Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Tanzania to study, particularly in Dar es Salaam, means choosing an English-speaking East African country where tuition fees remain moderate, the overall cost of living is affordable, and the university offerings are rapidly expanding. But to keep the project realistic, one must look beyond images of beaches and safaris: monthly budget, housing, visas, health insurance, safety, career prospects… each aspect must be anticipated.
This article focuses on Dar es Salaam, the country’s main university city, to provide concrete figures and information. It aims to help you assess whether studying in Tanzania fits your budget, academic goals, and profile, without idealization.
Why choose Tanzania for higher education?
Tanzania is located in East Africa, with Dodoma as the political capital and Dar es Salaam as the economic and academic hub. The country has made the development of higher education a key part of its national strategy, with over forty public and private universities and a significant boost in research.
Higher education is primarily taught in English, opening the door to international students. The other official language, Swahili, remains very useful for daily life and integration.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city, has up to 4.7 million inhabitants.
Academically, Tanzania stands out notably in the following fields: engineering, natural and applied sciences, information technology, agriculture and food security, public health and medicine, environmental studies, law, business and management, social sciences. Three Tanzanian universities are ranked in the Times Higher Education international rankings, which is still modest but shows progress.
The major advantage for a foreign student remains the cost/quality ratio: tuition fees are lower than in many English-speaking countries, and the cost of living remains manageable, especially compared to Western Europe or North America.
Understanding student living costs in Dar es Salaam
Even before looking at programs, you must assess a realistic budget. Available data allows for a fairly accurate picture of student expenses in Dar es Salaam.
Overall monthly budget: ranges and profiles
In Tanzania, the average student budget is around 260,000 Tanzanian shillings (TZS) per month, but profiles vary greatly. Some manage on just 39,000 TZS, while others go up to 2,900,000 TZS depending on their lifestyle, city, and type of housing.
In Dar es Salaam, converting to dollars for reference, the monthly cost for a single person, including rent, is estimated between $799 and $1,146. Without rent, the basic expenses (food, transport, health, extras) range from $436 to $688.
An individual adopting a very frugal lifestyle, residing in a local neighborhood and prioritizing public transport, can significantly reduce their expenses. This illustrates an alternative to standard budgets, showing that it is possible to live with much lower costs by making specific choices regarding housing and mobility.
| Profile | Monthly budget with rent | Monthly budget without rent |
|---|---|---|
| Very frugal student | $396 – $476.50 | $256.50 – $276 |
| “Comfortable” student | $799 – $1,146 | $436 – $688 |
Location within the city weighs heavily: a studio on the outskirts is nothing like a furnished apartment in Oyster Bay. Therefore, you must reason based on your lifestyle and level of expectation.
How is a student budget allocated?
Surveys on student spending in Tanzania show a relatively stable budget structure:
| Expense Category | Share of student budget (average) |
|---|---|
| Housing | 11% – 22% (average 16%) |
| Food / groceries | Approx. 24% |
| Transport | 3% (between 4% and 9%) |
| Health | 7% – 13% |
| Education (fees, supplies) | Approx. 18% |
| Other goods and services | 1% – 6% (average 2%) |
This breakdown gives a rough idea: rent doesn’t consume the entire budget as in some capital cities, but food remains the top expense. Education – tuition, books, supplies – represents almost a fifth of monthly expenses.
Finding housing in Dar es Salaam as an international student
Housing is the first practical puzzle. Between university dormitory rooms, shared apartments, hostels, and furnished rental platforms, the supply is wide but very segmented.
Rental costs and typology
For students, housing expenses in Tanzania cover a surprisingly wide range, from 9,400 TZS to 700,000 TZS per month, with an average around 63,000 TZS. This average includes both very economical shared housing situations and more comfortable studios.
The average rents by apartment type are as follows, across all cities:
| Housing Type | Monthly Range (TZS) |
|---|---|
| Studio | 42,000 TZS – 170,000 TZS |
| 1-bedroom apartment | 63,000 TZS – 250,000 TZS |
In Dar es Salaam, amounts in foreign currency help visualize the differences between neighborhoods better:
| Location in Dar es Salaam | Property Type | Monthly Rent (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| City center | 1 bedroom | $332 – $512, sometimes $400 – $700 |
| Affluent neighborhoods (Masaki, Oyster Bay) | 1 bedroom | $1,000 and up |
| Out-of-center neighborhoods / local areas | 1 bedroom | $100 – $350 |
Furnished apartments are more expensive than unfurnished ones but avoid the need to buy furniture. Note: Dar es Salaam is often described as a city where the long-term rental economy can be complicated for foreigners, with sometimes lengthy and non-transparent lease processes.
University residences and hostels
Tanzanian universities offer various accommodation solutions on and around campus. Their common point: remaining more affordable than the private market and including some services (security, internet, easier access to university facilities).
Allocation of dormitory or mixed residence places follows a precise priority order: 1. Students with disabilities or specific medical needs, 2. International students, 3. First-year and final-year students, 4. Student association leaders. These accommodations are typically managed by the Dean of Students in collaboration with housing managers.
Residence rooms generally offer basic equipment: bed, mattress, wardrobe, desk, chair, ceiling fan, waste bin. Wi-Fi access is often included, and the student saves on utilities (water, electricity, waste management). Some residences remain open during university holidays for students who cannot return home.
Prices are not comparable to high-end private sector rents: for master’s students, several institutions mention costs ranging from $70 to $200 per semester, up to $1,200 per year for on-campus housing, which remains very competitive.
For students who did not get a place in university housing, private hostels are available near campuses. They offer shared rooms (for 2 to 6 people), with shared kitchens and bathrooms. This solution is very common in cities like Arusha but also exists in Dar es Salaam. Rates, in Tanzanian shillings, are generally much lower than those of private apartments.
Private rental market and platforms
Beyond university residences, students can turn to the classic rental market: houses, apartments, rooms in a family home, shared apartments. Platforms like Flatio offer apartments, villas, rooms, hotels, hostels, or co-living spaces in Tanzania, with no security deposit and a high level of flexibility. All properties are furnished, some with dedicated workspace and high-speed internet, targeting both expatriates and “digital nomads”.
Local portals like Blox list verified ads in major cities. However, it’s advised to inspect the property before signing, negotiate especially for long-term leases, and read rental contracts carefully. In case of dispute, a Tanzanian Rent Tribunal can serve as a mediator.
Managing bills: electricity, water, internet, and phone
Routine utilities are, overall, lower than what a student would pay in a major Western metropolis, but they are not negligible on a tight budget.
Weight of utilities in the student budget
Tanzanian students allocate an average of 7% of their monthly expenses to utilities (between 5% and 11% depending on the case). The average declared cost is about 10,000 TZS, with a range from 1,600 TZS to 120,000 TZS per month.
In detail, typical envelopes are as follows:
| Service Type | Average Monthly Cost (TZS) | Range (TZS) |
|---|---|---|
| Internet / Wi-Fi | 5,000 TZS | 2,500 TZS – 6,700 TZS |
| Mobile phone | 3,300 TZS | 2,000 TZS – 10,000 TZS |
In Dar es Salaam, a basic utility bill for an apartment (electricity, water, possibly heating/air conditioning, garbage collection) is around $55.20 for a single person. A fixed-line internet subscription (50 Mbps and up) costs about $36.10 per month, with most home Wi-Fi offers ranging from $25 to $40.
The average mobile connection speed in France, considered very slow, is about 2 Mbps.
Important for health: tap water is not drinkable, which implies buying bottled water or using filtration systems. A 0.35L (12 oz) water bottle costs about 608 TZS, or $0.32 per liter.
Eating in Dar es Salaam: local markets, supermarkets, and small restaurants
Food represents on average nearly a quarter of the student budget in Tanzania. The good news is that food can be very affordable if you use local markets and cook for yourself.
A student spends an average of 52,000 TZS per month on groceries, with extremes ranging from 7,800 TZS to 580,000 TZS depending on lifestyle. In Dar es Salaam, a single adult can budget between $150 and $200 per month for groceries.
Overview of average costs for a few common consumer products
Approx. €1.10
Approx. €1.00
Approx. €3.50
Approx. €4.50
| Product (Tanzania) | Average Price (TZS) | Average Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (1 L) | 2,736 TZS | $1.13 |
| Fresh white bread (0.5 kg) | 1,814 TZS | $0.82 |
| White rice (1 kg) | 1,310 TZS | $1.19 |
| Eggs (12) | 5,244 TZS | $2.15 |
| Local cheese (1 kg) | 10,735 TZS | $9.75 |
| Chicken fillets (1 kg) | 6,609 TZS | $5.96 |
| Beef (1 kg) | 4,876 TZS | $4.42 |
| Apples (1 kg) | 3,046 TZS | $2.73 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | 1,083 TZS | $0.97 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | 1,225 TZS | $1.10 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | 1,077 TZS | $0.97 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | 1,077 TZS | $0.97 |
| Onions (1 kg) | 1,616 TZS | $1.44 |
| Bottled water (1 L) | 608 TZS | $0.32 |
Eating out remains fairly inexpensive: a meal in a small restaurant costs around 8,000 TZS ($3.25). A cappuccino is about 5,100 TZS ($2.09), a local beer in a bar nearly $1.02.
International students sometimes mention an adjustment period to local cuisine and its codes (meal times, spicy dishes, a lesser diversity of Western products in some neighborhoods), but the gastronomic diversity of Dar es Salaam remains far greater than in smaller cities.
Getting around Dar es Salaam: public transport, taxis, and apps
Transport is a relatively light item in the overall budget (3% on average for students, between 2,700 TZS and 200,000 TZS per month), provided you stick to local options.
Public transport in Dar es Salaam – buses, minibuses, BRT – is described as relatively affordable. A local trip costs about 650 TZS ($0.27), with prices ranging from $0.25 to $1 depending on distance and mode. A monthly pass is around 39,000 TZS ($15.80), with dollar estimates mentioning a range of $14 to $20.
Regular taxis, although more expensive, remain competitive compared to Western fares. For convenient booking, apps like Taxify (now Bolt in many countries) are recommended. Note that cash payment culture remains dominant for many transport services.
Caution is advised, however: roads are often considered dangerous, with sometimes chaotic traffic. Recurring advice is to avoid walking alone late at night, to prioritize taxis from known companies, and to keep windows closed in traffic jams.
Tuition fees: how much do studies cost in Tanzania?
Tuition fees vary extremely based on several criteria: institution (public or private), city, level (bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate), discipline. But the general scale remains overall lower than what is observed in most developed English-speaking countries.
General price trends
Nationwide, an average estimate places master’s fees around $1,330 per year, across all disciplines, with significant variations:
| Discipline (Master’s) | Average Annual Fees (USD, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Business | ~ $1,079 |
| Management | ~ $1,460 |
| Education | ~ $1,134 |
| Other fields (sciences, IT, etc.) | around $1,300 |
Differences between cities are also significant:
| City | Average Master’s Fees (USD, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam | ~ $1,727 |
| Arusha | ~ $607 |
| Moshi | ~ $615 |
In public institutions, the following general ranges are frequently cited for international students:
– Bachelor’s: about $2,000 to $3,500 per year,
– Master’s: about $3,000 to $5,000 per year,
– Medicine and health sciences: $4,000 to $5,500 per year.
Annual tuition fees at private universities in Canada range from $2,500 to $6,000.
Detailed example: University of Dar es Salaam
The University of Dar es Salaam, the country’s largest public institution, illustrates the fee structure by faculty and level well. For postgraduate programs (postgraduate diploma, master’s, doctorate), amounts for Tanzanian and non-Tanzanian students are clearly defined.
Examples of annual tuition fees:
| Faculty / College UDSM | Level | Tanzanian Students (TZS) | Non-Tanzanian Students (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering (CoET) – PGD | PGD (12 months) | 3,050,000 TZS | $4,020 |
| Engineering (CoET) – Master’s (coursework + thesis) | 18 months | 4,781,500 TZS | $6,030 |
| Engineering (CoET) – Master’s by thesis | 24 months | 6,375,000 TZS | $8,040 |
| Engineering (CoET) – PhD | per year | 3,387,500 TZS | $4,020 |
| Natural Sciences (CoNAS) – Master’s | 24 months | 4,250,000 TZS | $8,040 |
| ICT (CoICT) – Master’s | 18–24 months | 6,412,500 TZS | $8,040 |
| Agricultural Sciences (CoAF) – Master’s | 24 months | 4,250,000 TZS | $8,040 |
| Humanities (CoHU) – Master’s (coursework + thesis, 18 months) | 18 months | 2,880,000 TZS | $6,030 |
| Humanities (CoHU) – Master’s by thesis | 24 months | 3,350,000 TZS | $8,040 |
| Social Sciences (CoSS) – Master’s | 18–24 months | 4,500,000 TZS to 8,500,000 TZS | $6,030 to $8,040 |
For doctorates, fees for international students are very often around $4,020 per year.
The Open University of Tanzania, which operates largely through distance learning, has master’s fees often between 4,250,000 TZS and 4,370,000 TZS, with doctorates around 9,060,000 TZS.
Health insurance and healthcare system: a requirement, not an option
Studying in Tanzania implies a change in health environment: tropical climate, risk of vector-borne diseases, highly variable quality of infrastructure. Without adequate coverage, a simple consultation or hospitalization can become a financial black hole.
Why international health insurance is essential
Most Tanzanian universities require international students to be covered by health insurance and ask for copies of the policy at registration. Some institutions partner with specific companies and impose their own plans, often more expensive than independent contracts.
National insurance from the home country rarely covers healthcare abroad in a satisfactory manner. However, in Tanzania:
The cost of a medical consultation in Dar es Salaam, illustrating that healthcare is not free and that hospitalization costs can be much higher.
Common risks include malaria, dengue, typhoid, waterborne diseases, to which are added road or sports accidents. A solid international insurance policy not only provides quick access to quality facilities (often private) but also covers medical evacuation to another country if necessary.
The main guarantees and available options to protect students abroad.
Covers hospitalization, medical consultations, and prescribed medication.
Includes medical evacuation and repatriation expenses if needed.
May include dental, optical, and mental health support.
Sometimes offers liability coverage.
Adjustable offers with deductible options, caps, and co-payments to fit your budget.
Cost and types of coverage
Options available for expatriates and students in Tanzania are numerous: local private health insurance, international insurance, the public NHIF fund, employer coverage, travel insurance for short stays. For a student, the most logical option is often a specialized international “study abroad” contract.
Price ranges are as follows:
| Contract Type | Indicative Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic private health insurance (individual) | $50 – $200/month |
| Private health insurance (family) | ~ $300 – $400/month |
| International health insurance (individual) | > $300/month possible |
| International health insurance (family) | $700 – $1,000/month |
| Typical “student” policy (per year) | ~ $200 – $1,000/year depending on country and coverage |
For foreign students, it is generally recommended to take out insurance before departure, check exclusions (“risky” sports, pre-existing conditions, etc.), and ensure the contract covers the entire program duration, including internship or travel periods.
Student visa, Student Pass, and immigration formalities
Going to study in Tanzania requires distinguishing between two often confused concepts: the visa and the Student Pass.
Student visa: the entry permit
The student visa is the entry document that allows legal arrival in Tanzania for academic purposes (studies, research, internship, exchange). It is applied for online via the official Tanzanian immigration portal before travel.
Required documents include: letter of admission from a registered institution, passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date, ID photo, proof of financial means, medical insurance, sometimes a return ticket or itinerary, letter of support from the home institution, registration or scholarship certificates.
Student visa fees depend on duration and program type:
| Type of academic stay | Student Visa (USD) |
|---|---|
| Program ≤ 90 days | $50 |
| Program > 90 days | $250 |
| Multiple-entry visa 1 year (student) | $250 |
| Multiple-entry visa 6 months (research) | $300 |
| Multiple-entry visa 1 year (PhD) | $550 |
Processing times are generally around 10 business days, with more expensive “rush” or “super rush” options via some intermediaries. Once the visa is granted, the “visa grant notice” must be printed and presented upon arrival, but the immigration officer at the entry point has the final say on admission.
Student Pass: the study residence permit
The Student Pass is the long-term residence permit that concretely authorizes the student to reside in Tanzania for the duration of their studies. It is a separate process from the visa (except for nationals of visa-exempt countries, who will still need to obtain a Student Pass).
Fees are on the order of:
| Type of Student Pass | Fees (USD) |
|---|---|
| Student Pass 1 (student ≥ 18 years) | $200 |
| Student Pass 2 (dependant < 18 years) | $100 |
| Students from EAC countries | Free (no charge) |
The validity is typically two years from the application date, renewable to cover the total study duration. The Student Pass requires the same academic and financial proof as the visa but is managed through immigration services within the country, often with the support of the university’s international office.
Points to watch out for
Some points deserve particular attention:
Nationals of certain countries require a ‘Referral Visa’ with prior authorization. Minor students must be attached to a Tanzanian resident. Overstaying the permitted duration is penalized by fines and possible expulsion. Visa extensions must be applied for in person at an immigration office in Tanzania.
Safety, climate, and daily living conditions
Living in Dar es Salaam means adapting to a dense, hot, humid tropical urban environment that is culturally quite conservative. The city is known for its warmth, but several elements must be considered.
Climate, environment, and air quality
Dar es Salaam has a warm climate year-round, with temperatures often around 31°C (88°F) and humidity reaching 74%, giving a perceived heat index of nearly 39°C (102°F). The city is generally considered pleasant for those who tolerate heat, but the constant mugginess can be surprising.
Air quality is often rated as moderate (approx. 18.3 µg/m³ of fine particles), with occasional deterioration during the rainy season. Using fans (230V, 50Hz) or air conditioning in housing is almost essential.
Safety and precautions
Tanzania is considered among the relatively safe countries in East Africa, but Dar es Salaam remains a large metropolis with its share of petty crime: snatch thefts, pickpocketing, sometimes assaults, especially in city centers, markets, bus stations, or highly touristic areas.
In certain areas like the city center, coastal roads, or popular beaches of Dar es Salaam, it is recommended to take precautions: avoid walking alone at night, do not display valuables, use trusted taxis, and keep copies of your identification documents.
Roads are described as dangerous, especially due to traffic and the condition of some roadways. For women and LGBTQ+ individuals, the sense of safety is more mixed, as society remains conservative and social norms are not favorable to sexual minorities. Discretion is often recommended.
Furthermore, marijuana consumption is illegal, and Tanzania has a government with a strong religious dimension, reflected in some laws and customs.
Daily life and local finances
The daily economy remains very cash-based, especially for foreigners: many shops, markets, and transport operate exclusively on cash. Cards are more accepted in high-end malls and supermarkets, some restaurants and hotels, but it’s prudent to always have a stock of cash in Tanzanian shillings.
The average internet speed is often slow, which can be problematic for students in highly digital fields. However, some student residences or furnished rental platforms offer connections with faster speeds.
The average net salary in Dar es Salaam is around 1,060,000 TZS, with a median after-tax income around $288, some indicators also mention $400 or $580 monthly depending on sector and source. GDP per capita remains below $900 annually, which explains why even for a foreign student, the perceived standard of living can be relatively comfortable if coming from a wealthier country, provided one stays within local standards.
Studying in Tanzania… and then? Work, internships, and prospects
The idea of settling in Tanzania isn’t limited to study years: local job opportunities, internship possibilities, and post-study work permit regulations are key elements for the decision.
Work during and after studies
Tanzanian labor law does not specifically address the status of a “working student”, but it authorizes those over 18 to work, provided it doesn’t interfere with their studies. In practice, schedule flexibility depends entirely on the employer.
Part-time jobs for students exist in several sectors: English teaching (for native speakers), tourism (guide, interpreter, photographer), food service (waiter), telemarketing, and some NGOs. These positions are generally limited to a maximum of 30-35 hours per week to preserve study time. Platforms like RocApply propose connecting international students with companies for this type of employment.
After studies, the possibility of staying to work depends on obtaining a work permit or post-study visa, subject to having a concrete job offer. Promising sectors include education (especially international schools), health, engineering (including renewable energy), information technology, hospitality and tourism, NGOs, and international organizations.
Job market and agencies
The Tanzanian job market is not reserved for graduates of major local universities: positions are open to all candidates meeting employer criteria. There is no national agency dedicated solely to graduates, but a public agency centralizes job offers: the Tanzania Employment Services Agency (TaESA).
TaESA’s online portal connects job seekers and employers in Tanzania and abroad. Discover its services for students and young graduates.
Access to relevant job and internship offers from local and international employers.
Create and manage a digital profile to showcase your skills and academic background.
Access to advice, tutorials, and tools to prepare applications and succeed in interviews.
Possibility to connect with employers and build a professional network.
– access to job and internship offers,
– job search workshops,
– mock interviews,
– career advice,
– labor market information.
For employers, TaESA offers a comprehensive recruitment service and privileged access to young graduates for internships or entry-level positions.
Looking ahead: is Tanzania a good choice for your studies abroad?
Pursuing higher education in Tanzania, and more specifically in Dar es Salaam, involves accepting a set of trade-offs. The key takeaways are as follows:
The academic offering is solid and improving, with public universities like the University of Dar es Salaam and programs in English. Tuition fees are lower than in North America or the UK, and the cost of living allows for a reasonable budget, especially when using university housing. Safety is better than in other major cities in the region, but caution is still advised. Some limitations must be anticipated: variable internet quality, administrative hurdles, and an economy still very cash-based. Robust international health insurance is absolutely essential to cover any medical incident.
For a French-speaking student with a good level of English, interested in East Africa, the tropical environment, and themes related to development, environment, health, or agriculture, Tanzania – and particularly Dar es Salaam – can constitute a credible and financially accessible alternative to more classic destinations, provided the project is approached with meticulous preparation for each expense category and administrative step.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
