University of Technology & Applied Sciences (UTAS)

University of Technology & Applied Sciences (UTAS) is Oman’s largest higher-education institution, created by Royal Decree 76/2020 through the merger of the Colleges of Technology, the Colleges of Applied Sciences, and Rustaq College of Education—aligning higher education with Oman Vision 2040 and national strategies for education, research, and innovation. decree.om

Scale, structure, and branches

UTAS operates a multi-campus model across 11 branches: Muscat, Ibra, Nizwa, Shinas, Suhar, Ibri, Sur, Rustaq, Salalah, Al-Musannah, and Musandam (Khasab). This footprint makes UTAS the country’s most geographically accessible university and the largest HEI in Oman by enrollment. utas.edu.om

Student body and outlook

Recent official figures place UTAS’s student population at ~46–48k across its branches, underscoring its role in Oman’s human-capital pipeline for technology, business, and applied sciences. Oman News

Academic model and awards

UTAS delivers career-focused programs with three exit levels—Diploma, Advanced Diploma, and Bachelor’s—allowing students to build progressively from foundational skills to advanced specialization. Each branch hosts departments calibrated to regional industry needs (e.g., engineering in industrial hubs; logistics and IT near ports and free zones).

Colleges, departments, and example offerings

Across the system, UTAS covers key disciplines such as Engineering & Technology, Computing & Information Sciences, Applied Sciences, Economics & Business Administration, Pharmacy, Design (Fashion, Photography), and Mass Communication. Campus pages (e.g., Muscat, Shinas, Sur) list local departments and specializations; the admission portal provides a consolidated, searchable catalogue by branch and highest award. hct.edu.om

Foundation & student support

Most entrants begin through Preparatory/Foundation Studies (English, Mathematics, IT, study skills), then progress to their majors based on placement results—mirroring national quality and accreditation practices. UTAS branches also maintain student-services units for advising, career guidance, and induction/orientation each semester. utas.edu.om

Governance and policy alignment

The UTAS system and organizational structure are anchored in the Royal Decree establishing the university and subsequent decisions setting out the university’s governance—part of a broader policy push to expand applied, industry-linked education and research across Oman. decree.om

Why UTAS matters

• Access & inclusion: 11 branches expand opportunity across governorates. utas.edu.om
• Work-ready pathways: tiered Diploma → Advanced Diploma → Bachelor routes tied to employer needs. ptadmission.utas.edu.om
• Regional alignment: programs mapped to local economies (ports/logistics, energy, manufacturing, ICT). ptadmission.utas.edu.om
• National scale: the country’s largest learner community in higher education, feeding priority sectors.