MUSCAT: Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) will welcome 3,182 new undergraduate students for the 2026-27 academic year as its orientation programme for the 41st cohort begins on Sunday, August 30.
The university has completed preparations to provide new students with an integrated academic, social and residential environment, with particular attention to accessibility and support for students with disabilities.
Dr Asma bint Nasser al Zidi, Dean of Admissions and Registration, said the new intake would be distributed across various undergraduate programmes. This year’s admissions include direct entry to programmes in the Colleges of Arts and Social Sciences, Science and Engineering. Students with hearing disabilities will also be admitted to the Bachelor of Education in Art Education.
The Deanship of Student Affairs has completed arrangements for student accommodation, with more than 1,000 male and over 900 female students expected to benefit from university housing, in addition to more than 20 students with disabilities.
Dr Anfal bint Nasser al Wahaibi, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs for Social Services, said accommodation arrangements would be managed electronically this year. Students will receive their room and residential complex details by text message and email, helping streamline the arrival and accommodation process.
Al Raha Housing Complex at Knowledge Oasis will accommodate male students, while female students will be housed in residential complexes on campus. Residential Complex No 7 has been designated for students with disabilities, with facilities arranged to meet their needs.
Supervision and support teams will be stationed across the residential complexes to welcome students, respond to enquiries and assist them as they begin university life.
The orientation programme on August 30 will include a meeting between HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of SQU, and the new students. It will also feature a presentation on the services and programmes offered by the Deanship of Student Affairs, followed by an orientation session led by Dr Rayya bint Salim al Mandhari, Dean of Student Affairs.
The programme will continue on Monday with an orientation session at 5.30 pm in Lecture Hall 1. On Tuesday, September 1, a sports evening will be held at 4 pm in the designated sports halls for male and female students, providing an opportunity for students to interact and build a sense of belonging.
Meanwhile, the Centre for Preparatory Studies has completed extensive preparations for the new cohort, with planning beginning in April.
Dr Zahra bint Ali al Lawati, Director of the Centre, said preparations included orientation activities, placement tests in English, mathematics and information technology, and updates to guides outlining Foundation Programme requirements.
The Centre has also coordinated examination halls and laboratories and worked with the University Hospital, Deanship of Student Affairs, Security Office and Royal Oman Police to ensure transport, support and traffic arrangements are in place.
The coordinated preparations are aimed at ensuring that the new students have a smooth transition into university life and a positive start to their academic journey at SQU.
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