MUSCAT: The Ministry of Education, represented by the Higher Education Admission Centre (HEAC), has opened registration for admission to higher education institutions for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Registration will continue until June 4, through an upgraded admission system with modern technology as part of a comprehensive digital transformation aimed at providing a more user-friendly, intelligent, and efficient experience for students.
The system allows students holding the General Education Diploma (GED) or its equivalent for the 2025-2026 academic year to apply electronically via the HEAC’s website.
Ahmed bin Mohammed al Azri, Director-General of the HEAC at the Ministry of Education, stated that the HEAC’s admission system has seen a significant redesign reflecting a commitment to building a sophisticated digital platform that meets the latest technological standards and addresses students’ needs. He noted that the new system offers a seamless user experience through a modern design for the registration screens and accompanying services.
He pointed out that the system has an enhanced login screen that allows users to create an account by entering basic information such as the civil ID number, email address, phone number and candidate number. They then immediately receive their login credentials. The homepage has also been redesigned into a comprehensive central dashboard, enabling students to quickly access their personal data and grades, view academic programmes.
He added that the system provides smart tools for selecting programmes, allowing students to search by institution or major. It automatically displays programmes that match their requirements, along with suggested programmes based on their academic data.
The system also offers three flexible ways to arrange preferences: drag and drop, use side arrows as well as manually enter the order. This enhances ease of use and provides students with a more personalised experience.
He said that the digital student guide has become more interactive by incorporating explanatory videos powered by artificial intelligence.
These videos can be accessed via QR code scanners to simplify the registration and admission process in a clear and visual manner.
Regarding inclusive education, he pointed to the establishment of an art education programme for students with hearing impairments at Sultan Qaboos University, in addition to allocating internal scholarships at non-governmental higher education institutions for students with autism, enabling them to choose educational paths appropriate to their abilities and needs.
He said that 16 awareness sessions were conducted for career guidance specialists in various governorates in cooperation with relevant authorities. In addition, the HEAC participated in nine stations as part of the Excellence Schools campaign organised by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), and attended several awareness forums that targeted students and parents.
Al Azri urged students to take advantage of the registration period and not postpone their applications until the final day. He emphasised the importance of carefully considering academic options and prioritising preferences.
He also stressed the role of parents in supporting their children during this stage, which contributes to making informed decisions that lead to a successful academic path and a promising professional future. — ONA
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