Monday 17 / March / 2025
Muscat: As part of its plans to enhance its international rating and, in line with Oman Vision 2040, the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has announced a new Bachelor’s programme codenamed “Afaq” for the conditional admission of international students and Omani students who did not get a chance through acceptance via the Unified Admission Centre.
The programme, scheduled to be implemented with effect from the forthcoming academic year, sets specific terms and fees for the admission of international and Omani students who do not have access to their desired specialisations due to the Centre’s sorting process.
His Highness Sayyid Dr Fahad Al Julanda Al Said, Vice Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), said that this step comes as part of the university's efforts to enhance its international ranking, as the acceptance of international students is one of the indicators of international rankings.
His Highness added that the programme will contribute to increasing student diversity on campus, enhancing students' academic and cultural experience.
The university VC indicated that the programme aims to accept a maximum of 300 international and Omani students, without affecting the number of allocated seats that Omani students compete for through the Unified Admissions Center each year. The new seats will be distributed across various colleges and specialisations, with the exception of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences.
International students applying for the programme will be able to register through the university's official website, while Omani students will be able to register through the Unified Admissions Centre, subject to clear and specific conditions.
All accepted students will be subject to the same academic rules and regulations.
His Highness stated: “This programme represents a new vision to enhance the University’s position as a world-class academic destination and expand the scope of university education.”
