Majlish A'Shura seeks fairer funding for private college students
Muscat – The Education, Scientific Research and Innovation Committee of the Majlis A'Shura met specialists from the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation on Monday to discuss the criteria for financial support provided to domestic scholarship students at private higher education institutions.
The meeting, chaired by Jamal Ahmed al Abri, head of the committee, followed directives from His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to ensure fair support for Omani students across the higher education system.
Discussions focused on how eligibility rules are set and the need to revise current regulations. Committee members stressed that students enrolled in private institutions should receive financial allocations comparable to those studying in public institutions.
Members raised public concerns about what many see as an unfair funding system, pointing out that some families with children in private colleges are excluded from support due to criteria that do not always reflect their financial reality.
Ministry officials said eligibility is determined by factors such as household income, family size and the distance between home and campus. They acknowledged receiving several complaints from parents and community members calling for a review of the system.
During the session, the committee also reviewed a report from its recent meeting with the Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education, which covered school evaluation policies. Members further examined the Ministry of Education's 2024 annual report.
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