Dreaming of studying at Tanzania’s premier institution? The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) offers a smooth, online application system (UDSM‑OLAS) for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs. Whether you’re a Form VI graduate, diploma holder, or seasoned postgrad, this guide walks you through key dates, fees, documents, and step-by-step instructions to help you apply with ease.
Quick Look – UDSM 2025/2026 Key Dates
| Program Level | Application Opens | First Deadline | Second Deadline | Intake Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | June / July 2025 | 10 August 2025 | — | Semester I, 2025 |
| Postgraduate | Varies by intake: | |||
| – July Intake | — | 30 June 2025 | — | begins July 2025 |
| – October Intake | — | 31 May 2025 (1st batch)<br>30 Sep 2025 (2nd batch) | — | begins October 2025 |
| – March Intake | — | 28 Feb 2026 | — | begins March 2026 |
- Undergraduate applications run through the traditional June–August window
- Postgraduate intakes span July, October, and March—each with specific deadlines .
Fee Structure & Payment Methods
| Category | Tanzanian Fee | International Fee | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | TZS 10,000 | USD 10 | Mobile money (M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel), bank |
| Postgraduate | TZS 50,000 | USD 50 / USD 120₍₁₎ | Mobile money, bank, SWIFT for internationals |
₍₁₎ Some intakes (e.g. virtual diplomas) charge additional program fees (e.g. PGDE ~ TZS 2–3 M; MEM ~ TZS 6–7 M) .
Who Is Eligible? Entry Requirements
- Undergraduate: O-Level + A-Level NECTA passes or diploma holders; foreign certificates require NECTA equivalency
- Postgraduate Diplomas: Bachelor’s or advanced diploma from recognized institutions
- Master’s:
‣ Coursework + dissertation → Lower 2nd class (GPA ≥ 2.7)
‣ Thesis-only → Upper 2nd class (GPA ≥ 3.5) or equivalent - PhD: A good Master’s degree from UDSM or TCU-recognized university
Documents Checklist
Undergraduate applicants need:
- NECTA Form IV & VI certificates with index number
- Valid ID / birth certificate
- Email & mobile number
- Completed online form and payment receipt
Postgraduate applicants add:
- Bachelor’s/Master’s certificate & transcripts
- Research proposal (for research-based programs)
- Referee contacts
- NECTA equivalency for foreign qualifications
7-Step Process to Apply via UDSM‑OLAS
- Create an Account
Visit admission.udsm.ac.tz, click “Undergraduate” or “Postgraduate” → “Registration.” Provide names, email, phone, set password, solve CAPTCHA. - Activate Via Email
You’ll receive an account activation link—click to verify your profile. - Log Into Your Account
Use your email (username) and password to access UDSM‑OLAS. - **Complete Profile & Educational Details**
✔ Undergrad: NECTA index, level, year
✔ Equivalent: upload diplomas & equivalency
✔ Postgrad: Upload transcripts and referee details - Pay Application Fee
Generate and use reference number (control number).- Tanzanians: pay via mobile money
- Foreigners: use SWIFT or local payment
- Choose Programmes
Select 3–15 eligible programs, specifying first to last choice - Review & Submit
Upload required documents, verify entries, then submit.
You can track application status—look out for updates like “Conditional” or “Waitlisted” and expect email/SMS communication from UDSM.
After You Apply: What to Expect
- You’ll receive email confirmation once the fee and form are submitted.
- Status may remain “Pending” or “Waitlisted”—don’t worry; it’s normal and updates can take weeks .
- Offers will be sent via email/SMS. For undergrad, accept the offer online to confirm your placement.
Helpdesk Contacts
- General Help (UDSM‑OLAS Support):
+255 734 313 265 · +255 615 396 657 · +255 785 740 283 · +255 615 396 659 · +255 745 616 673 · +255 615 396 658 · +255 686 434 520 - Undergrad/Postgrad Admissions Office:
+255 738 452 891 · +255 738 452 895
Tips for Success
- Apply early, especially for your desired intake.
- Double-check your documents—ineligible uploads delay processing.
- Track status actively, and don’t hesitate to follow up.
- For international applicants, get NECTA equivalency early and know the SWIFT details.
Final Thoughts
UDSM‑OLAS is designed to make your application smooth, transparent, and trackable. With clear deadlines, entry requirements, and payment instructions, your path to studying at Tanzania’s top university has never been clearer.
