10 Candidates Secure Samia Scholarship Extended (SSE DS/AI+) for MSc in AI and Data Science
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has officially launched a new phase of postgraduate sponsorship under the Samia Scholarship Extended (SSE DS/AI+), marking a significant step in strengthening Tanzania’s capacity in advanced technology fields.
Under this initiative, 10 candidates secure Samia Scholarship Extended (SSE DS/AI+) for MSc in AI and Data Science, becoming the first beneficiaries to pursue Master’s studies in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and related interdisciplinary sciences.
Government Rolls Out Strategic Postgraduate Sponsorship
The scholarship program is being implemented through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology as part of a broader national effort to expand expertise in science and innovation.
Speaking in Dodoma, Education, Science and Technology Minister Adolf Mkenda confirmed that the decision to sponsor students at the Master’s level reflects the country’s growing demand for specialists in technology-driven sectors.
He noted that the government has allocated Sh5 billion to support the execution of the Samia Scholarship Extended (SSE DS/AI+) program.
“The institutions where we are sending students under Samia Scholarship AI/DS+ provide practical training within major technology companies and continue to admit our students,” Prof. Mkenda stated.
Where the 10 Beneficiaries Will Study
The first group of 10 selected candidates will pursue their MSc studies at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha. In addition, another 10 students are expected to undertake similar programs at the Indian Institute of Technology Zanzibar (IIT Madras Campus Zanzibar), further expanding the scholarship’s reach in advanced technological training.
The institutions selected under the SSE DS/AI+ program are recognized for integrating academic instruction with hands-on exposure, ensuring graduates acquire both theoretical knowledge and applied industry experience.
Selection Criteria for the MSc Sponsorship
Unlike undergraduate-level scholarships that prioritize top academic performers, the Master’s level sponsorship under Samia Scholarship Extended (SSE DS/AI+) follows a structured application system.
Prof. Mkenda clarified that candidates at the postgraduate level are selected through a formal application process. Beneficiaries come from both public and private schools, reinforcing inclusivity in access to advanced education opportunities.
A Broader Commitment to STEM Development
The announcement of the 10 candidates securing Samia Scholarship Extended (SSE DS/AI+) for MSc in AI and Data Science aligns with the government’s broader commitment to strengthening STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education nationwide.
According to the Minister, the government’s intensified focus on STEM is evident in several initiatives, including:
Construction of specialized science secondary schools for girls in every region
Prioritization of science students in higher education loan allocation through the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board
Provision of sponsorship through the Samia Scholarship for students who have completed Form Six
The Ministry has also encouraged stakeholders to support the Samia Scholarship Fund, emphasizing the importance of collaborative investment in education and technological innovation.
NM-AIST Describes the Program as Strategic Investment
The Vice Chancellor of NM-AIST, Maulilio Kipanyula, described the Samia Scholarship Extended (SSE DS/AI+) as a strategic investment aimed at building local expertise while offering international exposure opportunities.
He highlighted that the program strengthens domestic professional capacity and enables students to benefit from the institution’s international academic standing.
Where to Check Scholarship Information
Students who secured sponsorship at the undergraduate level have been advised to verify their names through the official websites of:
- The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
- The Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH)
- The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST)
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