The Ministry of Education (MOE) has issued a clarification following some concerns among students of Mazoon College after its accreditation was cancelled on Tuesday by the Oman Authority for Quality Assurance of Education (OAQA).
MOE has said that all currently enrolled students can continue their studies at the college as usual. Any updates will be announced through the Ministry's official channels.
The decision does not affect the current academic standing of students, and the ministry is monitoring their situations to ensure the completion of the necessary procedures in accordance with applicable regulations and bylaws.
If students are in their year of study, the Ministry will provide them with the necessary facilities in accordance with applicable regulations and bylaws. The graduation ceremony is the responsibility of the educational institution.
As studies continue at the college, there is no reason to delay graduation. The ministry is working to provide the necessary facilities for students in accordance with applicable regulations and bylaws.
In its commitment to the best interests of its students and to ensure their continued education, the Ministry of Education is pleased to clarify the following points:
The percentage of course equivalency varies from one educational institution to another. Students can apply to more than one institution to choose the most suitable option.
The decision does not cancel the credit hours students have completed. However, the equivalency of credit hours and courses will be subject to the academic regulations of the educational institution the students will be transferred to.
Students are entitled to obtain academic documents according to the regulations and procedures in place at the educational institution. The tuition fee refund depends on the contract between the student and the educational institution, and the applicable regulations and bylaws. Students can contact the college to determine what applies to their case.
If students have already paid the tuition fees for the next semester, the handling of these fees is subject to the contract concluded between you and the educational institution and to the applicable regulations and procedures.
The fees incurred by a student transferring to another educational institution depend on the financial regulations and procedures in place at the institution to which they will be transferring.
The Ministry is coordinating with the relevant authorities regarding procedures related to visas for international students, and they will be informed of the required procedures as soon as they are approved.
Student visa procedures upon transfer depend on the regulations and procedures in place at the new educational institution. The Ministry works in coordination with the relevant authorities to inform international students and provide them with the necessary assistance.
Other clarifications
What about students who have been accepted but have not yet started their studies?
They can continue their studies at the college according to the applicable regulations and procedures.
Is the college allowed to continue collecting tuition fees?
Yes, in accordance with the contracts and obligations concluded between the college and the students, and in compliance with the applicable regulations and procedures.
Is the college entitled to amend the fees during this period?
No, the college is not allowed to amend tuition fees except with the Ministry's approval, and the fee increase will not apply to registered students.
Can the college offer new programs during this period?
No, so that the college can improve its current situation.
Can the current study plans be amended?
How does the Ministry explain the college receiving the result of "cancellation of institutional accreditation" despite its periodic visits to higher education institutions?
The Ministry of Education conducts periodic field visits to higher education institutions, monitors their compliance with the governing laws and regulations, holds meetings with their officials, provides technical support and guidance, and follows up on the implementation of development plans to enhance the quality of institutional and academic performance. However, these visits are not a substitute for the institutional evaluation and accreditation procedures undertaken by the Oman Authority for Quality Assurance of Education, which conducts an independent evaluation according to its approved standards and procedures. Based on this evaluation, the college's result was issued.
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