The college has the following departments:

- Music
- Theatre
- Visual communication
- Dance and acrobatics
- Social sciences
- Film and audio technology
- Stage technology
- Heritage Site
- Library
- Festival and performance

Admission of students

Every year, many young Tanzanians apply for admission to college. Applicants will be invited to an entrance examination based on the application documents.

Both Africans and non-Africans can apply. Non-Africans also have the option of taking workshops and internships of various lengths. The apprenticeship takes 3 years.

Students are accommodated in full board at college or in private families and are subject to Tanzanian study conditions.

Courses

The following courses are currently offered:

1. Basic Technician Certificate: Television and Video Production
2. Basic Technician Certificate: Performing Arts and Visual Communication
3. Basic Technician Certificate: Music and Sound Production

4. Technician Certificate: Music and Sound Production
5. Technician Certificate: Performing and Visual Arts
6. Technician Certificate: Film and Television Production

7. Diploma: Performing and Fine Arts
8. Diploma: Music and Sound Production
9. Diploma: film and television production

Short courses

In addition, the institute offers various tailor-made short courses in the following areas:

African dance and music, western music, drama, cinematography, stage technology, costume design, film editing, screenwriting for film and stage, and graphic design.
 

College as a stepping stone

Originally, at the suggestion of state founder Julius Nyerere, most of the artists were to be sent to the various regions of the country after completing their studies in order to set up independent cultural groups there as multipliers, to organize events and festivals, to manage cultural houses and thus to give continuity to the national culture.

Unfortunately, this cultural-political claim (which is probably unique in the 3rd world) could no longer be met after a few years, mainly for financial reasons. The state no longer saw itself in a position to employ college graduates, so that the graduating classes today often have no choice but to form their own cultural groups and organize performances on their own.

Some students also switch to the University of Dar es Salaam after completing their education, e.g. to study music or theater. Only a few students succeed in applying for a scholarship abroad.