Admissions & Financial Information for International Students
Learn how to apply to the University of Dar es Salaam, verify your academic qualifications, understand tuition and direct costs, and prepare for your study journey in Tanzania.
Your Guide to Applying to UDSM
This page provides essential guidance for international applicants who wish to study at the University of Dar es Salaam. It brings together information on application pathways, qualification verification, fees, required documents, and official admission resources.
International applicants are encouraged to review programme requirements carefully, verify their qualifications through the appropriate Tanzanian authorities, and submit applications through official UDSM admission channels or through DICA where applicable.
Application Pathways
Full-Time Students
International applicants seeking admission into full undergraduate or postgraduate degree programmes should apply through the UDSM Online Admission System.
Apply through UDSM Admission PortalShort-Term & Occasional Postgraduate Students
International postgraduate students wishing to study at UDSM for one or two semesters should apply through the UDSM Online Admission System. After selecting their intended courses, applicants should select the appropriate Short-Term or Occasional Student category in the portal.
Access Admission PortalShort-Term & Occasional Undergraduate Students
International undergraduate students intending to study at UDSM for a short-term academic period should apply through DICA by submitting the required application form and supporting documents.
Contact DICA for Application FormShort-Term & Occasional Study at UDSM
The University of Dar es Salaam welcomes international students who wish to undertake short-term academic studies, exchange programmes, visiting study periods, or occasional enrolment opportunities.
Postgraduate Short-Term & Occasional Students
International postgraduate applicants should apply through the UDSM Online Admission System. During the application process, applicants should select their intended courses and choose the appropriate Short-Term or Occasional Student category where applicable.
Applications are processed through the normal admission procedures and are subject to approval by the relevant academic units.
Undergraduate Short-Term & Occasional Students
International undergraduate applicants should apply directly through the Directorate of Internationalization, Convocation and Advancement.
Applicants are required to complete the official Short-Term or Occasional Student Application Form and submit it together with all required supporting documents to DICA for processing.
Entry Requirements & Qualification Verification
Undergraduate Applicants
Applicants with secondary school certificates obtained outside Tanzania should submit their certificates to NECTA for equivalence grading before applying.
Visit NECTA Equivalence PortalPostgraduate Applicants
Applicants whose previous degrees were obtained outside Tanzania should have their qualifications verified through the Tanzania Commission for Universities.
Visit TCU Foreign Awards PortalLanguage of Instruction
The medium of instruction at UDSM is English. Applicants from non-English speaking countries may be required to provide evidence of English proficiency or follow relevant language preparation guidance.
Ask about English language guidanceStep-by-Step Application Process
Verify Qualifications
Use NECTA for secondary certificate equivalence or TCU for foreign degree recognition where applicable.
Choose Programme or Courses
Review available UDSM programmes or courses and identify the academic pathway that fits your goals.
Apply Through the Correct Route
Full-time and postgraduate short-term applicants use the admission portal. Undergraduate short-term applicants apply through DICA.
Receive Admission
Successful applicants receive admission communication from the University or relevant academic unit.
Prepare for Arrival
Use your admission documents to begin immigration, travel, fee payment, and arrival preparations.
Required Documents
Full-Time Applicants
Academic certificates, transcripts, qualification verification documents, identification documents, and other documents required through the official UDSM admission system.
Short-Term & Occasional Postgraduate Students
Academic certificates, transcripts, relevant qualification verification documents, identification documents, and any other documents required through the UDSM Online Admission System.
Short-Term & Occasional Undergraduate Students
Completed application form, motivation letter, recommendation letter, transcript in English, curriculum vitae, passport photographs, and a copy of a valid passport.
Fees & Financial Information
Tuition and direct costs vary depending on the student category, programme, college, school, institute, and duration of study. International student fees are quoted and payable in United States Dollars.
Payments are made through the Government Electronic Payment Gateway using a control number generated by the UDSM financial system.
| Student Category | Key Cost Items | Indicative Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occasional Students | Application, registration, caution money, student union, ID, examination and tuition fees | USD 2,430 | Non-exchange students, per semester |
| Short-Term Students | Application, registration, caution money, student union, ID, examination and tuition fees | USD 4,530 | Non-exchange students, one academic year |
| Exchange Students | Application, registration, caution money, student union, ID and examination fees | USD 330 | Exchange students, per semester |
| Full-Time Undergraduate / Postgraduate | Programme-based tuition and direct costs | Varies by programme | Consult the official UDSM Prospectus and relevant fee pages |
Downloads & Useful Links
UDSM Prospectus
Review programmes, requirements and official study information.
Programme List
Explore academic programmes offered at UDSM.
UDSM Admission Portal
Submit your official application online.
Undergraduate Fees
View official undergraduate fee information.
NECTA Equivalence
Verify secondary school certificate equivalence.
TCU Foreign Awards
Verify foreign degrees and academic awards.
Students Hub
Prepare for life and study at UDSM.
Application Form via DICA
Undergraduate short-term applicants should contact DICA for the application form.
Important Notes for International Applicants
Reporting to DICA
All international students should report to DICA upon arrival for general registration guidance before proceeding to their respective academic units.
Orientation
Fresh international students are expected to attend orientation to understand academic programmes, registration procedures, and university life.
Fee Payment
Students are registered after meeting applicable fee payment requirements. Payments should be made only through official university systems.
Begin Your Application Journey
Whether you are applying for a full degree, postgraduate short-term study, undergraduate short-term study, exchange opportunity, or academic visit, the University of Dar es Salaam welcomes international applicants from around the world.