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IIT Madras Zanzibar Opens 2026 Admissions, Advances Research Initiatives
  • Applications for the 2026 academic year are now open for undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple disciplines
  • The campus is set to introduce PhD programs, marking a major step toward advanced research and academic expansion
  • Plans underway to strengthen research, innovation, and startup ecosystems through new centers and industry collaboration

IIT Madras Zanzibar has opened applications for its 2026 academic intake, while also outlining plans to expand its academic and research capabilities. The campus is set to introduce PhD programs and strengthen its research infrastructure as it scales operations in East Africa.

The institute is preparing to welcome its first batch of doctoral students and is building a Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship along with an Office for Translational Research. These initiatives aim to boost research output and support startup development in the region.

Admissions are currently open for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The screening test for the Master of Technology program is scheduled for April 26, while the Bachelor of Science entrance test will take place on June 6 at centers across India and international locations.

At present, the campus offers programs in data science and artificial intelligence, along with a bachelor’s degree in chemical process engineering, which was introduced in 2025. Established in 2023 through a partnership between the governments of India, Tanzania, and Zanzibar, the campus initially began operations from a temporary facility in Bweleo.

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So far, the institute has enrolled around 130 students. About 51% of them are from Tanzania, while others come from countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Zambia. Students have also gained industry exposure through internships with companies such as Airtel, Zantel, and SuperDoll.

Earlier this year, Prabhu Rajagopal took charge as Director-in-Charge in January 2026. IIT Madras Zanzibar continues to stand out as the only fully operational overseas campus among the Indian Institutes of Technology.

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