| Education System in Oman |
In Oman, education is free throughout all three levels of school, although it is not compulsory and therefore not enforced. The first 6 years of basic education are similar in concept to western primary school.
Three years of upper basic education follow. Depending on the individual student they may complete their education at this point and seek work. Alternatively, according to their grades they may go on to secondary school.
During the 3 years of secondary school that follow, students have the option of specializing in either the sciences or the arts, provided that their basic school results confirm their aptitude. Both programs result in the award of a secondary school leaving certificate.
A network of vocational centers provides opportunities for basic school leavers in need of professional training lasting between 1 and 3 years.
There are 6 colleges of applied science, 7 colleges of technology, and 1 higher college of technology in Muscat. Sultan
Qaboos University (also in Muscat) is the sole state university, being opened in 1986, and illustrated here.
Its 9 colleges include Agriculture, Art, Commerce & Economics, Education, Engineering, Law & Islamic studies, Medicine, Nursing, and Science. Enrollment is based largely on secondary school performance.
