Ardhi University
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania • Founded 2007
Overview
Established in 2007, the Ardhi University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Dar es Salaam (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).
Officially recognized by the Tanzania Commission for Universities, Ardhi University (ARU) is a small-sized coeducational Tanzanian higher education institution. Ardhi University (ARU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 17-year-old Tanzanian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 50-59% making this Tanzanian higher education organization an averagely selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
ARU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Looking to reach Ardhi University? Address, contact details, and online links below. For finance and tuition payment queries, the bursar or finance office is typically a separate contact point.
Academic Details
Academic statistics for Ardhi University — including its student body and academic staff numbers. Read these alongside rankings; institution scale changes how rankings should be interpreted.
Academic Structures
How Ardhi University structures its academic side — by faculty, school, and unit — is detailed below. The structure affects everything from credit transfer to cross-faculty modules.
Unit 7 items
- Institute of Human Settlement Studies
- School of Architecture and Design
- School of Construction Economics and Management
- School of Environmental Science and Technology
- School of Geospatial Sciences and Technology
- School of Real Estate Studies
- School of urban and regional Planning
Degrees
Ardhi University offers degrees across multiple levels. Full-time, part-time, and sandwich (with placement year) modes change total time commitment and total cost meaningfully.
Bachelor's 22 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Architecture
- Architecture and Planning
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Networks
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Technology
- Interior Design
- Laboratory Techniques
- Landscape Architecture
- Real Estate
- Regional Planning
- Social and Community Services
- Surveying and Mapping
- Town Planning
Master's 15 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Architecture
- Architecture and Planning
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Finance
- Government
- Management
- Protective Services
- Real Estate
- Regional Planning
- Safety Engineering
- Surveying and Mapping
- Town Planning
Doctoral 18 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Architectural and Environmental Design
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- Government
- Laboratory Techniques
- Management
- Meteorology
- Protective Services
- Real Estate
- Regional Planning
- Safety Engineering
- Surveying and Mapping
- Town Planning
Diploma & Certificate 1 program
Diploma and certificate routes deliver focused, applied training for fast entry into skilled occupations.
- Surveying and Mapping
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Tanzania Commission for Universities.
Continuing Education (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- CCE
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Disaster Management Training (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Safety Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Information and Communication Technology (Department/Division) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Science
- Data Processing
- Information Technology
- Maintenance Technology
- Surveying and Mapping
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Building Research (Institute) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Human Settlement Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Town Planning
Architecture, Construction Economics and Management (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Economics
- Interior Design
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Earth Sciences, Real Estate, Business and Informatics (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Real Estate
- Surveying and Mapping
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering and Environmental Studies (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- Protective Services
- Safety Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Spatial Planning and Social Science (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
- Regional Planning
- Social Studies
- Town Planning
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Ardhi University's current programme offering broken down by degree level. Curriculum revisions happen periodically; check the version year on each programme page if accreditation portability matters.
Bachelor's Degree
22 programmes
These 22 programmes make up Ardhi University's undergraduate catalogue. A bachelor's degree is the baseline credential for most graduate careers and advanced study.
Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning Business & Management
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering Environmental Engineering
Bachelor of Arts in Community and Development Studies Politics & International Relations
Bachelor of Arts in Economics Economics
Bachelor of Science in Housing and Infrastructure Planning Natural Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Regional Development Planning Social Sciences & Education
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Laboratory Science and Technology Environmental Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Real Estate (Finance and Investment) Finance, Banking & Insurance
Bachelor of Science in Interior Design Applied Design
Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture Architecture
Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics Economics
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Bachelor of Science in Land Management and Valuation Business & Management
Bachelor of Science in Property and Facilities Management Business & Management
Bachelor of Architecture Architecture
Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
Bachelor of Science in Geomatics Civil Engineering & Construction
Bachelor of Science in Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems and Networks Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Science in Municipal and Industrial Services Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Management Environmental Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
14 programmes
Explore 14 programmes of postgraduate study at Ardhi University. A master's degree sharpens specialist knowledge and often carries a dissertation or major project.
Master of Disaster Risk Management (By Coursework and Dissertation) Emergency & Disaster Management
Master of Disaster Risk Management (By Thesis) Emergency & Disaster Management
Master of Science in Environmental Technology and Management (By Coursework and Dissertation) Business & Management
Master of Science in Environmental Technology and Management (By Thesis) Business & Management
Master of Science in Urban Planning and Management Business & Management
Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning and Management Business & Management
Master of Science in Public Policy Analysis and Programme Management Business & Management
Master of Science in Housing Natural Sciences
Master of Architecture Architecture
Master of Science in Construction Economics and Management Economics
Master of Science in Real Estate (Coursework & Dissertation) Business & Management
Master of Science in Real Estate (By Thesis) Business & Management
Master of Science in Geomatics (Coursework & Dissertation) Civil Engineering & Construction
Master of Science in Geomatics (By Thesis) Civil Engineering & Construction
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
20 programmes
Browse 20 programmes of research-degree study at Ardhi University. Each culminates in a thesis defended before examiners as an original scholarly contribution.
Doctor of Philosophy in Disaster Management Emergency & Disaster Management
Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Engineering Environmental Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science and Management Environmental Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Technology and Management Business & Management
Doctor of Philosophy in Laboratory Science and Management Business & Management
Doctor of Philosophy in Economics Economics
Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Planning and Management (Housing and Infrastructure) Business & Management
Doctor of Philosophy in Urban and Regional Planning Business & Management
Doctor of Philosophy in Built Environment and Analysis Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in Climate Change Studies Environmental Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies Politics & International Relations
Doctor of Philosophy in Housing and Settlements Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in Policy Analysis and Programme Management Business & Management
Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Governance and Environmental Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture Architecture
Doctor of Philosophy in Construction Economics and Management Economics
Doctor of Philosophy in Construction Management Civil Engineering & Construction
Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Design Applied Design
Doctor of Philosophy in Geospatial Sciences Aerospace & Automotive Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy in Real Estate Business & Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
4 programmes
Ardhi University also offers 4 programmes across associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation routes — shorter or vocational qualifications that build practical skills or bridge into a full degree.
Postgraduate Diploma in Housing
Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture Architecture
Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Economics and Management Economics
Diploma in Geo-informatics Information Systems & Technology
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Ardhi University
Five steps that capture how most applications to Ardhi University flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Ardhi University's catalogue includes 60 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Ardhi University's admissions process.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Submit your completed application through Ardhi University's official website at www.aru.ac.tz. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +255 (22) 277 1274. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ardhi University
Common questions students ask about Ardhi University — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.
When did Ardhi University open?
Ardhi University traces its founding to 2007 (approximately 19 years ago).
Where can I find Ardhi University?
The institution is located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Is Ardhi University public or private?
Ardhi University is a public institution.
How many students does Ardhi University have?
The institution has a student body of 4,000-4,999.
What degrees does Ardhi University offer?
Ardhi University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How is Ardhi University organised academically?
Ardhi University is organised into 7 academic units across its disciplines.
Who recognises Ardhi University?
Ardhi University is accredited by Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU).
Where can I learn more about Ardhi University?
Ardhi University's official website is www.aru.ac.tz.
Top-Ranked Universities in Tanzania
International student mix at Tanzania's top universities tends to be higher than at lower-ranked institutions. This affects campus culture and the value of student networks for international students.
Members of Association of African Universities (AAU)
Other Association of African Universities (AAU) members offer mobility and exchange compatibility with Ardhi University. Exchange compatibility is one of the more practical benefits of shared network membership.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Cost of living varies meaningfully across cities and towns hosting the universities below. Even within a single region, accommodation and transit costs can differ by 30–50%.
Where Else to Study Business & Management
Alumni outcomes data publication varies across Business & Management programmes in Tanzania. Where available, post-grad employment and salary data is the best signal of programme quality beyond marketing claims.
Universities Often Compared with Ardhi University
Beyond Ardhi University, several other universities operate at a comparable level — by ranking, heritage, or scale. They are worth knowing as you build your shortlist, particularly if you want options at the same competitive tier.
