The Deanship of Postgraduate Studies (DPS) at Sultan Qaboos University organized an orientation day for the new Postgraduate Students for the academic year 2018/2019 on September 17, 2018 at the Lecture Theatre 1 of the University. The Orientation Day seeks to familiarize the new students with the academic regulations of postgraduate studies at the university, and to allow students to discuss topics of higher interest. The program was attended by some of the university departments which are related to postgraduate students such as the Main Library, the Deanship of Research and the Student Guidance Center.

Welcoming the new students, the Dr. Rahma Ibrahim Al Mahrooqi, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies & Research said that “joining postgraduate studies is not an easy endeavor, and for you to achieve distinction, you need to do more than just what the average student does”. She called upon the students to work hard taking responsibility for their studies and knowing the rules.  The DVC advised the students to practice academic integrity throughout their studies and research work.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Abdullah Khamis Ambusaidi, Dean of Postgraduate Studies gave an overview of the Deanship of Postgraduate Studies and its role in facilitating postgraduate studies at the University. The Deanship, he said, mainly supervises the implementation of SQU postgraduate academic guidelines and policies and support the university to graduate students with a high level of qualifications. The Deanship meets the needs of students who wish to enhance their knowledge and innovation and acquire the necessary skills to work.

Prof. Abdullah Khamis Ambusaidi said that the number of admitted students for various postgraduate programs as of 2018-2019 academic year is 941 out which 531 are enrolled in humanities colleges and 410 in science colleges. The Dean gave an overview of available scholarships for Omani and International students and sponsorship seats for postgraduate programs at the University. He elaborated on financial support for PhD students for research projects and international conference attendance and the online fee payment system. “Our main target is to make life inside the university and out easier for all international students. We provide assistance to international students in both academic and living matters”, he concluded.