Executive
Secretary of the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU), Professor Charles
Kihampa, speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam today. Photo: Courtesy.
By Adonis Byemelwa
Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania
Commission for Universities (TCU) has announced the opening of the first
enrollment window from July 15 to August 10, 2024, urging graduates to apply
directly to their preferred institutions.
This announcement targets a total of 111,056
graduates who passed the 2024 Advanced Level examinations, diploma holders, and
others with eligible qualifications, including certificate courses offered by
the Open University of Tanzania (OUT).
Speaking to the press today,
Monday, July 15, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, TCU Executive Secretary, Professor
Charles Kihampa, advised graduates to thoroughly review the undergraduate
application guidelines before applying.
"To understand the correct
and approved programs, applicants should carefully read the Undergraduate
Admission Guide for the 2024/25 academic year," he said.
The TCU announcement comes two
days after the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (Necta) released the
2024 results, where a total of 113,536 candidates from both schools and private
candidates sat for the Advanced Level exams. Of the 104,454 candidates
registered from schools, 103,812 (99.39%) took the exams. In 2023, 96,319
candidates sat for the exams.
Among the 9,082 registered
private candidates, 8,387 sat for the exams, while 695 did not. Recent Necta
statistics show a slight increase in the pass rate compared to the previous
year.
TCU emphasized that application procedures are
outlined by the respective universities, not TCU. Criteria and program
requirements are available on university websites and TCU's admission guides.
"We urge applicants to
thoroughly understand the TCU guidelines and university instructions before
submitting applications," advised Professor Kihampa. Applicants are
encouraged to visit university websites for accurate application procedures and
detailed program information.
He also called on graduates with foreign
examination certificates to submit them to Necta for secondary education
equivalence or the National Council for Technical Education and Vocational
Training (NACTVET) for diploma equivalence before applying.
"Get information through
the TCU website, approved university portals, and TCU media
announcements," added Professor Kihampa. TCU also warned against
fraudulent agents. "Contact universities directly for admission-related
inquiries. Be cautious and avoid fake agents," he said.
Higher education enrollment in
Tanzania, facilitated by TCU, continues to be a critical process ensuring
students are placed in accredited institutions and programs that match their
qualifications. With the recent increase in pass rates, there is a renewed
emphasis on accurate and efficient application processes.
The Higher Education Students'
Loans Board (HESLB) plays a significant role during this enrollment period by
providing financial aid to eligible students. HESLB's effectiveness in
disbursing loans has been crucial in enabling students from various financial
backgrounds to access higher education.
This year, HESLB has streamlined
its processes to ensure timely loan disbursements, which will greatly benefit
students during the enrollment period. By working closely with TCU and
educational institutions, HESLB aims to support a larger number of students,
ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their academic aspirations.
The collaboration between TCU
and HESLB highlights the Tanzanian government's commitment to expanding access
to higher education and improving the quality of education provided. As
enrollment begins, both bodies are dedicated to ensuring a smooth, transparent,
and equitable admission process for all prospective students.