If you’re searching for the TCU Approved Universities Tanzania Full List 2026, you’re in the right place. Whether you are a student, parent, guardian, or education consultant, it is very important to confirm that the university you choose is officially recognized by the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU).
This updated guide provides a clear breakdown of TCU-accredited universities in Tanzania, including their locations, approval status, and why TCU recognition matters for your future.
Why TCU Approval Is Very Important
The Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) is the official government body established under the Universities Act, Cap. 346. TCU is responsible for:
- Regulating university education in Tanzania
- Accrediting institutions and academic programmes
- Issuing licenses and charters
- Ensuring quality standards in higher education
Important Note
Any institution not approved by TCU is not legally authorized to offer university education in Tanzania. This means:
- The qualification may not be recognized in Tanzania
- You may face problems during employment verification
- International recognition and scholarship opportunities may be affected
Total Number of Approved Institutions in Tanzania (As of 2026)
As of the latest available updates, Tanzania has approved institutions categorized as:
- Fully-fledged universities
- University colleges
- University campuses, centres, and institutes
If a university is not listed by TCU, it is NOT authorized to operate in Tanzania.
Public Universities in Tanzania (2026)
Public universities are government-owned and regulated through TCU.
| SN | University Name | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) | Dar es Salaam | Accredited & Chartered |
| 2 | Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) | Morogoro | Accredited & Chartered |
| 3 | Open University of Tanzania (OUT) | Dar es Salaam | Accredited & Chartered |
| 4 | State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) | Zanzibar | Accredited |
| 5 | Mzumbe University (MU) | Morogoro | Accredited & Chartered |
| 6 | Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) | Arusha | Accredited & Chartered |
| 7 | Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) | Dar es Salaam | Accredited & Chartered |
| 8 | Ardhi University (ARU) | Dar es Salaam | Accredited & Chartered |
| 9 | University of Dodoma (UDOM) | Dodoma | Accredited & Chartered |
| 10 | Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST) | Mbeya | Accredited & Chartered |
| 11 | Moshi Cooperative University (MoCU) | Moshi | Accredited & Chartered |
| 12 | Mwalimu J.K. Nyerere University of Agriculture and Technology (MJNUAT) | Musoma | Provisional Licence |
Private Universities in Tanzania (2026)
Private universities are owned by religious organizations, foundations, and private entities — but they must still be licensed and accredited by TCU.
| SN | University Name | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kairuki University (KU) | Dar es Salaam | Accredited & Chartered |
| 2 | Abdulrahman Al-Sumait University (SUMAIT) | Zanzibar | Accredited |
| 3 | St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) | Mwanza | Accredited & Chartered |
| 4 | Zanzibar University (ZU) | Zanzibar | Accredited & Chartered |
| 5 | Tumaini University Makumira (TUMA) | Arusha | Accredited & Chartered |
| 6 | Aga Khan University (AKU) | Dar es Salaam | Accredited & Chartered |
| 7 | Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS) | Mwanza | Accredited |
| 8 | University of Arusha (UoA) | Arusha | Accredited & Chartered |
| 9 | St. Joseph University in Tanzania (SJUIT) | Dar es Salaam | Accredited |
| 10 | Teofilo Kisanji University (TEKU) | Mbeya | Accredited & Chartered |
| 11 | Mwenge Catholic University (MWECAU) | Moshi | Accredited |
| 12 | Muslim University of Morogoro (MUM) | Morogoro | Accredited & Chartered |
| 13 | University of Iringa (UoI) | Iringa | Accredited |
| 14 | St. John’s University of Tanzania (SJUT) | Dodoma | Accredited & Chartered |
| 15 | Kampala International University in Tanzania (KIUT) | Dar es Salaam | Accredited |
| 16 | United African University of Tanzania (UAUT) | Dar es Salaam | Accredited |
| 17 | Ruaha Catholic University (RUCU) | Iringa | Accredited |
| 18 | Mwanza University (MzU) | Mwanza | Provisional Licence |
| 19 | Catholic University of Mbeya (CUoM) | Mbeya | Accredited |
| 20 | Dar es Salaam Tumaini University (DarTU) | Dar es Salaam | Accredited |
| 21 | Rabininsia Memorial University of Health and Allied Sciences (RMUHAS) | Dar es Salaam | Provisional Licence |
| 22 | University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST) | Dar es Salaam | Provisional Licence |
| 23 | Islamic University of East Africa (IUEA) | Dar es Salaam | Provisional Licence |
| 24 | KCMC University | Moshi | Accredited |
University Colleges, Campuses & Centres (2026)
TCU also recognizes university colleges and campuses affiliated with chartered universities. These institutions operate under the accreditation status of their parent universities.
Examples include:
- Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE) – Under UDSM
- Mkwawa University College of Education (MUCE) – Under UDSM
- Jordan University College (JUCo) – Under SAUT
Final Warning to Students, Parents & Guardians
Before paying fees or accepting admission, always verify the university’s status through official TCU channels. If you suspect an institution is operating illegally, report it to TCU:
- Email: es@tcu.go.tz
- Website: www.tcu.go.tz
Choosing a TCU-approved university is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your academic and career future. It ensures your qualification is valid, recognized, and respected both locally and internationally. Tanzania offers a strong range of universities—both public and private—but verification is essential. Bookmark this guide, share it with others, and always confirm accreditation before enrolling. For the full official PDF list, visit the TCU website.
Disclaimer
This article is published for informational purposes only. University accreditation status may change due to TCU updates, licensing decisions, institutional reforms, or compliance reviews. Readers are strongly advised to confirm the most current university status directly from the official Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) website or offices before making any academic or financial decisions.
