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Recognition of Engineering Programmes
The Engineers Registration Board (ERB) is mandated under the Engineers Registration Act Cap. 63 to recognise engineering academic programmes offered by universities and institutions in Tanzania and abroad. Recognition ensures that graduates from these programmes hold the academic qualifications required for registration as Graduate Engineers (GE) or Graduate Incorporated Engineers (GIE) in Tanzania.
Recognition by ERB is distinct from accreditation by the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU). A programme may be accredited by TCU but still requires separate ERB recognition to qualify graduates for engineering registration.
Why Recognition Matters
Graduates from ERB-recognised programmes qualify to apply directly for registration as Graduate Engineers (GE) upon degree completion. Graduates from non-recognised programmes must first apply to ERB for individual academic qualification assessment before registration consideration.
Recognition Criteria
ERB assesses engineering programmes against the following criteria to determine recognition status:
🎓 Academic Content
- Curriculum aligned with international engineering education standards
- Adequate coverage of engineering mathematics, sciences, and design
- Minimum 60% engineering-specific coursework
- Integration of practical laboratory and design projects
👨🏫 Academic Staff
- Qualified engineering faculty with relevant academic credentials
- Adequate staff-to-student ratios
- Faculty with practical engineering experience
- Registered engineers among teaching staff
🏛 Institutional Capacity
- Adequate laboratory and workshop facilities
- Well-equipped engineering library and computing resources
- Quality assurance mechanisms in place
- Accreditation from relevant national authority (TCU for Tanzania)
🌍 Comparability
- Programme comparable to accepted international standards (Washington Accord, Sydney Accord, Dublin Accord)
- Degree level: BEng / BSc(Eng) / BTech for GE pathway
- Higher Diploma / Advanced Diploma for GIE pathway
- Duration aligned with international norms (minimum 4 years for degree)
Recognition Process
Application by Institution
The university or institution applies to ERB for recognition of its engineering programme(s) by submitting the completed application form, programme details, curriculum, staff lists, and facility information.
Submit to ERB SecretariatERB Review & Assessment
ERB's Registration and Technical Affairs Committee (ReTAC) reviews the submitted documents against recognition criteria. An inspection visit to the institution may be conducted to verify facilities, staff, and curriculum delivery.
ReTAC AssessmentBoard Decision
The ERB Board considers the ReTAC recommendation and makes a decision on recognition. The institution is notified in writing of the outcome, including any conditions or improvements required.
ERB Board approvalFor Graduates — Individual Assessment
If you hold an engineering degree or diploma from an institution or programme that is not on the ERB recognised list, you may still be eligible for registration. ERB conducts individual academic qualification assessments on a case-by-case basis. To apply for individual assessment:
Individual Qualification Assessment
Submit your academic transcripts, degree certificate, and programme syllabus to ERB for individual assessment. The Secretariat will refer your documents to an Independent Evaluator who will assess comparability with ERB-recognised standards. Contact registrar@erb.go.tz for guidance.
EAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA)
Tanzania, through ERB, is a signatory to the East African Community (EAC) Mutual Recognition Arrangement for engineering. This arrangement facilitates the mutual recognition of engineering qualifications and registrations among EAC Partner States (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC). Engineers registered in one EAC state may apply for registration in other partner states under this arrangement.
Contact ERB for Recognition Enquiries
Email: registrar@erb.go.tz | Phone: +255 26 2960086/87 | Office: 41104 Tambukareli, 3 Ukaguzi Road, Dodoma