The Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Adolf Mkenda has announced Masters scholarship opportunities through the Samia Scholarship DS/AI + programme.
The scholarships will be provided to selected masters students who will be enrolled in the India Institute of Technology IITM Madras - Zanzibar Campus to pursue studies in data science, Artificial Intelligence, and related fields.
Speaking Dar es Salaam, April 13, 2026 in Dar es Salaam, Prof. Mkenda emphasized the government’s continued investment in building human capital capable of competing globally in science and technology.
He urged young Tanzanians who will meet the criteria to first apply for admission at the Indian institute and subsequently apply for the scholarship, highlighting that the scholarship awarding process will be transparent, fair and competitiveness based on meritocracy guiding as a guiding principle.
The Minister further explained that the Samia Scholarship programme supports both undergraduate students excelling in science, engineering, medicine, and mathematics, with 16 students already sent to South Africa and another 34 scheduled to study in Ireland and many others studied in Tanzania.
The new phase now targets postgraduate students, aiming to increase the number of Tanzanian youth equipped with advanced knowledge and expertise in these critical areas.
“This scholarship is specifically for applicants admitted to pursue Masters degrees at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras – Zanzibar Campus,”
He outlined eligibility requirements as applicants must be Tanzanian citizens not above the age of 35, with Division One results in science subjects at Advanced Level preferably with advanced mathematics, possess a minimum GPA of 3.8 in their undergraduate studies, and lastly must secure admission at IIT Madras, Zanzibar.
Prof. Mkenda further said window for applying the s scholarship will be open from June 1st to June 30th.
An independent committee will review applications for selecting the top ten students, ensuring fairness and merit-based competition.
