TCU opens first 2026/27 admission window
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) has opened the first admission window for undergraduate programmes for the 2026/27 academic year, with prospective students required to submit applications directly to universities through their online admission systems.
Speaking at a press briefing, TCU Executive Secretary Prof Charles Kihampa said the first admission window runs from July 10 to August 10, 2026, marking the start of the national university admission process.
He said eligible applicants fall into three categories: Form Six graduates, holders of recognised diploma or equivalent qualifications, and graduates with a Foundation Certificate from the Open University of Tanzania.
“We expect all undergraduate applicants to come from these three categories. Each category has its own admission guide to help applicants understand the available programmes and admission requirements,” Prof Kihampa said.
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He urged applicants to consult the TCU Admission Guidebooks, available on the Commission’s website, to identify approved academic programmes and confirm entry requirements before applying.
Separate guidebooks have been prepared for Form Six graduates and applicants with diploma or Foundation Certificate qualifications.
Prof Kihampa said applicants should visit the websites of their preferred universities for programme-specific requirements and application procedures, noting that each institution manages its own online admission system.
He advised applicants experiencing difficulties to first seek assistance from the university concerned before contacting TCU if the issue remains unresolved.
Applicants who completed previous studies outside Tanzania must first have their qualifications verified before applying. Tanzanian students with Form Six certificates obtained abroad are required to submit them to the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA) for equivalency assessment, after which they will receive a special identification number for use during the application process.
Similarly, holders of diploma or equivalent qualifications obtained outside the country must submit their academic documents to the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NACTVET) for verification and receive an Academic Verification Number (AVA).
International applicants are required to apply directly to their chosen universities, which will assess foreign qualifications in line with national regulations.
Prof Kihampa also cautioned prospective students against dealing with individuals claiming to be university admission agents, stressing that all undergraduate applications and fee payments are processed electronically through official university admission portals.
He thanked the media for supporting public awareness and said TCU would continue working with journalists to ensure applicants receive accurate and timely information throughout the admission exercise.
