MWE Correspondent
The 2025/26 university admissions season is now underway, marking an important milestone for higher education in Tanzania.
This year’s admissions come on the heels of sweeping reforms designed to modernize degree programmes and better align academic offerings with the evolving demands of the labor market and the country’s Education and Training Policy of 2023.
On July 15, the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) officially opened the application window, inviting thousands of Form Six leavers and other eligible candidates to apply for a range of undergraduate programmes. The application period will close on August 10, giving prospective students ample time to submit their applications through a newly launched online admission portal.
This admission cycle is distinct from previous years due to comprehensive curriculum updates that reflect national priorities for skills development and economic competitiveness. As stated by TCU Executive Secretary Prof Charles Kihampa during a press briefing in Dar es Salaam, “We are offering upgraded degree programmes with content tailored to meet the needs of modern industries, especially those driven by technological innovation and industrial growth.”
The reforms aim to address longstanding concerns about the disconnect between university education and actual employment opportunities. New and revised courses include emerging fields such as data science, renewable energy, and cybersecurity, which are critical to Tanzania’s ongoing industrialization and participation in the global economy.
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Prof Kihampa emphasized that the updated programmes are part of a broader government effort to foster a workforce capable of supporting sustainable economic growth aligned with international frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In addition to curricular improvements, the introduction of the online application system simplifies the admissions process by enabling applicants to submit their materials digitally, track application status in real time, and receive notifications — reducing past challenges linked to manual processing and delays.
This modernization of admissions and academic programmes reflects Tanzania’s commitment to digital transformation within its education sector, aiming to make higher education more accessible, relevant, and aligned with current economic realities.
