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TCU warns of scammers as admission window opens
The TCU executive secretary, Prof Charles Kihampa, briefs journalists in Dar es Salaam yesterday. PHOTO | ELIZABETH EDWARD
What you need to know:
- The commission has advised all candidates to seek clarification on any admission-related matter from their individual higher learning institutions, as well as TCU if necessary.
Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) formally opened the application window for university admissions for the academic year 2023/24 yesterday, warning bachelor’s degree candidates to be wary of unscrupulous agents.
Announcing the window that runs from yesterday through August 4, 2023, TCU executive secretary, Prof Charles Kihampa hinted that during such periods scammers were likely to convince applicants that they could help them get a place in some universities.
“TCU urges citizens as well as applicants to avoid being scammed by people who call themselves agents or consultants and claim to provide services on how to join higher education institutions in this country,” he warned.
The commission has advised all candidates to seek clarification on any admission-related matter from their individual higher learning institutions, as well as TCU if necessary.
“I insist that every applicant should send their application directly to the universities of their choice as per the programmes they want to study. Specific instructions on how to apply are given by the respective institutions,” he said.
Prof Kihampa noted further that criteria and qualifications for various study programmes were available on the websites of the respective universities and in the Commission’s Undergraduate Admission Guidance for 2023/24 available on its website, www.tcu.go.tz.
However, more than 90,000 students who passed the Form Six exam in 2023 in the results announced three days ago, including individuals with Ordinary Diploma qualifications and those with the Foundation Certificate of the Open University, have the opportunity to avoid fraudsters.
Those fraudsters, according to applicants, parents and guardians, have been luring some students who ended up not getting a place at their favourite universities.
According to TCU, the applicants, parents and guardians can use the presence of the 18th Higher Education, Science and Technology Exhibitions that will kick off tomorrow, July 17, 2023, through to July 22, 2023, and bring together more than 70 universities in Dar es Salaam.
“Applicants can visit the exhibition ground at Mnazi Mmoja grounds and meet directly with management from the universities they like, get advice, and if possible, apply directly,” said Prof Kihampa.
“In this way, we will avoid scammers and applications for admission will be very easy and instant. I advise universities to strengthen the counselling desks more during this period,” he said.
