2011

BREAKING NEW GROUNDOman’s education sector is pushing the envelope with courses aligned with industrial needs

1

EDITORIAL

Gearing for change

Building a talented pool of qualified youth to match the requirements

of the job market has always been a challenge all over the world and

cuts across demographical and social barriers. Oman is hardly an

exception to this norm. The silver lining comes from the knowledge

that the Ministry of Higher Education has been proactively pushing the

barriers to enable knowledge seekers get the right stripes and at the right time.

Scholarships announced by the government have also aided students who

have the thirst for knowledge but could not afford to pay for their education.

Recently, HE Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Sarmi, Undersecretary, Ministry

of Higher Education, said that the ministry would soon be announcing the

qualifying norms for awarding of 1,000 higher education scholarships. Al

Sarmi said that the scholarships would be distributed over the next five years,

with 200 scholarships being awarded every year.

Steps such as these have resulted in the employability of thousands of students

in the job market. More than 74,000 new job opportunities have been created

in different sectors till the end of July. The number of citizens who have been

employed was over 55,000, including 23,000 in the public sector and 32,000

in the private sector. The jobs provided by the private sector included 6,500

jobs for females.

The most notable thing is that the job opportunities provided by the private

sector were distributed among different educational levels. Nearly 15,000 of

those employed were university degree and diploma holders while over 12,000

were for those who had undergone vocational training.

This comes from training programmes provided either through vocational

training centres or training centres at the Ministry of Manpower.

Greater cooperation between the various educational institutes and the

government bodies like the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Higher

Education as well as the Ministry of Manpower will definitely bring benefits to

the youth of the country.

The fourth edition of Education Review gives an insight into the various

educational institutes which are not only in Oman but also all over the world

giving Omani students a world of opportunities. Happy reading.

Visvas Paul D Karra

Concept and content byVisvas Paul D KarraSushmita SarkhelMuhammed NafieGhalib Abdullah Al Fori

Business HeadJacob George

Sales & MarketingAvi TitusArif Abdul BariSanjeev Rana

Senior Art DirectorSandesh S. Rangnekar

DesignM. BalagopalanKhoula Rashid Al Wahaibi

TranslatorMostafa Kamel

Production ManagerGovindraj Ramesh

PhotographyRajesh BurmanMotasim Abdulla Al Balushi

CORPORATEChief ExecutiveSandeep Sehgal

Executive Vice PresidentAlpana Roy

Vice PresidentRavi Raman

Senior Business Support ExecutiveRadha Kumar

Business Support ExecutiveSarah Salim Al Saadi

Published byUnited Press & Publishing LLCPO Box 3305, Ruwi, Postal Code - 112Muscat, Sultanate of OmanTel (968) 24700896Fax (968) 24707939Email: editor@oeronline.comWebsite: www.umsoman.com

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person or organisation acting or refraining as a result of material in this publication. OER accepts no responsibility for all advertising contents.

An Presentation

Copyright © 2011 United Press & Publishing LLCPrinted by Oriental Printing Press

2011

BREAKING NEW GROUNDOman’s education sector is pushing the envelope with courses aligned with industrial needs

2

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

410 Get the edgeLawrence Alva, CEO, NTI tells how to put your career on the fast track

14 For a paradigm shiftTime to assert change with a greater willingness, says B N Sarkar, Principal, ISS

16 Investing in educationIndian education market is slowly becoming the top ten educational destinations

22 Honour RollYour guide to the best educational institutions across India

26 College ConfessionsStudent life is all about pulling pranks and random funny moments

27 University of Wollongong in Dubai

28 Sultan Qaboos University

30 Murdoch University

32 Kaplan International Colleges

34 University of Southern Queensland

36 Navitas: International studies

Sponsored Features

Study UKKate Clarke, Managing Director and

Education Advisor, Al Ahlam Higher Education and Training

8

Capacity BuildingDr Ahmed Hassan Al Balushi,

Acting Dean, Caledonian College of Engineering

12

Destination AbroadKala Rao, Business Unit

Manager, IDP Education

24

Establishing a sound foundationThe ministry of higher education is in the vanguard of creating job related skills

4

OVERVIEW

The Ministry of Higher Education

has taken steady and advanced

steps for establishing an

infrastructure for the higher education

system in the Sultanate built on

reputable and prestigious universities

and organisations. These institutions

and organisations would open broader

horizons and provide more work

opportunities for Omani students and

scholars to meet the requirements

of the Omani labour market. The

royal directives of His Majesty Sultan

Qaboos bin Said gave the green light to

competent officials and stakeholders to

act and proceed with this development.

HIGHER EDUCATION ADMISSIONS CENTRE (HEAC)It is one of the most important

achievements of the Ministry of Higher

Education. The Admission Centre uses

IT for servicing the community and to

facilitate procedures. To secure easy

and quick transactions, the centre

manages electronic admissions, the

Higher Education Statistical System

and Graduates Survey Project.

ELECTRONIC ADMISSION SYSTEMThis enables all graduates, who

have acquired the general education

diploma or its equivalent, to file one

electronic application to join higher

education institutions and then enables

individuals to register and complete

their admission procedures online or via

SMS. The system provides 24 services,

secures fair and transparent handling of

all applications and gives priority to the

highest school qualifications. Moreover,

the system maintains statistics for all

students enrolled inside or outside

the Sultanate along with providing

proposals and recommendations on

admission, available seats and students’

population in these available seats.

Annually, 50,000 students use this

system, apart from the 61 academic,

higher education and government

entities and 2,072 schools as per the

data of the Ministry of Education for the

academic year 2010-2011.

HIGHER EDUCATION STATISTICAL SYSTEM (HESS)This is an electronic system designed

to collect and disseminate detailed

data about students, academics and

administrators in all higher education

institutions in the Sultanate regarding

Omani students who (will) study

The Ministry of Higher Education is pursuing a variety of programmes ranging from infrastructure development to scholarships and from academic chairs to creating job related skills

ESTABLISHINGA SOUND FOUNDATION HE Dr Rawiyah Bint Saud Al Busaidiyah

Minister of Higher Education

5

abroad, financial data on each Higher

Education Institution, as well as data

on graduated students. The HEAC

also verifies, documents, and provides

data to Higher Education institutions,

government entities, research

and study centres as well as other

concerned entities. The HESS provides

information on higher education in

the Sultanate of Oman in order to

assist decision makers in the country

and other agencies in developing

their strategies and plans that seek to

further develop higher education in the

Sultanate.

THE GRADUATES SURVEY PROJECT The Graduates Survey Project is an

instrument that allows the Ministry to

collect data on graduates’ whereabouts

and their competency to enter the

job market. The survey is expected to

provide valuable data and indicators on

the link between higher education and

the job market, which in turn provides

higher education institutions with

feedback on the skills, competencies

and specialisations of graduates

that are required by the job market.

It also allows these institutions, if

required, to enrich and enhance their

programme offerings. Furthermore,

the results provide graduates and

professional advisory institutions,

students, their parents and families,

as well as the society at large, with

valuable information on the required

programmes for the job market.

PRIVATE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (HEIS)Private Higher Education has become

a key resource for investment as it

significantly contributes in qualifying

cadres and empowering them with

the requisite skills to meet the job

market requirements in the Sultanate.

It’s role became persistent to increase

available sources for higher education

and meet the increasing demands on

higher education inside or outside the

Sultanate. The opportunity to proceed

on one’s studies and receive higher

education programmes are no longer

limited to graduates of public education

diploma but also includes private and

public sectors’ employees and staff.

COLLEGES OF APPLIED SCIENCESThe Students’ Service Centre of the

General Directorate of Colleges of

Applied Sciences supports education

at the colleges of applied sciences,

using a package of activities and events

related to its majors and programmes.

These activities and events would

6

build positive approach towards the

student’s personality, environment and

community and enables student to join

the labour market.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CENTRE Scientific research has been supported

to develop the community, encourage

higher education institutions to conduct

research and studies at the colleges

of applied sciences, support, develop

and benefit from scientific research to

develop programmes for the Colleges

of Applied Sciences, in this regard,

a Scientific Research Centre was

established at the General Directorate

of Colleges of Applied Sciences in

2010. This centre follows-up on the

development of strategic plans, annual

plans for research projects and issuance

of bi-annual Omani magazines for

Colleges of Applied Sciences.

CAREER COUNSELLINGStudents’ Service Centre in coordination

with the Career Counselling Centre at

colleges helps students to choose and

plan their careers by giving them a

future vision of the after college period

and communicating to them the means

and tools to prepare and apply for a job

and get appointed. The centre provides

distinguished and diversified services to

the students and graduates of Applied

Science Colleges and business sectors.

At the time of preparations for the

first graduation class of Sohar Applied

Sciences College, the centre organised

an exhibition at Sohar Applied Sciences

College in 2010, which hosted 36

private and public sector entities.

ACADEMIC ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS CENTRE The centre plays a major role as

it integrates and completes the IT

infrastructure of the Applied Sciences

Colleges. The centre develops and

executes strategic plans relating to

education, supervises and manages the

e-education platform, manages LAN

and WAN networks of the Applied

Sciences Colleges and develops

and executes IT strategic plans and

identifies the requirements for academic

programmes of labs, devices, software

and all other related IT items.

SCHOLARSHIPS Internal scholarships:

The Ministry strives to serve all segments

of society especially social security

and low income families. The Ministry

aims at promoting these families and

qualifying them with knowledge in

different fields, and so makes them

productive and effective parties in

society and major players in the

comprehensive development of different

sectors in the Sultanate. To serve this

end, the Ministry provides internal

scholarships in different educational

entities, which reached 25 entities in the

academic year 2009-2010. The Ministry

allocates fully paid scholarships inclusive

of school fees and charges in addition

to the monthly allowance to the social

security families at the diploma level.

Moreover, the Ministry pays 75 per

cent of the total school fees for low-

income families; Internal Scholarships

Department supervises, monitors

and supports them academically and

financially as it would mitigate the

challenges and difficulties which they

face during their study. The Ministry

continues to support distinguished

students of the sons of social security

students who got the highest degrees

during the diploma stage.

External scholarships

External scholarships are very

important to develop human resources

in rare and required specialisations.

The External Scholarship department

plays an effective role in sending

graduates of public education diploma

or its equivalent to study abroad.

The department provides help to

the students on full/partial external

scholarships via brochures, pamphlets,

and annual lectures to students

interested in studying abroad in order

to familiarise them with the applicable

laws and regulations, academic

systems, language, climate, currency

and admission procedures and

requirements. This enables students

to overcome any difficulties that they

face. The department also follows-up

on these students and encourages

them to be better representatives

of their countries. The department

urges them to adopt the concept of

“excellence” in all their dealings and

in their study, and adhere to good

ethics. The department also handles

the identification and qualification

documents of the nominees through

attachments of our embassies abroad,

which register envoys, follow-up on

their academic achievements and

progress, and report such progress to

competent entities. The department

strives to accommodate the annual

growing increase of diploma

graduates; additional fully covered

scholarships reached 30, in addition

to 15 in veterinary medicine and

22 scholarships, granted by some

administrative entities in the state.

HIGHER EDUCATION SERVICES OFFICEIn compliance with the Ministry’s policy

in regard to involving the private sector

in the activities of Higher Education,

private sector educational entities

have been authorised to open offices to

practice and provide higher education

services subject to the conditions and

standards set forth in the regulations of

the organisation of the Higher Education

service offices as promulgated by the

Ministerial decree No. 28 of 2005 dated

on March 28, 2005. To encourage these

offices to advance their service quality,

they have been categorised into first

and second classes in accordance with

technical, administrative and academic

standards. The number of authorised

offices is 24, classified into 11 offices

within the first class and 13 within the

second class of offices.

OVERVIEW

7

POST GRADUATE STUDIES The department handles the

completion of procedures, required

for postgraduate studies, i.e. Master’s

and Doctorate, for the stakeholders

interested in proceeding on their

studies, whether they are private or

public sector employees or individuals

from different authorities of the state.

The department makes lists of the

holders of doctorates and approves

them by competent entities, opens

new channels for postgraduate studies

in other countries, communicates

with the students who conduct

their postgraduate studies on their

expenses to get their documents for

authentication and registration at

the Ministry, answers their inquiries,

directs them to approved and proper

universities, and provides them with

the required help. The department

created integrated database for

postgraduate students inside and

outside the Sultanate. The department

organises forums on sister and

friendly universities for orientation

purposes. Moreover, the department

considers challenges and difficulties

facing students inside and outside the

Sultanate to propose proper solutions.

SULTAN QABOOS SCIENTIFIC CHAIRSGiven the research, educational, historic

and academic relations between Oman

and other countries and in accordance

with the Sultan’s directives and care of

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the

Ministry of Higher Education supervises

five of the 14 academic chairs, which

are honoured to carry the name of His

Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said at world

universities. The Sultanate is keen to

establish more chairs; and work is in

progress for new chairs in Asian and

European countries. In order to follow-

up and report on affairs and activities

related to the Academic Chairs, a

Committee of all authorities supervising

the Chairs was formed, chaired by the

Ministry oHigher Education and the

membership of supervising entities. In

addition, the Committee is mandated

to consider the establishment of

new Academic Chairs and make

recommendations in this regard.

8

INTERVIEW

What does holding a UK

qualification mean for a student

from Oman?

I think that most of our students feel

that anyone who holds any overseas

qualification, not just from the UK, has

the edge over job applicants holding local

degrees. Having said that, the UK has a

reputation for high quality education and

once more, students feel that it would

give them the edge in a situation where

students with overseas qualifications

were on the final shortlist for a job. I am

sure that 95 per cent of our students are

studying not for the love of their subject,

but because it is the next step on the path

to a good career!

How are the courses taught,

mostly?

Degree programmes are taught on a

full time basis but in fact this often

means only one or two lectures per day

(especially at Masters level). Students

fall into the trap of thinking that if

there is no lecture they don’t have any

work but in fact, much of the learning

requires long hours of research and self-

study. This is not something that can be

crammed in at the end of the academic

year, just prior to the exams, so I tell

students to treat their study as if it was

a job – go to the university around 9am

each day and don’t leave until 5pm. Do

all your internet research and reading,

make notes and start early to collect

material so that assignments can be

completed without delay.

STUDY UK

Kate Clarke, Managing Director and Education Advisor, Al Ahlam Higher Education & Training, gives prospective students insights on what it’s like studying in the United Kingdom

9

What kind of support is available

for international students?

These days, every university has an

international office and even before

reaching the UK many students

already know their Middle East

representative and some have even

met them on visits to Oman. Of

course, the Accommodation Office is

the first port of call. Having safe and

comfortable accommodation is essential

and the staff are on hand to help with

any difficulties. Every university has

counsellors available to help students

who are homesick, finding it difficult

to settle in and make friends, or who

are facing difficulties in their studies.

Finally, an increasing number of

universities have an Omani Society,

made up of Omani students, and they

provide valuable help especially in

Fresher’s Week in helping new arrivals.

It’s also nice on special occasions like

National Day to get together with your

countrymen and celebrate.

What are the general entry

requirements?

One of the most important entry

requirements, which foreign students

shouldn’t neglect, is English language

proficiency. Omani students have to

consider that they are going to study

subjects through the medium of English

and they need to have comparable

language skills to those of the British

students. This is why it is essential to

take an IELTS test early on and take

steps to improve their language skills

to the required level (4.5 – 5.0 for entry

to Foundation courses, 6.0 for entry to

a Bachelor’s course and 6.5 for entry

to a Masters course). As for academic

requirements, the general rule is that

the higher ranked the university, the

higher the entry grades.

Would you kindly tell us a little

about UCAS?

All applications to Bachelor’s courses

must be made through UCAS – The

Universities Central Admissions System.

The closing date for applications is June

30 of the year of entry. Applications can

be made after this date but they will be

processed through “Clearing” which

is when unclaimed courses are once

again offered. This takes place at the

end of August and not all courses will

be available through Clearing, so it is

advisable to get applications submitted

before the June deadline.

The visa application procedure

and the rules governing them has

undergone some restructuring

and most students find the whole

procedure quite daunting. What

would your advice be?

Yes, the UK visa system has had a

complete overhaul in the last two

years and the procedure for making an

application is certainly one that requires

a lot of thought and preparation. All

information is found on the Border

Agency website (www.ukba.homeoffice.

gov.uk/studyingintheuk) and the Visa

Application Centre at Ghubra. I would

recommend that students complete the

paperwork for admission to university

as soon as possible and submit their

visa application in good time to avoid

delays and unnecessary anxiety. The

visa takes up to two weeks to process

and in the busy season (the months of

June and August), it can take longer.

In general, what would your

advice be to prospective students?

I would encourage students to start

their planning for overseas study early

on. Keep all documents in a safe place

and collect references from teachers or

from places of work to support future

applications. Be prepared to do a lot of

research into the different universities

and courses that are available. Think

carefully about your career plans and

choose a programme of study that

will enable you to achieve those goals.

Be realistic about what you can do,

if you are a C and D grade student,

there is no point in aspiring to a high

ranked, academic institution – failure is

terribly demotivating. Your self-esteem

will nosedive if you find yourself,

academically, out of your depth.

They say that your student days are

the happiest days of your life – make

sure you can cope with your studies

and you will enjoy your programme

and get maximum benefit. Above all,

be focused. Do not get distracted by

other people who have yet to work out

what they want to do with their lives.

Remember that you will be returning

to Oman to carry on the great work of

building up this country and helping it

to hold its own on the world stage.

Al Ahlam services to studentsWe provide a full range of services, from the moment a student first begins to think about overseas study, until the day he comes back to Oman with his hard earned degree. We provide information on the various courses and universities, advise on university rankings and suitability for the student according to his academic background. We do a course search and help the student to select the most suitable institution and location. We check all supporting documents and submit the applications, following up to receive offer letters. We assist the student, if required, to make his final choice and to accept the offer. We help him with a deposit payment or sending his sponsorship letter to the institution. We receive his CAS and check it carefully, later we will complete his visa application form and check all the supporting documents to ensure that his visa application will be successful. We book hostel accommodation or guide the student to information on private rented accommodation. Even when the student is in the UK we keep in touch to get feedback on their experience and to see how they are getting on. We meet a large proportion of our students on their return to Oman after their studies and keep in touch with them for years afterwards, exchanging Eid greetings, etc. Study abroad is a life-changing experience and we are privileged to help Omanis to achieve their dreams.

10

INTERVIEW

Operating in Oman for the

last 25 years, the National

Training Institute has seen

the changing needs of the local market

and has diversified into different areas

to meet the same. Today NTI provides

training in six different areas namely –

IT, Business Skills (Soft Skills),Health

Safety Environment (HSE), Industrial

Technical training, Financial Studies

and Executive Development Programs.

Their learning solutions are designed

and delivered to ensure that training

creates measurable business value for

clients and are customised according to

their specific learning environment and

business needs. Their clientele ranges

from Corporate firms from the Oil &

Gas, Telecomm, Banking and Financial

Institutions, Automobile industry etc

together with the government sector

Who are the courses meant for?

Majority of the participants undergoing

training at the five different divisions

of NTI are the employees of the

Government and Private sector. The

entire programme portfolio offered at

NTI focuses on building Knowledge,

Skills and Attitude of the participants

attending the course, this makes NTI

the chosen training provider for the

corporate and the Government sector.

How do the certifications help

secure better jobs?

Today’s employers need people who

are professionally qualified so that they

can be productive from day one. The

skill-building approach of the courses

offered by NTI helps participants

gain practical knowledge and local

market requirements combined with

international standards in the delivery

of the programme, enhances the

knowledge and skills of participants

that complement their technical/

academic qualifications and make

them ready for entering the

professional sector.

Kindly tell us a little about your IT

courses and design courses.

The IT division of NTI is represented

by New Horizons Computer Learning

Center, a US based company with

around 385 centres worldwide. NTI

is an authorised training and testing

centre for Microsoft, Oracle, CompTIA,

EC-Council, ICDl, ICCKE as well as

higher end certifications like PMP,

ITIL, VMware and Bluecoat. New

Horizons helps companies increase

the productivity of their employees by

helping them get the most out of their

technology. Mentored Learning is the

solution developed by New Horizons

to cater to their clients’ requirements.

It is a new training alternative to our

valued customers, to reinforce their

trust in us, to let them know that

we keep innovating and committing

ourselves to understand their needs

and provide appropriate solutions. It is

not a product that we sell, instead it is

a service that we provide to those who

partner with us to provide solutions.

Through this, we aim at providing

targeted, time-bound solutions to the

consumer segment, maximum training

ROI to the corporate and a hard nosed

competition to our competitors.

What’s new for NTI this year?

Keeping abreast with the increasing

demand in the industry for higher

professional qualifications and

certifications, all divisions of NTI

have geared up to offer the latest

qualifications and certifications

required by the industry.

The IT division of NTI, New Horizons

Computer Learning Center has become

the only authorised centre in Oman

to offer the high-end professional

certifications like VMware and Bluecoat.

The upgradations in technologies

related to Microsoft, Oracle, CompTIA

are anyway a part of their on-going

development programme. In view of

the recent developments, the Business

Skills division of NTI, BizPro has

designed a programme on Employment

Readiness that has helped many

corporates recruit and train their

new recruits in the most efficient and

effective manner.

In addition to providing CAT and

ACCA qualifications, the Financial

Studies division of NTI is now an

authorised centre for providing CIMA

qualifications. The HSE division of NTI

has also started providing IOSH

in Arabic.

The Executive Development

Programmes are offered by the Gulf

School of Business, a division of NTI

that has a wide range of programs to be

offered to the corporate sector.

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12

INTERVIEW

What attracts students to

Caledonian Engineering College?

I think what attracts students is our

reputation. In Oman, reputation is very

important and the word of mouth is

very strong. People trust nothing more

than a reference. So we definitely get

a lot of recommendations from our

past students. We have parents from

Buraimi, Sharqiyah, and Batinah.

They have options to study near their

houses but they want to come here. This

indicates that what we are doing is right

and this indicator gives me confidence

and comfort that we are going in the

right direction.

Mainly, I would say, students are

attracted by the quality of education we

offer and the variety of programmes as

well as the facilities we provide. And

moreover, we keep on adding value.

There are other colleges who will be

providing similar type of programmes

but we want to provide that competitive

advantage as we understand how the core

values work. So I keep on adding value

which our competitors cannot imitate.

So I reach a stage where others copy and

try to catch up with us but by then we

are already in an advanced stage.

The other main advantage is we lay

emphasis on practical studies. In

technical education, it is important for

students to get exposed to the industry

and receive hands-on training. This

requires a lot of effort and investment BUILDINGCAPACITY

Dr Ahmed Hassan Al Balushi, Acting Dean, Caledonian Engineering College speaks about the college’s aims and goals

13

and have invested a lot in providing the

right facilities for practical classes.

Can you tell us about some of the

new programmes that Caledonian

is offering?

In September 2011, we will be proudly

introducing a Masters programme

(MSc) in Maintenance Management

in affiliation with Glasgow Caledonian

University from UK. This is targeted

towards oil and gas professionals. In

the past it was delivered by faculty

from GCU. But we have now agreed

that GCU will train our faculty to deliver

the modules. We don’t want to import

knowledge. This is in line with His

Majesty’s vision, as we create knowledge

and learn from other experiences and

share. Every year we have around 450

students graduate and so far we have

produced more than 2500 graduates.

We produce around 50 per cent of the

engineers in the country. The complete

capacity of the college is 750 students.

Do you have any tie-ups with

industries in Oman?

Caledonian College is unique because

of its relationship with the industry.

We have the industry liaison group,

where we have different members

from the industry who have formed a

committee, which meets twice a year.

We get feedback from this committee

about not only our students but also

the requirements of the industry

because they recruit out students.

This group is very effective. We visit

their organisations to get feedback,

and they meet us every semester. We

hold workshops where we get to learn

about the future trends in the industry.

So we incorporate these learnings

into our programmes. We have made

so many changes in the programmes

based on the recommendations of this

committee. There is nothing better than

having a direct link with the industry

because they will give you feedback

about the quality of your graduates.

We have been told that students of

Caledonian College are better than

others in team work, critical thinking

and leadership. The soft skills add value

to our graduates and help them excel

and differentiate themselves from the

others. This is the educational part

which is different from the content of

the engineering curriculum.

What about staff development?

We support our students when they go

to present papers in other universities

and colleges across the world with an

all expenses paid trip. The other thing

that differentiates our college from the

others is the staff development. We

fund around 80 per cent of the total

cost of staff development initiatives,

for example encouraging faculty

members to pursue further studies.

This is not found in other colleges. We

do this to attract high calibre staff. We

also encourage Omanisation through

schemes for Omani teachers and

students to become academics. We do

have very attractive schemes for Omanis

to become academics.

What, according to you, is

the direction that the Omani

education system needs to take

for students to become world-

leaders?

What we are doing in Caledonian

reflects the whole Omani education

system. Our focus and emphasis

is on adding value to the current

programmes, which have been existing

for the past 15 years. The other goal is

bringing in programmes that is needed

for future like the aforementioned

Masters in Maintenance Management.

Some courses might not be feasible

now but they have the potential for the

future. We have a strong brief that we

want to be the pioneer in the sector

in bringing programmes. It doesn’t

matter if others copy us but we want

to be the first to bring the programmes

in the country. Let others learn from

us, we don’t mind. That is the vision

and strategy.

The other thing is contributing to

building the local capacity. We, in our

own small way, are contributing to the

research and development because

one of our strategic goal is to be active

in research. We have taken good steps

in the area of engineering and we are

concentrating on renewable energy

because we believe that this will be

the future of our country. We are

going to have a centre of excellence

with international research facilities

and centres. We already have a few of

our staff who are actively involved in

this research. They have publications,

research collaborations and they have

interest in that field. They are also doing

their PhDs in that area. Thus we are

contributing to the global Omani vision

of building capacity.

My own personal interest and goal

is to add value to our students and I

see this as a very important vision for

myself. I want our graduates to become

experts in their field. When they

hold a degree in their specialisation,

they should be able to defend their

degree. When they are studying for

five years in our college, my desire is

that my students should be knowledge

creators and knowledge seekers and

not just passive learners in the class.

That is my personal interest. I want to

see my students doing research and

challenging the books and theories.

That comes only when they dig deep

into the knowledge they take from

the classroom. And I always tell my

students, don’t accept minimum from

what you get in the class. The real

knowledge comes when you go and

search for that knowledge by reading

and research. Only when you go

deep, will you be able to defend your

knowledge when you are sitting with

an expert. We are the facilitators, but

you do the research and challenge the

knowledge by doing critical analyses.

(For more information about courses, visit www.cce.edu.om)

14

VIEWPOINT

There is now a unique

shift in our approach to

survive on this planet,

though life appears to be stuck

up between a preferable past

and an uninviting present. In

a strange way, probably, we

are coming under the spell

of economic imperialism.

Changing life patterns are

making excessive demand

upon our individual self and

circumstances. Hence, a

modern professional outlook

is desired for all of us, that too,

immediately among our young

generation. This, however, must

envisage a new value chain

dovetailed with greater socio-

economic accountability.

Then, elements catalysing

change need be crafted into a

variety of dynamic opportunities

–enabling youth to act, enjoy and grow

with all sustaining virtues. Even the

outlandish or out-dated strategy or

plan of action could be revamped to

encounter the unforeseen and resolve

challenges.

The art of remaining engaged in any field

to earn a living carries a hidden motto:

one need not require the symbolic

‘albatross’ of shame and penance to be

hung around one’s neck while working

to sustain life. In the ever expanding

professional arena, youth is expected to

have a mind-set to understand that no

job or involvement is inferior and every

type of work-culture has its own social

and economic relevance.

Young people now are exposed to

the heat of a variety of political and

economic disparities added with a

number of other motion offences.

However, beyond this harsh reality lie

hope, aspiration and the inner urge of

many venturesome minds to ride over

It is high time we asserted change with a greater willingness to be more dynamic, more challenging to enable the youth to participate and progress without any inhibition, writes B.N. Sarkar, Principal, Indian School Al Seeb

For a Paradigm Shift

the waves and feel the pulse of

their successful future within

their easy reach. Consequently,

such a mixed scenario demands

community leadership and

social activism in order to

establish a happening society.

It also requires a sensible

polity, allowing youth to

participate and interact with

all mechanisms of governance.

In this, policy makers as well

as the knowledge managers

have to re-endeavour to

provide empathy and values

to accommodate non-linear

programmes while engaging

the young. These efforts must

be more inclusive in nature

and less tokenistic. Besides

this, a synthesis of local and

global cultures is also urgently

needed to channelise young

minds through many a subtle

thought processes into life-excelling

purpose and action. These are to be

done without violence and emotional

upsurge.

FAST TRACK THINKING AND PERFORMINGWhile thinking deeply about engaging

community to mobilise the young

unto thought and action, stimulating

“profession-cum-life – attributes”

become the key rider. Good score is

no longer the only indicator to justify

15

and ensure individual’s qualitative

transformation and progress. Rather,

fast track social order demands fast

track ‘thinking and performing mind’-to

absorb change and navigate difficult

decision-making routes without losing

direction. Once the elderly generation

understands this aspect, they could

become the real source for helping

youth apply their mind to strengthen

themselves in setting stimulating goals.

Today, the capacity to engage oneself

with full potential, under any given

situation for a sustainable cause, is the

vital demand of the hour.

There’s a whole school of thought that

asserts about teens knowing the actual

difference between what is real and

what is not. Probably, it is a myth and

not always correct. If that would have

been the case, then they would have

not mostly followed the beaten track in

attempting to choose their professional

life! Undoubtedly, peer group does

generate some kind of fraternity

influence. But, the honest strive to settle

down in life with age old professional

degrees and diplomas without

weighing their long term benefits could

have forced many brilliant minds to

disappear into oblivion. Ironically,

academically weak, who once had no

specific choice of careers, no dreams

either, could possibly be seen enjoying

life by virtue of their engagement, as if

they had been already destined for it!

Now, what could be the logic behind

both of these varying situations!

Let’s struggle a bit to understand

this phenomenon with a normative

thought process. However, in trying

to do so, we might at one end stumble

upon the youth affected by grinding

unemployment and the ill effects of

poorly organised rural, semi-urban or

urban sector while at the other end, we

could still find entrepreneurial ventures

tempting the mortal might to go further

in enhancing material success. Yes,

matter is eclipsing the mind, compelling

precious human labour to glorify

infrastructural design to intimidate

nature and the very existence of all

other forms of organic life on earth.

In the last four decades, we have

experienced monumental heights of

success in the name of liberalisation

followed by their wearied consequences,

affecting human civilisation with utter

scepticism and despair. The earth has

been greatly disturbed and the earthly

folks are in the misery of all sorts of

unusual self-made complications. It

certainly has an alarming impact upon

the young generation for they need to

live better and save this habitat in the

future.

TORCHBEARERS OF THE FUTURE We need to draw a line of demarcation

somewhere and urgently unlearn

and use the current situation to

pave the ways ahead. Each mistake

must ensure a new beginning, new

commitments and new realisation.

Youth in this venture must be treated

as absolute “beginners.” The old idea

of becoming an apprentice to master a

trade for a living , to be a copy writer

to discover creativity to fulfil a great

urge to express in the future, to be an

assistant to a chemist or a scientist , to

be sub-assistant to a renowned editor,

to persist night after night the subtle

nuances of a piece of dramatic action in

the backyards of the theatre, to practice

mathematic problem hour after hour, in

spite of having degrees or qualifications

in innumerable such fields, definitely

draws our attention. The beginners in

spite of requisite qualifications must

undergo severe field training, to have

greater affinity with their trade as

they are to embrace it as well as their

livelihood. Hard work and consistency

with patience to master skills and

attributes that define a profession could

enable the one to discover more than

it is initially perceived. Moreover, this

precisely demands constant monitoring

and mentoring by seniors who have

already groomed themselves in order to

make themselves worthy of their calling.

A similar set of training schemes could

be worked out for other professions

too and the programme of learning

pattern in such cases could be more

emphasized. Subjects that demand

high order thinking pattern also could

be reworked upon to harness the

knowledge-domain to help ‘the beginner

‘attain mastery on it. What we discover

in the process is that we do not disown

conventional wisdom but give a new

approach to prevailing sets of learning

modules. And we are asserting change

with a greater willingness to be more

dynamic, to be more challenging while

expecting more ground made available

to the young to participate and progress

without any inhibition. This sort of

planning is expected to be thought

about in our academic institutions

with much more precision and care.

In the process, many courses would

be required to be re-worked, many

more new professional programmes

would require to be added, further

many policies pertaining to academic

attainment would undergo change.

And government or semi-government

agencies funding them would have to

work again and refashion their schemes

to enable youth to gain larger share

of advantage in seeking a career and

in establishing their lives. The role of

professional counselling would become

enormous.

Students seeking professional success

have to become more knowledgeable

and aware about their competence in

terms of their choice. They would need

to learn the art of remaining connected.

Their communication skills must have

greater competence. And last but not

least, they would gain to mould their

contemporary time to act to their

suitability as they would become the

torchbearers of a meaningful future.

Ultimately, the selection of a career for

a dynamic young life will mean a larger

participation in society and in life.

16

INDIA OVERVIEW

The size of the Indian education

sector is expected to double to

$50bn by 2015 with the rise in

government expenditure along with

an increase in middle-class income,

according to a study conducted

recently. According to the report, the

size of the education sector currently

is pegged at $25bn, with higher

education market estimated at $15bn.

The government is planning to spend

about five per cent of gross domestic

product (GDP) in the next five years on

education, as per the study.

The education sector in India is

witnessing growth in private equity (PE)

investment, according to HDFC. The

company plans to foray into the sector,

which according to Keki Mistry, Vice

Chairman and CEO, HDFC, has touched

$190mn in 2010.

The education sector is also witnessing

increase in hiring activities as per

the employment indices of online job

portals Naukri.com and Monster India.

In the month of June 2010, the indices

for Monster India and Naukri.com went

up by nine per cent and 10 per cent,

respectively.

India was ranked number four on the

list of the top 10 preferred destinations

Investing inEDUCATION

The Indian education market has acquired the status of being one among the top ten educational destinations. This has prompted a beeline of not just students to the universities but also investors have begun to queue up to cash in on this boom

Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode

17

for B-school aspirants, according to

the findings of a survey conducted by

the Graduate Management Admission

Council (GMAC).

Further, according to a worldwide

survey of ‘Universal Business Schools

with major international influence,’

conducted by French consulting

firm SMBG amongst deans of 1000

business schools, the Indian Institute

of Management Bangalore (IIM-B)

has been ranked 24th while IIM-

Ahmedabad ranked 55th.

TECHNICAL EDUCATIONTaking a step further, the government

has approved the intended investment

of $519mn to initiate the second phase

of the Technical Education Quality

Improvement Programme (TEQIP).

Of the total project expenditure of

$519mn in the second phase, the World

Bank will contribute $298mn, the

Centre’s contribution according to 11th

Five-Year Plan is $106.8mn, while the

states and private unaided institutions

will invest $110.7mn and $3.42mn,

respectively. The project will be open

for competition and participation by all

the engineering institutions approved

by the AICTE.

The TEQIP scheme has been on since

2003, with World Bank’s assistance.

The scheme was envisaged as a long-

term programme of about 10-12 years,

to be implemented in three phases

for transformation of the technical

education system. The first phase of

TEQIP ended on March 31, 2009,

covering 127 institutions in 13 states.

The Orissa government has signed

memoranda of understanding (MoUs)

with eight mega industries for setting

up quality Industrial Training Centres

(ITCs) in the state in the first phase.

The Industries Association of

Uttarakhand (IAU), an organisation

of micro, small and medium

enterprises (MSMEs), will soon sign

a memorandum of understanding

(MoU) with the University of Petroleum

and Energy Studies. Under the MoU,

the IAU will organise workshops and

conferences, and provide inputs from

experts for curriculum development.

E-LEARNINGKapil Sibal, the Indian Union Minister

for Human Resource Development

has announced government’s plans to

launch a scheme, which would bring

in information, communication and

technology (ICT) into elementary

education. The scheme which is likely

to be on the lines of the ICT scheme

for higher education, would focus on

the development of e-contents which

would be used by students at primary

and upper-primary classes for learning

purposes.

The minister recently unveiled a $35

low-cost computer in an attempt to

revolutionise classroom education

across the country. The device allows

students to write and store text, browse

the Internet and view videos, among

other regular features.

Educomp Solutions has announced

an agreement with China Distance

Education Holdings Ltd (CDEL), a

provider of online education in China,

granting the latter exclusive rights

to licence and distribute Educomp’s

products in China (excluding Hong

Kong, Macau and Taiwan).

TRAININGThe training industry in India is a

sunrise industry with a lot of potential.

IndiaCan Education Private Limited,

a 50:50 joint venture with Educomp

Solutions Limited and US-based

Pearson Education, plans to open 250

centres across India by the end of this

financial year. It aims at training over

500,000 persons annually and to make

them ‘ready-to-deploy’ in the industry

by 2012.

“Currently with 50 centres, we plan

a pan-India network of more than

600 vocational training centres in

the next 12-18 months. Each centre

can realistically enrol about 1,000

students,” as per Srinath Venkatesh,

Vice-President (sales, marketing and

operations), IndiaCan.

Recently, Sharekhan and California-

based Online Trading Academy have

entered into a joint venture to provide

trading and investing education in

India.

Core Projects and Technologies Ltd

has signed an MoU with Gujarat

Knowledge Society (GKS) to impart

job-oriented skill upgradation courses

to students from various disciplines

in colleges across Ahmedabad and

Surat districts.

Mumbai University

18

??

Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS)

is opening its first learning and

development centre for its campus

trainees. The new centre is equipped to

train 6,000 professionals in a year.

HCL Technologies Ltd has announced

a tie-up with the business process

outsourcing (BPO) training institute,

Orion Edutech. As per the agreement,

Orion will customise its Diploma in

BPO Management (DIBM) to suit HCL’s

industry specific talent requirement.

FOREIGN INSTITUTES IN INDIA Many overseas business schools have

come to India seeking a big revenue

boost, and a chance to understand the

concerns of a developing economy.

In order to regulate the operation

and entry of foreign educational

institutions in India, the government

has introduced the Foreign Educational

Institutions (Regulation of Entry and

Operations) Bill, 2010, in the lower

house of the Parliament on May 3,

2010. Earlier, the Bill was cleared by the

Union Cabinet, which proposes to allow

foreign education providers to establish

campuses in the country and offer

degrees as well.

The Indian School of Business

(ISB) has signed a Memorandum

of Understanding (MoU) with The

Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy,

Tufts University, US, to support the

setting up of the Bharti Institute of

Public Policy at the upcoming ISB

campus in Mohali, Punjab.

INSEAD, the business school

headquartered in Fontainebleau, Paris,

plans to offer a dedicated, 12 month

programme in business management

for mid to senior-level Indian

executives, with about 10-15 years of

work experience.

University of the West of Scotland

(UWS) has tied up with Punjab-based

GGS Group of Colleges as its India

partner, besides Hyderabad-based

Jawaharlal Nehru Technological

University (JNTU).

Yale University has signed an

agreement with two of India’s leading

institutions, the Indian Institute of

Management-Kozhikode (IIM-K) and

the Indian Institute of Technology-

Kanpur (IIT-K), to develop training

programmes that will create academic

leadership in the country.

The University of Atlanta has

announced the opening of its first

study centre in Indian Subcontinent at

Ahmedabad.

Maastricht University (UM), based

in The Netherlands, inaugurated the

Maastricht Education and Research

Centre (MERC), in Bangalore. A

subsidiary of the Maastricht University,

the MERC will foster academic

collaboration with Indian institutions

and conduct joint researches of social

relevance in India.

Ahmedabad-based Indus Institute of

Technology and Engineering (IITE)

has collaborated with Georgian

College, a leading college in Canada, to

provide a unique Advanced Diploma in

Mechanical Engineering Technology —

Automotive Manufacturing for Indian

students.

“India will import about $320bn in

electronics goods by 2015, from the

present $32bn, which means there is

huge demand and production gap,”

according to Srikanth Jadchela, CEO,

Synopsys Electronics Education and

Research (Seer) Akademi.

Infrastructure major GMR Group

and Schulich School of Business of

York University in Toronto, Canada,

have entered into an understanding

to develop a Schulich campus in

Hyderabad.

The shipping ministry has allocated

$65.9mn to the Indian Maritime

University to create infrastructure

facilities including academic complex,

administrative building, library, hostels

and residential accommodation over the

next five years.

GLOBAL FOOTPRINTSIndian institutes are now collaborating

and establishing offshore campuses in

order to increase their global footprints.

The Institute of Clinical Research India

(ICRI), has entered into a strategic-

cum-academic alliance with the Medical

University of South Carolina (MUSC)

to offer two new courses - Masters in

Health Administration and Master of

Science in Clinical Research. These

courses will be offered through ICRI’s

six campuses in Delhi, Mumbai,

Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Dehradun

and Bangalore, apart from its overseas

campuses in Singapore and the UK.

INVESTMENTSThe education sector is one of the thrust

areas for investments as emphasis is

being laid on revamping the systems

through increasing investments.

According to the Kaizen Education

Report released by Kaizen Mgmt

Advisors, the pre-school segment is

worth an estimated $500mn currently

and is expected to grow to $1bn in the

next two years. Further, the segment is

growing at a compounded annual rate

(CAGR) of 30 per cent.

International university endowment

funds have stepped up their presence in

the Indian stock markets to cash in on

the high returns. The number of such

funds investing in India has increased

from six in 2008 to around 20 in 2010,

as per Securities and Exchange Board of

India (SEBI) data.

Sequoia Capital, the Indian arm of the

US-based venture capital firm, has

INDIA OVERVIEW

19

announced its second round of funding

for $5.54mn to K12 Techno Services

Pvt Ltd, which runs 70 Gowtham Model

School units in Andhra Pradesh.

Edutor Technologies plans to raise

$3mn to expand its rural customer

base for the launch of new content

through its handheld learning device.

The company has decided to tie up with

Government schools to tap the rural

market.

Hewlett-Packard (HP) has announced

its contribution of $1mn – to the newly

set up Education Innovation Challenge

Fund for India – to support innovative

initiatives in science, math and

technology education among students

and teachers in India.

PE firm Mayfield India announced

that it has invested $8.73mn into

Bharti’s Centum Learning. According

to Sanjeev Duggal, CEO and executive

director, Centum Learning, they would

need to invest close to $21.83mn in

the next two to three years in various

activities as he observed that there are

a lot of opportunities in M&A’s in the

vocational training space.

Educomp Solutions Ltd, an integrated

education company, has bought

strategic stake in engineering test prep

player Vidya Mandir Classes Pvt Ltd

(VMC) for around $7.34mn.

Everonn Business Education Limited

(EBEL), a Chennai-based education

services firm, plans to open 500

Indigrow Institute of Professional

Studies (IIPS) centres by 2015. The

company would invest $216,679 in

each centre.

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management

Studies (NMIMS), a premium

management education provider

with centres in Mumbai, Shirpur and

Bangalore, has begun operations from

a new facility in Hyderabad and plans

to set up an integrated campus with an

outlay of $22.59mn at Jedcherla.

The second campus of the Indian

School of Business (ISB) is coming up

in Mohali. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief

Minister of Punjab, laid the foundation

stone for the campus, which would start

the first academic session in the city

for the post graduate programme in

management in April 2012.

The Government plans to set up

four new Indian Institutes of Mass

Communication (IIMCs) from the next

academic year in Kerala, Jammu and

Kashmir, Vidarbha in Maharashtra and

Aizwal in Mizoram, as per Ms Ambika

Soni, Union Minister for Information

and Broadcasting.

India at the forefront of cutting-edge medical technology

22

INDIA LISTING

The Indian education system

enjoys an elite position in the

global arena today. And with

each passing year, students from

all over the world head towards the

country to pursue various academic

degreees. According to statistics, India

has the second largest higher education

network in the world.

There are universities focusing on the

study of medicine, arts, languages,

journalism, social work, business,

commerce, planning, architecture,

engineering, and other specialised

studies. The medium of instruction in

most of the institutes is English and

some even conduct special language

classes for students who speak English

as a second language.

With over 343 universities and 17000

colleges, it maybe hard for students to

decide which institutes are the best. We

have narrowed down some of the names

of the prestigious and famous institues

for your easy reference…

ENGINEERINGOne of the most popular choices

for students, India has a plethora

of colleges and universities offering

degrees in various engineering

specialisations. Among these, the Indian

Institutes of Technology (IIT) are at the

top with IIT – Kanpur ruling the roost.

Traditionally there are seven IITs: IIT

Kharagpur, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras,

IIT Kanpur, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati,

and IIT Roorkee. But recently eight

new IITs have been introduced as well.

The National Institutes of Technology

(NIT) are equally revered, for instance

NIT Warangal and/or NIT Trichy.

But apart from these there are many

HONOUR ROLLYour guide to the best institutions across India

23

University Visvesvaraya College of •

Engineering (UVCE), Bangalore

PSG College of Technology, •

Coimbatore

MEDICINEIt is no secret that India has some of the

best medical colleges across the globe.

Be it medical research or doctors at the

forefront of groundbreaking surgical

procedures, India is a beacon of light for

healthcare development in and across

Asia. The most renowned medical

institutes are:

All India Institute of Medical Sciences •

(AIIMS), New Delhi

Maulana Azad Medical College, New •

Delhi

University College of Medical Science •

and Research Centre, New Delhi

Christian Medical College, Vellore•

Armed Forces Medical College, Pune•

Lady Hardinge Medical College, New •

Delhi

B.J. Medical School (BJMC), •

Ahmedabad

Grant Medical College, Mumbai•

Kasturba Medical College, Manipal•

Seth GS Medical College, Mumbai•

COMMERCELet’s talk business. Not all of want to

be doctors and engineers. And with the

workforce really opening up, commerce

subjects have become very popular.

Wondering which ones are the best?

We’ll tell you:

Shri Ram College of Commerce, New •

Delhi

St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata•

Loyola College, Chennai•

Lady Shri Ram College for Women, •

New Delhi

Shri Narsee Monjee College of •

Commerce and Economics, Mumbai

Symbiosis Society’s College of Arts & •

Commerce, Pune

RA Podar College of Arts and •

Commerce, MUmbai

St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore•

KPB Hinduja College of Commerce •

and Economics, Mumbai

Mount Carmel College, Bangalore•

SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIESFrom journalism to history to linguistics

– for those looking for a degree in

liberal arts, India houses some excellent

institutions. Some of the best ones

include:

Lady Shri Ram College for Women, •

New Delhi

St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi•

Loyola College, Chennai•

St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai and •

Kolkata

Christ University, Bangalore•

Miranda House, New Delhi•

Fergusson College, Pune•

Stella Maris College, Chennai•

Sophia College for Women, Mumbai•

Symbiosis Society’s College of Arts & •

Commerce, Pune

SCIENCEThe study of sciences has always been

popular. We all realise the crucial

role science plays in our lives. From

electricity to biology – everything in

and around us revolve around science.

If science has piqued your curiosity and

you are keen to pursue a career in the

field, then why not consider some of

the colleges in India associated with the

finest degree programmes in science.

St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi•

St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata•

Miranda House, New Delhi•

Mount Carmel College, Bangalore•

Sri Venkateshwara College, New •

Delhi

Osmania University College for •

Women, Hyderabad

Mithibai Arts Chauhan Institute, •

Mumbai

Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College, •

Bangalore

Scottish Church College, Kolkata•

Ramnarain Ruia College, Mumbai•

more engineering institutes worth

considering:

Delhi Technological University•

Birla Institute of Technology and •

Science, Pilani

Vellore Institute of Technology•

International Institute of Information •

Technology, Hyderabad

RV College of Engineering, Bangalore•

College of Engineering, Pune•

Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute •

of Technology, Surat

Netaji Subhash Institute of •

Technology, New Delhi

24

INTERVIEW

Kindly give us a quick history

of IDP and its core services.

IDP is the pre-eminent placement

and support service for people

pursuing an international education

experience and a leading provider

of English language proficiency

services.

IDP Education Pty Ltd is the

world’s largest student placement

provider. For 40 years, IDP

Education has played a major role

in international education and

development. IDP is co-owned

by 38 Australian universities and

Seek Ltd, Australia’s leading online

employment and training company.

During this time, IDP has placed

more than 300,000 international

students. Each year, students from

various countries choose IDP to

help them transform their dreams

of international study into reality.

Whether it is counselling support

by a qualified student counsellor to

make the right choice of international

education destination, providing

accurate information, smoothing out

the application process or managing

visa applications, international students

really are better placed with IDP. IDP

endeavours to stay in touch with the

students we have placed and help them

transition into their new environment.

You have also recently started

helping students applying to the

US as well. Kindly tell us a little

more about that.

Recently, IDP has commenced recruiting

international students for select

institutions in the United States, Canada

and the UK. We have contracted with a

number of universities in these countries.

In what ways would you say

applying through IDP is better

than individual applications?

All our counsellors are well qualified

to impart the right information. They

are committed to helping students

make the right education choice in the

best possible course and institution.

This personal connection is invaluable

in course selection, application,

enrollment, student visa application

assistance and pre-departure advice

to ensure you are well prepared and

committed to reaching your full

potential. We also have direct contacts

with the universities that are contracted

with us, making the application

turnaround time much faster.

Visa applications maybe a

daunting task. In what ways

does IDP help prospective

students through the

application process?

All our education consultants are

aware of the visa procedures for

different countries. Hence they are

able to guide the students well and

help them present all the documents

in the correct order.

Do you also help students

secure aid/scholarships?

IDP does guide the students by

advising them of the various

available scholarships and the

process involved in seeking these

scholarships.

Do you help students with pre-

departure formalities as well?

Pre- Departure is one of the most

important part of our service.

Our counsellor will assist with

accommodation, airport reception and

organise a pre-departure briefing for the

student to help orient him/her to life

and study in the new destination.

What would your advice be to

prospective students?

Seek advice from an IDP counsellor

and start the process at least a year in

advance. Requirements are country and

university specific for admissions as

well as visa processes. Hence, seeking

guidance at the right time would ensure

a smoother journey for the student.

DESTINATION ABROADIDP just might be the answer if you’re looking for some assistance with your university applications. Kala Rao, Business Unit Manager, IDP Education explains how…

26

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

Gift WrapThis one time, my friends and I decided

to pull a prank on our college roommate

while he was on vacation. We wrapped

everything that was his with cling film.

His clothes, shoes, pillows, the pens and

pencils on his desk, and even the TV

in his room! He was stunned when he

returned and we had a good laugh over

it (and helped him ‘unwrap’ everything

after that)!

Twilight ZoneI like to put glitter on my friend’s

freshly washed face towels. Why? I

think it’s funny to see his face all sparkly

after a wash – just like Edward Cullen

(Twilight).

Dental TraumaI just realised my roommate and I have

been using the same toothbrush for

months now. I guess the joke’s really on

both of us.

What’s In A Name?My roommate’s a foreign exchange

student from Korea. We’ve lived

together for the past five months and I

still don’t know her name. I’ve resorted

to calling ‘hey’ since it’d be a little too

awkward to ask her now, “So, what’s

your name again?”

CarpoolMy brother and a bunch of his friends

decided to pull a prank on one of their

roommates. So they carried his smart

car through the entrance hall of their

campus and put it into one of the 10-

person elevators. It took him seven hours

to eventually find his car (by accident

on his way upstairs) and another two to

actually get it out of the elevator.

Snow PatrolLast year, in my sophomore year at

university, it’d snowed three feet. Being

unable to drive because the roads were

unploughed still, my roommates and I

sneaked over to our neighbour’s entry

way at midnight. We made a snow wall

covering their whole doorway, about

eight feet high, six feet across and four

feet thick. We still don’t know who our

neighbours are.

Music MismatchI deleted all the songs on my

roommate’s iPod and replaced them

with Rebecca Black’s Friday.

Pizza DeliveryDuring my freshman year, I had a

super annoying roommate. After she

moved out, I posted fliers around the

entire dorm telling people to text

their favourite colour followed by

their favourite pizza topping to her

number to win a free pizza. For a

month she kept wondering why kept

receiving random texts saying

“Pink Pepperoni” or “Blue

Chicken ‘n’ Cheese”.

Resident EvilI live in an on-campus apartment

complex with two guys per room. For

the entire first semester, I “accidentally”

left things up on my monitor like, the

Wikipedia page for schizophrenia or

websites for ‘Managing Your Anger’

or ‘Dealing With the Voices’. Finally, I

made sure to leave out long documents

about unsolved murders, with notes and

highlights all over them. Needless to

say, it spooked him out and he avoided

me as much as possible. But the rest of

us found it so funny.

College life is all about pulling pranks and random funny moments. Well, maybe not entirely…but here are some confessions from roommates we simply had to share

College Confessions

27

SPONSORED FEATURE

The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) is one of the UAE’s oldest and most prestigious universities.

Established in 1993 by the University of Wollongong in Australia, currently ranked in the leading universities in the world, UOWD represented a very early Australian initiative in the Gulf region.

As an independent UAE institution of higher education, UOWD attracts students not just from the UAE and Australia but from all over the world. Approximately 3,500 students representing almost 100 nationalities are currently enrolled at UOWD and enjoy a quality academic experience.

UOWD offers a variety of specialist Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes in the areas of Business, Finance and Information Technology. All UOWD degree programs are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and are also audited by the Australian Universities Quality Agency. Their internationally recognised qualifications enable UOWD graduates to pursue rewarding careers in Dubai’s burgeoning employment market.

UOWD programmes include:

UndergraduateBachelor of Business Administration ¡Bachelor of Commerce (with ¡specialisations in Accounting, Finance, HRM, International Business, Management, Marketing)Bachelor of Computer Science ¡(Digital Security Systems, Multimedia Technology)Bachelor of Internet Science & ¡Technology Bachelor of Information Technology ¡(MIS)

PostgraduateMaster of Business Administration (MBA) ¡

University of Wollongong in Dubai

Master of International Business ¡Master of Quality Management ¡Master of Strategic Human Resource ¡ManagementMaster of Strategic Marketing ¡Master of Information Technology ¡ManagementMaster of Engineering Management ¡Master of Applied Finance & Banking ¡Master of Science (Logistics) ¡Master of International Studies ¡Master of Mass Media and ¡Communication

Research Doctor of Business Administration ¡Doctor of Philosophy ¡

Contact details:IDP Education Pty Ltd, Behind Madinat Plaza, Madinat Qaboos,OmanTel: +968 24696452/ 53 or University of Wollongong in Dubai, Blocks 5, 14 and 15, Dubai Knowledge Village. Ph: 800-UOWD. Email: info@uowdubai.ac.aeWebsite: www.uowdubai.ac.ae

28

SPONSORED FEATURE

Those who seek excellence and want to be unparalleled in science and knowledge, Sultan Qaboos University

(SQU), which was founded in 1986, is the right place to satisfy their aspirations. The university provides its students with all sorts of necessary support to help them succeed and achieve academic excellence. It has state of the art laboratories and equipment, five technical and general libraries, and hosts and participates in various national and international conferences, seminars, and symposia.

Backed by specialised centres such as the Centre for Career Guidance, Student Counselling Centre, Centre for Educational Technology, Information Systems Centre, Language Centre, nine scientific and research centres, the deanships of Admissions and Registration, Student Affairs, Research, and Postgraduate Studies, students enjoy the best services that provide them with an ideal environment for academic achievements.

Academic Programmes: Besides research, community service, and international cooperation, teaching is considered the university’s foremost mission. SQU offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in its colleges of Arts and Social Sciences, Commerce and Economics, Education, Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, Nursing, Law, Engineering, and Science. The nine colleges offer 56 Master’s and 27 Doctoral programmes.

Students wishing to complete their studies in Master’s and Doctorate programmes can apply according to certain conditions and standards associated with each specialisation. SQU also provides a number of full and partial scholarships on

SULTAN QABOOS UNIVERSITY

Future starts here

an annual basis. For a Bachelor’s degree, students are admitted to the university after completing their general diploma in school through the Higher Education Admission Centre.

Since graduate programmes constitute an integral part of building research capacity and provide the country with highly qualified and specialised cadres, the University will expand its Master’s and Doctoral programmes in areas of importance to the Sultanate. As the largest scientific edifice in the Sultanate, the university is proud of its standards of scientific quality. A number of its academic programmes have gained academic accreditation from various international institutions. In order to develop this aspect, the university drafted its strategic plan 2009-2013 to enhance the research capacities and basic infrastructure of the university and provide necessary expertise to effectively contribute to the development of the economy, enrichment of human knowledge and adoption of deliberate strategies. This is in order to achieve its ambitious goals and develop itself to become a first-degree research institution that plays its role in the dissemination of new knowledge on a large scale and contributes to the development of Oman and the world in general.

Research and the march towards achievementResearch is considered a focal point from which the university moves to the future. Due to the availability of a solid ground and generous support for research provided by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said - may God protect him - SQU launched strategic research to achieve accelerated success in addressing many issues and topics in the areas of environment, energy, health sciences, humanities and social sciences, communications, and industrial resources. The university has funded 87 research grants and signed 31 research agreements in 2010. Along with the scientific advisory services, the university carries out joint scientific projects with various universities.

In 2010, the university also organised 26 conferences and symposia and published 380 papers in renowned international scientific journals. In light of these numbers that demonstrate the size of scientific activity of the university, the postgraduate students, in master’s and doctoral degrees, can also be part of this scene through presenting their ideas and research projects and serving the community and the nation.

For more information, visit: www.squ.edu.om

30

SPONSORED FEATURE

Murdoch University is a dynamic, modern university with a national reputation for excellence in teach-

ing, research, and student satisfaction. Established in 1973 as a research universi-ty, it is conveniently located approximately 11 minutes by train from Perth’s city centre and 10 minutes by car or bus from the social and cultural centre of Fremantle.

Sophisticated yet uncomplicated, the lifestyle in Western Australia is a relaxed one. Located in Perth, Murdoch University gets the privilege of enjoying the gorgeous West Coast sunsets, beautiful white sand beaches, scenic natural landscapes as well as a cosmopolitan city setting, with blue skies and sunny climate almost all year round!

Murdoch University is committed to the pursuit of excellence and has achieved an international reputation for the quality of its teaching and research. With reputable industry partners, Murdoch is one of the leading research universities in Australia.

The research conducted at Murdoch makes a difference – many of Murdoch’s research projects have resulted in benefits to society, including plant disease control, animal health, clean air, waste treatment, and environmental technology. The University takes pride in the fact that it has some of the best-qualified academic staff in Australia.

The university community also believes that a student’s time as Murdoch is

MURDOCH UNIVERSITY

Research at Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia

much more than getting a degree. Thus, Murdoch places much emphasis on the whole university lifestyle. After all, university education is not just about research, lectures or the tutorials, it is not only what one learns in class or in the laboratory, it is really what an individual gains from the entire experience. With a student population of 18,000, including some 3000 international students from over 100 countries around the world, excellent staff-student relations, state-of-the-art facilities, excellent student services, and a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, Murdoch might just be the experience that you are looking for!

Murdoch has an open door academic policy, which means that students can approach academic staff at any time, rather than only during a set appointment time per week. Academic staff are always very approachable and friendly, and questions are always welcome.

There is always great communication between students and staff, which is probably one of the reasons why Murdoch is the only Australian university to have achieved a 5-star ranking for Graduate Satisfaction 15 times (Good Universities Guide).

Discoverers Welcome

www.murdoch.edu.au

Further Information

32

SPONSORED FEATURE

Kaplan International Colleges (KIC) is part of Kaplan Inc., one of the world’s leading providers of lifelong

education, owned by The Washington Post Company. Headquartered in London, United Kingdom, KIC has partnered with some of the UK’s top universities and offers international students preparatory courses that when completed successfully at the required level, guarantee students a place on their chosen degree programme at their partner university.

KIC’s Foundation Certificate and Diploma programmes prepare students for undergraduate studies, while it’s Graduate Diploma and Pre Masters programmes prepare students for postgraduate study. These programmes

are a combination of academic skills, English language skills and subject modules, delivered by tutors who are highly qualified and experienced. KIC also offers academic programmes integrated with English language preparation for students with a low English level.

Students completing pathway programmes at our colleges can progress to a range of exciting degrees at the college’s partner university in the broad subject areas of science, engineering, business, law and social sciences.

KIC’s network of partner universities is growing continuously. Currently, KIC have colleges in partnership with the universities of Bournemouth, Brighton,

City University London, Cranfield, Glasgow, Liverpool, Nottingham Trent, Sheffield and Westminster.

Each of the Colleges offers students a unique study opportunity. Whilst most of the KIC Colleges are located on the campus of the partner university, for those students who want to experience different study environments, there is also the opportunity to study at a purpose built college, before progressing to the partner university campus. KIC is committed to equipping international students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed at a university in the UK, so when they step out of KIC and into university, they’re confident, fully prepared and on the path to success!

Kaplan International Colleges

Achieve university success in the UK

www.kic.org.uk

For more information and to apply, please contact Al Ahlam Higher Education and Training Services, official representative of Kaplan International Colleges in Oman.

Address: Villa 485, Way No 1007, off Seih Al Maleh Street, Qurum Block 210, MuscatTel: +968-24562623 / +968-99473709Email: info@ahlameducation.comWeb: www.ahlameducation.com

Enrol on a Foundation, Diploma or Pre-Masters course and get guaranteed progression (on successful completion) to one of nine prestigious universities in the UK.

- Bournemouth University - City University London - Cranfield University- Nottingham Trent University - University of Brighton - University of Glasgow - University of Liverpool - University of Sheffield - University of Westminster

Art and Design

Al Ahlam Higher Education & Training Services

34

SPONSORED FEATURE

The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) is an Australian and Queensland Government-

accredited University with multiple awards for providing quality teaching and student support and recognised both nationally and internationally for its outstanding distance education programs.

For over 40 years, we’ve been driven by personal support, understanding, and respecting each and every student’s goals. Many of our students study online, and we provide distance education for students in over 80 countries. USQ was also the inaugural winner of the International Council for Open and Distance Learning (ICDE) prize for institutional excellence for its global education initiatives and expertise in providing flexible learning opportunities around the world

Distance study provides you with the opportunity to study regardless of location, and can allow you to continue meeting other life commitments such as work, family or travel. We provide specialised online programmes designed to make your distance education experience a rewarding one.

You can vary the number of courses you take each semester to further suit your circumstances. You can also choose to study part of your program by distance and part on-campus at our Toowoomba, Springfield or Fraser Coast campuses.

So whether you are studying towards your first career, want to improve your current situation or are looking to broaden your horizons and study something you love,

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND

Distance education

we’re ready to work alongside you to see your goals fulfilled.

As a distance education student, you will have access to the same high level academic and student support that on-campus students receive. You will have access to all USQ resources, including;

online access to USQ library • resources,UConnect (our online study • environment), free email accounts, • online counselling. •

The only real difference is that you do not have to attend lectures, with the majority of your communication between lecturers and students readily available via email, online discussion boards, video chat, intensive residential (on-campus) schools and telephone rather than face-to-face.

Studying via distance education, or online, means you are provided with all your study materials for each semester, either through the mail or online. These materials are divided into comprehensive weekly portions, keeping your studies in line with what’s happening on-campus – but you are in control and have the flexibility to tailor these materials so that you can study at your own pace during the semester.

At USQ, studying online doesn’t mean that you have to feel separate to everyone else. We understand the challenges of studying via distance and provide a high level of individual support and assistance, and the internet means your study community is as close as your computer.

Want to know more?Please contact us:Email: international@usq.edu.auWeb: www.internationalstudy.com.au

Study via distance education and fast track your careerImagine not having to give up your job to study what you love, or being able to raise a family, work in your business and learn all at the same time. With the University of Southern Queensland's (USQ) distance education, you can.

With 40 years experience in delivering internationally awarded distance (online) education – USQ prides itself on the support we offer you. Studying with us means you will be studying with an Australian accredited University that offers internationally recognised programs and provides you with the skills and support to help you succeed in your chosen career. Regardless of your location, we will do our best to keep you connected to your future ambitions.

English Language and • PathwaysBusiness and Law• Creative Arts•

Education• Engineering and Spatial • ScienceHealth•

Humanities and • CommunicationInformation Technology• Research•

Diploma• Bachelor• Postgraduate • Certificated

Postgraduate • DiplomaMasters• Doctorate•

You can choose to study from a wide variety of degrees including:

No time to study on campus?

Distance Education Toowoomba Springfield Fraser Coast

Contact usEmail: international@usq.edu.auWeb: internationalstudy.com.auSkype: usq.international

Our distance (online) programs are offered at a number of levels including:

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36

SPONSORED FEATURE

Navitas is the world’s leading pathway provider allowing students all over the world access

to higher education in United Kingdom , Australia, USA, Canada and Singapore.

Navitas teaches only international students and as a result, students get a personalised experience with smaller class sizes and extra lessons around their lectures to ensure that students get the best results possible. Navitas operates on a tri-mester system meaning that students can join in either September, January or May ensuring that no time is lost.

Navitas offers a range of Degree pathways at both Undergraduate and Postgraduate level and guarantees to bring out the best potential in all of its students. We look forward to welcoming you to one of our colleges soon.

What we can offer youNavitas offers a wide range of education services to suit your individual situation and your aspirations. We tailor our courses to meet your specific needs, from fast-track academic studies to additional English language support. With flexible entry dates, you can choose when you want to start your programme. And you also have a choice of exciting, friendly, multicultural destinations for your study – from the beaches and rainforests of Australia, to the mountains and lakes of Vancouver, or the cultural heritage of England.

University programmesIf you’re planning on going to university, Navitas offers pathway programs to help you get there. Combined with our academic and student support services, Navitas programmes help you feel much better prepared for university life.

High school and foundation programmes, degree transfer programmes (DTP)

and English preparation are available at many of our campuses. Through our colleges and our campuses at leading universities, you can also study a range of university level programs. Some of these will enable you to fast track your studies and even earn two qualifications (for example, a Diploma and a Bachelor degree) when you graduate.

English languageNavitas is the largest provider of English language training in Australia. Through our wide range of programmes, we help students, teachers, travellers and migrants develop their English language skills for further study, work and life. Our specialist language school, ACL, is world-renowned for teaching international students the skills they need for academic study. We also provide settlement and integration programmes for migrants and refugees through the Adult Migrant English Programmes.

You can choose to study General English, English for Business, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) preparation, as well as many programmes that combine English language skills with unique cultural experiences.

WorkforceNavitas provides workforce programmes, offering employers business training solutions to meet their requirements for ‘work-ready’, skilled employees, and to provide learners and clients with relevant, practical tertiary and vocational skills, work experiences and support in their career development and working lives. Employees can obtain a range of professional qualifications, and improve their communication and management skills. We can also help our graduates with work placements when they have finished their studies.

Quality education and trainingOur partner universities are internationally renowned for teaching and research, and most of our colleges are located directly on their campus. You will enjoy full access to all university facilities and services, including libraries, computer labs, sporting facilities, on-campus accommodation and employment services.

All Navitas colleges and campuses are accredited by the appropriate government organisations for their country, including the Australian Government Department of Education, Science & Training (DEST) and the British Council. They all report regularly to, and are audited by, government departments and industry associations in each country, to ensure they comply with all current legal guidelines. With up to 26 years’ experience in education and training, Navitas training providers are respected members of key industry organisations, including English Australia and the Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET).

Supporting your studyStudy with Navitas, and you’ll be part of a supportive community that will help you develop personally, and maintain a balanced lifestyle, as well as achieve your full academic and career potential. We offer more academic and student support than traditional education providers. We know you’ll need some help adjusting to your new home, so our campuses have a range of student support services.

Most of our lecture classes contain less than 40 students, and tutorial and workshop groups are small. Academic English programmes have a maximum of 12-18 students per class. We also provide more teaching hours – a four hour teaching block per course per week in most classes – so you have the opportunity to fully understand your studies, and fast-track if you want to.

Navitas: International Studies

38

LISTING

PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS

Sultan Qaboos University

Tel: 24141111 Fax: 24413391

Website: www.squ.edu.om

College of Banking and Financial Studies

Tel: 24505796/ 24505843/ 24505832/ 24502288

Fax: 24502525

Email: info@cbfs.edu.om Website: www.cbfs.edu.om

Ibra College of Technology

Tel: 25587800 Fax: 25549020

Email: information@ict.edu.om Website: www.ict.edu.om

Higher College of Technology

Tel: 24473600 Fax: 24473699

Website: www.hct.edu.om

Institute of Sharia Sciences

Tel: 24700042 Fax: 24780199

Website: www.iofss.net

College of Education (Rustaq)

Tel: 26876202 Fax: 26877026

Website: rustaq.mohe.gov.om

Former College of Education (Sohar)

Tel: 26721091 Fax: 26720160

Website: www.mohe.gov.om

Former College of Education (Sur)

Tel: 25544150 Fax: 25544751

Website: www.mohe.gov.om

Former College of Education (Nizwa)

Tel: 25431376 Fax: 25431112

Website: www.mohe.gov.om

Former College of Education (Ibri)

Tel: 25690159 Fax: 25691696

Website: www.mohe.gov.om

Former College of Education (Salalah)

Tel: 23226611 Fax: 23225620 Website: www.mohe.gov.om

Nizwa College of Technology

Tel: 25431021 Fax: 25431020 Website: www.nct.edu.om

Musanna College of Technology

Tel: 26869080 Fax: 26869257

Website: www.manpower.gov.om

Shinas College of Technology

Tel: 26852800/ 26852900 Fax: 26747426

Email: shinas@ctshinas.edu.om Website: www.ctshinas.edu.om

Salalah College of Technology

Tel: 23226277 Fax: 23226267

Website: www.sct.edu.om

Ibri College of Technology

Tel: 25690664 Fax: 25690676

Email: ibrictwebteam@yahoo.com Website: www.ibrict.edu.om

Institutes of Health Sciences

Tel: 24560085 Fax: 24560384

Website: www.moh.gov.om

Oman Assistant Pharmacy Institute

Tel: 24564042 Fax: 24564042

Website: www.moh.gov.om

Oman Nursing Institute

Tel: 24562775 Fax: 24562388

Website: www.moh.gov.om

Muscat Nursing Institute

Tel: 24562676 Fax: 24565879

Website: www.moh.gov.om

Rustaq Nursing Institute

Tel: 26877181 Fax: 26877182

Website: www.moh.gov.om

Nizwa Nursing Institute

Tel: 25425907 Fax: 25425908

Website: www.moh.gov.om

Ibra Nursing Institute

Tel: 25570073 Fax: 25570076 Website: www.moh.gov.om

Sur Nursing Institute

Tel: 25543901 Fax: 25543902 Website: www.moh.gov.om

Salalah Nursing Institute

Tel: 23216535 Fax: 23216049

Website: www.moh.gov.om

UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES IN OMAN

39

PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS

Sohar University

Tel: 26720101

Fax: 26720102

Website: www.soharuni.edu.om

Majan College

Tel: 24730400 Fax: 24730490

Email: admissions@majancollege.edu.om

Website: www.majancollege.edu.om

Modern College of Business And Science

Tel: 24583583/ 24583538 Fax: 24583584

Email: info@mcbs.edu.om

Website: www.mcbs.edu.om

Caledonian College of Engineering

Tel: 24536165 Fax: 24535675

Email: cceng@omantel.net.om

Website: www.cce.edu.om

Al-Zahra College for Girls

Tel: 244607299

Website: www.zahracol.edu.om

Mazoon University College

Tel: 24513315/ 24513316/ 24513343 Fax: 24513364

Email: mazoonco@omantel.net.om

Website: www.mazooncollege.edu.om

Oman Medical College (Bowshar Campus)

Tel: 24504608 Fax: 24504820

Website: www.omc.edu.om

Oman Medical College (Sohar Campus)

Tel: 26844004 Fax: 26843545

Email: sohar@omc.edu.om

Website: www.omc.edu.om

Sur University College

Tel: 25542888

Fax: 25540737

Email: suc@suc.edu.om

Website: www.suc.edu.om

Waljat Colleges of Applied Sciences

Tel: 24446660/ 24449194/ 24449155/ 24446899

Fax: 24449196/ 24449197

Email: waljatcm@omantel.net.om

Website: www.waljatcolleges.edu.om

Middle East College of Information Technology

Tel: 24531400 Fax: 24446028

Email: info@mecit.edu.om Website: www.mecit.edu.om

Al Buraimi University College

Tel: 25641866 Fax: 25641855

Email: info@buc.edu.om Website: www.buc.edu.om

Scientific College of Design

Tel: 24513232/ 24513233 Fax: 24513213

Email: info@scd.edu.om

Website: www.scdoman.info

Muscat College

Tel: 24501181/ 24594376/ 24503821/ 24501161 Fax: 24504954

Email: info@muscatcollege.edu.om

Website: www.muscatcollege.edu.om

Oman College of Management and Technology

Tel: 26893366/ 26893003 Fax: 26894070/ 26893068

Email: omancollege@omancollege.edu.om

Website: www.omancollege.edu.om

International College of Engineering and Management

Tel: 24512000 Fax: 24521355

Email: info@icemoman.com

Website: www.icemoman.com

Oman Tourism and Hospitality Academy

Tel: 24521105/ 24521150 Fax: 24522283

Email: office@otha.edu.om

Website: www.otha.edu.om

University of Nizwa

Tel: 25446234/ 25446200

Fax: 25443400

Website: www.unizwa.edu.om

Dhofar University

Tel: 23225061 Fax: 23225064

Email: du@du.edu.om

Website: www.du.edu.om

Gulf College

Tel: 24600665 Fax: 24600226

Email: gcollege@omantel.net.om

Website: www.gulfcollegeoman.com

International Maritime College Oman

Tel: 24521466/ 24521499 Fax: 24521446

Email: info@imcoman.net

Website: www.imcoman.net

Oman Dental College

Tel: 24696171 Fax: 24696174

Email: info@omandentalcollege.org

Website: www.omandentalcollege.org

German University of Technology Oman

Tel: 24493051 Fax: 24495568

Email: info@gutech.edu.om

Website: www.gutech.edu.om

Bayan College

Tel: 24691183 Fax: 24693311

Email: amaal@bayancollege.edu.om

Website: www.bayancollege.edu.om