The correct immigration route starts with the real purpose and duration of study.
Planning to study, conduct research, join an exchange programme, undertake an internship or volunteer in Tanzania? Admission from an institution is only one part of the preparation. A foreign student must also use the immigration category that matches the purpose and length of the academic programme.
A host institution’s covering letter should clearly state the programme and its duration.
Tanzania’s official Visa Guidelines state that a Student Visa may be issued to a foreign national entering for academic purposes, including research, internships, volunteering, exchange programmes and study at a registered institution. Applicants should not select an ordinary visitor category simply because the stay appears short.
Match the category to the programme length
For an academic programme that does not exceed 90 days, the official guideline lists a Student Visa fee of USD 50. For a programme exceeding 90 days, it lists USD 250. The validity of a visa for a language course will not exceed six months. Always confirm the category shown in the current application system before making payment.
Research, internships, exchange programmes and volunteering require the appropriate student category.
When does a Student Pass apply?
The Visa Guidelines specifically state that applicants from countries whose nationals do not require a visa to enter Tanzania, but who are coming for academic purposes, must apply for a Student Pass. Tanzania’s online Pass portal currently lists Student Pass 1 and Student Pass 2 among the available entry-pass services.
Programmes of different types and lengths may require different immigration permissions.
Prepare the supporting documents
The published Student Visa requirements include a copy of the passport biographic-data page, a covering letter from the host institution stating the course or field and duration of the programme, and an open return ticket. Supporting documents should be clear and consistent with the information entered in the application.
Use Tanzania’s official Immigration portals and keep your application details safe.
Read the current guidance and apply only through official channels: Tanzania eVisa Guidelines, Tanzania Pass Application and Immigration Service Department.