University Institutions operating in Tanzania

Accreditation is a process of validation in which Colleges, Universities and other institutions of higher learning are evaluated. In Tanzania accreditation means an institution has met or exceeded minimum standards of quality. For any institution to be accredited the Commission must be satisfied that the institution concerned has adequate physical, human and financial resources, viable academic programme and sound structure of governance. 

According to the Universities Act, Cap. 346, the Commission is mandated to recognize and register all University institutions operating in Tanzania. The Commission has registered 49 Universities and Universities colleges as of March, 2023. To view the list click here.

Accreditation of Universities is done in two stages namely;  Proviisional Licence and Certificate of Accreditation;  The process also involves Chattering which is granted by the President as evidence that the University meets the requirements and standards of academic excellence set by the Commission.

• A Provisional Licence is a preparatory stage for issuance of Certificate of Accreditation. At this stage the institution is required to develop physical infrastructure, prepare administrative and academic policies, develop curriculum, establish governance structure and employ academic staff. An institution holding a Provisional Licence is not allowed to admit students. An institution holding Certificate of Accreditation has full autonomy in the administration of its academic affairs and can confer awards in its name.
• However, before 2013 the process of accreditation of institutions included the third stage which is Certificate of Full Registration (CFR). A holder of CFR  has well developed internal quality assurance system hence is allowed to admit students.