Latest news with #GeneralEducationDiploma
Muscat Daily
2 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Over 51,000 students register for higher education programmes
Muscat – A total of 51,027 students have registered for the 2025/2026 academic year through the Unified Admissions Centre of Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, marking completion of the first phase of the admissions process. According to the ministry, the figure includes 25,706 male and 25,321 female students. The applications are for a wide range of opportunities, including government higher education institutions, internal and private sector scholarships, as well as scholarships and grants from abroad. The next phase – the Modify Your Choices window – is set to begin following announcement of the General Education Diploma results in July. During this period, students can review and rearrange their academic choices based on their final grades in consultation with their families. To assist students in making informed decisions, the centre will release the results of a pilot screening in the first week of July. This preliminary screening will be based on first-semester performance and current programme preferences. Describing the Modify Your Choices phase as a cornerstone of the admission process, Unified Admissions Centre noted that registration at this stage is considered final for participation in the first round of screening. This will be followed by interviews, admission tests and medical examination, depending on programme requirements. A new procedure introduced this year includes a separate registration mechanism for private-funded study programmes at Sultan Qaboos University and for specialisation programmes at private universities. A dedicated guide for these programmes will be issued and registration will open once the first round of screening is complete allowing students to prioritise government-funded options first.
Observer
2 days ago
- General
- Observer
More than 51,000 students register in HEAC
MUSCAT: As many as 51,027 students were registered in the Higher Education Admission Center (HEAC) at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. The number included 25,706 males and 25,321 females. The figures reflect the number of students who applied to the HEAC to contest seats in government higher education institutions, internal scholarships, private sector grants, external scholarships and grants from Arab countries for the academic year 2025/2026. The applicants will be given an opportunity to change their study preferences during a "Choice Modification" period that follows the announcement of results of the General Education Diploma (GED) exams in July 2025. The Higher Education Admission Center announced that the outcome of the first sorting will be made public during the first week of July 2025. These results are based on students' performance in the first semester and their current placing of the programmes of their preference. The aim is to enable the students to amend their choices and make the most appropriate decision in consultation with their parents. The "Choice Modification" period plays a significant role in a student's admission, because registration during this stage becomes final ahead of the 'First Round Sorting'. This stage is followed by procedures like personal interviews, admission tests and medical tests, in accordance with the requirements of the academic programmes. - ONA
Gulf Insider
29-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Oman Bans Power And Water Cuts During Exams, Holidays And Night Hours
The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) has reiterated that electricity and water services must not be disconnected during certain sensitive periods, including exam seasons, holidays and nighttime hours. According to APSR, utility disconnections are prohibited between 5pm and 7am, as well as on the last working day before weekends or official holidays. Additionally, no power or water cuts are allowed during the General Education Diploma (GED) exams and throughout the month of Ramadan, in coordination with education authorities. These regulations apply to both the electricity and water sectors, ensuring uninterrupted service for residents during crucial times for families and students. In a move to ease financial pressure on households, Oman has also reduced residential electricity bills for the summer months of May to August 2025, when demand is at its peak. Eligible residents are encouraged to register for the National Subsidy System, which provides additional support based on income and residency criteria. The announcement comes amid strong growth in the energy sector. In 2024, Oman's electricity production rose by 7.5%, reaching 45,388 gigawatt-hours by the end of November. Growth was driven by increased output in North and South Al Batinah, Al Dhahirah, and Dhofar. The electricity and water sectors contributed 2.5% to Oman's GDP in 2024, with total investments in regulated sectors reaching 2.837 billion Omani riyals from 2020 to 2024. Of this, 450 million riyals were directed toward electricity generation. Looking ahead, the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts Oman's electricity consumption to grow by around 3% annually over the next three years, while APSR continues to advance renewable energy and infrastructure development.
Muscat Daily
28-05-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
Power, water cut bans in effect during exams, holidays: APSR
Muscat – The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) has reiterated guidelines aimed at safeguarding the continuous provision of essential electricity and water services under specific circumstances. According to the directive, electricity services must not be disconnected between 5pm and 7am. The restriction also applies on the last working day preceding weekends or official holidays. In addition, disconnections are strictly prohibited during the General Education Diploma examination period, in accordance with the official schedules issued by the competent educational authority. In parallel, similar provisions apply to the water sector. Water supply services must not be suspended during the same time window – between 5pm and 7am – or on the final working day before any weekend or public holiday. The authority also emphasised that disconnection of either electricity or water services is not permitted during the holy month of Ramadan, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential utilities throughout the period. These measures are part of APSR's broader commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring reliable access to essential services, particularly during sensitive or high-impact periods.
Observer
13-04-2025
- Health
- Observer
535 programmes await students for 2025-2026
MUSCAT: The first phase of registration for admission into public higher education institutions, as well as internal and external scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year, has officially opened and will remain open until June 1, 2025. Students who have completed their General Education Diploma (or its equivalent) for the academic year 2024-2025 can now register online via the Higher Education Admission Centre's (HEAC) portal at Here, they can explore the wide variety of academic programmes available and select their preferred specialisations. In an effort to improve the student experience and ensure equitable access to higher education opportunities, HEAC has introduced several updates. Ahmed bin Mohammed al Azri, Director-General of HEAC, outlined some key changes, including a streamlined registration interface. The new 'View and Select Eligible Programmes' feature merges two previous screens, simplifying the process and making it easier for students to explore all the programmes they are eligible for, while also allowing them to sequence their preferences. There have also been modifications to the admission process at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), particularly for the Muscat, Nizwa, and Al Musayfirah branches. Now, students residing in respective governorates can access local programmes, bringing higher education opportunities closer to home. A new personal interview requirement has been introduced for students applying to education-related programmes at UTAS, while the maximum age for admission to the Military Technological College has been raised to 23 years for those seeking academic programmes. This year, HEAC is also focusing on inclusivity, with special initiatives aimed at supporting students with disabilities. A number of seats have been allocated at the Oman College of Health Sciences for students with physical disabilities, specifically in the Health Information Management specialisation. Additionally, a new programme for students with learning difficulties is available, as long as their specific learning challenges are officially recognised by the institution. Among the 535 programmes being offered across various government and private institutions, students can choose from a broad spectrum of disciplines, including health sciences, natural and physical sciences, engineering, business management and more. Scholarships and grants are available to help students finance their education. To help students make informed decisions, HEAC will soon release a Competitive Admission Guide that offers suggested minimum scores for different academic programmes, enabling students to assess their chances of acceptance more realistically. Furthermore, HEAC is running a series of awareness sessions for career guidance specialists from all governorates of Oman, designed to update them on the new admission process and address any challenges from previous years. The centre is also actively sharing information through its social media channels and engaging with participants at the GHEDEX 2025 (Global Higher Education and Training Exhibition). Students and their families are encouraged to thoroughly review the Student Guide for Enrolment to ensure they understand the registration policies and make informed decisions regarding their academic futures.
