The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) remains one of the most sought-after public universities in Tanzania, attracting thousands of applicants every year. If you are preparing to apply for the 2026/2027 academic year, it is important to understand the UDSM requirements and courses offered 2026 before submitting your application. The university offers a diverse selection of academic programmes ranging from undergraduate to postgraduate studies in engineering, business, law, education, information technology, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Applicants must satisfy both the general admission requirements and any programme-specific criteria published by the university.
Founded in 1961, the University of Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s oldest and most prestigious public university. The university has built an international reputation for excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and public service. Its main campus is located at Mlimani in Dar es Salaam, with additional campuses and institutes offering specialized academic programmes across various disciplines. UDSM provides students with modern learning facilities, research laboratories, digital libraries, and opportunities for international exchange programmes.
UDSM Admission Requirements 2026
To qualify for undergraduate admission, applicants are generally required to meet one of the following qualifications:
- Possess a Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (CSEE) or equivalent with passes in five approved subjects, including at least three credits.
- Hold at least two principal passes in relevant ACSEE subjects that satisfy the minimum admission points for the selected degree programme.
- Applicants with diploma qualifications must possess an appropriate diploma from a recognized institution with the minimum required classification or GPA.
- Mature Age Entry applicants and international applicants must meet additional admission conditions established by UDSM.
Colleges and Courses Offered at UDSM
UDSM offers hundreds of programmes through its colleges, schools, and institutes. Popular fields of study include:
Engineering and Technology
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical and Process Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
Computing and Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Information Systems
- Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering
Business and Management
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Business Administration
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Human Resource Management
Law
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
Natural and Applied Sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
Social Sciences and Humanities
- Economics
- Political Science and Public Administration
- Sociology
- Geography
- History
- Kiswahili
- Linguistics
- Archaeology
In addition, UDSM offers postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, PhD programmes, professional certifications, and short courses in numerous academic fields.
Required Documents
When applying through the UDSM Online Admission System, applicants should prepare:
- Form Four (CSEE) certificate.
- Form Six (ACSEE) certificate or equivalent qualification.
- Diploma certificate and transcript (where applicable).
- Birth certificate.
- National Identification Number (NIDA) or another accepted identification document.
- Passport-size photograph.
- Other supporting documents required by the selected programme.
Why Study at UDSM?
Choosing UDSM offers numerous advantages, including:
- High-quality academic programmes recognized nationally and internationally.
- Experienced lecturers and researchers.
- Modern laboratories and learning facilities.
- Strong industry partnerships and internship opportunities.
- Active student organizations and extracurricular activities.
- Excellent graduate employability in both the public and private sectors.
The UDSM Requirements and Courses Offered 2026 guide provides prospective students with the information needed to prepare for admission into one of Tanzania’s leading universities. Before applying, review the programme-specific admission requirements, gather all necessary documents, and submit your application through the official UDSM admission portal within the specified application period. Always consult the latest UDSM Prospectus and official admission announcements to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
Read also: UDOM Requirements & Courses offered 2026
