Introduction to Education System
Education system in Tanzania comprises three levels namely:
(a) Basic or first level education including pre-primary, primary and non- formal adult education.
(b) Secondary or second level education which includes Ordinary (O) and Advanced (A) level secondary schooling;
(c) Tertiary or third level education including programmes and courses offered in non-higher and higher education institutions.
Higher education is organized at two levels - non-university and university level. Non-university tertiary level institutions, include those which offer up to three year courses leading to an Advanced Diploma as the highest award possible while university level institutions include those which offer courses leading to the bachelor’s degree and above.A higher education institution is so identified by its mission, objectives and curricula orientation. The distinction between a higher and non-higher education institution is in the students’ academic entry requirements, level and duration of courses offered, awards conferred and minimum academic and professional requirements of academic staff. These and related requirements, are normally validated by academic boards or committees for colleges of higher education or senates of universities against internationally accepted standards.
The number of higher education institutions in the country has grown from one institution at the time of independence in 1961 to 35 institutions at the time of production of this Guide. Out of this latter number, eleven institutions are recognized public and private universities, nine university colleges and eleven non-university tertiary institutions.
It is worth noting that in the spirit of expanding opportunities for higher education, many higher education institutions, mainly private, were established after 1996, that is in response to the government decision to liberalize the establishment, ownership and management of higher education institutions. Existing public institutions, have also expanded their facilities and continue to introduce new programmes and courses.
This publication offers an update of the status of recognition, registration and accreditation of newly (1997 to date) established public and private university level institutions, validated and approved programmes and courses offered by specific institutions, approved admissions for academic year 2005/2006 and list of TCU evaluated and equated academic and professional awards.
It also aims to educate the public about procedures for submitting applications for places of study, admission procedures and sponsorship arrangements including how to obtain and repay students loans for higher education. For this purpose an overview of each higher education institution and contact addresses have been included. Further, general hints and guidelines have been provided on how to obtain scholarship places as are periodically offered to Tanzania through donor support or bilateral arrangements with foreign governments.
For More Information Contact:
TANZANIA COMMISSION FOR UNIVERSITIES
DAR ES SALAAM
Tel:
021-2111-254
FAX:
021-2111-254
Internet:
info@tcu.or.tz
