An Act of Parliament Number 17 of 1993 established the Open University of Tanzania (OUT), a fully accredited, autonomous public university. Publication of Government Notice No. 55 in the Official Gazette. In January 1994, the first Chancellor was installed. The first students were admitted in January 1994. The Universities Act No. 7 was enacted in January 2007. 7 of 2005, OUT began using the OUT Charter and Rules (2007) to support its operations.
Open University of Tanzania offers certificate, diploma, degree, and postgraduate programs through an open and distance learning system. This includes many communication methods such as broadcasting, telecasting and correspondence as well as blended modes which combine two or more communication means. The Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) oversees the quality assurance and regulation of the OUT's academic programs.