The programs are open to applicants who have a strong academic record, proficiency in the language of instruction, and the potential for advanced study. Acceptance depends upon the overall merit of the applicant and the number of available places.    ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PhD PROGRAMS : The applicant should have: A masters degree from a recognised university or equivalent institution with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4-point scale or equivalent. English proficiency test results or certificates with a score of at least 550 points in the International P.B. TOEFL, 213 points in C.B. TOEFL, 79.8 points in IBt or 6.0 points in academic IELTS. Those who graduated within the last two years might be exempted from English certificate if their medium of study in the master program was English. A statement on the objectives and goals for enrolment in the doctoral program. Three letters of reference, at least two from academics, to show competence in the discipline of interest and research capability. Release letter from employer for the duration of the program (3 years) Applicants who satisfy the admissions requirements will be invited to assessment interviews. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER PROGRAMS MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTERS PROGRAMS ARE: An undergraduate degree from a recognized university or equivalent institution. A strong academic record as evidenced by the transcript. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4 point scale (or equivalent) is required for the Project or Comprehensive Examination option. An applicant whose cumulative GPA is between 2.50 and 2.74, may be considered for conditional admission into the Master by Project or the Comprehensive Examination option. In such cases, work experience and any other academic activities beyond the first degree may be taken into consideration to assess the applicant's potential to achieve at a higher level. A Postgraduate Diploma from a recognized university or equivalent institution comprising of a minimum of 24 credits and cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4 point scale or equivalent for those holding an undergraduate degree with a GPA of less than 2.5 from a recognized university or equivalent institution. Official transcripts, degree certificates, and passport/national identity card must be submitted as part of the application process.  Applicants to programs taught in College of Science, Agricultural & Marine Sciences, Commerce & Economics, Engineering, Medicine & Health Sciences, Education (Curriculum & Method of Teaching English Language). should submit an English proficiency test with a score of at least 550 points in the international paper base TOEFL or 79.8 points in ibt TOEFL or 6.0 points in the academic IELTS. Students will not be registered in any "Master " courses unless they attain the required level of English Language. Tuition fees will apply to postgraduate studies. The fees depend on the specialization taken. Those who are sponsored by their employers should submit certificates of financial support. Applicants who satisfy the admissions requirements will be invited to assessment interviews.  The Ministry of Education staff should contact their ministry before applying for postgraduate studies. Specific programs may require additional criteria and/or procedures, such as computer proficiency, attending an interview, assessment of work experience, a qualifying examination in a specific area or letters of recommendation. Such requirements are listed under the appropriate program description. Ministry of Education staff are requested to contact their Ministry before applying for postgraduate studies at the University.       CATEGORIES OF ADMISSIONS FOR MASTER PROGRAMS   Applicants will be assigned to one of the following categories upon formal admission: - Regular Admissions Regular, full admission status is given to an accepted candidate who meets all the admission criteria.  - Conditional Admissions Conditional admission is given to an applicant who is admitted provided that one or more of the primary admissions criteria, which may be lacking, are subsequently fulfilled. This may take several forms, for example:   Completion of designated courses designed to make up any deficiencies in the student's background prior to taking any postgraduate course. Such students shall be designated as registered in a bridging semester/year. The conditional status will be lifted after the attainment of 2.75 GPA for all courses designated as deficient for those admitted into the Masters by Project or Comprehensive Examination option. For the Masters by Thesis option, candidates must attain an average of 3.00 GPA in such courses. If the above GPA is not attained, the student will be asked to withdraw.  Students admitted with GPA less than 2.75 must attain accumulative GPA of 3.00 for postgraduate courses at the end of the first semester. A student whose first semester GPA falls below 3.00 will remain as a conditional student and would be given one more semester as a last chance to attain the required GPA of 3.00 to continue in the program. If the student again fails to attain the GPA of 3.00 by the end of the second semester, he should be asked to withdraw from the University.  Submission of missing items (e.g. confirmation of grades, verification of degree or test results. The provision of missing documents should be completed within three months from the last date of admission.  Any other conditions placed on the student will be included in the notification of admission. If the conditions are not met within the specified time, the Deanship of Admissions and Registration has the right cancel the candidate's registration from the postgraduate studies program.       Required Documents  Candidates should fill an application form obtained from the Deanship of Admissions and Registration (Department of Admissions for Postgraduate Studies) with the following documents attached with the application:  Original* transcript and two copies.  Original* degree certificate and two copies.  Two copies of the Passport and the National ID.  Four recent photos (blue background) with the name written on the back.  C.V. (Curriculum Vitae).  Proof of English proficiency (Academic IELTS Band 6.0 or TOEFL 550 or equivalents) for all programs in Scientific Colleges, Curriculum and Teaching English Language and MBA program)**. - Proof of English proficiency (Academic IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 550 or equivalents) for Translation Program**.  Proof of English proficiency (Academic IELTS 4.0) for History, Library and Educational Psychology**.  Proof of English proficiency (Academic IELTS 5.5) for Mass Communication and Geography**.  Proof of GMAT proficiency (450) for MBA program if GPA is less than 3.0**.  No objection letter or release letter (according to the program applied for) from the employer**.  Financial subsidiary certificate if applicant is sponsored and disclaimer letter for paying all the tuition fees if the applicant is self sponsored.       Admission Procedures:­  Admitting students to postgraduate programs occurs once each academic year. Usually the Department of Admissions for Postgraduate in A&R receives applications from potential candidates during the period from November to February.   The applicant needs to complete an application form and deposit R.O. 10 as an application fee through the Bank of Muscat.  At the end of the period designated for receiving applications, the Department of Admissions for Postgraduate conducts the initial screening to make sure that applications satisfy admission requirements.   Submission of some documents such as the letter of no objection or the release letter or the English proficiency level might be postponed until June.   After the initial screening, the applications will be sent to the concerned College for further evaluation and selection of candidates.   Upon selection of candidates, Admission and Registration inform the candidates in writing about their admission status.   Admitted students may be given extra time to fulfill their admission requirements usually until June.  Studying commences in September.   The Chart on the opposite page explains the procedures.   Duration of Study for PhD Programs   PhD programs are designed to normally be completed within three years of full-time enrolment. An extension of up to one year may be granted subject to the approval of the supervisor, the Dean of the College and the Assistant-Vice president for Postgraduate Studies and Research. Duration of Study for Master Programs   Master programs are designed to normally be completed within two years of full-time enrolment. An extension of up to one year may be granted subject to the approval of the supervisor, the Dean of the College and the Assistant-Vice president for Postgraduate Studies and Research. In case of part-time study, all degree requirements must be completed within 4 years. An extension of up to one year may be granted subject to the approval of the supervisor, the Dean of the College and the Assistant-Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Research.     Facilities available in the University   Postgraduate students can use the following on campus facilities:  SQU Hospital and Students Clinic services  Main and specialized libraries  Sport complex services Banking services through Bank of Muscat branch  Travel and tourism counter services  Center for Educational Technology (CET) video and photographing services  Post office services  Computer laboratories in the colleges  SQU email and internet access  Vehicle entrance permit to enter the University.