The school system is strongly influenced by the British school system thanks to the colonial past, and is made up of seven years of primary school followed by secondary school.

Primary school education is mandatory, however parents must contribute to the cost of school lunch, uniform and books. In the countryside particularly many parents are unable to afford this and as a result do not send their children to school.

There are several universities and institutes of higher education in Tanszania. The most well known university is the university of Dar Es Salaam.