Candidate: Form IV & Ordinary Diploma Holder
Sector: Health
Health courses
Health courses in Tanzania are formally structured academic programs that aim to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to promote, protect, and restore human health. They cover a wide range of disciplines, from medicine and dentistry to nursing, pharmacy, public health, and allied health professions, and are provided by universities, medical schools, and training institutes overseen by organizations such as the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) and the National Council for Technical Education (NACTE).
At the entry level, health education may begin with certificate and diploma courses (typically lasting two to three years) that prepare cadres such as enrolled nurses, medical laboratory technicians, and environmental health officers. These foundational qualifications address immediate workforce shortages and serve as stepping stones for those seeking higher education. Bachelor’s degree programs (three to six years) build on this foundation by providing in-depth training in fields such as medicine (MD), nursing (BSc Nursing or Midwifery), pharmacy (BPharm), physiotherapy, and biomedical sciences.
Postgraduate health courses (master’s and doctoral programs) concentrate on advanced clinical specializations (e.g., internal medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology), public health disciplines (e.g., health policy, epidemiology), and biomedical research. These programs promote leadership, advanced practice, and scholarly inquiry, allowing health professionals to contribute to policy development, healthcare system management, and locally relevant research.
Below are the accredited universities in Tanzania offering both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, along with their main campus locations.
Public Universities
| University | City |
| University of Dar es Salaam | Dar es Salaam |
| University of Dodoma | Dodoma |
| The Open University of Tanzania | Dar es Salaam |
| Ardhi University | Dar es Salaam |
| State University of Zanzibar | Zanzibar Urban |
| Mzumbe University | Morogoro |
| Sokoine University of Agriculture | Morogoro |
| Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences | Dar es Salaam |
| Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology | Arusha |
| Katavi University of Agriculture | Katavi |
| Mbeya University of Science and Technology | Mbeya |
| Moshi Co-operative University | Moshi |
| IIT Madras Zanzibar | Zanzibar Urban |
Private Universities
| University | City |
| Hubert Kairuki Memorial University | Dar es Salaam |
| International Medical and Technological University | Dar es Salaam |
| Tumaini University Makumira | Arusha |
| St. Augustine University of Tanzania | Mwanza |
| Zanzibar University | Zanzibar Urban |
| Mount Meru University | Arusha |
| University of Arusha | Arusha |
| Teofilo Kisanji University | Mbeya |
| Muslim University of Morogoro | Morogoro |
| St. John’s University of Tanzania | Dodoma |
| University of Bagamoyo | Dar es Salaam |
| Eckernforde Tanga University | Tanga |
| Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences | Mwanza |
| St. Joseph University in Tanzania | Dar es Salaam |
| United African University of Tanzania | Dar es Salaam |
| Sebastian Kolowa Memorial University | Tanga |
| Tanzania International University | Dar es Salaam |
| University of Iringa | Iringa |
Programs/Courses Offered
1. University of Dar es Salaam
B. Undergraduate Programmes:
- BSc in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
- BSc in Microbiology
- BSc in Chemistry (used in pharmaceutical and biomedical fields)
- BSc with Education (Biology and Chemistry combinations are popular for health science teaching)
- BSc in Applied Zoology (relevant to health and environmental biology)
B. Postgraduate Programmes:
- MSc in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
- MSc in Environmental Science (health-environment intersections)
- PhD in Life Sciences (research fields include medical microbiology, public health-related biology, etc.)
2. University of Dodoma
A. Undergraduate Programmes:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing)
- Bachelor of Science in Midwifery
- Bachelor of Pharmacy
- Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics
- Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
- Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health
- Bachelor of Science in Radiotherapy Technology
B. Postgraduate Programmes:
- Master of Medicine (MMed) in various clinical specialties (e.g. Internal Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, etc.)
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition
- Master of Science in Environmental Health
- PhD in Public Health
- PhD in Clinical Sciences
3.The Open University of Tanzania
A. Undergraduate Programmes:
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Environmental Studies
- With focus areas that relate to public health, sanitation, and environmental health
- Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
- Covers community nutrition, food safety, and diet-related disease prevention
B. Postgraduate Programmes:
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Ideal for health professionals, administrators, and NGO workers
- Master of Science in Environmental Studies
- Covers health-environment linkages, waste management, water safety
- Master of Social Work
- Includes aspects of community health and psychosocial care
- PhD in Public Health or Environmental Studies
- Research-focused programmes for advanced health policy and public health systems
4. Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences
A. Undergraduate Programmes at MUHAS
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
- Bachelor of Science in Midwifery
- Bachelor of Science in Nurse Anesthesia
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Radiography
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
- Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
B. Postgraduate Programmes at MUHAS
Master of Medicine (MMed) in:
- Internal Medicine
- General Surgery
- Paediatrics & Child Health
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Anaesthesiology
- Psychiatry
- Pathology
- Radiology
Master of Science (MSc) in:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology and Laboratory Management
- Health Monitoring and Evaluation
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Nursing (e.g., Mental Health, Critical Care)
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology
C. PhD Programmes:
- Offered in various disciplines such as Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Dentistry, and more.
5. Ardhi University
A. Undergraduate Programmes:
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering
- Covers waste management, water and sanitation systems, and environmental health risks
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Management
- Focuses on pollution control, occupational health, and sustainability
- Bachelor of Science in Building Economics (with some occupational health & safety content)
B. Postgraduate Programmes:
- Master of Science in Environmental Technology and Management
- Master of Science in Environmental Health Sciences
- Directly focuses on environmental health issues like air and water quality, occupational exposure, and disease vectors
- PhD in Environmental Health or related areas
6. State University of Zanzibar
A. Undergraduate Programmes:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- A six-year degree focusing on clinical skills and public health foundations
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
- Bachelor of Science in Midwifery
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Health Records and Information Management
B. Postgraduate Programmes:
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Master of Science in Environmental Health
- Master of Science in Health Systems Management
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health-Related Disciplines (varies by year)
7. Mzumbe University
A. Undergraduate Programmes:
- Bachelor of Health Systems Management (BHSM)
- Focuses on the administration and management of healthcare institutions
- Bachelor of Science in Health Records and Information Management
- Prepares graduates to manage medical data systems in health facilities
B. Postgraduate Programmes:
- Master of Health Systems Management (MHSM)
- Aimed at health facility managers, focusing on leadership, planning, and policy in the health sector
- Master of Science in Health Monitoring and Evaluation
- Equips professionals with skills in assessing health programmes and system performance
- Master of Science in Health Economics and Policy
- Focuses on economic and policy aspects of healthcare delivery
- PhD in Health Systems Management or Public Administration (health-focused research areas)
8. Sokoine University of Agriculture
A. Undergraduate Programmes:
- Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM)
- A 5-year programme training professionals in animal and zoonotic health (diseases that can transfer from animals to humans)
- Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology
- Covers food safety, nutrition, and public health nutrition
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences and Management
- Includes topics on pollution control, waste management, and environmental health
- Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
- Focuses on dietary health, nutrition planning, and food-related diseases
B. Postgraduate Programmes:
- Master of Veterinary Medicine (MVM)
- MSc in Food Quality and Safety Assurance
- MSc in Human Nutrition
- MSc in Public Health and Food Safety
- PhD in Veterinary Public Health, Food Science, or Nutrition
9. Mbeya University of Science and Technology
A. Undergraduate Programmes:
- Bachelor of Science in Health Laboratory Sciences
- Trains students in clinical diagnostics, laboratory procedures, and health research
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Engineering
- Focuses on the development and maintenance of medical equipment and hospital technology
B. Possible Postgraduate Opportunities:
- Postgraduate programmes in health at MUST may be limited or emerging.
10. Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology
A. Postgraduate Programmes:
- MSc in Sustainable Health and Nutrition
- Master of Science in Life Sciences
- Specializations: Health and Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
- MSc in Public Health Research (MPH-R)
- Focuses on disease prevention, epidemiology, and health systems
- MSc and PhD in Bioinformatics
- Applies computational tools to genetic data, disease modeling, and drug discovery
B. PhD in Life Sciences
- Research includes medical microbiology, pharmacology, and immunology
11. Hubert Kairuki Memorial University
A. Undergraduate Programmes:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- A 5-year clinical degree preparing students to become medical doctors
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
- Covers general, community, and clinical nursing practices
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Includes mental health, community health, and psychosocial support components
B. Postgraduate Programmes:
- Master of Medicine (MMed) in:
- Internal Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- General Surgery
- Paediatrics and Child Health
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MScN)
12. International Medical and Technological University
A. Undergraduate Programmes:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- A comprehensive 5-year programme that prepares students to become licensed medical doctors
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
- Focuses on clinical nursing, community health, and nursing leadership
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Trains students in diagnostics, laboratory procedures, and clinical microbiology
B. Postgraduate Programmes:
- Master of Medicine (MMed) in various clinical specializations
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Focuses on disease prevention, epidemiology, and health systems strengthening
13. St. John’s University of Tanzania – DODOMA
A.Undergraduate Programmes:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- A 5-year programme training students in general medicine, clinical practice, and community health
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
- Includes general nursing, midwifery, and community health components
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BScPH)
- Focuses on disease prevention, health promotion, epidemiology, and health systems
- Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery
- Certificate in Nursing and Midwifery
B. Postgraduate Programmes (limited but growing):
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
14. St. Joseph University in Tanzania DARESSALAAM
Undergraduate Programmes:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- A 5-year clinical programme to become a medical doctor
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Equipment Engineering
- Focuses on maintenance and innovation of hospital equipment
15. Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences
A. Undergraduate Programmes:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- A 5-year programme focusing on general medicine and clinical practice
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
- Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (BMLS)
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy (Newer addition)
B. Postgraduate Programmes
- Master of Medicine (MMed) in various specialties:
- Internal Medicine
- Surgery
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Paediatrics and Child Health
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Master of Science in Clinical Microbiology and Diagnostic Molecular Biology
Oportunity
Tanzanian health course graduates pursue a variety of careers, including clinicians in hospitals and clinics, public health officers in government or non-governmental organizations (NGOs), researchers in academic and policy institutions, and educators in training colleges. Continuous professional development is also emphasized through short courses and continuous education modules, ensuring that health workers stay current with emerging challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, digital health innovations, and climate-related health impacts.
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