UDSM Launches JUYE Scholarship to Deepen Tanzania–China Academic and Cultural Ties
By Renancy Remmy, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has reaffirmed its commitment to internationalisation and the strengthening of Tanzania–China educational cooperation with the launch of the 2025 Confucius Institute at UDSM JUYE Scholarship, an initiative designed to support outstanding students of Chinese language and culture.
Speaking at the award ceremony held recently, on behalf of the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Bonaventure Rutinwa, the Principal of the College of Information and Communication Technologies (CoICT), Prof. Baraka Maiseli said the scholarship reflects UDSM’s strategic response to the expanding scope of Tanzania–China relations.
“Learning Chinese today is no longer just an academic pursuit. It is a strategic skill that equips our students to engage meaningfully in trade, infrastructure development, education and cultural exchange,” Prof. Maiseli said.
He added that UDSM is committed to preparing graduates who can operate confidently in an increasingly interconnected global environment.
A total of 28 students were awarded the JUYE Scholarship at different levels, including four beneficiaries who received full (100 per cent) support. Through the Confucius Institute, which has so far trained more than 60,000 Tanzanian learners, UDSM continues to produce graduates who serve as vital linguistic and cultural bridges between Tanzania and China.
The introduction of the JUYE Scholarship builds on this strong foundation by recognising academic excellence and motivating students to deepen their engagement with Chinese language and cultural studies.
“This scholarship is an investment in talent, excellence and future leadershipand it aligns well with UDSM’s broader internationalisation agenda”, Prof. Maiseli noted.
A gateway to opportunity and cross-cultural understanding
Addressing the beneficiaries, Ms. Xu Hongjuan, Chief Executive Officer of JUYE Concrete Co. Ltd, congratulated the students and urged them to view Chinese language skills as a gateway to opportunity and cross-cultural understanding.
“Chinese is not just a language; it is a bridge that connects people, ideas and opportunities. By mastering it, you are positioning yourselves to participate actively in global engagement and mutual development”, she said.
Ms. Xu also highlighted JUYE Concrete’s contribution to Tanzania’s infrastructure development, noting that the company’s support for education is part of its broader commitment to social responsibility.
“Investing in education is investing in long-term partnership. Empowering young people through language and knowledge creates lasting value for both Tanzania and China”, she said.
Delivering a joint vote of thanks, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at UDSM, Prof. Xiaozhen Zhang, and the Tanzanian Director, Dr. Mussa Hans, reaffirmed the Institute’s dedication to expanding high-quality Chinese language education and cultural exchange programmes.
“Our goal is to equip students with skills that enable them to engage confidently and competently on the international stage”, they said, underscoring the Institute’s role as a catalyst for people-to-people cooperation between the two countries.
The launch of the JUYE Scholarship further positions UDSM as a key hub for international education and cultural diplomacy, strengthening the academic bridge between Tanzania and China through language, learning and shared development aspirations.