Sultan Qaboos University strives to strengthen its leadership in higher education, research, and community service while achieving international excellence through innovation, quality education, and strategic partnerships. In support of this vision and in alignment with Oman Vision 2040, international cooperation is a key enabler in the university’s long-term strategic plan.

The International Cooperation Office plays a central role in advancing this direction by engaging in global initiatives, most notably the Erasmus+ programme. Erasmus+ is a strategic tool that enhances the university’s international presence, supports academic mobility, and fosters collaboration with leading universities in Europe and beyond.

Through its participation in Erasmus+, the university has established structured partnerships with European institutions, supported by strong relations between Oman and the European Union, including the 2018 bilateral cooperation agreement. The programme implementation (2022–2027) focuses on facilitating mobility opportunities for students and staff, streamlining procedures, and ensuring effective collaboration. These efforts contribute to enhancing the university’s global standing and achieving the broader objectives of both Oman Vision 2040 and the university’s strategic plan.

General Requirements

To be eligible for Erasmus+ mobility opportunities, staff applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a full-time employee at Sultan Qaboos University with at least two years of service.

• Not be on study leave, sabbatical, or research leave during the mobility period.

• Have achieved at least a “Good” performance rating in the latest evaluation cycle.

• Demonstrate proficiency in the language of the programme (both written and spoken).

• Have at least two years since their last participation in the Erasmus+ programme.

• Ensure the proposed mobility is relevant to their job responsibilities and professional goals.

• Meet the minimum research output requirements (for academic staff):

  • Academic staff: at least one publication per year over the past three years.

  • Research staff: at least two publications per year over the past three years.

• Apply for only one opportunity per call cycle.

Selection Criteria

In cases where there are multiple applicants for the same opportunity, candidates are evaluated based on a set of criteria, which may vary depending on the type of mobility and level of competition. These include:

• Quality and quantity of scientific publications

• Recent sabbatical or research leave (within the last three years)

• Performance evaluation results

• International experience

• Administrative experience

• Community service and volunteer work

Important Notes

• Incomplete applications or those that do not meet the stated requirements will not be considered.

• Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.

• All applications are subject to a formal evaluation and nomination process.

• Final acceptance depends on the host institution’s approval.

After the application deadline closes, the selection process begins and may take up to 30 days

The opportunities available for student exchange through the ICM program will be allocated to the targeted colleges based on the nature of the opportunities. The selection criteria will be applied by the respective college administration in accordance with the general student exchange regulations and guidelines.

Please note that students cannot apply for “student’s exchange” in this page. 

Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility (ICM) participants—including students and staff, have specific duties and liabilities designed to ensure the quality, safety, and academic recognition of their exchange. Key responsibilities include signing a Learning/Mobility Agreement, adhering to insurance requirements, and completing mandatory reporting. 

Sign the Learning/Mobility Agreement: Students must sign a Learning Agreement (for studies or traineeships) and staff must sign a Mobility Agreement (for teaching or training) before the mobility begins. This document outlines the study program or work plan, learning outcomes, and recognition procedures.

Insurance Coverage: Participants must be insured against risks linked to their participation, including travel insurance (loss of luggage), third-party liability, accident/serious illness (including permanent/temporary incapacity), and death (including repatriation).

Mandatory Reporting (EU Survey): Upon completion of the mobility, participants are required to submit an online report (EU Survey) detailing their experience and information.

Mandatory Reporting (SQU Survey): Upon completion of the mobility, participants are required to submit an online report (SQU Survey) detailing their experience and information.

Adhere to Duration Requirements: For student mobility, the physical stay must last a minimum of 60 days (or 5 days for short-term doctoral mobility).

Visa/Residence Permit Compliance: Participants are responsible for obtaining necessary visas or residence permits for the host country, with guidance from the sending/receiving institutions.

Keep Proof of Travel: Participants should keep travel documents (tickets, boarding passes) to submit to the home institution, particularly for auditing purposes or to verify green travel incentives.

 Grant Repayment (Recovery): If the participant fails to comply with the Grant Agreement—such as not fulfilling the minimum stay duration (60 days), not completing the required studies/work, or returning early without a valid excuse—they may be required to return the scholarship funds in full or in part.

Data Protection: Participants must ensure that any project-related information they handle complies with data protection regulations. 

Erasmus+ Mobility Opportunities for SQU Staff 2026

Staff interested in Erasmus+ mobility opportunities are required to apply through the official online application system. The process includes the following steps:

1. Submit Online Application
   Applications must be submitted through the designated online portal within the announced deadline.

2. Complete Required Information
   Ensure that all fields in the application form are accurately completed.

3. Upload Required Documents
   Applicants must upload all required documents, including:

• No-Objection Form signed by the Head of Unit, indicating the relevance of the proposed mobility to the department

• Any additional supporting documents specified in the call

Apply Now

1. Who can apply for Erasmus+ opportunities?

All eligible staff members of Sultan Qaboos University who meet the announced requirements can apply for available opportunities under the Erasmus+ programme.

2. Can I apply for more than one opportunity?

No, applicants are allowed to apply for only one opportunity per call cycle.

3. Does applying guarantee selection?

No, submitting an application does not guarantee selection. All applications are subject to a competitive evaluation and nomination process.

4. How long does the selection process take?

After the application deadline, the selection process begins and may take up to 30 days.

5. What happens after I am selected?

Selected candidates are nominated to the host institution. Final acceptance depends on the host university’s approval.

6. What if I am not accepted by the host institution?

Final acceptance is determined by the host institution. Sultan Qaboos University is not responsible if a nominated candidate is not accepted.

7. Is language proficiency required?

Yes, applicants must demonstrate adequate proficiency in the language of instruction or communication required by the host institution.

8. Can I apply if I am currently on study leave or sabbatical?

No, staff on study leave, sabbatical, or research leave are not eligible to apply during that period.

9. What expenses are covered by Erasmus+?

Erasmus+ typically provides financial support for travel and subsistence. Specific details vary depending on the agreement and host institution.

10. What are my obligations after completing the mobility?

Participants are required to complete evaluation forms, submit a report, and share their experience and outcomes with their department and the university.