University of Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania • Founded 1961 • QS 2027 #1201-1400
Updated Jun 2026 · Source: udsm.ac.tz
Overview
Founded in 1970, the University of Dar es Salaam 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).
This institution also has a branch campus in Iringa. Officially recognized by the Tanzania Commission for Universities, University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) is a very large-sized coeducational Tanzanian higher education institution.
University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) 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 54-year-old Tanzanian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 70-79% making this Tanzanian higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. UDSM also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
University of Dar es Salaam's physical location and contact details are listed below.
Academic Details
University of Dar es Salaam's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are below.
Degrees
The Bachelor in Architecture is a 5 yr programme. Also MBA; Specialised Postgraduate Diploma in Law (SPGDL)
Bachelor's 106 programs
- Accountancy
- Actuarial Science
- Adult Education
- Advertising and Publicity
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Equipment
- Anthropology
- Apiculture
- Applied Chemistry
- Aquaculture
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Banking
- Biotechnology
- Botany
- Business Administration
- Business Computing
- Business Education
- Business and Commerce
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Cinema and Television
- Civil Engineering
- Communication Studies
- Community Development
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Crop Production
- Cultural Studies
- Design
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Psychology
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- English
- Environmental Studies
- Ethics
- Film
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- Fishery
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Foreign Languages Education
- Gender Studies
- Geography
- Geography (Human)
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Heritage Preservation
- History
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Human Resources
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Industrial Chemistry
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Journalism
- Law
- Library Science
- Literature
- Logistics Management
- Marketing
- Mass Communication
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Meteorology
- Microbiology
- Military Science
- Mining Engineering
- Modern Languages
- Molecular Biology
- Music
- Natural Resources
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Police Studies
- Political Sciences
- Preschool Education
- Production Engineering
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Relations
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Sports
- Statistics
- Surveying and Mapping
- Swahili
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Textile Design
- Textile Technology
- Theatre
- Tourism
- Wildlife
- Zoology
Master's 110 programs
- Accountancy
- Adult Education
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Apiculture
- Aquaculture
- Archaeology
- Archiving
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Botany
- Business Administration
- Business Computing
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Civil Law
- Commercial Law
- Community Development
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Networks
- Computer Science
- Crop Production
- Curriculum
- Data Processing
- Demography and Population
- Development Studies
- Ecology
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Electrical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Ethics
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- Fiscal Law
- Fishery
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Foreign Languages Education
- Gender Studies
- Geography (Human)
- Geology
- Government
- Heritage Preservation
- History
- Human Resources
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Hydraulic Engineering
- Industrial and Production Economics
- Information Management
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- International Business
- International Law
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Logistics Management
- Management
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Marketing
- Mass Communication
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Meteorology
- Microbiology
- Mining Engineering
- Molecular Biology
- Music
- Native Language Education
- Natural Resources
- Peace and Disarmament
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Power Engineering
- Private Law
- Production Engineering
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Road Engineering
- Sanitary Engineering
- Science Education
- Social Policy
- Social Psychology
- Sociology
- Sports
- Statistics
- Structural Architecture
- Surveying and Mapping
- Sustainable Development
- Swahili
- Taxation
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Theatre
- Transport Engineering
- Transport Management
- Water Management
- Wildlife
- Zoology
Doctoral 80 programs
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Apiculture
- Archaeology
- Archiving
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Botany
- Business Administration
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Communication Studies
- Comparative Religion
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Networks
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering
- Crop Production
- Data Processing
- Demography and Population
- Development Studies
- Earth Sciences
- Ecology
- Economics
- Education
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Environmental Studies
- Fine Arts
- Fishery
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Geochemistry
- Geography (Human)
- Geological Engineering
- Geology
- Heritage Preservation
- History
- Hydraulic Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Management
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Journalism
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Management
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Mass Communication
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Mining Engineering
- Molecular Biology
- Music
- Natural Resources
- Operations Research
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Public Administration
- Religious Studies
- Sanitary Engineering
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Structural Architecture
- Sustainable Development
- Swahili
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Theatre
- Transport Engineering
- Water Science
- Wildlife
- Zoology
Diploma & Certificate 7 programs
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Geology
- Management
- Mining Engineering
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Surveying and Mapping
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Tanzania Commission for Universities.
Behavioural Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- CBS
Chinese Studies (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Climate Change Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- CCCS
Communication Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- CCS
Computing (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- UCC
Disability Services (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- UDSM-CDS
Educational Research and Professional Development (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- CERPD
Entrepreneurship Development (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- CED
Humanities Research (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Korean Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- KSC
Population Studies and Research (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Research and Education for Democracy in Tanzania (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- REDET
Society and Religion Research (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- SORRECE
Sustainable Operations in Resource Management and Food Supply (African) (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- CSO - Centre of Excellence
Technology Development and Transfer (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- TDTC
Virtual Learning (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- CVL
Agricultural Sciences and Food Technology (College) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Apiculture
- Crop Production
- Food Science
- Food Technology
Engineering and Technology (College) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemical Engineering
- Construction Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Geological Engineering
- Hydraulic Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Production Engineering
- Structural Architecture
- Transport Engineering
- Water Science
Humanities (College) 15 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Archaeology
- Arts and Humanities
- Cinema and Television
- Communication Studies
- Fine Arts
- Heritage Preservation
- History
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Modern Languages
- Music
- Performing Arts
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Theatre
Information and Communication Technologies (College) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electronic Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
Natural and Applied Sciences (College) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biotechnology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Molecular Biology
- Physics
- Wildlife
- Zoology
Social Sciences (College) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Geography (Human)
- Political Sciences
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Statistics
Confucius (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Asian Studies
- Chinese
Development Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Development Studies
Gender Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Gender Studies
Kiswahili Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Swahili
Marine Sciences (Institute) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- Information Technology
- Marine Biology
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Natural Resources
Mineral Resources (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Geology
- Mining Engineering
Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Technology (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aquaculture
- Fishery
Business (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Finance
- Management
- Marketing
Economics (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
Education (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Continuing Education
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Physical Education
- Sports
Journalism and Mass Communication (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Journalism
- Mass Communication
- Public Relations
Law (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Commercial Law
- Law
- Private Law
- Public Law
Mines and Geosciences (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Geology
- Mining Engineering
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
Programs Offered
Search and filter University of Dar es Salaam's available programmes by degree level.
135 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Tanzania
Bachelor's Degree 105 programmes
Showing 10 of 105.
Master's Degree 16 programmes
Showing 10 of 16.
Doctorate 4 programmes
Diploma 8 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 2 programmes
How to apply to University of Dar es Salaam
A short guide to applying to University of Dar es Salaam — five steps.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. University of Dar es Salaam runs 135 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Before applying to University of Dar es Salaam, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Tanzania.
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3
Get your documents ready
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with University of Dar es Salaam's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Lodge your application through the official website (www.udsm.ac.tz). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at vc@udsm.ac.tz or by phone at +255 (22) 241 0500/9. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Dar es Salaam
Frequently asked questions about University of Dar es Salaam.
How old is University of Dar es Salaam?
The institution opened in 1961 (approximately 65 years ago).
Where can I find University of Dar es Salaam?
The institution is located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Is University of Dar es Salaam a public or private institution?
University of Dar es Salaam operates as a public institution.
How many students does University of Dar es Salaam have?
The institution has a student body of 45,155.
How is University of Dar es Salaam ranked?
It ranks QS 2027 #1201-1400.
What degrees does University of Dar es Salaam offer?
Programmes at University of Dar es Salaam cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
Who recognises University of Dar es Salaam?
Yes, University of Dar es Salaam is recognised by Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU).
What is University of Dar es Salaam's official website?
You can find University of Dar es Salaam online at www.udsm.ac.tz.
Members of Association of African Universities (AAU)
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