Welcome To
IITM Zanzibar
Empowering Africa: Shaping Next-Gen Tech Leaders and Innovators
About IITM Zanzibar
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), an Institute of National Importance established in 1959, has extended its legacy of academic rigor and research excellence to Africa with the establishment of IIT Madras Zanzibar in 2023. This pioneering international IIT campus is a premier science and engineering institution that advances technical education and research across the continent. Located in Zanzibar, Tanzania, it offers cutting-edge programs in engineering and science, fostering innovation and leadership in a vibrant, multicultural environment that brings together students from India, Nepal, Tanzania, Kenya, and the Middle East.
The institute is known for upholding IIT Madras's rigorous academic standards, providing an exceptional educational experience, and significantly contributing to the human resource development and technological advancement of Africa. As India's first international IIT campus, it awards IIT Madras academic degrees and is committed to fostering academic excellence and technological advancements in Africa and across the world.
Academic Programs
BS in Chemical Process Engineering
The 4-year BS in Chemical Process Engineering offers a comprehensive curriculum blending core chemical engineering fundamentals with practical laboratory work, industry-aligned projects, and electives that encourage interdisciplinary learning. The program is delivered by a distinguished faculty team from IIT Madras, IITM Zanzibar, and partner institutions, ensuring rigorous academic standards and global relevance.
BS in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
The program will deliver a comprehensive curriculum in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, designed to teach in-demand skills necessary to excel in this rapidly evolving field. Add: The program involves foundational courses like probability theory, linear algebra and statistics, moving onto higher level professional courses. The course will also involve hands-on projects that help the students prepare for a future filled with limitless possibilities in DS & AI.
M.Tech. in Data Science & AI
This program presents a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum designed to cultivate expertise in DS & AI. Along with core courses like Mathematical Foundations of Data Science, Programming and Data Structures and a selection of supplementary electives. There is a heavy emphasis on hands-on lab work and industry driven projects, students acquire research aptitude along with the necessary skills to succeed in the job market.
M.Tech. in Ocean Structures
The Master of Technology in Ocean Structures offered at IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus will have a curriculum tailor-made to the industry needs in the Oil & Gas and Maritime sector. The program covers the basics of marine & offshore hydrodynamics, structural design for oil and gas exploration offshore platforms, ports, harbours including port structures & breakwater. The course equips students with core and elective courses to prepare them for careers in the oil & gas and maritime sectors.
#1
NIRF
Overall Ranking
#1
NIRF
Ranking for Engineering
#62
QS World
Engineering & Technology
IITM Zanzibar Leadership
Prof. Prabhu Rajagopal
Director-in-Charge
Dean - School of Engg. & Science
Prof Preeti Aghalayam
Former Director-in-Charge, IITMZ
Dean (Office of Global Engagement),
IIT Madras
Faculty - School of Engg. & Science
Prof. K. Suresh Akkihebbal
Vice President and
Professor-in-Charge
Academic Administration
Prof Ligy Philip
Professor-in-charge (Infrastructure)
Dr. Paresh Pattani
Vice President
Institutional Development
Governing Council
Prof. Mohammed Ali Sheikh
Chairperson, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Fisheries), Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, United Republic of Tanzania
Prof. Hamed R. H. Hikmany
Principal, Zanzibar School of Health; Chairman, Board of Directors Zanzibar Revenue Authority(ZRA); Chairman, Council of the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA)
Prof. Maulilio John Kipanyula
Vice Chancellor of the Nelson Mandela Africa Institute of Science and Technology
Prof. Elisante Ole Gabriel
Tanzania Chief Court Administrator
Prof. Abdi Talib Abdalla
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs, Research and Consultancy), The State University of Zanzibar (SUZA)
Dr. Maryam Jaffar Ismail
Assistant Director, Department of Higher Education ( Coordination ), Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
Prof. Ravindra Gettu
VS Raju Chair Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras
Dr. Pramath Sinha
Founder & Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Ashoka University; Founding Senior Partner, Jetri
Prof. Said Ally Mohamed
Executive Secretary - National Examination Council Tanzania(NECTA)
Prof. Raghunathan Rengaswamy
Prof., Department Chemical Engg. IIT Madras , Board Member IITM Global
Prof. Ligy Philip
Nita and KG Ganapathy Institute Chair Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras
Prof. Preeti Aghalayam
Former Director-in-Charge, IITMZ, Dean (Office of Global Engagement), IIT Madras
Prof. K. Suresh Akkihebbal
Vice President and Professor-in-Charge
Dr. Idrissa Said Amour
Chief Administrator
Mr. Abdulrahman Ali Hassan
Chief Liaison Officer
Prof. Prabhu Rajagopal
Director-in-Charge, Dean of the School of Engineering & Science, IITMZ
Program Advisory Committee
Student Feedback
Kudraat Aboud Suleiman Jumbe
BSStudying at IITM Zanzibar has been a journey since day one. As is the case with any journey, there have been lots of twists and turns, and the road was some-times rough, but the memories I have made here are precious and invaluable. It's more than just a campus, it's a home-away-from-home, a place filled with peo-ple from different cultures and settings - all here to work towards building something magical, and I be-lieve that is what makes IITM Zanzibar so beautiful.
As a wise sage once said - IITM Zanzibar is small, but mighty!
Kelivin Dickson
BSIITM Zanzibar feels like a small tech society surround-ed by very smart and driven people. Students here think differently and look at problems from many sides. Each semester we learn from lecturers from different cultures, which makes the experience richer. Being part of such an innovative community is amaz-ing.
At IITM Zanzibar, great minds come together, and ideas grow.
Sri Advaita Varakavi
BSIIT Madras Zanzibar has been one of those rare, life-changing opportunities for me. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed into a community that is as intellectually stimulating as it is warm and inclusive. Academics at IITM Zanzibar are rigorous, yet deeply rewarding. The curriculum pushes us beyond mem-orization and into critical thinking, creativity, and re-al-world problem-solving.
Beyond academics, extracurricular activities and clubs have added so much colour to my experience. One of the most incredible aspects of studying here is the op-portunity to lead, inspire, and innovate. In my opinion, the network you build here is unparalleled.
Some opportunities knock gently. Others burst through the door and turn your life around.
Faraja Alnoor Ahmed
BSMy time at IITMZ has been a valuable and enriching experience. Being part of such a diverse and dynamic environment has created opportunities to learn from different perspectives and engage with people from various backgrounds.
The experience has contributed to both academic growth and personal development while also high-lighting the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and continuous learning. Each moment has added to a broader understanding of new ideas and possibilities.
Some experiences don't just shape what you learn, they shape how you move forward.
Saleh Abdillahi Saleh
BSFrom the moment I arrived on campus,I knew my time at IIT Madras Zanzibar would lead to more than an academic journey. It has been a journey of growth, strength, and exploration. IIT Madras Zanzibar has that feeling of home, where the faculty, staff, and col-leagues become family and you will never face any challenge alone. The rigorous academics pushed me further than I thought was possible, The real-world ex-periences turned concepts into outcomes and showed me possibilities I never thought were possible. The late-night energy of campus life, shared experienc-es, and unforgettable moments shaped me into who I am today. IIT Madras Zanzibar is not just an institute, it also serves as a place to develop, lead, and dream even bigger than I thought possible.
IIT Madras Zanzibar is where dreams become re-ality, and futures begin.
Khamis Kali Haji
MTechIITMZ is more than a centre for academic excellence; it is a vibrant intersection of cultures, ideas, and ambi-tion. As a leading institution where the majority of the students come from abroad, I am truly excited to be among the diverse group of learners here
Let's be together as one to build a future per-spective through science and technology
