Muscat: In alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and its goal to improve its global standing, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has introduced a new Bachelor’s program named “Afaq.” This initiative is designed for the conditional admission of both international students and Omani students who were not accepted through the Unified Admission Centre.
Set to launch in the upcoming academic year, the program outlines specific criteria and fees for admitting international and Omani students who were unable to secure their preferred specializations due to the Centre’s selection process.
His Highness Sayyid Dr. Fahad Al Julanda Al Said, Vice Chancellor of SQU, emphasized that this initiative is part of the university's strategy to boost its international ranking, as the enrollment of international students is a key factor in these rankings.
He further noted that the program will enhance campus diversity, enriching the academic and cultural experiences of all students.
The Vice Chancellor mentioned that the program aims to enroll up to 300 international and Omani students, ensuring that this does not impact the number of seats available for Omani students through the Unified Admissions Centre each year. The new placements will be allocated across various colleges and specializations, excluding the College of Medicine and Health Sciences.
International students interested in the program can apply via the university's official website, while Omani students will register through the Unified Admissions Centre, adhering to specific conditions.
All admitted students will be required to follow the same academic policies and regulations.
His Highness remarked, “This program signifies a new vision to elevate the University’s status as a premier academic institution and broaden the horizons of higher education.”
