The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras unveiled its first-ever international campus in Zanzibar, Republic of Tanzania marking a significant milestone for the institution.
The inaugural batch at IITM Zanzibar includes students from various regions, such as Zanzibar, mainland Tanzania, Nepal, and India, with an encouraging 40% of the students being women. These students will embark on educational journeys in Bachelor of Science (BS) and MTech programs.
The initial academic offerings include a four-year Bachelor of Science program in Data Science and AI and a two-year Master of Technology program in Data Science and AI.
The Zanzibar campus's inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of dignitaries, including His Excellency Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Tanzanian officials, Indian dignitaries, faculty, and students.
In attendance were Prof. Adolf F Mkenda, Minister of Education Science and Technology for the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Indian High Commissioner of The United Republic of Tanzania, Lela Mohamed Mussa, Minister of Education and Vocational Training-Zanzibar, Prof. M.S. Ananth and Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, former Directors of IIT Madras, and Prof. Preeti Aghalayam, Dean of the School of Engineering and Science, and Director-in-charge of the Zanzibar campus.
The establishment of the Zanzibar campus aligns with the Indian government's aspiration to extend India's high-quality education system to the international stage. Located approximately 15 km south of Zanzibar town in the Bweleo district, the campus has been equipped with modern amenities to cater to the diverse needs of students.
Plans for a permanent campus are in progress, a joint effort between the Government of Zanzibar and the Government of India.
The current campus can accommodate students in dormitories and offers a range of facilities, including offices, classrooms, auditoriums, dining halls, and a dispensary.
Plans are underway to introduce sports facilities to enhance students' overall experience.
V Kamakoti, the Director of IIT Madras, shared his insights on the initiative, saying, "The programs at IIT Madras Zanzibar are open to students of all nationalities, including Indians. Besides a comprehensive curriculum encompassing all aspects of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, students will have access to several exciting opportunities. These include study abroad/semester exchange programs with IIT Madras' partner institutions in the UK and Australia, among other countries, internships with various relevant companies, and the possibility to fulfill some course requirements at the IIT Madras campus in Chennai, India. Classes for the first academic year (2023-24) commenced in October 2023."
The Office of Global Engagement at IIT Madras administered the student admission process, which included a screening test designed by faculty experts at IIT Madras and an interview, adhering to the IITM Senate-approved admission process for international programs.