Tanzania is home to some of East Africa’s most respected universities and research institutions, attracting thousands of international students every year. If you are planning to study, conduct research, intern, or volunteer in Tanzania, you will need a Tanzania Student Visa before you can enter the country for academic purposes.
This guide covers everything you need to know: visa types, fees, required documents, the step-by-step application process, and answers to the most common questions.
What Is a Tanzania Student Visa?
A Tanzania Student Visa is a specific visa category issued to foreign nationals who wish to enter Tanzania for academic purposes. According to the Tanzania Immigration Services Department, this visa covers a wide range of educational activities, including:
- Degree programs at registered universities and colleges
- Research projects conducted at Tanzanian institutions
- Internships linked to academic coursework
- Volunteering through recognized programs
- Exchange programs between international and Tanzanian institutions
- Language courses at accredited schools
Unlike the Tanzania Ordinary Visa, which is intended for tourism and short visits, the Student Visa is purpose-built for individuals whose primary reason for entering Tanzania is education or academic work.
Tanzania Student Visa Fees
The cost of a Tanzania Student Visa depends on the duration of your academic program. The Tanzania Immigration Services Department has established three fee tiers:
| Category | Duration | Visa Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term academic program | Up to 90 days | 50 USD |
| Standard academic program | More than 90 days | 250 USD |
| Extended academic program | Long-term (varies) | 550 USD |
These fees are payable online via Visa Card or Master Card during the application process. For a full breakdown of all Tanzania visa types and their costs, see our Tanzania eVisa Fee guide.
Important: If you are a national of a visa-free country (such as EAC member states, most Commonwealth nations, or SADC members) and you wish to study in Tanzania, you do not need a Student Visa. Instead, you must apply for a Student Pass upon arrival. More on this below.
Requirements for a Tanzania Student Visa
Before starting your application, gather the following documents. Missing or incomplete documents are the most common reason for visa rejection.
Required Documents
- Valid passport – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned arrival date and have at least one unused visa page.
- Passport-size photograph – A recent color photo with a plain background, showing your full face. The image must be in JPG or JPEG format and not exceed 500 KB.
- Covering letter from the host institution – This letter must come from the Tanzanian university, college, or institution where you will study. It should detail:
- The course or field of study
- The duration of the academic program
- Confirmation of your admission or enrollment
- Return ticket – Proof of onward or return travel. For applicants in the referral visa category, a trip itinerary is accepted in place of a confirmed flight ticket.
- Visa fee payment – Completed online during the application process.
Additional Documents That May Be Requested
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses
- Academic transcripts or certificates from previous institutions
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in Tanzania
- Medical insurance documentation
For a complete checklist of all Tanzania visa document requirements, visit our Tanzania eVisa Requirements page.
How to Apply for a Tanzania Student Visa
The Tanzania Immigration Services Department strongly recommends applying online through their official portal. Here is the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the Tanzania Immigration Services website at immigration.go.tz and click on the “e-Services” button.
Step 2: Select the Student Visa Application
Choose “e-Visa Application Form” and log in using your email address. You will receive a User Identification Number by email, which you can use to track your application.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
Complete all required fields, making sure to select “Student Visa” as the visa type. Double-check that all personal information matches your passport exactly.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Upload your passport photo, passport bio-data page, the covering letter from your host institution, and any other supporting documents.
Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee
After completing the form, you will receive a payment notification. Pay the applicable fee using a Visa Card or Master Card.
Step 6: Submit and Wait for Approval
Once payment is confirmed, submit your application. Processing typically takes up to 10 days. You will receive a Visa Grant Notice by email once approved.
Step 7: Download Your Visa Grant Notice
You can also check your application status and download the Visa Grant Notice at visa.immigration.go.tz/checkapplicationstatus.
Important: Always apply through the official Tanzania Immigration Services website only. Avoid third-party websites that charge extra fees or may not be legitimate.
Tanzania Student Visa Validity and Duration
The validity of your Student Visa depends on the length of your academic program:
- Programs up to 90 days: Visa is valid for the duration of the program (fee: 50 USD)
- Programs exceeding 90 days: Visa covers the full academic period (fee: 250 USD)
- Long-term programs: Extended validity available (fee: 550 USD)
Special rule for language courses: Student Visas issued for language courses have a maximum validity of six months, regardless of the course length.
The Student Visa is issued for the duration of the academic course of study or for a period of five years, whichever is less. If your program is extended, you may be able to apply for a visa extension through the local immigration office.
Student Visa vs Student Pass
There is an important distinction between a Student Visa and a Student Pass in Tanzania:
| Feature | Student Visa | Student Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Who needs it | Nationals who require a visa to enter Tanzania | Nationals of visa-free countries |
| How to obtain | Apply online before travel | Apply upon arrival in Tanzania |
| Fee | 50 – 550 USD depending on duration | Varies |
| Required for | All academic purposes | All academic purposes |
If your country is on Tanzania’s visa-free list (including EAC member states, most Commonwealth countries, and SADC members), you do not need to apply for a Student Visa. However, you must obtain a Student Pass to legally study in Tanzania.
Countries that are not visa-free and whose nationals fall under the Referral Visa category (such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen) must apply online and wait for approval before traveling. These applicants should submit their applications at least two months before their travel date.
Tanzania Student Visa for US Citizens
US citizens planning to study in Tanzania should be aware of a few specific rules:
- US passport holders are generally required to apply for a Multiple Entry Visa for tourism. However, for academic purposes, the Student Visa is the correct category.
- The standard Student Visa fees apply: 50 USD for short-term programs, 250 USD for longer programs.
- US citizens can apply both online and on arrival, though online application is strongly recommended.
- Processing time is the same as for all other nationalities: approximately 10 days.
For more information on Tanzania visa rules for US citizens, see our Tanzania eVisa guide.
Tips for a Successful Application
Follow these tips to avoid common mistakes and delays:
- Apply early – Submit your application at least 2-3 weeks before your travel date. Referral visa nationals should apply at least 2 months ahead.
- Use the official portal only – Apply exclusively through immigration.go.tz. Third-party sites may charge unnecessary fees.
- Get the covering letter right – The letter from your host institution must clearly state the course name, duration, and your admission status. Vague or incomplete letters are a common reason for rejection.
- Check passport validity – Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity and one blank page.
- Keep your User ID – Save the User Identification Number you receive by email. You will need it to track your application and download your Visa Grant Notice.
- Do not travel before approval – Wait for the Visa Grant Notice before booking flights or making travel arrangements.
- Photo specifications matter – Follow the exact photo requirements: color, plain background, full face, JPG/JPEG format, maximum 500 KB.
- Verify visa conditions on arrival – The Immigration Officer at the entry point may refuse entry if you cannot fulfill immigration requirements, even with a valid Visa Grant Notice.
