Tanzania’s top universities fall short of ‘elite’ status, despite regional growth

Leading the national pack is the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), ranked 32nd in Africa and the only Tanzanian institution among the continent’s top 50.

It is followed by Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), ranked 96th. These two universities are the only Tanzanian entries featured in both national and regional categories on the 2025 list.

While the rankings highlight progress, particularly within a region of growing academic competition, the absence of Tanzanian universities from the Elite category has reignited concerns about the country’s global academic standing.

What defines an 'elite' university?

UNIRANKS® evaluates institutions worldwide using four core pillars: teaching quality, research output, internationalisation, and graduate employability.

These encompass learning environments, student-to-staff ratios, publication impact, global collaborations, and job-readiness of graduates.

To attain Elite status, a university must excel in all four areas—particularly research visibility and academic reputation. Most Tanzanian universities continue to fall short of these benchmarks.

According to education policy analyst, Dr Emmanuel Mzinga, UDSM’s consistent national leadership is no accident.

“UDSM has made notable strides in digital transformation and research partnerships. It’s among the few institutions with robust global academic linkages,” he said.

UDSM Vice Chancellor Prof William Anangisye has previously affirmed the university’s global ambitions.

“This recognition motivates our academic community to strive harder. We’re laying the groundwork to eventually join the top tier,” he stated.

Regional comparisons

Within the East African Community (EAC), Tanzania trails its peers. Uganda’s Makerere University ranks 12th in Africa, followed by the University of Nairobi at 24th.

Rwanda’s University of Rwanda also made the top 100, reflecting intensifying regional competition.

Higher education researcher, Ms Agatha Nzilankata, attributes this to policy choices.

“These countries have prioritised innovation hubs, faculty exchange programmes, and strategic global partnerships. Tanzania has potential but must strengthen institutional autonomy and reward merit,” she said.

Experts point to systemic challenges impeding Tanzania’s progress—most notably, limited research funding, ageing infrastructure, and minimal international engagement.

“Postgraduate enrolment is rising, but research output remains thin, and staff exchange programmes are rare,” added Dr Mzinga.

A lecturer at Mzumbe University, Mr Kenneth Magabe, noted that most universities remain heavily reliant on government funding.

“Without diversified revenue streams or operational independence, they struggle to compete globally,” he said.

The Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU), which oversees higher education quality, has been conducting institutional audits and promoting alignment with global standards.

TCU Executive Secretary, Prof Charles Kihampa, has repeatedly stressed the importance of benchmarking against international systems.

However, critics argue that TCU’s regulatory approach prioritises compliance over innovation.

“To improve our global rankings, we must move beyond minimum standards and pursue real transformation in pedagogy, research, and international engagement,” said Dr Mzinga.

Do rankings really matter?

The relevance of global rankings remains a subject of debate. While some critics dismiss them as branding tools skewed in favour of well-resourced institutions, others view them as valuable diagnostic tools.

Nzilankata cautioned, “Rankings often reflect resource disparities. For institutions still building capacity, they don’t always capture the progress being made.”

Still, Mr Magabe believes that rankings can be a useful benchmark. “They act as mirrors—highlighting gaps and encouraging reflection on what really matters in higher education: research quality, innovation, and student success.”

Despite the absence of any Tanzanian university in the Elite category, some institutions are showing upward momentum.

UDSM, SUA, and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) have made notable progress in research, regional collaboration, and academic publishing.

Dr Mzinga remains optimistic. “We may not have reached elite status yet, but our institutions are evolving. With adequate funding, visionary leadership, and strategic reforms, Tanzania can compete with the best in Africa—and eventually, the world.”