Arusha. Thirty-two Tanzanian college students underneath the Samia Extended Scholarship Programme (DS/AI+) have secured admission to pursue undergraduate studies on the University of Limerick in Ireland, as a part of a authorities initiative to strengthen the nation’s pool of consultants in rising science and know-how fields.
The college students are amongst 50 high-performing beneficiaries chosen in 2025 from Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar underneath the government-funded programme. The scholarship targets proficient Form Six graduates for studies in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and allied disciplines throughout the 2025–2027 educational cycle.
Launched in July 2025 by the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda, the programme is a part of Tanzania’s technique to develop a brand new era of scientists and know-how specialists able to driving innovation and supporting financial transformation.
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Before departing overseas, the 2025 cohort underwent a 10-month National Knowledge Camp on the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha. The camp equips college students with superior educational preparation, nationwide ethics and international consciousness to assist them adapt to aggressive worldwide studying environments.
During a go to to NM-AIST, Vice President for Global and International Engagement on the University of Limerick, Prof Colin Fitzpatrick, praised the scholars’ educational achievements. “I am delighted to meet these talented young scholars. Our university provides international exposure through practical training and internships with leading companies,” he stated.
Prof Fitzpatrick additionally highlighted the significance of NM-AIST’s preparatory programme in serving to college students combine into the worldwide educational neighborhood and collaborate successfully with friends from numerous backgrounds.
Under the present cohort, 18 college students are already finding out on the University of Johannesburg, whereas the remaining 32 are getting ready for their programmes in Ireland.
Deputy Vice Chancellor of NM-AIST, Prof Anthony Mshandete, stated the collaboration with the University of Limerick would additionally strengthen Tanzania’s analysis ecosystem. “This partnership allows us to learn from their experience in commercialising research and translating academic discoveries into practical innovations,” he stated.
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According to the programme coordinator at NM-AIST, Prof Lillian Passape the establishment has established a devoted preparation centre to mentor the scholars earlier than they begin their studies overseas. She stated internships with trade companions in Ireland will considerably improve their profession prospects.
The scholarship programme is applied via a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, COSTECH, NM-AIST, and a number of native and worldwide companions.