VETA Short Courses in Tanzania (2025/2026)

VETA Short Courses in Tanzania (2025/2026)

The Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) is the backbone of skilled labor development in Tanzania. While VETA is famous for its long-term vocational programs (Certificate of Broad-Based Ability – CBA), it also offers a vast array of Short Courses designed for individuals who need quick, practical skills to enter the job market or upgrade their current qualifications.

Whether you are a Standard Seven leaver, a university graduate looking for technical skills, or an entrepreneur, these courses offer a direct pathway to self-employment and industrial competence.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the short courses available across major VETA centers for the 2025/2026 academic year, including fees, duration, and contact details.

Why Choose a VETA Short Course?

In today’s economy, “soft skills” are often not enough. Employers and the self-employment sector demand tangible, technical abilities. VETA short courses are:

1. Time-Efficient: Ranging from 1 week to 6 months, allowing you to learn a trade without committing to years of study.

2. Practical: The curriculum is 80% hands-on. You don’t just learn about plumbing; you fix pipes.

3. Affordable: With fees starting as low as Tsh 40,000, these courses are accessible to almost everyone.

4. Recognized: Certificates issued by VETA are recognized nationwide and by the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NACTVET).

General Application Information

• Authority: Vocational Education and Training Authority (MAMLAKA YA ELIMU NA MAFUNZO YA UFUNDI STADI).

• Vision: “Skilled Labour Force – The Future of Tanzania.”

• Application Fee: Typically Tsh 5,000 for the form.

• Payment Method: All payments must be made via a Control Number (GePG) provided by the specific center. Do not pay cash to individuals.

Featured Courses by Region

The availability of courses depends on the facilities at each regional center. Below is a curated list of offerings from key VETA centers.

1. VETA Kipawa (ICT & Electronics Hub)

Location: Dar es Salaam (Near Julius Nyerere International Airport) VETA Kipawa is the country’s premier center for Information and Communication Technology (ICT). If you want to master digital skills, this is the place.

• Top Courses:

  • Mobile Phone Technician (Basic to Advanced): Learn to repair smartphones, a highly lucrative self-employment skill. (4-6 weeks).

  • CCTV Camera Installation: With security demands rising, this 4-week course is in high demand.

  • Graphics Design & Video Production: A comprehensive 6-week program for aspiring creatives.

  • Network Security Fundamentals: For IT professionals looking to specialize in cybersecurity.

2. VETA Chang’ombe (Dar es Salaam)

Location: Chang’ombe Road, Dar es Salaam This is the largest VETA center, offering the widest variety of industrial and service-based courses.

• Industrial Skills: Welding Fabrication, Auto Electrical Diagnosis, and Fitter Mechanics.

• Service Skills: Basic Hotel Management, Decoration, and Catering (Baking).

• Transport: Specialized driving courses including Truck Driving (Heavy Duty) and Forklift Operation, which are essential for jobs in logistics and ports.

3. VETA Dodoma (Central Zone)

Location: Dodoma City As the capital city expands, construction and hospitality skills are critical here.

• Construction: Interlocking Blocks Making, Floor Tiles Fixing, and Aluminium Doors/Windows fabrication.

• Renewable Energy: Solar Power Technology and Solar Water Pump installation courses are vital for rural development projects.

• Hospitality: Front Office Operation and Food Production courses cater to the growing hotel industry in the capital.

4. VETA Mikumi (Tourism & Hospitality)

Location: Mikumi, Morogoro Situated near the national park, this center specializes in tourism-related skills.

• Tour Guiding: A 12-week course preparing students for the booming safari industry.

• Eco-Tourism: Specialized training for sustainable tourism practices.

• Driving: They offer unique “Training for Unlicensed Drivers” to help experienced drivers get certified legally.

5. VETA Kihonda (Heavy Machinery & Transport)

Location: Morogoro This center is a hub for transport logistics and heavy mechanical engineering.

• Heavy Transport: Courses in Semi-Trailer and Independent Trailer driving are rare and highly sought after by logistics companies.

• Road Safety: Specialized courses in “Road Accidents Prevention” and “Defensive Driving.”

Tuition Fee Structure (Estimates)

Fees vary significantly based on the complexity of the course and whether you are a Day or Boarding student.

• Driving (Basic): ~Tsh 200,000 – 250,000.

• Technical Trades (Electrical/Plumbing – 3 Months): ~Tsh 250,000 – 400,000.

• ICT & Specialized Courses: ~Tsh 300,000 – 600,000.

• Short Workshops (1-2 Weeks): ~Tsh 50,000 – 150,000.

Note: Boarding students pay higher fees to cover accommodation and meals.

How to Apply

1. Visit the Center: Go physically to the VETA center nearest to you. Most short courses do not require online application via VETMIS; you can pick up a form at the Registrar’s office.

2. Collect Control Number: Pay the application fee using the provided control number.

3. Submit Requirements: Usually, you need a copy of your NIDA ID or birth certificate and 2 passport-size photos.

4. Start Date: Short courses often start monthly or whenever a class quota (e.g., 10-15 students) is filled.

Conclusion

VETA’s short courses are a golden opportunity to “skill up” quickly. In a job market that values competence over paper degrees, a 3-month certificate in Solar Energy or Truck Mechanics can be more valuable than a generic diploma. Visit your local VETA center today to start your journey toward financial independence.