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

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 coastal city with ships docked along the shoreline and a distant mountain range or desert in the background.

Oman’s Landscapes

7 min read

Oman stands out with its incredible natural diversity, setting itself apart from many other Arab countries. Far from the stereotype of endless desert landscapes, Oman offers a surprising blend of majestic mountains, vast sand dunes, turquoise coastlines, and lush, fertile plains. Spanning over 309,500 square kilometers, the country boasts natural wonders from the towering peaks of the Hajar Mountains to the tropical regions of Dhofar in the south. Oman is especially captivating for independent travelers seeking unique encounters with nature. Northern gems like Jabal Shams, the expansive deser...

A palm tree near a seaside street during sunset in Salalah.

Salalah and the South

9 min read

The region of Salalah and southern Oman offers travelers a stunning variety of experiences, setting it apart from other parts of the country. During the Khareef monsoon season, from June to September, this area transforms into a tropical paradise with lush vegetation and vibrant green landscapes—a true oasis in the otherwise dry expanses of Oman. Fertile soils allow for the cultivation of exotic fruits like coconuts, bananas, and papayas, contributing to a lively and fruitful environment....