At least 150 Tanzanian students who excelled in science subjects in the Form Six examinations are set to receive scholarships to study in Algeria under a new education cooperation arrangement between the two countries.
Education, Science and Technology Minister Adolf Mkenda said on Thursday that the Algerian government would cover tuition fees, while Tanzania would meet the students’ living expenses through the Samia Scholarship programme.
The arrangement will give high-performing students, including those from low-income families, an opportunity to pursue university education abroad without their families having to shoulder the cost.
Prof Mkenda said selection would be based on academic performance rather than the financial status of students’ families.
“This means students from ordinary families, including children of farmers and pastoralists, will have an equal opportunity if they perform well,” he said.
The selected students will undergo one year of French-language training before starting their university studies in Algeria.
Prof Mkenda said students who decline the scholarships would be replaced by candidates next in line based on academic performance.
The government has also expanded opportunities for students excelling in science and mathematics through other international and local programmes.
According to Prof Mkenda, 10 students have already been offered opportunities to study in Russia, while 50 students who performed well in Advanced Mathematics have been selected to study at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology in Arusha.
The 50 students will undergo preparations for studies abroad next year, he said.
Prof Mkenda urged students who performed well in science subjects to regularly check announcements from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and ensure they remain reachable by phone during the selection process.
He said the government was continuing negotiations with other countries to secure additional opportunities for Tanzanian students pursuing science and mathematics.
The scholarships come as Tanzania seeks to increase the number of highly trained professionals in science and technology and expand access to international learning opportunities for high-performing students.