Quick Answer: Robert Gordon University offers merit-based scholarships up to £3,000 per year for Omani students, with the International Excellence Scholarship and Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship being the primary options. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines in May, and Omani students can also access the UK Government's Chevening Scholarship program for additional funding opportunities.

Why Robert Gordon University Appeals to Omani Students

Robert Gordon University (RGU), located in Aberdeen, Scotland, has become an increasingly popular destination for Omani students seeking quality education in the UK. Ranked 64th in the UK by The Complete University Guide 2026, RGU is particularly renowned for its engineering, business, and health sciences programs - fields that align perfectly with Oman's Vision 2040 development goals.

The university's strong industry connections, especially in oil and gas, renewable energy, and healthcare sectors, make it an ideal choice for Omani students looking to contribute to their nation's economic diversification efforts upon graduation.

Available Scholarships for Omani Students at RGU

International Excellence Scholarship

The International Excellence Scholarship represents RGU's flagship funding opportunity for international students, including those from Oman. This merit-based scholarship awards £3,000 per academic year and is renewable throughout your degree program, provided you maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be classified as an international student (non-EU)
• Minimum academic requirement of 80% or equivalent in previous studies
• Must have received an unconditional offer to study at RGU
• Not available for students on sponsored programs

Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship

This prestigious scholarship awards £2,500 per year and recognizes exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential among international students.

Selection Criteria:

• Outstanding academic record (minimum 85% or equivalent)
• Demonstrated leadership experience through extracurricular activities
• Strong personal statement highlighting career aspirations
• Must be enrolling in an undergraduate or postgraduate taught program

School-Specific Scholarships

RGU's individual schools offer targeted scholarships for specific disciplines:

Aberdeen Business School Scholarships: Up to £2,000 for business and management students School of Engineering Scholarships: £1,500-£2,500 for engineering and technology students School of Health Sciences Bursaries: £1,000-£2,000 for nursing, physiotherapy, and health-related programs

External Funding Opportunities for Omani Students

Chevening Scholarships

The UK Government's Chevening Scholarship program offers fully-funded master's degree opportunities for Omani students. This prestigious scholarship covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance (approximately £1,100-£1,300)
• Return flights to the UK
• Visa application costs

For the 2026/27 academic year, applications typically open in August 2025 and close in November 2025.

Oman Government Scholarships

The Omani Ministry of Higher Education provides scholarship opportunities for students pursuing degrees that align with national development priorities. These scholarships often cover:

• Full tuition fees
• Living expenses
• Health insurance
• Return travel costs

Students should contact the Ministry of Higher Education in Muscat for current availability and application procedures for 2026 entry.

Application Process and Timeline

RGU Scholarship Application Steps

1. Submit University Application (October 2025 - June 2026)

   • Apply through UCAS for undergraduate programs or directly to RGU for postgraduate programs
   • Ensure all required documents are submitted

2. Scholarship Application (January - May 2026)

   • Complete the online scholarship application form
   • Submit academic transcripts with certified translations
   • Provide two academic references
   • Write a compelling personal statement (500-750 words)

3. Assessment Period (May - July 2026)

   • Applications are reviewed by scholarship committees
   • Shortlisted candidates may be invited for virtual interviews

4. Results Notification (July - August 2026)

   • Successful applicants receive scholarship offers
   • Must accept within specified timeframe

Required Documents for Omani Students

• Academic transcripts from Omani secondary education or university studies
• IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall (6.5 for some programs)
• Two academic reference letters
• Personal statement outlining career goals and motivation
• Copy of Omani passport
• Proof of English language proficiency

Cost Considerations and Financial Planning

Understanding the financial commitment is crucial for Omani students planning their UK education. Here's a breakdown of typical costs at RGU for 2026:

Undergraduate Programs:

• Annual tuition fees: £15,500-£17,500
• Living expenses in Aberdeen: £8,000-£10,000 per year
• Total annual cost: £23,500-£27,500

Postgraduate Programs:

• Annual tuition fees: £16,500-£19,500
• Living expenses: £8,000-£10,000 per year
• Total annual cost: £24,500-£29,500

With scholarships, Omani students can reduce these costs by £1,000-£3,000 annually, making quality UK education more accessible.

Tips for Successful Scholarship Applications

Academic Excellence

Maintain strong academic performance throughout your current studies. Most RGU scholarships require minimum grades of 80-85%, which translates to approximately 3.2-3.6 GPA or B+ to A- grades in the Omani education system.

Personal Statement Strategy

Your personal statement should clearly articulate:

• How your chosen program aligns with Oman's development goals
• Specific career aspirations in sectors like renewable energy, healthcare, or digital transformation
• Previous academic or professional experiences that demonstrate your commitment
• Plans to contribute to Oman's economy upon graduation

Early Application Benefits

Applying early in the scholarship cycle (January-March 2026) often provides advantages:

• More scholarships available before quotas are filled
• Additional time for visa processing
• Better accommodation options
• Opportunity to address any application issues

Career Prospects and ROI for Omani Students

RGU's strong industry connections provide excellent employment prospects for graduates. Recent data shows that 94% of RGU graduates are in employment or further study within six months of graduation. For Omani students, this translates to:

Immediate Opportunities:

• Graduate training programs with UK companies
• Optional Post-Study Work visa allowing 2 years in the UK
• Higher starting salaries (£25,000-£35,000) compared to similar roles in Oman

Long-term Career Benefits:

• International experience valued by Omani employers
• Enhanced prospects in multinational companies operating in Oman
• Preparation for leadership roles in Oman's growing economy

To maximize your opportunities and compare different institutions, you can explore UK universities that offer similar scholarship programs and career prospects.

Conclusion

Robert Gordon University presents excellent scholarship opportunities for Omani students in 2026, with funding options that can significantly reduce the cost of quality UK education. Early application and strong academic performance are key to securing these competitive awards.

Key Statistics

📊 94% of RGU graduates are employed or in further study within 6 months of graduation

💰 Scholarships available up to £3,000 per year, renewable throughout degree programs

🎓 RGU ranked 64th in the UK by The Complete University Guide 2026

📈 Aberdeen offers living costs 20-30% lower than London, averaging £8,000-£10,000 annually

🏆 Over 200 international scholarships awarded annually across all RGU programs

⏰ Scholarship applications for 2026 entry open January 2026 with May 31 deadline

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Robert Gordon University scholarships as an Omani student?

First, submit your university application through UCAS (undergraduate) or directly to RGU (postgraduate). Then complete the online scholarship application form between January-May 2026, submitting academic transcripts, two references, and a personal statement. Applications are assessed from May-July 2026, with results announced in July-August. Early applications in January-March typically have better success rates as more scholarships are available.

What is the minimum academic requirement for RGU scholarships?

The International Excellence Scholarship requires a minimum 80% academic average or equivalent, while the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship requires 85%. For Omani students, this translates to approximately B+ to A- grades in the national education system. School-specific scholarships may have lower requirements, typically starting from 75% for business programs.

How much can Omani students save with RGU scholarships?

Omani students can save between £1,000-£3,000 per year through RGU scholarships, with the International Excellence Scholarship offering the maximum £3,000 annually. Over a 3-year undergraduate program, this represents savings of £9,000, significantly reducing the total cost of education. Combined with external scholarships like Chevening, students may access full funding.

Can I combine multiple scholarships at Robert Gordon University?

Generally, you cannot combine RGU's major scholarships (International Excellence and Vice-Chancellor's) as they are mutually exclusive. However, you may be eligible for smaller school-specific awards alongside the main scholarships. External funding like Chevening or Omani government scholarships can potentially be combined, but you should confirm with the financial aid office about specific combinations.

What career support does RGU provide for Omani scholarship recipients?

RGU offers comprehensive career services including industry networking events, internship placements, and graduate recruitment programs. The university has strong connections with oil and gas companies, renewable energy firms, and healthcare organizations - sectors highly relevant to Oman's economy. Career advisors provide specialized support for international students, including guidance on UK work visas and returning to home countries with enhanced qualifications.

When should Omani students start their scholarship applications for 2026?

Start preparing scholarship applications in late 2025, ensuring you have strong academic records and references ready. University applications should be submitted by December 2025-January 2026, followed by scholarship applications opening in January 2026. The optimal application window is January-March 2026 to maximize chances of success before scholarship quotas are filled by the May 31 deadline.

Key Takeaways

✅ RGU offers up to £3,000 annually in merit-based scholarships for Omani students with 80%+ academic averages

✅ External funding through Chevening and Omani government programs can provide full financial support

✅ Aberdeen's lower living costs (£8,000-£10,000/year) make RGU more affordable than London universities

✅ Early scholarship applications in January-March 2026 significantly improve chances of success

✅ RGU's 94% graduate employment rate and industry connections provide excellent career prospects for Omani students

✅ Strong performance in engineering, business, and health sciences aligns with Oman's Vision 2040 development priorities