Fair chances for every dream begin with recognising that talent extends far beyond the classroom.
In most countries, educational institutions rely heavily on school grades to select students for higher education, making academic merit the sole criterion for admission. Companies adopt the same approach, choosing graduates based on their grades, while scholarships and internships are also awarded primarily on academic performance. This merit-only model is convenient, as it allows easy filtering based on grades and rankings.
However, nations expect their youth to excel not only in academics but also in diverse fields.
Current practices fail to support students who shine in areas beyond academics. Take, for instance, a student from Al Rustaq who trains rigorously in football and competes nationally and internationally.
Another from Bahla contributes creatively to his family’s pottery business, attracting international tourists with innovative designs. Because they invest significant time in these pursuits, their academic grades suffer, limiting their chances for higher education and future job opportunities. When grades are the only gateway to progress, such students are unfairly disadvantaged.
The existing admission system overwhelmingly benefits academically driven students while overlooking those nurtured by extracurricular passions or entrepreneurship. Consider a high school student in Sur who runs a flourishing online baking business, receiving more orders than she can handle with help from her family. Or a student in Al Hamra who performs traditional Omani dance and music across Oman and the GCC, preserving heritage through artistic dedication.
In Muttrah, a young tourist guide impresses German visitors by explaining Omani culture in their native tongue. Balancing these demanding activities with academics is not easy, and such commitments often overshadow their classroom performance.
How can we create a level playing field for students with diverse strengths — some academically gifted, others excelling in skills, creativity, culture or entrepreneurship?
The solution lies in transforming the current admissions and recruitment system in Oman into a more inclusive and holistic model. This requires looking beyond academic grades and incorporating non-academic achievements into admissions criteria for higher education.
Sports, arts, music, volunteering, community service, leadership, part-time work, entrepreneurship and participation in global activities should all carry weight in a student’s profile. Students who excel in these areas deserve recognition and opportunities equal to those with top grades.
Since systemic revamp may take time, educational institutions across Oman can begin by allocating at least one seat per programme for students with outstanding extracurricular achievements. This step will set the foundation for a holistic admission model where equal opportunities prevail, enabling Oman to nurture well-rounded individuals who excel not only academically but across diverse fields.
A holistic system will encourage students to pursue their passions confidently, knowing that their efforts—whether on the sports field, in cultural arts, or in entrepreneurial ventures—will be acknowledged. This approach benefits students, institutions and society alike.
Organisations, too, should adopt this mindset. During recruitment, companies should offer opportunities to candidates with unique talents. Imagine an international sailing competitor working at Bank Muscat, a hockey champion at Omran, or a camel-racing star contributing at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. Such inclusiveness enriches organisations and empowers multi-talented individuals who can inspire future generations.
Holistic admissions and recruitment are not just policies—they are pathways to a society where every dream has a fair chance to grow.
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