IIT Madras Launches Historic Zanzibar Campus: A Global Milestone in Education

the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has taken a momentous step as the first Indian Institute of Technology to establish an international campus. The official inauguration of the IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus, situated on Zanzibar Island, off the East African mainland, took place on Monday. This monumental achievement came to fruition following the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and the East African nation of Tanzania.

The momentous inauguration ceremony was presided over by Hussein Ali Mwinyi, the President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, and witnessed by Tanzanian officials, Indian dignitaries, esteemed faculty, and enthusiastic students.

This historic endeavor aligns with the Government of India's commitment to extending the high-quality education system of India to the global stage. The current campus, located approximately 15 kilometers south of Zanzibar Town in the Bweleo district, is already equipped with world-class amenities designed to cater to the immediate requirements of students. Plans are in motion to construct a permanent campus through a joint effort by the Government of Zanzibar and the Government of India.

The IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus will initially offer Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Technology (MTech) programs in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI). More academic programs are set to be introduced in the coming year. The inaugural batch of students at IIT Madras Zanzibar hails from Zanzibar, mainland Tanzania, Nepal, and India, with a noteworthy 40% of students being women.

The campus is well-equipped to provide accommodation in dormitories and a wide range of facilities, including offices, classrooms, auditoriums, dining amenities, a dispensary, and planned sports facilities.

The academic programs at IIT Madras Zanzibar are open to students of all nationalities, including Indian nationals. Beyond a comprehensive curriculum encompassing all facets of Data Science and AI, students will have access to various exciting opportunities during their academic journey. These opportunities include study abroad and semester exchange programs with partner institutions in the UK, Australia, and other countries, internships with relevant companies, and the possibility to fulfill certain course requirements at the IIT Madras campus in Chennai, India. Classes for the first Academic Year (2023-24) commenced in October 2023.

Director of IIT Madras, V Kamakoti, expressed, "Today, as we inaugurate the IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus, we embark on a journey of knowledge and innovation that transcends borders. Together, we will nurture excellence, foster collaboration, and inspire generations to dream beyond horizons."

The inaugural semester at the Zanzibar Campus has commenced with a diverse student body hailing from various countries, including Zanzibar, India, Nepal, and mainland Tanzania. 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 Data Science and AI.

Preeti Aghalayam, the Dean of the School of Engineering and Science and Director-in-charge of the Zanzibar campus, expressed her gratitude, saying, "It has been an honor to bring IITM's academic excellence to this beautiful island of Zanzibar. We have started on such a wonderful and positive note with a lovely campus and amazing students. We are grateful to President Mwinyi for the faith reposed in us and look forward to scaling great heights at IITM Zanzibar."