If you’ve stumbled upon the term ARIS3 UDSM, you might be scratching your head and wondering — what exactly is it? Why should you care? And most importantly, how can it help you or your institution? Whether you’re a university staff member, a student at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), or simply curious about how academic systems work, this article will break down ARIS3 UDSM in the most understandable way possible. Let’s dive into it.
What is ARIS3 UDSM?
First things first, let’s unpack the name. ARIS3 stands for the Academic Registration Information System, version 3. It’s an online platform developed by the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) in Tanzania to digitize and simplify academic processes for both students and university staff. So, when we talk about ARIS3 UDSM, we are referring to the third version of the academic portal that manages everything from student registrations to exam results — all in one digital space.
Why Does ARIS3 UDSM Matter?
Imagine the chaos of managing thousands of students using manual systems — paper files, long queues, lost records, and the list goes on. It’s not only time-consuming but also error-prone. Here’s where ARIS3 UDSM steps in. This system:
- Helps students register for courses online
- Lets them check grades and results
- Provides access to fee payment details
- Enables downloading of admission letters
- Keeps a digital record of student performance and progression
- And much more!
Essentially, ARIS3 UDSM helps eliminate long lines at administration offices and gives students more control over their academic journey.
Who Can Use ARIS3 UDSM?
ARIS3 is designed for different users at UDSM, such as:
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Lecturers and academic staff
- Administrative staff
- Faculty heads and deans
Each user type has access to different features based on their role. For example, students can register for courses, while lecturers can upload grades.
A Quick Personal Story
Let’s take a short detour. Meet Asha, a first-year law student at UDSM. On her first day, she was nervous — not just about classes but also the daunting process of registration. She expected long lines and lots of paperwork. But thanks to ARIS3 UDSM, all she had to do was log in, upload her documents, register for her courses, and even check her timetable — all from her hostel room. Asha later joked, “The most stressful part was choosing what to wear for my ID photo!” That’s the kind of convenience ARIS3 brings.
Key Features of ARIS3 UDSM
Let’s break down the main things you can do in ARIS3:
1. Course Registration
Students can register for all their courses for the semester without ever stepping foot in the admin office. You simply:
- Log into ARIS3
- View available courses
- Select your courses
- Submit for approval
This helps avoid clashes in your timetable and ensures everything is tracked properly.
2. Exam Results
Once exams are marked, students can:
- Log into the ARIS3 portal
- View their results by semester
- Print their academic transcripts
This saves time and ensures transparency, since students see their grades as soon as they’re available.
3. Fee Payments
Through ARIS3, students can:
- View fee structures
- See how much they’ve paid
- Track any outstanding balances
It even generates control numbers for mobile payments via Tigo Pesa, M-Pesa, or Airtel Money, which is incredibly helpful.
4. Admission Letters and Joining Instructions
New students can download their admission letters and read joining instructions directly from the portal. This avoids the need to visit campus before the official reporting date.
5. Document Upload and Profile Management
Students can update their:
- Passport-size photos
- Identification documents
- Personal information
This ensures that all student records are accurate and up to date.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use ARIS3 UDSM
Here’s a practical step-by-step guide to help new users get started with ARIS3 UDSM.
Step 1: Visit the ARIS3 Portal
Go to the official website: https://aris3.udsm.ac.tz
Tip: Always double-check that you’re on the .ac.tz domain to avoid fake or scam websites.
Step 2: Login or Create an Account
Depending on your role:
- If you’re a student, use your registration number and password to log in.
- New users may need to create a password using their Student ID or Applicant Number.
Step 3: Navigate the Dashboard
Once logged in, you’ll see a dashboard with different tabs such as:
- Courses
- Results
- Payments
- Profile
- Notices
Each tab gives access to specific services. Explore each to get familiar.
Step 4: Register for Courses
Click on the “Course Registration” tab, then:
- Select your faculty and program
- Choose the current semester
- Tick the courses you want to register
- Submit for advisor approval
Note: Some courses may require prerequisites or departmental approval.
Step 5: Check Results and Print Transcripts
Under the “Results” tab:
- Select the semester
- View your results
- Download or print your academic transcript if available
Step 6: Make Payments
To pay tuition or other fees:
- Click the “Payments” tab
- Generate a control number
- Use mobile money or bank to complete payment
- Confirm payment status in ARIS
How to Reset Your ARIS3 UDSM Password
Forgetting passwords happens to the best of us. Luckily, ARIS3 makes it simple.
- Go to the login page
- Click “Forgot Password?”
- Enter your registration number
- Follow the email or SMS instructions to reset
Easy!
Common Issues and How to Solve Them
Let’s face it — no system is perfect. Here are some common ARIS3 UDSM issues and how to fix them.
Can’t Log In?
- Double-check your registration number
- Clear your browser cache
- Try another browser (preferably Chrome)
- Use “Forgot Password” if needed
Missing Courses?
- Contact your faculty registrar
- Ensure you’ve selected the right semester
- Some courses may be pending advisor approval
Payment Not Reflecting?
- Wait 24 hours — sometimes it takes time
- Confirm that you used the correct control number
- Contact the UDSM finance office if still not resolved
How Secure is ARIS3?
Security is a big concern when it comes to online systems. Fortunately, ARIS3 UDSM uses encrypted connections (HTTPS) and secure login methods to keep student data safe. Users are encouraged to:
- Never share passwords
- Always log out after use
- Use strong passwords
Benefits of Using ARIS3 UDSM
Here’s a summary of why this system is a game-changer:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Saves Time | No more long queues |
| Convenient | Access from anywhere |
| Transparent | View grades, fees, and updates in real-time |
| Secure | Encrypted and password-protected |
| Paperless | Environmentally friendly |
Tips for First-Time Users
If you’re new to UDSM or using ARIS3 for the first time, here are a few handy tips:
- Bookmark the ARIS3 UDSM portal
- Check regularly for academic notices
- Always register for courses early to avoid deadline pressure
- Keep digital copies of all important documents
Final Thoughts
To sum up, ARIS3 UDSM is more than just an academic portal. It’s a powerful tool that streamlines student management and gives more autonomy to users. From registration to results, fee payments to profile management — everything is in one place. It’s not just about saving time; it’s about empowering students and staff to manage their academic lives smarter and faster. So whether you’re like Asha starting your journey, or a returning student trying to download your transcript, ARIS3 UDSM has got you covered.

