In 1995, Tumaini University, Iringa University College, was established. It originated as Iringa Lutheran College and Seminary. It began offering University Certificate, Diploma, Degree, and Certificate programmes in 1997. It was the first private university in Tanzania and served as University College for 18 years. This University's graduates have been prominent in the fields of Lutheran ministry, law and business. Tumaini is also well represented in the national Ministries of Education, the Arts, among others. The importance of Tumaini graduates is well known in Tanzanian industry. Many of them have gone on to pursue post-graduate studies in America, Europe, and other African countries and are now internationally recognized.
25 th Oct 2013, Iringa University College was made the University of Iringa. The University has six departments/faculties and offers multiple courses of study in each, certificates, diplomas, bachelors', and post-graduate degrees. It is administered by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania. The University has a strong and highly qualified academic staff, both from Tanzania and other countries. It has close ties with the USA, Finland and Germany and many other countries.
