A young woman in graduation attire standing outdoors among trees, smiling at the camera.

Universities

Universities

Written by: Michaela Eckmüller Last updated at: May 21, 2025

Even at the time of his rise to power, Sultan Qaboos had a clear vision of how he wanted to make his country and its people future-proof. And indeed, in almost 50 years of governance, he succeeded in ushering in and advancing an era of development and modernization in Oman. Improving educational opportunities in the country is a key contributor to Oman's success. An important building block for this are the universities. The only state university in the country is Sultan Qaboos University, which was opened in 1986. Today, in addition to this, there are various private universities in the country.

Sultan Qaboos University

In 1986, the first students were admitted to the university. Even then, the university was equally accessible to women and men. And indeed, the educational offerings were utilized diversely by young women in the past. This is evident in the fact that in the modern generation, more and more women are represented in the leadership positions of the country in the fields of politics and management. Today, Sultan Qaboos University has eight faculties:

  • Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Agriculture
  • Education
  • Arts and Islamic Studies
  • Law
  • Business
  • Natural Sciences

In the 2010/2011 academic year, the percentage of female students was just under 50%. By now, there is a male percentage as the share of female students is over 50%.

Private universities

In addition to the state university, which will be followed by another state institution in the coming years according to the Sultan's announcements, there are five private universities in Oman:

  • Sohar University
  • Nizwa University
  • Dhofar University
  • Buraimi University
  • German University of Technology in Oman

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 close-up of an Arabian horse's head and neck with a dark background.

Arabian Horses

2 min read

As the name suggests, the origin of Arabian Horses lies on the Arabian Peninsula. However, among Arabian Horses, there are different breed groups such as purebred or half-bred Arabs and Shagya or Anglo-Arabs. They look different but share some common characteristics. Generally, Arabian Horses are spirited, enduring, and willing to work, but also sensitive and human-oriented. This makes them very popular as leisure horses. They are well-suited for longer trail rides and distances. High temperatures and humidity pose no problem for Arabs, as they served as mounts for the Bedouins for many hundre...

Two traditional boats float on clear blue water with rugged mountains in the background in Musandam.

Musandam and Its Surroundings

6 min read

Musandam, Oman’s northern exclave, has become a hidden treasure for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. Often dubbed the “Norway of Arabia,” this remote region captivates with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. For those looking to escape the crowds and embrace an authentic adventure, Musandam offers untouched nature, deep-rooted traditions, and a rare sense of seclusion that’s hard to find elsewhere....

A sea turtle swimming underwater against a blue background.

Sea turtles

2 min read

Sea turtles and the coastal landscape of Oman have formed a symbiosis for thousands of years. These prehistoric reptiles are, however, threatened with extinction and are protected worldwide. For this reason, the government of Oman has established several nature reserves along the coast. The approximately 2000 km long coastline of the country serves as an important site for egg-laying and thus reproduction for sea turtles. It is the most important breeding ground for sea turtles in the Indian Ocean. Of the seven species of sea turtles that live worldwide, five nest on the beaches of Oman. This ...