Shura panel discusses scholarship criteria for students studying abroad

Muscat: The Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation Committee of the Shura Council hosted a number of specialists from the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation to discuss the eligibility for financial allocations to students studying at private higher education institutions.

This meeting was held in implementation of His Majesty’s directives on the matter.

The meeting, chaired by Jamal Ahmed Al-Abri, head of the Committee, and in the presence of their Excellencies members of the committee, focused on the mechanisms behind setting these criteria.

The committee emphasised the importance of reviewing the regulations due to their implications on groups deemed ineligible, stressing the principle of equality and the necessity for all domestic scholarship students in private institutions to qualify for these allocations, consistent with practices in public higher education institutions.

The committee also expressed public dissatisfaction regarding the allocation of financial entitlements to specific groups based on certain criteria, especially Omani families with children who do not meet the eligibility conditions.

They noted that the current criteria do not necessarily reflect the actual financial status of families.

The specialists explained that the eligibility criteria for financial allocations to domestic scholarship students are based on several factors, including family income, number of family members, and the distance between the student’s residence and study location.

They added that the ministry has received numerous complaints from parents and various community segments requesting a reconsideration of these criteria.

The committee reviewed the report from its meeting with the Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education regarding the review of evaluation policies in school education.

It also examined the Ministry of Education’s 2024 annual report along with several topics listed in the committee’s current regular session work plan.