The Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), located in Al-Khoudh, Muscat, is the premier national university of the Sultanate of Oman. The College of Medicine and Health Sciences (COMHS) is its most prestigious faculty, known for high academic standards and its integration with the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital.
Institution: Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) – Public University.
Accreditation: The MD program is internationally accredited by TEPDAD (Association for Medical Education Programs Evaluation and Accreditation), which follows WFME (World Federation for Medical Education) standards.
Degree Awarded: Medical Doctor (MD).
Admission: * Nationals: Admission is highly competitive through the Higher Education Admission Center (HEAC).
International/Expats: Admission for non-Omanis is limited. A few seats (around 2) are typically allocated for children of residents in Oman, based on competitive academic averages.
Requirements: High school diploma with high grades in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. English proficiency is mandatory (IELTS Band 6.0 or TOEFL equivalent).
The campus is a "city within a city" in Muscat, known for its traditional Omani architecture and modern academic facilities.
Infrastructure: Features state-of-the-art lecture halls, a specialized Medical Library, and advanced research centers.
Labs: Includes high-tech Anatomy and Neurobiology labs, Clinical Biochemistry, and Microbiology labs.
Research Focus: It is the leading center for medical research in Oman, focusing on genetic diseases, infectious diseases, and public health in the Gulf region.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
The Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH) is physically integrated with the College of Medicine.
Role: It is a tertiary care referral center and the primary teaching hospital for medical students.
Specialized Units: Home to unique facilities in Oman, such as the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit and specialized Pediatric Cardiology.
Clinical Training: Students begin patient interaction in Phase II of the program, with full clinical rotations in Phase III across departments like Internal Medicine, Surgery, and OB-GYN.
State University Affordability
SQU is a government university where Omani nationals study for free. For non-nationals or fee-paying programs:
Annual Tuition: Approx. OMR 3,000 – 4,000 (approx. $7,800 – $10,400 USD) per year for undergraduate medical programs.
Application Fee: OMR 50 (approx. $130 USD).
Note: Costs for international students can vary significantly depending on the specific residency or scholarship status.
Environment: Muscat is one of the cleanest and safest cities in the Middle East. It offers a blend of modern infrastructure and preserved heritage.
Living Cost: While university housing is affordable, private living in Muscat (Al-Khoudh or Al-Mawalih area) can cost OMR 200 – 350 per month for a decent apartment.
Connectivity: The university is about 15–20 minutes away from the Muscat International Airport.
Housing: SQU provides on-campus accommodation.
Female Students: Dedicated secure hostels are available inside the campus.
Male Students: Usually accommodated in specific campus blocks or nearby university-approved housing.
Transportation: Free shuttle buses operate frequently within the massive campus to move students between the College, the Hospital, and the Hostels.
Mess: Several cafeterias and food courts offer varied cuisines (Omani, Indian, Continental) at highly subsidized rates for students.
International Seats: Very limited. Most international presence at SQU comes from exchange programs or postgraduate research.
Elective Program: SQU is very active in international exchange; medical students from other countries can apply for clinical electives (6–8 weeks) at SQU Hospital.
Career: Graduates from SQU are exempt from certain licensing exams in Oman and are highly prioritized for residency programs under the Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB).
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus