A: Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro is Tanzania's premier institution for agricultural sciences and veterinary medicine.

Q: Do Tanzanian universities offer programs in English?
A: Yes, most universities conduct instruction in English, Tanzania's official language of higher education.

Q: Where are most universities located in Tanzania?
A: Major academic hubs include Dar es Salaam (hosting 3 top-10 institutions), Morogoro (2 top-10) and regional capitals like Dodoma, Mwanza and Arusha.


Related Tanzanian University Lists

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Tanzanian universities and their online presence.


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