The State University of Zanzibar
Tanzania • Founded 1999
Overview
Founded in 2002, The State University of Zanzibar is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Zanzibar City (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Mjini Magharibi.
This institution also has branch campuses in Beit el-Ras, Vuga and Tunguu. Officially recognized by the Tanzania Commission for Universities, The State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) is a very small-sized coeducational Tanzanian higher education institution.
The State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation) and bachelor's degrees in several areas of study. This 22-year-old Tanzanian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this Tanzanian higher education organization a least selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. SUZA also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Looking to reach The State University of Zanzibar? 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
Scale, staffing, and recognition figures for The State University of Zanzibar are summarised below. These numbers help you size the institution against your shortlist and weigh academic depth alongside programme fit.
Academic Structures
The institutional units housing The State University of Zanzibar's programmes. Subject overlap across faculties is normal — interdisciplinary fields like data science or environmental studies often span multiple units.
Unit 3 items
- Institute of Continuing Education
- Institute of Kiswahili and Foreign Languages
- School of Education
Degrees
Also short and professional courses
Bachelor's 25 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Agriculture
- Archaeology
- Banking
- Business Computing
- Computer Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Geography (Human)
- Health Sciences
- History
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Information Technology
- Laboratory Techniques
- Logistics Management
- Management
- Marketing
- Mass Communication
- Medical Technology
- Native Language Education
- Nursing
- Science Education
- Swahili
- Tourism
Master's 12 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Development Studies
- Education
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Foreign Languages Education
- Gender Studies
- Information Technology
- Meteorology
- Natural Resources
- Swahili
Doctoral 3 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Dental Surgery
- Medicine
- Swahili
Diploma & Certificate 35 programs
Diploma and certificate routes deliver focused, applied training for fast entry into skilled occupations.
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Computer Science
- Crop Production
- Dentistry
- Education
- Finance
- Foreign Languages Education
- Health Sciences
- Heritage Preservation
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Journalism
- Laboratory Techniques
- Library Science
- Logistics Management
- Management
- Media Studies
- Medicine
- Midwifery
- Native Language Education
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Physical Education
- Physical Therapy
- Preschool Education
- Science Education
- Social Work
- Special Education
- Sports
- Tourism
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Tanzania Commission for Universities.
Digital Learning (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- CDL
Global Centre for Kiswahili Studies and Advancement (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- GCKSA
Tourism (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Tour Operator
- Hospitality Manager
- Travel Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Tropical Research Center for Oceanography, Environmental and Natural Resources (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- TROCEN
Common Career Paths
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Officer
- Climate Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Agriculture (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Aquaculture
- Crop Production
- Development Studies
Common Career Paths
- Agricultural Scientist
- Agronomist
- Farm Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business (School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Banking
- Business Administration
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Information Technology
- Logistics Management
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Computing, Communication, and Media Studies (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Journalism
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Continuing and Professional Education (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Science
- Information Sciences
- Library Science
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Dentistry (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dental Surgery
- Dental Technology
- Dentistry
- Orthodontics
Common Career Paths
- Dentist
- Oral Surgeon
- Dental Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (School) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Foreign Languages Education
- Physical Education
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
- Special Education
- Sports
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health and Medical Science (School) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
- Health Sciences
- Laboratory Techniques
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Physical Therapy
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Kiswahili and Foreign Languages (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Modern Languages
- Swahili
Common Career Paths
- Translator
- Interpreter
- Language Teacher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Natural and Social Sciences (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
The State University of Zanzibar's teaching programmes are listed below — search or scan by level. International student eligibility varies by programme — some require additional language or visa-pathway checks.
Bachelor's Degree
5 programmes
There are 5 programmes to choose from at The State University of Zanzibar for undergraduates. A bachelor's degree builds the broad disciplinary foundation most employers and postgraduate courses expect.
Bachelor of Information Technology, Application, and Management (BITAM) Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSc. CS) Computer Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Financial Administration – Accounting Accounting
Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
Bachelor of Science in Procurement and Supply Management Business & Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
2 programmes
These 2 programmes form The State University of Zanzibar's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.
Master of Science Natural Sciences
Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) Philosophy & Ethics
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
1 programme
The State University of Zanzibar lists 1 programme awarding a doctorate — the apex qualification for those pursuing research leadership or an academic career.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Philosophy & Ethics
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
7 programmes
This group collects The State University of Zanzibar's 7 programmes of certificates, diplomas, and foundation or associate programmes — practical entry points or stepping stones toward a degree.
Ordinary Diploma in Financial Administration – Accounting Accounting
Ordinary Diploma in Information Technology with Accounting Information Systems & Technology
Ordinary Diploma in Procurement and Supply Management Business & Management
Diploma in Information Communication Technology (ICT) with Accounting Communication Studies
Diploma in Inclusive and Special Needs Education (ISNE) Education & Teaching
Diploma in Physical Education and Sport Science (PESS) Physics & Astronomy
Diploma in Primary Education (DPE) Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to The State University of Zanzibar
A short guide to applying to The State University of Zanzibar — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
- 1 Research programmes at The State University of Zanzibar
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. The State University of Zanzibar runs 15 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Before applying to The State University of Zanzibar, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Tanzania.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with The State University of Zanzibar's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
- 4 Lodge your application
Lodge your application through the official website (suza.ac.tz). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
- 5 Confirm receipt and track progress
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +255 (24) 223 0724. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about The State University of Zanzibar
The questions below summarise The State University of Zanzibar's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.
When did The State University of Zanzibar open?
The State University of Zanzibar traces its founding to 1999 (approximately 27 years ago).
What city is The State University of Zanzibar in?
The State University of Zanzibar operates from Tunguu, Tanzania.
Is The State University of Zanzibar public or private?
The State University of Zanzibar is a public institution.
How big is The State University of Zanzibar's student body?
The State University of Zanzibar serves approximately 1,000-1,999 students.
What degrees does The State University of Zanzibar offer?
The State University of Zanzibar delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
What is The State University of Zanzibar's academic structure?
The institution comprises 3 academic units.
Is The State University of Zanzibar officially recognised?
The institution holds recognition from Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU).
What is The State University of Zanzibar's official website?
The State University of Zanzibar's official website is suza.ac.tz.
Top-Ranked Universities in Tanzania
These are the most highly ranked universities in Tanzania. Putting The State University of Zanzibar alongside them gives a clearer picture of where it sits in the national academic landscape, especially when reputation matters for credential portability.
Where Else to Study Information Systems & Technology
Cohort diversity (gender, nationality, prior experience) shapes the Information Systems & Technology classroom experience. Some Tanzania programmes publish demographic data; others do not, but the question is worth asking.
Universities Often Compared with The State University of Zanzibar
Below: institutions that students typically weigh against The State University of Zanzibar when finalising their shortlist. The comparison set reflects scale and prestige; specific programme fit still needs separate verification.
