The List of All Private Universities in Tanzania
Choosing the right university is a pivotal moment in any student’s journey. In Tanzania, the private sector has stepped up significantly, offering specialized training, modern facilities, and unique cultural environments that often rival public institutions.
This guide provides a deep dive into all private universities in Tanzania, vetted by the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU). Whether you are looking for medical excellence in Dar es Salaam or a serene learning environment in the highlands of Iringa, this list has you covered.
1. Kairuki University (KU), Dar es Salaam
Year Established: 1997
Status: Accredited & Chartered
Overview: Formerly known as Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, KU is a pioneer in private medical education. It was founded to combat the "three enemies" of development: poverty, ignorance, and disease.
Unique Programs: Master of Social Work, Research in Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms, and flagship health science degrees.
Teaching & Research: Known for high-quality clinical training and external research funding that attracts students from over 15 countries.
Industry Ties: Strong partnerships with hospitals and NGOs for internships.
Official Link:
ku.ac.tz
2. Abdulrahman Al-Sumait University (SUMAIT), Zanzibar
Year Established: 1998
Status: Accredited
Overview: Located on the outskirts of Zanzibar, SUMAIT offers a quiet, conducive environment for academic focus. It blends secular education with ethical values.
Unique Programs: Sharia and Islamic Jurisprudence, Counseling Psychology, and Information Technology.
Culture: A strong emphasis on moral excellence and community service.
Teaching Quality: Faculty includes both national and international experts.
Official Link:
sumait.ac.tz
3. St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Mwanza
Year Established: 1996
Status: Accredited & Chartered
Overview: The "Mother" of private universities in Tanzania, SAUT has a massive footprint across the country. Its main campus in Mwanza offers a stunning view of Lake Victoria.
Discipline Dominance: SAUT is the undisputed leader in Mass Communication and Journalism.
Unique Programs: PhD in Law, MA in Economics, and specialized Sociology programs.
Graduate Outcomes: Its alumni dominate the Tanzanian media landscape and legal sectors.
Official Link:
saut.ac.tz
4. Zanzibar University (ZU), Zanzibar
Year Established: 1998
Status: Accredited & Chartered
Overview: As the first university on the island of Zanzibar, ZU has a long-standing reputation for academic rigor and a diverse student body.
Industry Ties: Excellent links with the tourism and financial sectors in Zanzibar.
Digital Platforms: Modern e-learning systems that support flexible learning.
Official Link:
zu.ac.tz
5. Tumaini University Makumira (TUMA), Arusha
Year Established: 1997
Status: Accredited & Chartered
Overview: Owned by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, TUMA is famous for its lush, green campus and focus on leadership and service.
Unique Programs: Renowned for Music and Fine Arts and its high-caliber Theology and Law faculties.
Culture: "Education for Service" defines the student initiatives and campus vibe.
Official Link:
makumira.ac.tz
6. Aga Khan University (AKU), Dar es Salaam
Year Established: 2000 (Tanzania Campus)
Status: Accredited & Chartered
Overview: AKU is synonymous with global standards. In Tanzania, it focuses primarily on postgraduate excellence in health and education.
Unique Programs: Master of Medicine in various specialties (Surgery, Pediatrics, etc.) and Master of Education.
Research Output: One of the highest research impacts per capita in the region.
Official Link:
aku.edu
7. Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS), Mwanza
Year Established: 2003
Status: Accredited
Overview: Located within the Bugando Medical Centre, CUHAS is a powerhouse for training health professionals.
Teaching Quality: Students receive intensive practical training at one of the country's largest referral hospitals.
Programs: Doctor of Medicine (MD), Pharmacy, and Nursing Education.
Official Link:
bugando.ac.tz
8. St. Joseph University in Tanzania (SJUIT), Dar es Salaam
Year Established: 2011
Status: Accredited
Overview: If you are into engineering, SJUIT is likely on your radar. They focus heavily on technical and vocational skills.
Discipline Dominance: Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Information Systems.
Unique Programs: Specialized diplomas and degrees in ICT and Electronics.
Official Link:
sjuit.ac.tz
9. Muslim University of Morogoro (MUM), Morogoro
Year Established: 2004
Status: Accredited & Chartered
Overview: MUM provides a holistic educational environment that integrates academic excellence with moral upbringing.
Unique Programs: MA and PhD in Kiswahili, Geography, and Population Studies.
Culture: A disciplined environment with a focus on Islamic values and community development.
Official Link:
mum.ac.tz
10. University of Iringa (UoI), Iringa
Year Established: 1995 (as Tumaini Iringa)
Status: Accredited
Overview: A pioneer in private higher education, UoI is famous for its vibrant campus life and innovation in social sciences.
Discipline Dominance: Law and Community Development.
Industry Ties: Strong connection with local government and NGOs for field placements.
Official Link:
uoi.ac.tz
Other Notable Private Institutions
United African University of Tanzania (UAUT): A Christian-based university in Kigamboni with strong ties to Korean mission-led technology and business programs.
uaut.ac.tz Ruaha Catholic University (RUCU): A leading choice in the southern highlands, especially for Law and Environmental Health.
rucu.ac.tz Dar es Salaam Tumaini University (DarTU): Recently restructured, it focuses on urban-centric business and communication excellence.
dartu.ac.tz KCMC University, Moshi: A premier health science institution focusing on public health and clinical research.
kcmcu.ac.tz
New & Emerging (Provisional Licence)
The following institutions are in the growth phase, currently operating under provisional licenses as they meet full charter requirements:
Mwanza University (MzU) - Emerging health and business programs.
Rabininsia Memorial University (RMUHAS) - Focused on health sciences.
University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST) - Specialized medical training.
Islamic University of East Africa (IUEA) - New presence in the Tanzanian market.
Final Thoughts for Students
Private universities in Tanzania offer more than just a degree; they offer specialized paths that often provide more personalized attention than larger public institutions. When choosing, consider the Accreditation Status (all above are TCU recognized) and the Industry Ties each school maintains to ensure your career starts the moment you graduate.
Would you like me to compare the tuition fees and admission requirements for any of these specific universities for you?