The National University of Science and Technology (NU), specifically its College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CoMHS), is the first and only private medical education provider in Oman. Originally known as Oman Medical College, it is located in the coastal city of Sohar and is widely recognized for its academic partnership with West Virginia University (WVU), USA.
Established: 2001 (as Oman Medical College; merged into NU in 2018).
Location: Sohar (Main Medical Campus), with additional clinical training in Rustaq.
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Medicine (MD).
Academic Partnership: Affiliated with West Virginia University, USA, which provides the curriculum and academic leadership.
Accreditation: Fully accredited by TEPDAD and WFME (World Federation for Medical Education) standards through 2030. It is also listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
The Sohar campus is dedicated to medical education, offering a high-tech environment for preclinical studies.
Curriculum Structure: A 6-year program spanning MD1 to MD6.
MD1: Pre-medical foundation year.
MD2–MD4: Pre-clinical years (Basic Medical Sciences).
MD5–MD6: Clinical years (Rotations).
Laboratories: * Anatomy & Neurobiology Lab: Features modern dissection and observation facilities.
Simulation & Clinical Skills Lab: One of the best in the region, using mannequins and simulators for procedural training.
Specialized Labs: Dedicated Pathology, Microbiology, and Biochemistry facilities.
Digital Learning: Uses the SOLE (Student Learning Management) portal for all assessments and coursework.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
The clinical phase (Years 5 and 6) provides students with extensive bedside experience in major regional government hospitals.
Teaching Hospital: The Sohar Regional Hospital serves as the primary teaching site. It is one of the largest and most advanced hospitals in Oman outside Muscat.
Additional Training Sites: * Rustaq Hospital: Used for various clinical clerkships and sub-internships.
Aster Al Raffah Hospital: A recently signed strategic partnership for collaborative professional development and private clinical exposure.
Primary Care: Students also rotate through various Health Care Centers in Sohar and Rustaq for community and family medicine.
State University Affordability
Tuition is calculated per credit hour. For the MD program (258 total credit hours), the yearly average is as follows:
Local Students (Nationals/Residents): Approx. OMR 8,600 (approx. $22,300 USD) per year.
International Students: Approx. OMR 9,460 (approx. $24,500 USD) per year.
Foundation Year: Approx. OMR 4,900 – 5,600 per year.
Other Fees: A non-refundable application fee of OMR 50 and a caution deposit are usually required.
Strategic Location: Sohar is a major industrial and historical port city, roughly halfway between Muscat and Dubai.
Student Life: It is quieter and less congested than Muscat, making it an ideal environment for focused study.
Weather: Very hot summers ($40^\circ\text{C}$+) and mild, pleasant winters ($15^\circ\text{C}$ to $25^\circ\text{C}$).
Living Cost: Generally lower than Muscat; private rentals for students in the city range from OMR 150 to 250 per month.
On-Campus Housing: The Sohar campus provides hostel blocks (A, B, and C) accommodating over 630 students.
Hostel Types: * Single Rooms: Most rooms in the new blocks are single occupancy.
Girls' Dormitory: A premium facility for female students launched in early 2023.
Facilities: 24/7 security with wardens, Wi-Fi, laundry, and designated study areas.
Mess/Food: Cafeterias are available on campus offering local and international meals. Shopping trips for groceries are organized by the college twice a week for hostel residents.
International Admissions: Open to all nationalities. Roughly 30% of the student body is international (representing 33+ countries).
Entry Requirements: Minimum 80% (Grade B) in Chemistry and Biology in 12th grade/GED. A selection interview is mandatory.
English Proficiency: IELTS Band 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 78-80 is required for direct entry to MD1.
Indian Students: A valid NEET score is required if the student intends to return to India to sit for the NEXT/FMGE exam.
Visa Support: The university assists accepted international students in obtaining a 2-year renewable Student Residence Visa.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus