Sultan Qaboos University (SQU)

Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) is Oman’s flagship public university, located in Al Khoud, Muscat. Established in the 1980s to serve as the nation’s comprehensive public institution, SQU now spans nine colleges and a wide portfolio of undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs. The university combines strong teaching with a growing research profile and extensive student-support services on a self-contained campus. squ.edu.om

Academic Structure & Colleges

SQU is organized into nine colleges: Agricultural & Marine Sciences; Arts & Social Sciences; Economics & Political Science; Education; Engineering; Law; Nursing; Medicine & Health Sciences; and Science. Each college publishes its own program list and degree pathways. squ.edu.om

Programs & Study Paths

Prospective students can explore Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Diploma, and Foundation offerings via SQU’s program catalogue. Health (e.g., MD), engineering, business/political science, and sciences remain popular pathways, with departments detailing curricula, labs, and faculty profiles. squ.edu.om

Foundation Program (Centre for Preparatory Studies)

Most first-year students enter through the Foundation Program run by the Centre for Preparatory Studies (CPS). The program is mandatory for those who don’t meet direct-entry benchmarks and develops proficiency in English, Mathematics, Information Technology, and Study Skills in line with Oman’s national accreditation standards. Placement testing determines whether students proceed directly to their colleges or complete Foundation modules first. squ.edu.om

Rankings & Recognition

SQU is consistently present in global rankings. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, SQU is placed =334 worldwide, a continued rise acknowledged by the university’s own news release. Regionally, SQU is listed among the top 10 in the QS Arab Region 2026. These signals reflect improvements in research output, internationalization, and employer reputation. Top Universities

Research & Academic Environment

Across the colleges, SQU supports discipline-based research groups, centers, and specialist labs (examples are listed on departmental pages such as Computer Science). Graduate supervision, internal/external grants, and scholarly journals form the backbone of its research mission. squ.edu.om

Student Life & Support

SQU maintains a robust ecosystem for student success, including the Centre for Career Guidance, Student Counseling Centre, Independent Learning Centre, and a Centre for Excellence in Teaching & Learning. Campus transport, visitor information, and maps are available online to help new students navigate the grounds and SQUH facilities. squ.edu.om

Admissions & Latest Intake

Admissions requirements vary by program and level (UG/PG) but typically include secondary-school results, placement tests or English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), and program prerequisites. The university runs a structured orientation each year; for AY 2025/26, SQU welcomed 3,132 new undergraduates as its 40th intake. squ.edu.om

Why Students Choose SQU

• Breadth + depth: Nine colleges covering professional and academic disciplines with clear pathways from Foundation to advanced study. squ.edu.om
• Quality signals: Rising in QS 2026 and recognized regionally in QS Arab Region 2026. squ.edu.om
• Structured support: CPS Foundation, learning support centers, and career services integrated into the student journey. squ.edu.om
• Location & access: A well-serviced campus in Muscat with transport and visitor resources published online. squ.edu.om