State University of Zanzibar

Overview

The State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) is the only public university in Zanzibar, located on Unguja Island in Mboweni, Zanzibar, Tanzania. Established in 1999 and operating from 2001, SUZA is widely recognized as the archipelago’s main public institution for higher education and research, offering degree pathways that support Zanzibar’s development goals.

SUZA delivers academic training across key areas such as education, health, social sciences, languages, business, and environmental studies, with multiple campuses serving students across the islands. The university currently enrolls around 2,000 students and is staffed by approximately 230 academic members.

2. General Information

Name	State University of Zanzibar
Established	1999 (operational from 2001)
Type	Public
Location	Mwene District, Unguja Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Website	http://www.suza.ac.tz

3. Fee Structure

Tuition fees for international students may change by academic year and by program structure. The ranges below reflect commonly referenced published amounts and should be confirmed with the SUZA admissions office before applying.

Program	Tuition Fee (per year, international)
Bachelor’s programmers	≈ 1,000–2,500 USD
Doctor of Medicine (MD)	≈ 3,343,250 TZS (~1,400 USD)
Master’s and PhD programmers	Master’s ≈ 2,818,250 TZS; PhD Kiswahili ≈ 4,393,250 TZS

4. Academic Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Kiswahili Language & Linguistics
Bachelor of Arts in History & Archaeology
Bachelor of Arts in Tourism & Hospitality Management
Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies
Bachelor of Business Administration, Economics, Accounting & Finance
Bachelor of Education (Primary, Secondary, Early Childhood)
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Public Health, Environmental Health
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Master’s & PhD in Kiswahili, Environmental Science, Chemistry, IT, MBA and Education

If you are comparing options across Tanzania, you may also want to review similar public university pathways such as the University of Dar es Salaam or Sokoine University of Agriculture, depending on your program interests.

5. Facilities

Main campus in Tunguu and branch campuses in Vuga, Beit‑el‑Ras, Chwaka, Maruhubi & Pemba
Institute of Kiswahili & Foreign Languages, School of Health Sciences, Education, Natural & Social Sciences, Business & ICT
Research centers: Marine Sciences, Sustainable Development, Kiswahili & African Studies, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Computer centre, language labs, lecture halls and reading facilities
Support for international collaborations and ACU membership

Students who plan to continue their studies or broaden research exposure often benefit from considering institutions beyond Zanzibar as well. For example, the University of Dodoma is another option for those looking for additional public university study environments within Tanzania.

6. Accommodation

SUZA offers limited on‑campus housing in Tunguu and Vuga campuses. International students commonly arrange accommodation through local host families or off‑campus options, especially during high-demand periods. Cost of living is generally modest, and accommodation may cost around 130–280 EUR/month depending on the campus, contract terms, and whether meals are included.

Host family accommodation ~20 USD/day (~600 USD/month) including meals
On‑campus dormitory rooms in Tunguu/Vuga with shared facilities
University shuttle transport provided between campuses

Because housing availability can vary by intake, it is a good idea to confirm your preferred living arrangement with SUZA as early as possible—particularly if you are considering international enrollment alongside other Tanzanian programs.

7. Contact Information

Email: admission@suza.ac.tz
Phone: +255 773 333 167
Address: P.O. Box 146, Tunguu Main Campus, Zanzibar, Tanzania

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