THE government has launched a new education initiative that offers 1,051 'Samia Scholarships' to top-performing science students in this year's Form Six examinations.

Key aspect of this program is that 50 exceptional pupils will receive full funding to pursue studies in fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science at leading international universities.

The comprehensive list of eligible pupils is now available on the official websites of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB). 

Pupils interested in fields not covered by this specific scholarship will still have access to standard student loans.

Addressing reporters here yesterday, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Prof Adolf Mkenda, announced that 51 of the scholarships are specifically designated for pupils with special needs, ensuring inclusive access to higher education. The 50 pupils chosen for overseas study will first participate in an intensive 10-month pre-departure boot camp at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology in Arusha, preparing them for the rigors of international academic environments.

Prof Mkenda highlighted the programme's expansion, noting an increase in beneficiaries compared to last year's 640-650 pupils.

To qualify for the Samia Scholarship for local universities, pupils must appear on the official eligibility list and apply to study science, ICT, mathematics, engineering, or medicine. "If you pursue these courses at a university here, you'll need to follow the regular loan application procedures," he clarified, underscoring that eligibility is strictly merit-based, determined by academic results alone.

For the 'Samia Scholarship Extended' programme, focusing on international study in Data Science, AI and related scientific fields, the primary condition is inclusion on the initial Samia Scholarship eligibility list. The aspiring global scholars must also be prepared to defer their university enrollment by approximately 10 months to attend the mandatory boot camp in Arusha. Preparations for this preparatory phase are already complete. "We will conduct an aptitude test to ensure they can handle the courses when they go abroad," he stated. While 100 pupils have already applied for these overseas opportunities, the application window remains open.

Selected international destinations for the pupils are the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and South Africa. The 10-month training will provide candidates with international certification in areas such as computer science, patriotism and crucial life skills necessary for living and studying abroad.

A budget of 5bn/- has been allocated for this initiative. The government is actively engaging with Tanzanian diaspora communities in the specialized fields, having already secured two placements. "We continue to engage with other embassies to ensure all 50 pupils secure study opportunities abroad," he added.