IIT Madras Sets Its First International Campus On Zanzibar Island In Tanzania

IIT Madras has become the first Indian Institute of Technology to establish an international campus on the picturesque Zanzibar Island in East Africa. Inaugurated by the President of Zanzibar, Hussein Ali Mwinyi, this historic initiative signifies a brighter educational future, facilitated by a memorandum of understanding between India and Tanzania, ushering in a new era of global education and cooperation.

A Historical Milestone

• The establishment of the IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus represents a remarkable achievement for both India and Tanzania.
• This endeavor reflects the Indian government’s commitment to spreading the excellence of India’s education system to international arenas.
• While the initial campus is located in the Bweleo district, approximately 15 kilometers south of Zanzibar Town, there are plans for a permanent campus to be jointly developed by the Government of Zanzibar and the Government of India.

Academic Offerings

• To kickstart its operations, the IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus is offering Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Technology (MTech) programs, with a focus on Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• These programs are designed to meet the growing demand for skills in data-driven technologies and are expected to pave the way for more academic offerings in the near future.
• Notably, the first batch of students admitted to IITM Zanzibar comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, including Zanzibar, mainland Tanzania, Nepal, and India, with a commendable 40 percent representation of women.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

• The IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus boasts modern and comprehensive facilities to cater to the needs of its students. Accommodation in well-equipped dormitories is available, ensuring a comfortable stay.
• The campus features fully-furnished offices, state-of-the-art classrooms, and an impressive auditorium to facilitate a conducive learning environment.
• Dining facilities, a dispensary, and planned sports facilities ensure that students have access to a holistic campus experience.

Open to All Nationalities

• The courses offered at IITM Zanzibar are open to students of all nationalities, including Indians. This openness encourages a diverse learning environment that fosters global perspectives and cross-cultural collaboration.
• Apart from the comprehensive curriculum in Data Science and AI, students can explore a range of opportunities during their studies.
• These opportunities include study abroad and semester exchange programs with IIT Madras’ partner institutions in the UK, Australia, and other countries, internships with relevant companies, and the possibility to fulfill some course requirements at the IIT Madras campus in Chennai, India.

Commencement of Classes

• The IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus opened its doors for classes during the academic year 2023-24, with the first semester commencing in October 2023.
• The student body comprises individuals from various countries, representing the global spirit of education.
• A total of 45 students have been admitted to pursue a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Data Science and AI, as well as a two-year Master of Technology degree in the same field.

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