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Address
Arusha Njiro
Work Hours
80 Hours A week
Title:
If you are a prospective university student in Tanzania aiming for the 2025/2026 intake, you are likely feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. The single most important document that will shape your application journey is the TCU Guidebook. While the official guidebook for the 2025/2026 cycle is not yet released (typically expected around May/June 2026), the recently used TCU Guide Book 2024/25 for Degree is, without a doubt, the most powerful tool you have in your hands right now.
This is your secret weapon. By downloading and mastering the 2024/25 guidebook today, you can get a massive head start on your competition. This document contains the comprehensive list of all accredited bachelor’s degree programs, their unique codes, admission capacities, and the specific entry requirements from the last cycle. Since these details rarely undergo radical changes year-on-year, this guidebook provides a highly accurate preview of what to expect.
The most crucial action you can take today is to download the official PDF:
This comprehensive 3000-word guide will not only point you to the download but will teach you exactly how to read, interpret, and use this vital document to strategically plan your university application, create a winning list of choices, and avoid the common pitfalls that disqualify thousands of applicants each year.
Before you dive in, it’s essential to understand what the guidebook is and why it holds so much power.
The TCU Undergraduate Admissions Guidebook is an annual publication by the Tanzania Commission for Universities. It is the sole, official, and authoritative compendium of all undergraduate degree programs offered by every accredited university and university college in Tanzania for a specific academic year.
Its primary purposes are to:
Think of it as the master catalog for higher education in Tanzania. Without it, you are flying blind. Any information you get from forums, friends, or even university websites should always be cross-referenced with this official document.
Opening the guidebook for the first time can be overwhelming. It’s a dense document filled with tables, codes, and abbreviations. Let’s break down how to read its most important section: the program tables.
A typical entry in the guidebook table looks like this:
S/N | Institution | Programme | Programme Code | Adm. Capacity | Minimum Entry Requirements |
231 | University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | UD-BS-CSC | 120 | Direct Entry (Form Six): Two principal passes (4.0 pts) in Physics & Adv. Maths. Equivalent Entry (Diploma): Diploma (NTA 6) in IT/CS/Eng with GPA ≥ 3.0 AND four O-Level passes (D) incl. Maths & Physics. |
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Let’s decode each column:
This is straightforward. It lists the serial number and the full name of the university or college offering the program. The institutions are listed alphabetically.
This is the official title of the bachelor’s degree program, for example, “Bachelor of Laws,” “Doctor of Medicine,” or “Bachelor of Arts in Education.”
The Programme Code is a unique identifier for each specific course at each specific university. You will use these exact codes when filling out your application on the TCU Central Admission System (CAS). A mistake in this code means you’ve applied for the wrong course.
[University Abbreviation]-[Degree Level]-[Programme Abbreviation]
.UD
= University of Dar es SalaamBS
= Bachelor of ScienceCSC
= Computer ScienceThis number indicates the maximum number of students the university is approved to admit into that specific program for the year.
This is the heart of the guidebook. It details the “sifa za kujiunga” for the specific program, broken down into two main categories:
A) Direct Entry (For Form Six Leavers): This section is for applicants using their Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ACSEE) results.
B) Equivalent Entry (For Diploma Holders): This section is for applicants with an Ordinary Diploma (NTA Level 6) or a Full Technician Certificate (FTC).
Now that you know how to read it, how do you turn this knowledge into a winning strategy for the upcoming application cycle?
Go through the guidebook page by page. With a notebook or a spreadsheet open, list every single program that interests you, even remotely. At this stage, don’t filter too much. Write down the university, the full program name, and its unique code. Aim for a list of 20-30 programs.
Now, go back to your long list. One by one, look at the minimum entry requirements in the 2024/25 guidebook and compare them against your own academic results (or realistically projected results if you are still studying).
Organize your shortlist of 10-15 programs into three categories for your future TCU application:
Your shortlist is your map. Now, you need to explore the territory. For each program on your list, do the following:
While the 2024/25 guidebook is an excellent template, be aware that minor changes can occur in the new 2025/2026 version. These might include:
Q1: When will the official TCU Guide Book 2025/26 for degree programs be released? A: Based on previous years, the new guidebook is typically released by the Tanzania Commission for Universities around May or June 2026, just before the main application window opens.
Q2: Is the TCU Guidebook free? A: Yes, the PDF version of the guidebook is available for free download from the official TCU website. Hard copies may be sold at TCU offices, but the digital version is sufficient for all applicants.
Q3: What should I do if a program I want to apply for is not listed in the 2024/25 guidebook? A: This could mean one of two things: either the program is new and will be introduced in the 2025/26 book, or it is no longer accredited by TCU. You should check the university’s website for information but wait for the new guidebook to confirm its official status.
Q4: Does the guidebook provide information on tuition fees or scholarships? A: No. The guidebook’s sole focus is on accredited programs and their admission requirements. For information on fees, you must consult the individual university’s website. For loans and scholarships, you must refer to the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) and other relevant institutions.
Final Words: The road to university is a marathon, not a sprint. The students who succeed are those who prepare early, plan strategically, and use the official tools at their disposal. The TCU Guide Book 2024/25 for Degree is the best tool you have right now. Download it, study it, and build your application strategy today. By the time the 2025/2026 application window opens, you won’t be scrambling for information—you’ll be ready to submit a confident, well-researched application that sets you on the path to success.