Tanzania Commission for Universities

The Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) is a government agency which was established on the 1st July 2005, under the Universities Act, Cap. 346 R.E 2023 with a legal mandate to recognise, register and accredit universities in Tanzania. It also regulates local or foreign university-level programmes, coordinates the proper functioning of universities and ensures a harmonised higher education system in the country.

TCU succeeded the then Higher Education Accreditation Council (HEAC), which was established in 1995 under the Education Act, 1995. The HEAC had a mandate to regulate the establishment and accreditation of private universities. Being limited only to private universities, such mandate was considered unfavourable for the promotion of a viable public-private partnership in higher education.

To address this, the government created a unified and harmonised higher education system under the TCU. To ensure such a system does not compromise institutional peculiarities and autonomy, each university is vested with the legal right to operate under its charter. The TCU implements the National Education Policy through its functions which can be clustered into three major areas:

1. Regulatory Function: Ensures quality assurance by evaluating universities, programmes, and systems. Validates programmes, accredits institutions, and evaluates university awards for use in Tanzania.
2. Advisory Function: Advises the government and public on university education, policy formulation, and international higher education issues.
3. Supportive Function: Coordinates university operations, students’ admissions, and provides training in areas like quality assurance, leadership, entrepreneurship, and resource mobilization.

Over the years, the Commission has made significant progress in upholding standards, ensuring quality, and maintaining the relevance of university education, training, and research. It remains committed to integrating quality assurance practices into higher education, fostering continuous improvement in universities and academic programmes.

TCU is a member of IUCEA and AfriQAN.