About OUTSO

The Voice of Students at the Open University of Tanzania

The Open University of Tanzania Students Organisation (OUTSO) is the official body representing all students of the Open University of Tanzania (OUT). Established to safeguard and promote students' interests, OUTSO serves as a vital link between the student community and university leadership.

As a non-governmental, non-profit, autonomous, and independent organisation, OUTSO works to ensure that students' academic, social, and welfare needs are effectively represented and addressed within the university system.

Explore Our MissionView Our Leadership

Our Mission

Building a stronger student experience across OUT

OUTSO is committed to enhancing the overall student experience at the Open University of Tanzania by:

Representing and protecting students' interests.
Promoting academic excellence and intellectual development.
Strengthening communication between students and university authorities.
Encouraging cultural, social, and recreational activities.
Supporting initiatives that contribute to students' personal and professional growth.

Guided by OUTSO Constitution Revised 2023

What We Do

Supporting student life through advocacy and action

OUTSO plays an active role in improving student life across the university by:

Representing students in university decision-making organs and committees.
Addressing academic and welfare concerns affecting students.
Organising seminars, workshops, conferences, and debates.
Supporting cultural, sports, and artistic activities within the university.
Promoting outreach programmes and community engagement.
Facilitating communication between students, university management, and external stakeholders.

Guided by OUTSO Constitution Revised 2023

Our Structure

Leadership bodies designed for nationwide representation

OUTSO operates through a structured leadership system designed to ensure effective student representation.

University Students Representative Council (USRC)

The supreme decision-making organ that guides student representation and major policy positions.

Executive Committee

Responsible for implementing policies and managing day-to-day organisational operations.

Regional Assemblies and Governments

Represent students across regional centres and help ensure local concerns are heard and addressed.

Together, these bodies ensure that the voices of students from all regions are heard and represented.

Our Leadership

Democratically elected leaders serving the student community

OUTSO leadership is democratically elected and includes key office bearers such as:

President
Vice President
Secretary General
Ministers and Deputy Ministers
Regional Deputy Vice Presidents
Regional Secretaries

These leaders work collectively to advocate for student welfare, coordinate activities, and implement programmes that benefit the entire student community.

About the University We Represent

Open University of Tanzania

OUT provides the academic environment in which OUTSO represents students, delivering open and distance learning through a broad national network of regional and study centres.

Established by Act

No. 17 of 1992

Operational since

March 1, 1993

Regional centres

27

Study centres

69 nationwide

Visit official OUT website

Student-Centred Impact

OUTSO continues to shape a vibrant and supportive university community

OUTSO continues to play a central role in shaping a vibrant, inclusive, and academically supportive environment for all students of the Open University of Tanzania by promoting participation, leadership, collaboration, and meaningful student representation.