History
Construction started in 1982 and the first Sultan Qaboos University students were enrolled in 1986. In accordance with the Royal Directives of His Majesty, The University commenced with five colleges; namely Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Education and Science. Furthermore the College of Arts was established in 1987, following the College of Commerce and Economics which was developed in 1993.
Education
The University represented by the Deanship of Postgraduate Studies offers a range of postgraduate programs at the diploma, masters and doctoral levels through advanced course work and research in various combinations.
Research
- Conduct research and studies, both theoretical and applied, to serve the community and contribute to the generation of scientific solution to social and economic problems.
- Research linked to the Sultanate's comprehensive development plans and social vision.
- Preparation of Omani scientists, researchers and experts capable of undertaking organized, systematic and innovative work in diverse areas of science, arts and technology.
Sultan Qaboos University Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to Sultan Qaboos University. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2025
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2025
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
25 Aug 2025
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
12 Jan 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2025
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
90000 AUD
Deadline
Not specified
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2026
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
15 Dec 2025
Lawyers of Tomorrow Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Nov 2025
Type Rating Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
01 Nov 2025
Financial Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
International Conference Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2025
BOC Sciences Chemistry Scholarship Program
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2025
Creative BioMart Scholarship Program 2025
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
University Ranking
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2026
334 28
2025
362 92
2024
454
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2026
-
2025
601
2024
601
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2026
-
2025
-
2024
642
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Housing services
The international students section assists international postgraduate students in finding suitable accommodation close to the University. The accommodation allocated for postgraduate students is situated outside the university premises but is only a 5 minute drive to SQU.
Library services
The University has one main and two specialized libraries (medical and business). In addition, there are four supporting libraries in the colleges and in the Mosque. SQU’s libraries provide physical collections as well as electronic resources via the campus network, the Internet, and an inter-library loan service.
ICT services
The University provides Intranet and Internet servers support for email and websites hosting. Postgraduate students can get their Internet access from the CIS (Center for Information System).
Medical services
Sultan Qaboos University provides free health care to all postgraduate students including international students at the Students Clinic and Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. International students are responsible for any treatment costs incurred by seeking outside health care services.
Accreditation
The College of Economics and Political Science at the Sultan Qaboos University made a prestigious achievement by obtaining the academic accreditation of all its programs from the European Foundation for Management Development.