Ministry

Oman

In Oman, about 50% of the population lives in Muscat and the Batinah coastal plain northwest of the capital. Muscat presents a relatively homogeneous appearance of low (rarely more than five story), generally white buildings, with residential, government, and commercial architecture frequently recalling, at least by allusion, historic regional styles. Since 1970, the government has given high priority to education to develop a domestic work force, which the government considers a vital factor in the country's economic and social progress.

Education in Oman is provided free of charge up to the end of secondary education, though attendance is not mandatory at any level. Oman's national educational program expanded rapidly during the 1970s and the 1980s. There are also extensive programmes to combat adult illiteracy.

In the year 2003, Omani Ministry of Higher Education approved the merger of five Colleges in order to form the Muscat University. However, the plan of the five private run colleges Fire Safety Engineering College, Majan College, Modern College of Business & Science, Middle East College of Information Technology and Mazoon College for Management and Applied Sciences fail (source: Oman Observer 18.7.2005).

© 1996-2007 Dr. Claus PossbergAs a result, the Omani Ministry of Higher Education submit a new request for proposal in order to form the fourth private university in Oman, the Muscat University. The RWTH Aachen was awarded.1

Since 1970, the government has given high priority to education to develop a domestic work force, which the government considers a vital factor in the country's economic and social progress. In 1986, Oman's first university, Sultan Qaboos University, opened. Other post secondary institutions include a law school, technical college, banking institute, teachers training college, and health sciences institute. Some 200 scholarships are awarded each year for study abroad.

Nine private colleges exist, providing 2-year post secondary diplomas. Since 1999, the government has embarked on reforms in higher education designed to meet the needs of a growing population, only a small percentage of which are currently admitted to higher education institutions. Under the reformed system, four public regional universities will be created, and incentives are provided by the government to promote the upgrading of the existing nine private colleges and the creation of other degree-granting private colleges.


Oman Reise © 1996-2007 Dr. Claus Possberg

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