SQU graduates contribute to Oman’s comprehensive development journey

The number of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) graduates has continued to increase each year since the university was inaugurated in 1986 under the auspices of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos — may he rest in peace — who was committed to providing all levels of education, from primary to university, since 1970. Recently, the university celebrated the graduation of its 36th cohort of students over two consecutive days, comprising 3,106 male and female graduates from various programmes, colleges and specialties needed by Omani institutions and Omani society at large.
This group of graduates includes postgraduate students at the doctoral and master’s levels, students from scientific colleges and others from the humanities, sciences and literary colleges — fields that provide essential human capital across all areas of life.
Since its establishment, the university has supplied the Omani labour market with many highly qualified national professionals, academically and in research, who have contributed to the country’s economic and social development. The university continues to strengthen the development process across all administrative, economic, financial, medical and literary fields.
The idea to establish a local university emerged in the early 1980s during celebrations of the 10th National Day and the first batch of students was admitted in 1986. The university initially consisted of five main colleges: the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, the College of Engineering, the College of Science, the College of Agriculture and Marine Sciences; and the College of Education. Other colleges were added later. Before the university existed, many Omani students pursued academic studies in Arab and foreign countries.
Today, SQU occupies a strong position among Arab and international universities. According to the QS ranking for the 2025–2026 academic year, it is ranked 334 among the world’s top universities.
In the 2025 Times Higher Education rankings, it falls within the 601–800 category globally. In the QS Arab Region 2025 ranking, SQU is ranked eighth among Arab universities. It is therefore considered one of the leading Arab and international universities in terms of ranking, specialised programmes and scientific research. It is globally distinguished in certain programmes, such as petroleum engineering, nursing and international networks; and its ranking in several other specialties has improved in recent years.
The Omani government allocates a substantial annual budget to the university to keep pace with global academic developments in key fields, maintain educational quality and ensure that graduates are connected to both local and regional labour markets. As a result, the university has become a leading institution not only in Oman but across the Arab region, attracting a diverse international student population from various Arab and foreign countries.
A pressing issue remains the employment of most of its graduates in public and private institutions, as some still wait in line for job opportunities that match their skills and academic specialisations. This matter needs careful consideration in the coming period — especially since many graduates in research fields can contribute significantly to Oman’s development. Strengthening their integration into the economy will enhance Oman’s ability to transition towards a knowledge-based economy and sustainable development.
The university strives through its programmes to prepare a generation capable of addressing future challenges in alignment with national development goals and elevating Oman’s academic and global standing. It remains a fundamental pillar in the nation’s efforts to achieve sustainable development, diversify the economy, build a qualified human capital base and strengthen local knowledge.