VETA eyes 250,000 enrolments after completion of 65 new colleges
DODOMA: TANZANIA expects enrolment in vocational training programmes to rise to more than 250,000 students following the completion of an ongoing construction project of 65 new colleges under the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA).
VETA Director General, CPA Anthony Kasore, revealed this recently in Dodoma while announcing the selection of 14,433 students, including 123 certificate, bachelor’s and master’s degree holders, who will join various vocational training programmes in the 2026 academic year.
Responding to journalists’ questions after the briefing in the capital, CPA Kasore said that despite having 80 VETA colleges across different regions and districts, the authority currently enrols about 120,000 students.
He expressed optimism that enrolment capacity will increase significantly in the near future, driven by the completion of the new colleges and enhanced learning flexibility supported by technology.
The Director General explained that selected colleges now offer flexible learning arrangements, allowing students to choose between morning and evening sessions, a move he said reflects VETA’s philosophy that “VETA is for everyone.”
To further expand access to vocational skills, CPA Kasore said VETA has introduced online learning programmes that enable students to access theoretical content digitally, while practical training is conducted physically at the colleges.
Announcing the selection results, he said the 14,433 students represent 76 per cent of all applicants.
The remaining 24 per cent will be considered after consenting to join alternative programmes, as they had initially applied for only one course.
Of those selected directly, 8,776 are male, accounting for 61 per cent, while 5,657 are female, representing 39 per cent.
As part of efforts to increase enrolment and enhance flexibility particularly for working learners, 12,942 of the selected students will attend morning sessions, while 1,491 will pursue evening programmes.
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CPA Kasore further disclosed that 134 applicants holding certificates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees applied for various programmes at VETA-affiliated colleges.
Of these, 123 were selected directly, while 11 were placed on a waiting list. He said that due to their academic qualifications, these students will be exempted from certain subjects such as communication skills and entrepreneurship, allowing them to focus more on practical training.
On students with special needs, CPA Kasore said 145 out of 195 applicants were selected to pursue various courses, while the remaining 50 were placed on a waiting list, citing ongoing improvements in the learning environment.
VETA is an autonomous government agency established under the Vocational Education and Training Act, Chapter 82, mandated to provide, finance and coordinate vocational education and training in the country.
VETA envisions a Tanzania with sufficient and competent artisans and seeks to ensure the availability of vocational skills through the provision and promotion of vocational education and training to meet labour market demands for socioeconomic development.
