​​​Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Direct Entry

The Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery in East Africa (AKU-SONAM EA) was established in 2001 to provide quality education to nurses and midwives in East Africa and beyond. Our curricula and teaching methods focus on developing nurses and midwives who can lead, think critically, and innovate to improve the health and well-being outcomes of our population. We are intentional about transforming our students from being learners into leaders and have graduated more than 3000 nurses and midwives across the region. 

Our four-year Direct-entry BScN programme aims to equip nursing students with the skills and competencies needed to function in areas such as patient-centered care, teamwork and interprofessional practice, evidence-based practice, quality improvement and use of informatics and technology to enhance the quality of care. 

Upon completion, the graduates get an opportunity to enter the nursing profession as intern nurses. After the one-year internship, they are eligible to sit a mandatory licensure examination by the Tanzania Nursing and Midwifery Council (TNMC). Upon passing, they qualify for a license to practice as professional nurses.  ​

Why SONAM?

​​At SONAM, we focus on producing leaders who are trusted to be the best in their field and can make an impact in the healthcare landscape.  

Our programmes are recognise​d for their internationally benchmarked quality, innovation and affordability. Our students learn in a blended learning environment with a combination of face-to-face and online teaching and learning modules. They also get simulator training at the University's Centre for Innovation in Medical Education and a chance to work in hospitals as well as community-based healthcare settings as part of their clinical rotations.   

Life at AKU is not all about the classroom



A melting pot of culture

Our annual cultural day brings us together to celebrate our cultural diversity through food, dressing and entertainment, that includes traditional dances, poetry and skits.


"Our midwifery graduates are well placed and many hold leadership positions in government and private institutions. 
Some of our midwives have also pursued research to advance their career, making them stand out of the crowd!"

Marina Baig,
Senior Instructor


Meet Our Alumna: Farida Shah

For over 16 years, Farida Shah, has worked with the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan as well as other global stakeholders to develop, implement and evaluate midwifery education and practice initiatives, and is helping institutions address one of the most challenging healthcare issues in developing countries. 

Watch full video

Admissions Open

View information on the eligibility criteria.