The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation in Muscat has announced that local and international scholarships for students holding the General Education Diploma (GED) and its equivalents in the academic year 2024/2025 will cover all fields of knowledge. These scholarships are designed to meet student expectations and address the needs of various development sectors. Hamad Khalfan Al Harthy, Assistant Director General for Scholarship Affairs, emphasized that students will have the flexibility to choose their desired specializations, educational institutions, and countries of study.
The scholarships are divided into two packages: STEM and ESAM. STEM scholarships cater to science stream students and cover scientific specializations such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, excluding medicine, veterinary medicine, or dentistry. On the other hand, ESAM scholarships are offered to arts stream students, focusing on education, social sciences, arts, and management specializations. It’s important to note that neither of these packages leads to degrees beyond the Bachelor’s level, and aspirants are advised to refer to the HEAC Guide for further information.
The Ministry, in collaboration with the “Medical City for Military and Security Services,” has introduced 14 on-the-job training and employment-linked programs in fields like human medicine, dentistry, specialized nursing, and associated medical specialties. Successful students from these programs will have the opportunity to pursue further studies in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, and Bahrain. The focus this year is on specializations aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, cyber forensics, computer science for smart devices, IR-based business analysis, and business analysis.
Private higher education institutions also play a role in providing scholarships for Bachelor’s degrees, with the amount of scholarships being around 10 percent of allocated seats. Petroleum Development Oman offers scholarships in various specializations for students in concession areas, while OMIFCO extends scholarships to children under the Social Security Scheme and those from limited-income families in North and South A’Sharqiyah Governorates. These initiatives aim to make education more accessible and inclusive for students from diverse backgrounds.
Overall, the scholarships and specializations offered by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation provide a wide range of opportunities for GED holders to pursue their academic and career goals. By focusing on key areas of study that align with current and future trends, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market. This commitment to education and innovation highlights Oman’s dedication to empowering its youth and investing in the country’s future development.
