Quick Summary
Based in Muscat, Oman, Sultan Qaboos University is a public with roots dating back to 1986. Ranked #454 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 18125 students including 4% from outside Oman. Known for strengths in Petroleum Engineering, Medicine, Agriculture and Forestry, it maintains an acceptance rate of 15%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is the flagship national university of Oman, offering free tuition to nationals and world-class research facilities in a culturally rich environment.
Subject Strengths
Petroleum EngineeringMedicineAgriculture and ForestryEducationBiological Sciences
Founded1986
TypePublic
Total Students18125
Intl Students4%
Faculty Ratio13
CampusSuburban
Campus Size7 square kilometers
Affiliated HospitalsSultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH)
AccreditationOAAA (Oman), ABET (Engineering), AACSB (Economics), AMBA (MBA), CAEP (Education)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#454
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#801โ1000
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#901-1000
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Master's, PhD, and Executive programs across nine colleges.
Programs
Over 30 PhD programs available in Engineering, Science, Arts, Education, and Medicine.
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
Earthquake Monitoring Center, Remote Sensing and GIS Center, Water Research Center, Humanities Research Center, Center of Excellence in Marine Biotechnology
Research Centers
High
Research Output
OAAA (Oman), ABET (Engineering), AACSB (Economics), AMBA (MBA), CAEP (Education)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate15%
IELTS6
TOEFL79
Min GPA3
GREOptional (Recommended for Science and Engineering postgrad)
GMATRequired for MBA (Min 550)
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline ยท August 1
SPRINGApplication Deadline ยท December 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Admission for Omani nationals is via the Higher Education Admission Center (HEAC). International applicants for postgraduate studies should secure a research proposal and supervisor early.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Omani Rial
Living Cost
OMR2,500/yr
per year ยท OMR
PG Tuition
OMR1,925/yr
per year ยท OMR
Application Fee
$50
one time ยท USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
OMR4,445/yr
tuition + living + essentials ยท OMR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Master's, PhD, and Executive programs across nine colleges. programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Medicine | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Petroleum Geoscience | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Agriculture | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Economics and Political Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$22,000
Average Salary After Graduation
82%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong industry links for mandatory engineering and medical internships.
Industry Connections
Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)OmantelOQMinistry of HealthCentral Bank of Oman
Notable Alumni
HE Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, Dr. Rawya Al Busaidi, various Omani cabinet ministers.
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Olympic swimming pool, football stadium, tennis courts, and indoor multi-purpose sports halls.
Student Clubs
Over 50 clubs including Media Club, Photography Club, and Entrepreneurship Club.
Library Resources
Main Library, Medical Library, and several specialized research libraries containing over 1 million volumes.
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available