Sultan Qaboos University
Muscat, Oman • Founded 1980 • World Rank #1298
Overview
Founded in 1986, the Sultan Qaboos University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Muscat (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of the Sultanate of Oman, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) is a medium-sized coeducational Omani higher education institution. Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 38-year-old Omani higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this Omani higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
SQU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Address book entry for Sultan Qaboos University: location, phone, email, web, and social channels. The press or media office handles institutional inquiries; admissions handles student-specific queries.
Academic Details
The academic indicators below give context on how Sultan Qaboos University operates at scale. A lower staff-to-student ratio generally signals more faculty access, though research-heavy institutions skew the read.
Academic Structures
Below: how Sultan Qaboos University organises its faculties and constituent units. Distance learning programmes often sit in a separate division from on-campus teaching, with different administration.
Unit 9 items
- College of Agriculture and Marine Sciences
- College of Arts and Social Sciences
- College of Commerce and Economics
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- College of Law
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences
- College of Nursing
- College of Sciences
Degrees
Sultan Qaboos University's degree catalogue by academic level. Continuing education and non-degree pathways sit outside the standard tiers but are sometimes offered alongside.
Bachelor's 11 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Agriculture
- Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- Law
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Medicine
- Natural Sciences
- Nursing
- Political Sciences
- Social Sciences
Master's 61 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Advertising and Publicity
- Agricultural Engineering
- Anatomy
- Applied Mathematics
- Arabic
- Architecture
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Commercial Law
- Communication Arts
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Networks
- Computer Science
- Criminal Law
- Crop Production
- Curriculum
- Educational Administration
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Foreign Languages Education
- Geography
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Sciences
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Irrigation
- Journalism
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Mass Communication
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Mechanical Engineering
- Media Studies
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Natural Resources
- Nursing
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Physics
- Physiology
- Power Engineering
- Private Law
- Psychology
- Public Law
- Public Relations
- Science Education
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Soil Management
- Soil Science
- Sports Management
- Statistics
- Teacher Training
- Tourism
- Translation and Interpretation
- Water Management
- Water Science
Doctoral 33 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Applied Mathematics
- Arabic
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Crop Production
- Curriculum
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Electrical Engineering
- Epidemiology
- Fishery
- Foreign Languages Education
- Genetics
- Harvest Technology
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Sciences
- Irrigation
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Natural Resources
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Physics
- Physiology
- Statistics
- Teacher Training
- Water Management
- Water Science
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of the Sultanate of Oman.
Community Services and Continuing Education (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Continuing Education
- Social and Community Services
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Educational Technology (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Educational Technology
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Human Resource and Staff Development (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Information Systems (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
Language (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Linguistics
- Modern Languages
Agriculture and Marine Sciences (College) 14 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Crop Production
- Economics
- Fishery
- Food Science
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Natural Resources
- Nutrition
- Soil Management
- Veterinary Science
- Water Management
- Water Science
Common Career Paths
- Agricultural Scientist
- Agronomist
- Farm Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Arts and Social Sciences (College) 15 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Arts and Humanities
- Communication Studies
- English
- Geography
- History
- Information Sciences
- Journalism
- Library Science
- Social and Community Services
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Theatre
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics and Political Sciences (College) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Computing
- Economics
- Finance
- Management
- Marketing
- Statistics
- Systems Analysis
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (College) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art Education
- Curriculum
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Technology
- Islamic Studies
- Pedagogy
- Physical Education
- Preschool Education
- Psychology
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (College) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (College) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Criminal Law
- Law
- Public Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine and Health Sciences (College) 22 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anaesthesiology
- Anatomy
- Behavioural Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Child Care and Development
- Community Health
- Epidemiology
- Haematology
- Health Sciences
- Immunology
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Ophthalmology
- Oral Pathology
- Paediatrics
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Radiology
- Statistics
- Surgery
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Nursing (College) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Community Health
- Nursing
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
Common Career Paths
- Registered Nurse
- Clinical Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (College) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Chemistry
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Geophysics
- Laboratory Techniques
- Mathematics
- Medical Technology
- Natural Sciences
- Physics
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Communication (Research Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Earthquake Monitoring (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Seismology
Environmental Studies and Research (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Studies
Common Career Paths
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Officer
- Climate Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Oil and Gas (Research Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Omani (Research Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System (Research Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Geography
- Information Technology
- Surveying and Mapping
Water Science (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Water Science
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Sultan Qaboos University's programmes, with filter and level-based grouping. The combination of search and tier view makes shortlisting faster across large catalogues.
Bachelor's Degree
46 programmes
Sultan Qaboos University delivers 46 programmes at bachelor's level, the qualifications school-leavers most commonly apply to as their first step into higher education.
Bachelor of Science in Applied Chemistry Chemistry
Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology Biotechnology
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Chemistry
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Computer Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Earth Science Earth Sciences & Geology
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology Biological Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Geophysics Earth Sciences & Geology
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Mathematics
Bachelor of Science in Physics Physics & Astronomy
Bachelor of Science in Physics/Medical Physics Physics & Astronomy
Bachelor of Science in Statistics Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Bachelor of Science in Statistics/Health Statistics Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Bachelor of Engineering in Architectural Engineering Architecture
Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering Computer Sciences
Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical and Process Engineering Chemistry
Bachelor of Engineering in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering General Engineering
Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education Early Childhood Education
Bachelor of Education in Instructional and Learning Technologies Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Education in Educational Administration Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Education in Islamic Education Islamic & Quranic Studies
Bachelor of Education in Physical Education Physics & Astronomy
Bachelor of Education in Art Education Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Arts in Arabic Language and Literature Literature
Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature English Language Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Translation Translation & Interpreting
Bachelor of Arts in History History
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work Social Work
Bachelor of Arts in Music and Musicology Music
Bachelor of Arts in Information Studies Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Arts in Geography Geography
Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Tourism & Leisure
Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication Communication Studies
Bachelor of Science in Business Business & Management
Bachelor of Science in Political Science Politics & International Relations
Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural Engineering Agriculture
Bachelor of Science in Animal Science Animal Science
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Health Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Nursing
Bachelor of Laws Law
Doctor of Medicine Medicine
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master of Business Administration
1 programme
Sultan Qaboos University offers 1 programme at master's level — postgraduate programmes that deepen a specialism, usually over one to two years after a bachelor's degree.
Master of Business Administration Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
69 programmes
Sultan Qaboos University offers 69 programmes at master's level — postgraduate programmes that deepen a specialism, usually over one to two years after a bachelor's degree.
Master of Arts in International Relations and Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Master of Science in Information Systems Information Systems & Technology
Master of Science in Operation and Supply Chain Management Supply Chain & Logistics
Master of Art in Arabic Language Linguistics & Language Studies
Master of Science in Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Master of Science in Architectural Engineering Architecture
Master of Science in Biology Biological Sciences
Master of Science in Chemical and Process Engineering Chemistry
Master of Science in Chemistry Chemistry
Master of Science in Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Master of Science in Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering) Civil Engineering & Construction
Master of Science in Civil Engineering (Water Resources) Civil Engineering & Construction
Master of Science in Communications and Signal Processing Communication Studies
Master of Science in Computer Science Computer Sciences
Master of Science in Computer Systems and Networks Information Systems & Technology
Master of Science in Electronic Instrumentation and Control Robotics & Automation
Master of Science in Environmental Science Environmental Sciences
Master of Science in Geomatics Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Master of Science in Industrial Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Master of Science in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering General Engineering
Master of Science in Petroleum Geosciences Natural Sciences
Master of Science in Physics Physics & Astronomy
Master of Science in Power System and Energy Engineering Energy Engineering
Master of Science in Pure Mathematics Mathematics
Master of Science in Statistics Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Master of Science in Data Science and Machine Learning Data Science & Analytics
Master of Science in Accounting and Finance Accounting
Master of Science in Digital and Innovative Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Master of Science in Nursing (Thesis) Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (Course Work and Thesis) Nursing
Master of Education in Curriculum & Methods of Teaching Islamic Education Islamic & Quranic Studies
Master of Arts in Translation Studies Translation & Interpreting
Master of Arts in Tourism Tourism & Leisure
Master of Arts in Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Master of Arts in Social Work Social Work
Master of Arts in Mass Communication Communication Studies
Master of Arts in Library and Information Science Information Systems & Technology
Master of Arts in Geography Geography
Master of Arts in Archaeology Archaeology
Master of Art in History History
Master of Education in Instructional and Learning Technologies Education & Teaching
Master of Education in Sport Sciences Education & Teaching
Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration Educational Leadership
Master of Education in English Language Teaching English Language Studies
Master of Education in Social Studies Teaching Education & Teaching
Master of Education in Science Teaching Education & Teaching
Master of Education in Mathematics Teaching Mathematics
Master of Education in Islamic Education Teaching Islamic & Quranic Studies
Master of Education in Arabic Language Teaching Education & Teaching
Master of Arts in Psychology Psychology
Master of Education in Islamic Studies Islamic & Quranic Studies
Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Master of Biomedical Sciences in Medical Microbiology Biological Sciences
Master of Biomedical Sciences in Clinical Physiology Biological Sciences
Master of Biomedical Science in Clinical Pharmacy Pharmacy
Master of Biomedical Science in Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Epidemiology
Master of Science in Animal Science Animal Science
Master of Science in Crop Production Horticulture and Crop Science
Master of Science in Crop Protection Agriculture
Master of Science in Food Science and Nutrition Nutrition & Dietetics
Master of Science in Marine Science and Fisheries Marine Science
Master of Science in Natural Resource Economics Economics
Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering Agriculture
Master of Science in Soil and Water Management Agriculture
Master of Law in Public Law Law
Master of Law in Private Law Civil & Private Law
Master of Law in Commercial Law Business Law
Master of Law in Criminal Law Criminal Law & Justice
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
46 programmes
Sultan Qaboos University delivers 46 programmes at doctoral level for graduates committed to advancing the frontier of their discipline through original inquiry.
PhD in Management Business & Management
PhD in International Relations and Security Studies Politics & International Relations
PhD in Information Systems Information Systems & Technology
PhD in Curriculum and Instruction in Sciences Natural Sciences
PhD in Curriculum and Instruction in Arabic Language Linguistics & Language Studies
PhD in Curriculum and Instruction in Social Studies Social Sciences & Education
PhD in Curriculum and Instruction in Mathematics Mathematics
PhD in Educational Administration Education & Teaching
PhD in Arabic Language and Literature Literature
PhD in Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
PhD in Clinical Pharmacy Pharmacy
PhD in Operations and Supply Chain Management Supply Chain & Logistics
PhD in Philosophy in Economics Economics
PhD in Philosophy in Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
PhD in Physics Physics & Astronomy
PhD in Statistics Applied Mathematics & Statistics
PhD in Mathematics Mathematics
PhD in Earth Sciences Earth Sciences & Geology
PhD in Computer Science Computer Sciences
PhD in Chemistry Chemistry
PhD in Biology Biological Sciences
PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering Computer Sciences
PhD in Industrial Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
PhD in Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
PhD in Chemical and Process Engineering Chemistry
PhD in Petroleum Engineering General Engineering
PhD in Construction Engineering and Management Civil Engineering & Construction
PhD in Measurement and Evaluation Education & Teaching
PhD in Islamic Studies Islamic & Quranic Studies
PhD in English Language Teaching English Language Studies
PhD in Educational Psychology Educational Psychology
PhD in Mass Communication Communication Studies
PhD in Informatics Studies Information Systems & Technology
PhD in History History
PhD in Information Studies Information Systems & Technology
PhD in Physiology Biological Sciences
PhD in Microbiology and Immunology Biological Sciences
PhD in Human and Clinical Anatomy Biological Sciences
PhD in Genetics
PhD in Epidemiology and Public Health Public Health
PhD in Crop Sciences Horticulture and Crop Science
PhD in Food Science and Nutrition Nutrition & Dietetics
PhD in Marine Science and Fisheries Marine Science
PhD in Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering Agriculture
PhD in Natural Resource Economics Economics
PhD in Law Law
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
3 programmes
Sultan Qaboos University also offers 3 programmes across associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation routes — shorter or vocational qualifications that build practical skills or bridge into a full degree.
Postgraduate Diploma in Plant Production Horticulture and Crop Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Plant Protection Horticulture and Crop Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Marine Science and Fisheries Marine Science
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Sultan Qaboos University
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Sultan Qaboos University, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Sultan Qaboos University offers 165 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Each programme at Sultan Qaboos University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Apply directly via Sultan Qaboos University's online portal at www.squ.edu.om. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +968 2414 1111. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sultan Qaboos University
Common questions about Sultan Qaboos University answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.
In what year was Sultan Qaboos University established?
Sultan Qaboos University was founded in 1980 (approximately 46 years ago).
Where can I find Sultan Qaboos University?
The institution is located in Muscat, Oman.
Is Sultan Qaboos University a public or private institution?
Sultan Qaboos University operates as a public institution.
How many students does Sultan Qaboos University have?
The institution has a student body of 7,000-7,999.
Where does Sultan Qaboos University stand in university rankings?
It ranks #1298 globally and #1 in Oman.
What qualification levels does Sultan Qaboos University offer?
Sultan Qaboos University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How many faculties does Sultan Qaboos University have?
Sultan Qaboos University has 9 academic units.
Is Sultan Qaboos University officially recognised?
Yes, Sultan Qaboos University is recognised by Ministry of Higher Education.
What is Sultan Qaboos University's official website?
The institution's website is www.squ.edu.om.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
If you're weighing Sultan Qaboos University against other institutions in the area, these neighbouring universities offer overlapping faculties and similar admissions cycles. They are useful for shortlisting based on travel distance or campus environment.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Alumni outcomes data publication varies across Education & Teaching programmes in Oman. Where available, post-grad employment and salary data is the best signal of programme quality beyond marketing claims.
Universities Often Compared with Sultan Qaboos University
Comparable institutions to Sultan Qaboos University — by academic scale and standing — are gathered below. Same-tier shortlists give you flexibility on admissions outcomes without compromising on institutional level.
