Study in Oman

Higher Education Structure in Oman

Study In Oman

Oman is a country on the Eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a notable center of higher education, with 19 total Universities, including both public and private institutions. It is a high income developed country, with an economy based on oil, tourism, and agricultural exports. Its higher education system produces several humanities graduates with an insufficiency of STEM graduates; therefore, the Government invests heavily in science and technology undergraduate and postgraduate degree, leading to opportunities for qualified international students.

Oman’s healthcare system has grown to be one of the most extensive in the Middle East, and there are several employment options for qualified doctors and dentists in the country. Many international students choose to study medicine in Oman despite the high course fees, given the international acceptance of Oman MBBS degrees and the high quality of medical education provided. Sports and tourism are notable aspects of the culture of the country, and lead to several extracurricular options for international students in Oman.

The Perks of Studying in Oman

Oman is highly ranked on several important indices for students and residents. Some highlights include:

  • The country is ranked #63 in the world in the US News “Best Countries for Education” report.
  • The country is ranked #64 in the world in the “Safest Countries in the World” ranking by the World Population Review.
  • The country is ranked #46 in the world by GDP per capita (PPP).
  • The country is ranked #68 in the world according to the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business report.

Higher Education Framework in Oman

There are 19 Universities in Oman. These are mostly private institutions, and are spread across the three largest cities in the country, with approximately 75% of them located in the capital and largest city of Muscat. The two kinds of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the country are:

1. Public Universities: There are three Government-run HEIs in Oman: Sultan Qaboos University, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, and the College of Sharia Sciences. These are among the oldest educational institutions in the country, and have high funding and nearly unlimited resources due to their public funding.

2. Private Universities: There are 16 Private Universities in Oman, They are primarily financed by capital invested by private business people, but they are also given tax exemptions and loans by the Government of Oman. They are important centers of continuing education in the country.

Certificate Programs

There are several types of Certificate programs offered by Universities in Oman, including short term language courses (for both tourists and international students), and long term continuing and vocational education courses, to ensure that adults are able to develop their skills while part of the workforce. There are also technical training programs for high school graduates who wish to start working as soon as possible.

Undergraduate Programs

Universities in Oman offer full time Bachelor's degree programs in several disciplines. BA degree programs last three years, whereas undergraduate programs in engineering and medicine normally take 4 or 6 years to complete. These degrees emphasize foundational skills in the chosen discipline, and there is flexibility to choose one's major in the second year of education. Employability is another major focus area, with multiple job opportunities available for graduating students, in different fields.

Postgraduate Programs

All Universities in Oman offer postgraduate Master’s programs in addition to Bachelor’s courses. They are run in both physical full time and remote e-learning part time modes. They involve both theoretical and practical training in advanced disciplines of study. Students must successfully defend their Master’s thesis before a panel of external examiners in order to be awarded a postgraduate degree.

Doctoral Programs

International students in Oman may complete their PhD degree in either full time or part time mode. These research oriented doctoral programs take three to five years to complete. Students work under the supervision of  a faculty guide to complete an original work of research, and publish their findings before the final PhD thesis defense.

The country has various universities that offer approximately all the disciplines of study. Some of the popular disciplines available in Oman are-

ChemistryClinical MedicinePlant and Animal Science
Cost AccountingMechanical EngineeringIslamic Finance
Public RelationsBusiness ManagementCriminal Justice
Arabic LinguisticsPetroleum EngineeringApplied Mathematics
Industrial OperationsHistory of the Middle EastTransport and Logistics

Popular Cities with Most number of Universities in Oman

Here are some popular cities that have the most universities in Oman.

The name of the city No. of Universities 
Muscat13
Seeb3
Salalah3

Average Monthly Expenses in Oman for International Students

Tuition fees in Oman are, on average, higher for international students than for domestic candidates. For example, in Sultan Qaboos University, the average annual fees are 4,000 OMR (10,300 USD) for international students, which are comparable to fees in the top Universities in Europe. Scholarships are available based on academic merit. 

Living costs are also relatively high, especially in the capital city of Muscat. A single bedroom in a shared apartment has an average accommodation cost of 200 OMR per month, whereas University accommodation is more economical. Students will also spend a few hundred OMR monthly on food, transportation, and personal items.

Students Visa Requirements

Here is the list of documents students need to have to apply for a student visa in Oman.

Applicants for a long term Oman Student Visa must submit the following documents to their college. The list may vary from institution to institution:

  • Valid international passport (original and copies)
  • A Medical Certificate issued in the home country (this must be approved by the Oman Ministry of Health via the embassy).
  • 2-6 passport size photographs (depending on the college).
  • A one year Medical Insurance scheme purchased in Oman.
  • No objection certificate from parents/sponsor.
  • The visa processing fee (paid at the Consulate or to the college via money order/card).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Most international students apply for their Oman student visa via the college to which they have secured admission. Each college charges a different visa processing fee - for example, Middle East College charges 35 OMR, which is approximately 90 USD. There may also be an additional security deposit fee.

The following rules for the two photographs submitted with the Oman student visa application must be kept in mind: (1) Size: 35 mm width by 45 mm height. (2) White or very light gray background. (3) Face looking directly at camera with a neutral expression; teeth should not show. (4) Face should occupy 70% to 80% of the area of the photograph.

Any student who submits false or incomplete information to the authorities in the Oman student visa application form is liable for rejection of the application. In such a case, the student must repeat the entire application process, and should contact the University authorities to find out the quickest way of achieving the same.

International students in Oman can use their Residence Permit to work part time during the semester. This is regulated by the Government, and there is no age limit. Students may not work full time during the semester, but they can work 40 hours per week during summer and winter vacations if they are able to secure an internship.

The medical courses in Oman Universities are highly ranked, given the Government’s investment in the healthcare sector. There is also ample opportunity for clinical exposure through hospital rotation and field work. Oman MBBS degrees are recognized worldwide.

MBA Admissions to Universities in Oman are carried out on similar lines as in the rest of the world, with an undergraduate degree in any discipline required for admission. Two year diploma holders may also be considered, if they have sufficient work experience. Candidates must also submit Letters of Recommendation from professional mentors, and submit a detailed CV showing their aptitude for business leadership and management.

High school graduates who have obtained a Year 12 higher secondary school leaving certificate from any internationally recognized board of study are eligible to apply for UG programs in Universities in Oman. Some programs may impose additional requirements e.g. subjects that must have been taken at 10+2 level, or minimum marks/grades required in those subjects. For creative / design courses, a portfolio may also be required at the time of application.

Oman is ranked in the top 30% of countries worldwide in terms of safety. Overall, the country is completely safe for international students from any part of the world, as long as they abide by the rules of the University and laws of the country.

Sultan Qaboos University is the highest ranked Higher Education Institution in Oman, and has a renowned Business Department. There are also specialized institutions catering to undergraduate and postgraduate students of finance and accounting, including the College of Banking & Financial Studies, and the Modern College of Business & Science.