The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) is the oldest and, with around 20,000 students, the largest public university in Tanzania. Its campuses are spread over three different locations on the west side of the harbour city of Dar es Salaam (Mlimani Campus, Muhimbili and UCLAS University Colleges). The main campus is 13 km from the city centre and is easily accessible by city bus.

The University of Dar es Salaam was officially affiliated with the University of London before it became independent in 1970. Together with Makerere University in Uganda and the University of Nairobi in Kenya, UDSM formed the University of East Africa.

The university campus is not clearly demarcated, as many of the staff and professors' flats are located on campus. However, the important buildings such as the Admin Building, Nkrumah Hall, colleges and cafeteria are very close to each other and can be reached on foot within ten minutes. In addition to the courses on offer, you can use the numerous facilities at UDSM. There is a swimming pool, a fitness centre and a basketball, football, volleyball and tennis court.

The range of courses seems large at first, as you have the opportunity to choose from several Departments (including non-specialised ones). However, there are also courses that are only offered in the summer and winter semesters. The language of instruction at the UDSM is English. However, basic knowledge of Kiswahili is important and advantageous for everyday life outside the university and for meeting the local population, i.e. the "country and its people".

With over 2.5 million inhabitants, Dar es Salaam is the largest city in Tanzania and the economic centre as well as the Lutheran and Roman Catholic episcopal see. The capital Dodoma is just under 500 kilometres to the west.

The cost of living in Tanzania is generally much lower than in Germany.

A good overview of cultural, political and economic aspects of Tanzania can be found on the country page of the Federal Foreign Office.