Tanzania: Commission for Universities Opens Enrollment Window-Thousands of Graduates Set to Apply

By Adonis Byemelwa

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) has announced the opening of the first enrollment window from July 15 to August 10, 2024, urging graduates to apply directly to their preferred institutions.

 This announcement targets a total of 111,056 graduates who passed the 2024 Advanced Level examinations, diploma holders, and others with eligible qualifications, including certificate courses offered by the Open University of Tanzania (OUT).

Speaking to the press today, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, TCU Executive Secretary, Professor Charles Kihampa, advised graduates to thoroughly review the undergraduate application guidelines before applying.

"To understand the correct and approved programs, applicants should carefully read the Undergraduate Admission Guide for the 2024/25 academic year," he said.

The TCU announcement comes two days after the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (Necta) released the 2024 results, where a total of 113,536 candidates from both schools and private candidates sat for the Advanced Level exams. Of the 104,454 candidates registered from schools, 103,812 (99.39%) took the exams. In 2023, 96,319 candidates sat for the exams.

Among the 9,082 registered private candidates, 8,387 sat for the exams, while 695 did not. Recent Necta statistics show a slight increase in the pass rate compared to the previous year.

 TCU emphasized that application procedures are outlined by the respective universities, not TCU. Criteria and program requirements are available on university websites and TCU's admission guides.

"We urge applicants to thoroughly understand the TCU guidelines and university instructions before submitting applications," advised Professor Kihampa. Applicants are encouraged to visit university websites for accurate application procedures and detailed program information.

 He also called on graduates with foreign examination certificates to submit them to Necta for secondary education equivalence or the National Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (NACTVET) for diploma equivalence before applying.

"Get information through the TCU website, approved university portals, and TCU media announcements," added Professor Kihampa. TCU also warned against fraudulent agents. "Contact universities directly for admission-related inquiries. Be cautious and avoid fake agents," he said.

Higher education enrollment in Tanzania, facilitated by TCU, continues to be a critical process ensuring students are placed in accredited institutions and programs that match their qualifications. With the recent increase in pass rates, there is a renewed emphasis on accurate and efficient application processes.

The Higher Education Students' Loans Board (HESLB) plays a significant role during this enrollment period by providing financial aid to eligible students. HESLB's effectiveness in disbursing loans has been crucial in enabling students from various financial backgrounds to access higher education.

This year, HESLB has streamlined its processes to ensure timely loan disbursements, which will greatly benefit students during the enrollment period. By working closely with TCU and educational institutions, HESLB aims to support a larger number of students, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their academic aspirations.

The collaboration between TCU and HESLB highlights the Tanzanian government's commitment to expanding access to higher education and improving the quality of education provided. As enrollment begins, both bodies are dedicated to ensuring a smooth, transparent, and equitable admission process for all prospective students.