At the moment the Open University of Tanzania consists of the following faculties and institutes: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences; Faculty of Education; Faculty of Science, Technology and Environmental Studies; Institute of Continuing Education and Institute of Educational Technology. More faculties will be established according to procedures indicated in the Act.

The University has initially adopted/adapted course materials from other distance teaching institutions. The University of Nairobi is currently extending its expertise in both human and material resources to the University.

The Open University of Tanzania conducts its operations through regional centres and study centres.

The Open University of Tanzania is presently situated in the Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organization (TIRDO) complex, Msasani village which is 1km from the Namanga Shopping Centre in Dar es Salaam. Efforts are being made to acquire a permanent home for the Open University possibly in the Kibaha area.

Distance education programmes currently offered include: Bachelor of Arts (General) in Economics, English Language and Literature, Literature in English, Geography, History, Kiswahili, Philosophy, and Mathematics; Bachelor of Arts (with Education) in Economics, English Language and Literature, Literature in English, Geography, History, Kiswahili, Philosophy; Bachelor of Arts in Education; Bachelor of Commerce (General); Bachelor of Commerce (with Education); Bachelor of Law (LLB); Bachelor of Science (General) in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Zoology, Botany, and Home Economics; and Bachelor of Science (with Education) in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Home Economics. There is also a Development Studies programme, which is taken by all students.

Foundation Courses are available for students who do not meet the degree entrance requirements.