University of Dar es Salaam

Overview

The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) is one of Tanzania’s leading public universities, based on Milanni Hill in Dar es Salaam’s Bungo District. Founded in October 1961 as an affiliate college of the University of London, UDSM became a full-fledged national university in July 1970. Today, it is widely known in East Africa for research-led teaching and a broad portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple faculties and institutes.

UDSM enrolls approximately 40,000–45,000 students (including around 3,000 postgraduate students) and employs more than 1,200 academic staff, supported by over 1,000 administrative personnel. The university is organized into colleges such as Social Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Information & Communication Technology, Law, Business, Education, and Health & Applied Sciences. In addition to the main Milanni campus, UDSM operates multiple locations including DUCE and MUCE, with additional institutes serving regions such as Zanzibar and Mbeya.

2. General Information

3. Fee Structure

Tuition for non-Tanzanian students can vary by program, admission category, and the academic year. The figures below are approximations commonly shared for budgeting and should be confirmed through the latest UDSM admissions or Office of International Affairs updates.

4. Academic Programs

UDSM offers career-focused pathways across arts, sciences, engineering, health, and professional fields. Depending on the program, some areas also use specialized institutes or faculty structures for delivery. If you’re comparing institutions in Tanzania, you may also want to review:

• University of Dodoma for options outside Dar es Salaam
• Ardhi University for built environment and land-related studies

• Arts & Humanities (History, Languages, Philosophy, Theatre & Film)
• Social Sciences & Development Studies
• Education & Teacher Training (through DUCE, MUCE)
• Science & Applied Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Marine Science)
• Engineering & Technology (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Telecom etc.)
• Computer Science & ICT & Telecommunication Engineering
• Law & Journalism, Mass Communication
• Business, Commerce, Finance, Economics & MBA
• Medicine & Health Sciences (through MCHAS)
• Master’s and PhD programs in many disciplines

5. Facilities

UDSM’s learning environment includes lecture spaces, laboratories, and research support, with the University of Dar es Salaam Library serving as a key resource for print and electronic materials. Facilities for student wellbeing and recreation include sports areas and student support services that help learners navigate academic and personal challenges.

• Main Milanni campus with modern lecture halls, labs and research centers
• University of Dar es Salaam Library: a national repository with print and electronic resources across disciplines
• Sports and recreation: swimming pool, tennis courts, cricket & football fields, gymnasium, track field
• Student accommodation infrastructure including multiple halls of residence, plus Ubung and Mabior hostels (with limited capacity for international students)
• Student support through Dean of Students office, Students’ Union, counselling and career guidance

6. Accommodation

On-campus housing at UDSM is limited and is often prioritized for international students, female students, and students with disabilities. Even when you secure a bed, availability can change between semesters, so it’s smart to plan an alternative off-campus option.

• Dormitory fee approx. 386 USD per semester (commonly referenced for Erasmus or international exchange students)
• Rooms typically shared by 2 students, with shared bathroom and cafeteria meals
• Many students choose off‑campus accommodation near Milanni City to reduce commuting time and manage variability in hostel conditions

If you’re exploring additional universities across Tanzania for housing and campus life comparisons, consider checking State University of Zanzibar as a different location option within Tanzania.

7. Contact Information

• Email: available via the official UDSM website (Office of International Affairs)
• Phone: typically listed on UDSM admissions or internationalization portals
• Address: University of Dar es Salaam, Milanni Campus, Ubung, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Explore More Universities Tanzania

• Sokoine University of Agriculture
• Ardhi University
• University of Dodoma
• St. Augustine University of Tanzania
• State University of Zanzibar
• Moshi Co-operative University

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