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Ardhi University

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania • Founded 2007

Updated May 2026

Overview

English Name: Ardhi University
Acronyms: ARU
Founded: 2007
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Motto: Elimu, Utafiti na Ushauri kwa Maendeleo ya Taifa
Colours: Green and brown
Around Ardhi University campus
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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.

Address: P. O. Box 35176 Observation Hill, Plot No. 3, Block L University Road
Map:
Phone: +255 (22) 277 1274
Fax: +255 (22) 277 5391
Social Media:

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.

Recognition: Tanzania Commission for Universities
Accrediting Agency: Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU)
Admission Requirements: Certificate of secondary Education with passes in 5 approved subjects, obtained prior to the Advanced certificate of secondary education or equivalent
Total Students: 6,455
Female Students: 2,955
Academic Staff Range: 200-299
Full-Time Academic Staff: 339
Academic Staff with Doctorate: 1
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Association of African Universities (AAU) Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA)

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

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

  • Architect
  • Urban Planner
  • Interior Designer

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

  • Environmental Consultant
  • Sustainability Officer
  • Climate Analyst

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.

60 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Tanzania

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 6,455.

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.

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Members of Association of African Universities (AAU)

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