What's new

ARIS 3: The Complete Guide to the UDSM Student Portal and Login System

In every modern university, a reliable digital platform is essential for managing student academic records, payments, course registration, results, and more. At the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), that platform is ARIS 3 — the third major iteration of the Academic Registration Information System.
Many students interact with ARIS almost daily, yet only a few fully understand how it works, how to navigate it efficiently, and what to do when issues arise. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about ARIS 3, from logging in to making payments, checking results, registering for courses, and solving common errors.
Whether you are a first-year student trying to log in for the first time or a continuing student looking to handle your academic tasks faster, this guide is for you.

1. What Exactly Is ARIS 3?

ARIS 3 (Academic Registration Information System, Version 3) is the official online student management platform of the University of Dar es Salaam. It is used for:
  • Tracking academic progress
  • Managing student payments
  • Completing course registration
  • Viewing grades and academic history
  • Requesting transcripts
  • Updating student information
  • Accessing fee statements
  • Viewing announcements and academic deadlines
Over the years, the platform has evolved from the older ARIS 1 and ARIS 2 systems into ARIS 3 — a more stable, modern, and mobile-friendly web portal.
The direct login link for ARIS 3 is:
https://aris3.udsm.ac.tz/index.php?r=student/user/login
Students, administrators, and some lecturers use the platform, but its primary users are UDSM students across all colleges and campuses.

2. Why UDSM Uses ARIS 3

Like most universities, UDSM needs a centralized digital system that integrates academic and financial data. ARIS 3 provides several benefits:
BenefitExplanation
Centralized academic recordsAll grades, courses, and student information stay in one place.
Secure payment managementStudents can generate control numbers and make fee payments.
Easy accessAvailable 24/7 from any device with internet access.
Reduced paperworkLess manual registration and fewer long queues at offices.
Accurate trackingStudents can quickly confirm payments, registrations, and results.
TransparencyStudents can track their academic progress without needing manual verification.
The system makes university operations smoother and ensures that students can manage academic and financial tasks independently.

3. Who Uses ARIS 3?

Although ARIS 3 is primarily a student platform, different groups access it for different reasons.
User GroupPurpose
StudentsRegistration, payments, results, course information
LecturersUploading results, managing coursework
AdministratorsApproving registrations, verifying payments
Finance officeMonitoring fee payments
Academic departmentsCourse management, student progress tracking
For students, however, ARIS 3 is an essential everyday tool — especially during registration, exam periods, or payment deadlines.

4. How to Access ARIS 3 (Login Guide)

ARIS 3 is a web-based platform. You do not need to install any app. Simply open a browser and login using the official link:
ARIS 3 Login Link:
https://aris3.udsm.ac.tz/index.php?r=student/user/login

Step-by-Step Login Instructions

  1. Open your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari).
  2. Type or click the official ARIS 3 URL.
  3. Enter your Registration Number or Student ID.
  4. Enter your Password.
  5. Click “Login”.
If it’s your first time logging in, you might need to reset your password using the “Forgot Password” option.

First-Time Login Requirements

New students typically need:
  • Registration Number (e.g., 2023-04-00000)
  • Initial password (provided during orientation or through your college registrar)
If you don’t know your password, you can reset it by following the link on the login page.

5. What You Can Do Inside ARIS 3

Once logged in, ARIS 3 offers a dashboard with multiple options. The most commonly used features include:

a) Checking Your Fee Balance

You can see:
  • Total tuition fees
  • Amount paid
  • Outstanding balance
  • Functional fees
  • Hostel charges (if applicable)

b) Generating Control Numbers

Before making any payment, ARIS generates a unique control number. This number is essential for:
  • Tuition
  • Accommodation
  • Student ID fee
  • Graduation fee
  • Any other official payment
The system updates your balance automatically once you complete payment.

c) Course Registration

During registration periods, students must:
  • Confirm courses
  • Add or drop modules
  • Submit final registration for approval
Failure to register causes problems with attendance lists, exams, and transcripts, so ARIS is essential.

d) Accessing Examination Results

You can view:
  • Semester results
  • GPA and CGPA
  • Exam retake information
  • Coursework breakdown (if uploaded)

e) Printing Documents

ARIS allows students to download or print:
  • Fee statements
  • Results slips
  • Course registration forms
  • Academic progress reports

f) Updating Personal Details

Students can update some basic information such as:
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Next of kin
  • Residential address

6. How to Make Payments Through ARIS 3

UDSM uses a control-number-based payment system. Here’s how to pay:

Step 1: Generate a Control Number

  1. Login to ARIS 3
  2. Go to “My Payments”
  3. Select the fee type
  4. Generate a control number

Step 2: Pay Through an Approved Channel

Payments can be made via:
  • NMB Bank
  • CRDB Bank
  • NBC
  • TPB
  • Tigo Pesa
  • M-Pesa
  • Airtel Money
  • Halopesa
The system automatically updates once the payment goes through.

Step 3: Confirm Payment

After paying, check “My Payment History” in ARIS 3 to confirm that the money has been posted.
If the payment is missing after several hours, contact the finance office with the receipt details.

7. Common ARIS 3 Problems and How to Solve Them

ARIS 3 is generally stable, but issues do occur. Below are common problems and solutions.

Problem 1: Failed Login

Likely causes:
  • Wrong password
  • Incorrect registration number
  • Expired password
Solution:
  • Use the “Forgot Password” option
  • Contact your college registrar

Problem 2: Control Number Not Generated

Possible reasons:
  • Server congestion
  • Fee category not available
  • System maintenance
Solution:
  • Try again later
  • Contact the finance office for assistance

Problem 3: Payment Not Reflecting

Payments should appear automatically, but delays happen.
Solution:
  • Wait 1–2 hours
  • Confirm payment receipt
  • Visit the finance office if the issue persists

Problem 4: Course Registration Not Saving

Possible causes:
  • Registration window closed
  • Missing prerequisites
  • Poor internet connection
Solution:
  • Confirm registration dates with your department
  • Try another browser
  • Contact academic office if prerequisites are the issue

Problem 5: Missing Results

If some results do not appear:
  • The lecturer may not have uploaded marks
  • The department may still be moderating scripts
Solution:
  • Contact your course coordinator
  • Wait for the official release of results

8. Best Practices for Using ARIS 3

The following tips make your ARIS experience smoother:

Always bookmark the official ARIS 3 link​

Avoid using random links shared in groups. Only use:
https://aris3.udsm.ac.tz/

Login early during registration periods​

Servers may slow down during peak hours.

Keep your details updated​

A correct phone number and email help with recovery.

Download and save copies of your documents​

Keep digital and printed versions of:
  • Payment receipts
  • Registration forms
  • Result slips

Avoid logging in on public computers​

If you must, log out and clear the browser history.

9. ARIS 3 vs Other University Portals

Here’s how ARIS 3 compares with typical university portals:
FeatureARIS 3 (UDSM)Makerere AIMSUON SMIS
Course registrationYesYesYes
Payment managementYesYesYes
Mobile friendlyModerateYesModerate
Transcript requestsYesYesYes
Result checkingYesYesYes
Multi-campus supportYesYesYes
ARIS 3 stands out for its strong integration with Tanzania’s banking and mobile money systems.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my ARIS 3 password myself?​

Yes. Use the “Forgot Password” option on the login page.

Does ARIS show GPA and CGPA?​

Yes. Both are displayed under the results section.

Can parents or guardians access ARIS?​

No. Only the student can log in with their credentials.

Do payments reflect instantly?​

Mobile payments are usually fast, but delays of up to a few hours can occur.

Can I use ARIS 3 on my phone?​

Yes. It is mobile-friendly.

Conclusion

ARIS 3 is a crucial tool for every UDSM student. It simplifies academic registration, payments, results checking, and general student management. Learning how to use the system smoothly can save you hours of queues, stress, or last-minute panic during registration and exam periods.
Always use the correct access links, keep your information updated, and reach out to your registrar or finance office whenever an issue arises. With proper use, ARIS 3 becomes an efficient and reliable companion throughout your academic life at the University of Dar es Salaam.

 
Back
Top