Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s ambition to become a regional hub for higher education faces challenges as it lags behind Kenya and Uganda in attracting foreign students.
Despite affordable tuition fees and improvements in curricula and infrastructure, the numbers reveal a significant gap.
Statistics from the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) show foreign student enrolments increased from 3,200 in 2020 to over 5,000 in 2023.
This growth is small compared to Kenya's 20,000 international students in 2023 and Uganda's 10,000.
Over the past five years, Kenya’s foreign student population has consistently surpassed Tanzania’s due to robust marketing and diversified academic offerings.
Experts attribute Tanzania’s lower numbers to limited marketing efforts and fewer scholarship opportunities.
Education analyst Martha Masanja highlighted Kenya’s active participation in international education expos and strategic showcasing of research achievements as key success factors.
“Kenya’s universities invest heavily in branding and partnerships. Tanzania needs to learn from this and position itself better,” she said.
Similarly, Uganda’s efforts in creating a welcoming environment through student support services, from accommodation to cultural integration programmes, have made it a preferred choice for many.
As such, Tanzania’s government has intensified efforts to internationalise higher education.
The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has been revising policies to accommodate foreign students and promote on-demand programmes.
“I encourage you to make efforts to attract foreign students to our universities and also embolden Tanzanian students to seek opportunities to study in foreign institutions,” Education minister, Prof Adolf Mkenda said recently.
“This is the way to go in our endeavour to internationalising our institutions,” he added.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Prof William Anangisye, underscored the institution’s commitment to fulfilling the government’s directives.
UDSM, Tanzania’s top and oldest university, has signed over 30 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with universities worldwide to promote joint research, student exchanges, and innovation.
“These initiatives are gradually improving our global visibility,” Prof Anangisye said.
Beyond UDSM, Tanzania is investing heavily in expanding campuses, training lecturers, and strengthening research collaborations.
Digital and remote learning platforms are also being developed to support modern learning needs.
Tanzania’s prominence in Kiswahili studies offers another unique advantage.
As one of Africa’s most widely spoken languages and a working language of the African Union, Kiswahili attracts students worldwide.
UDSM offers comprehensive Kiswahili programmes, ranging from basic language acquisition to advanced research in Kiswahili linguistics and literature, and has initiated scholarships for foreign students to study Kiswahili.
However, these efforts alone may not suffice as Education consultant Dr Andrew Kihwele stressed the need for a structured marketing approach.
“Tanzania’s universities should focus on their unique strengths, such as affordable tuition and peaceful living conditions. But without a clear strategy to communicate this, potential students may not even consider the country,” he said.
Kenya’s success offers valuable lessons. The country’s higher education sector has established scholarship programmes targeting foreign students, creating a pipeline of ambassadors who promote Kenyan institutions globally.
In Uganda, institutions actively engage alumni networks to market their programmes and foster international collaborations.
The Tanzanian government’s focus on research and innovation is another promising avenue.
Universities are strengthening partnerships with global institutions to enhance credibility and academic standards.
Collaborations between UDSM and European universities in renewable energy research are expected to attract students in niche fields.
Similarly, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) participates in global academic networks like the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR).
SUA has signed MoUs with international universities for student exchanges, joint degrees, and collaborative research.
Foreign students who have chosen Tanzania cite the country’s hospitable environment and affordable living costs as major advantages.
A Zambian student at Ardhi University, John Mwansa, praised his experience, highlighting knowledgeable lecturers and multicultural interactions.
“Tanzania offers a peaceful atmosphere and affordable education. I’ve grown both academically and personally,” he said.
Experts believe that Tanzania’s universities must prioritise creating a seamless experience for international students.
This includes improving accommodation facilities, offering language support, and establishing mentorship programmes.
Dr Kihwele emphasised the importance of cultural integration, “International students need to feel at home. Universities must actively engage them in cultural exchanges and social activities.”
The push for more English-taught programmes is gaining traction, with many foreign students preferring English as the medium of instruction, Tanzanian universities must adapt to remain competitive.
Looking ahead, Tanzania’s internationalisation agenda requires a unified effort from all stakeholders.
Universities must collaborate with the private sector to fund scholarships and research initiatives.
The government should streamline visa processes for international students and strengthen the country's branding as an educational hub.
"The potential is immense. With focused efforts in innovation, inclusivity, and marketing, Tanzania could become a leading destination for tertiary education in Africa," said Dr Kihwele.
As the region’s education landscape evolves, Tanzania must address existing gaps to compete effectively.
By adopting a strategic approach, the country's higher education sector can attract a diverse student population, promote cultural exchange, and drive economic growth.
