TCU Foreign Award Assessment System (FAAS)

The Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) is a government agency which was established on the 1st July 2005, under the Universities Act, Cap. 346 of the Laws of Tanzania 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.

FUNCTIONS OF TCU Tanzania

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.

TCU Foreign Award Assessment System (FAAS)

If you have obtained a university education abroad and wish to work or pursue further studies in the United Republic of Tanzania, your foreign qualifications must be recognised by the TCU.

Recognition is conducted through an online system namely Foreign Award Assessment System (FAAS).

For foreigners applying for studies in Tanzania. It is not necessary to apply independently for recognition as Tanzanian universities can submit such applications on behalf during the admission processes.

TCU evaluates and recognises foreign qualifications based on academic standards and principles derived from various conventions, regional agreements and national policies. Some professions in Tanzania are legally regulated. This means that beyond academic recognition, additional licensing or professional registration is required to practice in these fields after fulfilling certain requirements.

Therefore, recognition of academic qualifications alone does not guarantee authorisation to practice or work within a regulated profession. One has to apply for and receive an authorisation and or professional recognition from the relevant professional authority.

Some regulated professions in Tanzania can be found in the list of Professional Registration Authorities.

Dissatisfied applicants may appeal on the TCU’s decision within a specified time frame, as outlined under the Appeal Procedures.