20-07-2025
Students urged to review choices ahead of final admission phase
MUSCAT: As the Higher Education Admission Centre (HEAC) prepares to launch the Programme Reordering Phase on Tuesday, July 22, students are being strongly encouraged to revise and prioritise their programme choices to improve their chances in the upcoming First Allocation Phase.
In an exclusive interview with Observer, Nada bint Mohammed Al Kiyoumiyah, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, emphasised the importance of this final stage before allocation results are released.
'This is a decisive phase where students can re-evaluate the order of their selected programmes,' Al Kiyoumi explained. 'The system allocates study opportunities based on the final order submitted and on merit-based selection criteria.'
She noted that many students made avoidable mistakes during the Trial Allocation, such as limiting their programme list or focusing too narrowly on popular majors.
Students urged to review choices ahead of final admission phase
'Some high-performing students submitted only a few programme options, despite the system allowing an unlimited number,' she said. 'Others - particularly female applicants - tended to prioritise high-demand fields like education, leading to increased competition.'
Health-related programmes also continue to be among the most sought-after due to their perceived job market value. However, Al Kiyoumi warned that even students with high scores could miss out if they limit their options.
To guide applicants, HEAC has launched a comprehensive awareness campaign through social media, radio, TV and direct communication, helping students understand how to optimise their choices.
Regarding fluctuating admission cut-offs, Al Kiyoumi explained that these vary each year based on General Education Diploma results and applicant preferences. The competitive score is calculated using a formula that weighs 60 per cent of relevant subject marks and 40 per cent of the general average.
Nada bint Mohammed Al Kiyoumiyah
'Naturally, when competing students have higher scores, the admission thresholds rise,' she said.
On transparency, she reaffirmed the system's integrity since its inception in 2006, highlighting that all applicants are assessed through the same formula, and that programme cut-off scores are publicly available for comparison.
For students wishing to contest their results, a well-defined appeals process is in place. Al Kiyoumi confirmed that a neutral committee, independent of the ministry, reviews all appeals to ensure fairness.
This year, for the first time, appeals can be submitted via the government's unified services portal ( as part of a broader national effort to streamline digital services.
Looking ahead, she shared plans to incorporate artificial intelligence and data analytics into the admissions platform, aiming to enhance user experience for students, guardians and system administrators alike.
'We are committed to continuously improving the system's fairness, accessibility and responsiveness,' she said.
Al Kiyoumi concluded by urging students to make thoughtful, realistic choices and to learn from the trial results: 'This is your chance to secure a place that aligns with your strengths and aspirations. Take it seriously, review your options carefully and diversify your selections.'
