SQU will launch its orientation programme for the 41st cohort of undergraduate students for the 2026/2027 academic year on Sunday, 30 August 2026.
Dr. Asma bint Nasser Al-Zidi, Dean of Admissions and Registration, said that the University had completed its preparations to welcome new students for the 2026/2027 academic year. She noted that the target intake is 3,182 students across various undergraduate programmes. She also highlighted SQU’s particular focus on providing an appropriate academic environment and support services for students from different backgrounds, including students with visual and physical disabilities.
The Dean added that this year’s key admissions developments include direct admission to programmes in the College of Arts and Social Sciences, the College of Science and the College of Engineering. In addition, students with hearing disabilities will be admitted to the Bachelor of Education (Art Education).
The Deanship of Student Affairs has also completed all preparations to welcome the 41st cohort for the 2026/2027 academic year. It confirmed its readiness to provide an integrated university environment that supports students academically and socially and enriches their university experience from their first day.
Dr. Anfal bint Nasser Al-Wahaibi, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs for Social Services, explained that the allocation of university accommodation for new students had been completed, in cooperation with the Information Systems Centre. More than 1,000 male students and more than 900 female students will benefit from university accommodation this year, in addition to more than 20 students with disabilities. This reflects the University’s commitment to providing suitable and inclusive residential facilities for all students.
She explained that accommodation arrangements for all new male and female students will be managed electronically this year. Each student will receive a text message and an email containing their accommodation details, including their allocated room and residential complex. This will simplify procedures and help speed up the reception and accommodation process from the moment students arrive at SQU.
Supervision and support teams will be present in all residential complexes to welcome students, answer their enquiries and provide the necessary assistance, ensuring a smooth and safe start to university life. Al Raha Housing Complex (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, taking their needs into account and providing a suitable living environment.
As part of the orientation programme, Dr. Anfal noted that Sunday, 30 August will include an official meeting between His Highness Sayyid Dr. Fahd bin Al Julanda Al Said, the Vice-Chancellor, and the new students. The meeting reflects SQU’s commitment to direct engagement with students and strengthening their sense of belonging to the university community.
The programme will also include a presentation showcasing 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, introducing the services, programmes and initiatives provided by the Deanship to support students throughout their university journey.
The programme will continue on Monday with another orientation session for students at 5.30pm in Lecture Hall 1 on campus. On Tuesday, 1 September, a sports evening will be held at 4pm in the sports halls designated for male and female students. The event aims to strengthen students’ sense of belonging, encourage interaction and introductions among them, and provide an energetic and engaging start to university life.
Dr. Anfal Al Wahibi, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs for Social Services, concluded by reaffirming that the Deanship continues to work towards providing a high-quality and comprehensive university experience through a supportive educational and social environment, as well as programmes and services that promote student success and enable them to achieve academic and personal excellence.
“We at the Deanship of Student Affairs are proud to be the first stop in our students’ university journey. We have therefore ensured that all preparations are completed before their arrival and that accommodation and reception procedures are easier and more streamlined than ever. We believe that an excellent start strengthens students’ sense of belonging and confidence and gives them a positive beginning to a university life filled with learning, success and contribution. We look forward to welcoming our new students and wish them every success in their academic journey. We hope that Sultan Qaboos University will be an environment in which they find the support, excellence and opportunities they need to fulfil their ambitions.”
Meanwhile, the Centre for Preparatory Studies is preparing to welcome the 41st cohort of newly admitted students. Comprehensive preparations began in April of the previous academic year to ensure the University’s readiness for this important occasion.
Dr. Zahra bint Ali Al-Lawati, Director of the Centre, said that the preparations include organising the orientation week in cooperation with various University units, as well as conducting placement tests in English, mathematics and information technology and updating orientation guides on the requirements of the Foundation Programme.
She explained that preparations also include booking examination halls and laboratories, ensuring that facilities and equipment are ready, and coordinating with the University Hospital, the Deanship of Student Affairs and other relevant University units to provide the necessary transport and support services. The Centre is also working with the University Security Office and the Royal Oman Police to manage traffic within the campus.
These coordinated efforts aim to provide an integrated and supportive academic environment, ensuring that newly admitted students have a smooth and successful start to their university journey.
The Centre’s Director expressed her sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone involved in these preparations, wishing all newly admitted students every success as they take their first steps in their academic journey at SQU.