IIT Madras Zanzibar campus opens admission process for UG, PG for 2026 academic session
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has officially opened the admission process for its undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) degree programs at the Zanzibar campus for the academic year 2026. This initiative marks a significant step in expanding quality education in engineering and technology to international students, particularly those from Africa.
Application Details
Aspirants interested in applying can find detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and test preparation on the official admissions website at admissions.iitmz.ac.in.
Important Dates
- Last date to apply for the BS program: April 30, 2026
- Last date to apply for the MTech courses: April 15, 2026
- MTech screening test date: April 26, 2026
- BS program screening test date: June 6, 2026
About the Zanzibar Campus
Located in Tanzania, the IIT Madras Zanzibar campus is the first international campus established by any IIT. Currently, the campus has over 129 students enrolled across various programs, with approximately 51% of the student body coming from Tanzania. The campus also welcomes students from several other African nations, including Ethiopia, Zambia, and Kenya.
Significance of the Initiative
Prof. V Kamakoti, the Director of IIT Madras, expressed pride in the establishment of the Zanzibar campus. He stated, “It is a matter of great pride for IIT Madras to have set up the first-ever international campus of any IIT at Zanzibar. Since then, the love and support that we are receiving from the Zanzibar Government and people have been nothing short of amazing.” He encouraged aspirants worldwide to explore the full-time on-campus degree offerings in leading fields of engineering and technology.
Leadership Transition
In January 2026, the campus welcomed a new director-in-charge, Prof. Prabhu Rajagopal. An alumnus of IIT Madras and Imperial College London, he has received the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize in 2024 and is recognized for his ability to translate research into successful start-up ventures.
Academic Achievements
Prof. Rajagopal highlighted the accomplishments of the campus, noting that the first batch of M.Tech in Data Science and AI graduated in 2025 during the inaugural convocation. The campus is also preparing to welcome its first PhD scholars soon. He mentioned that the graduating M.Tech batch recorded a remarkable 100% placement rate in industrial sectors.
Internships and Collaborations
Students at the Zanzibar campus have secured internships with various organizations, including SuperDoll, Zantel, and Airtel. The campus has also received support from the Airtel Africa Foundation, which has helped widen access to quality higher education for students.
Research and Innovation
Faculty members from the Zanzibar campus have actively participated in leading global research platforms, presenting their work at prestigious conferences such as ICML, ICLR, and IEEE. The campus has organized numerous industry and innovation events, faculty exchanges, and start-up hackathons in collaboration with partners like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Campus Development
The development of the permanent campus at the Fumba peninsula is progressing well. A new hostel block was inaugurated in January 2026, further enhancing the facilities available for students.
Conclusion
The IIT Madras Zanzibar campus represents a significant milestone in the internationalization of higher education in engineering and technology. By offering quality programs and fostering a diverse student body, the campus aims to contribute to the educational landscape of Africa and beyond.
Note: For more information on the admission process and to stay updated on the latest developments, please visit the official website of IIT Madras Zanzibar.
