Night scene on an urban street with young women walking on the sidewalk in Oman.

Education System

Written by: Luca Krohn , Philip Eichkorn and Michaela Eckmüller Last updated at: May 21, 2025

When Sultan Qaboos Ibn Said seized power in 1970, the education system in the country was outdated and in no way future-oriented. There were only three boys' primary schools in the largest cities of the country, alongside the exclusively religiously motivated Quran school. At that time, only about 900 students were taught by 30 teachers. Given the population of approximately 700,000, the number of students at that time was very small.

From the beginning of his reign, Sultan Qaboos had the plan to lead his people into an era of prosperity and progress. His success in this can be attributed, on one hand, to the oil and gas reserves in the country and, on the other hand, to the development of a functioning and successful education system, which is partially based on the British education system.

How does the Omani education system work?

Sultan Qaboos Ibn Said was educated in England. This is why the school system in Oman is partially modeled after that in England. Thus, students first attend primary school, then middle school, and finally high school. With a high school diploma, one has the opportunity to enroll in a degree program at a higher education institution such as the state university.

The development of the school system is being effectively promoted

The importance of the development of the education system to the government in Oman is evident from the fact that high costs are incurred to make education accessible to everyone in the country. Over 1,530 public and private schools in the country, employing around 50,000 teachers, enable about 700,000 students to achieve a good educational level. Education in Oman is not dependent on income or background. School attendance is free in Oman. About a quarter of civil state expenditures goes into education. It is also notable that about 50% of the students are girls and young women – a rate that corresponds to the population proportions in the country.

Discover Oman with experts who have called it their home

Your dream holiday, tailor-made by experts.

We don't just know Oman from books, we visit the country several times a year to experience the culture, landscape and people first-hand.

From your first enquiry to your return home, we are there for you personally - by phone, email or WhatsApp, whenever you need us. Our trips are as unique as you are: individually planned and provided with exclusive privileges and high-quality arrangements that will make your trip unforgettable.

You might also like this

A lone palm tree stands in front of rugged mountains under a clear sky.

Mountains in Musandam

2 min read

The coastline of Musandam characteristic appearance is thanks to the limestone mountain range that rises there. No other region in Oman is as primitive, untouched, and natural as the mountainous world in Musandam. Those who set out to discover this mountainous world will find steep slopes, breathtaking gorges, dreamy small beaches, and overwhelming cliffs. The whole area is complemented by a few hotels in the mountain regions, which offer not only an excellent adventure holiday but also a wide range of options for families. By car from Khasab to Ras al Kaimah Anyone wishing to explore the mo...

People relaxing and swimming near rocky edges in a river valley with hills and palm trees in Oman.

Wadi Bani Khalid

1 min read

About 270 kilometers from the capital Muscat, you can find a wadi, which forms a palm-rich landscape in the midst of a hot mountain desert. The Wadi Bani Khalid appears diverse and enthralling in the desert region of Oman. Several sources, including the Ain Hamouda, Ain al Sarooj, and Ain Dawwa supply the most renowned wadi in Oman year-round with crystal clear water. Rippling waterfalls, clear natural pools, and hidden caves make the Wadi Bani Khalid Oman a true adventure playground. Many Omanis and foreigners have created an idyllic and unique home in the beautiful wadi. Four times a year, ...

A sunset scene at Salalah with a lone palm tree, a paved walkway, parked cars, and a person walking along the street.

Salalah

2 min read

The fertile Salalah plain around the modern metropolis in southern Oman is a popular travel destination for many Omanis from the north of the country, but also for Europeans and other travelers from around the world. The region around the capital of the Dhofar province provides its very own climatic conditions. Every year during the monsoon season from mid-June to September, the already fertile soil of the region is heavily watered by the monsoon rains. However, the rain showers here fall differently than in other regions of the world that are partially plagued by monsoon winds. For here, the ...

Why book with the Oman specialist

On site

Own Canvas Club team with office in Muscat and Salalah. We know all tour guides for many years, all services on site come from us - from one source!

Expertise

Every travel consultant has already lived in Oman for several years. We know all the hotels and highlights of the country personally! And are several times a year on the spot.

Hotel product

Own luxury desert camp 'Canvas Club' in the Wahiba Sands desert with exclusive benefits for our clients

Network

Attractive prices and exclusive benefits through long-standing, trusting partnerships with local hoteliers and service providers.

Accessibility

Contactable 7 days a week via all common communication channels - 24h emergency number on site.

Personal

Each trip is individually worked out and 100% tailored to your needs!