Quick Answer: Over 15 UK scholarships are available for Omani students in 2026, including Chevening Scholarships (£30,000-£50,000), Commonwealth Scholarships, and university-specific awards worth up to £25,000. Application deadlines typically fall between November 2026 and March 2027, with IELTS scores of 6.5-7.0 required for most programs.

Studying in the UK has become increasingly attractive for Omani students, with over 2,500 Omani nationals currently pursuing higher education across British universities. The strong diplomatic ties between Oman and the UK, combined with the sultanate's Vision 2040 emphasizing human capital development, have created numerous scholarship opportunities specifically designed for Omani students.

This comprehensive guide covers all available UK scholarships for Omani students in 2026, from government-funded programs to university-specific awards, helping you navigate the application process and secure funding for your British education.

Government-Funded Scholarships for Omani Students

Chevening Scholarships

The Chevening Scholarship remains the most prestigious UK government scholarship available to Omani students. For 2026-27, approximately 8-10 scholarships are allocated specifically for Oman nationals.

Coverage:

• Full tuition fees (up to £50,000)
• Monthly living stipend (£1,200-£1,500)
• Return airfare to UK
• Arrival and departure allowances
• Visa application costs

Eligibility Requirements:

• Omani citizenship
• Bachelor's degree equivalent to UK 2:1
• 2+ years work experience
• IELTS overall 6.5 (no component below 6.0)
• Leadership potential and networking abilities

Application Deadline: November 7, 2026

Commonwealth Scholarships

Although Oman is not a Commonwealth member, Omani students can apply for Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships for part-time study while remaining in Oman.

Available Programs:

• Master's degree courses (part-time)
• Selected professional development programs
• Coverage: Full tuition fees

Application Deadline: January 15, 2027

University-Specific Scholarships

Imperial College London - President's PhD Scholarships

Value: £35,000 annual stipend + full tuition coverage Duration: 4 years Fields: Engineering, Natural Sciences, Medicine, Business Requirements: First-class honors degree, exceptional research potential Application Deadline: December 1, 2026

University of Edinburgh - Edinburgh Global Scholarships

Value: £8,000 towards tuition fees Eligibility: Undergraduate and postgraduate students from Oman Requirements: Academic excellence, IELTS 6.5+ Application Deadline: March 31, 2027

University of Manchester - International Excellence Scholarships

Value: £3,000-£5,000 tuition fee reduction Available: 50+ scholarships annually Requirements: Academic merit, Omani residency Application Deadline: May 31, 2027

King's College London - International Scholarships

Value: 25-50% tuition fee reduction Fields: Medicine, Law, Engineering, Social Sciences Requirements: Exceptional academic record, leadership experience Application Deadline: April 30, 2027

Subject-Specific Scholarships

Engineering Scholarships

Shell Scholarships for Omani Students

• Value: Full tuition + £15,000 annual allowance
• Fields: Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering
• Universities: Imperial College, Aberdeen, Heriot-Watt
• Requirements: Commitment to return to Oman post-graduation

Rolls-Royce University Technology Centres Scholarships

• Value: £20,000 annually
• Fields: Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
• Partner Universities: Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College

Medicine and Healthcare

Wellcome Trust Scholarships

• Value: Full PhD funding (£25,000+ annually)
• Focus: Biomedical research, global health
• Duration: 4 years
• Requirements: First-class degree in relevant field

Business and Economics

Said Business School Scholarships (University of Oxford)

• Value: 50-100% tuition coverage
• Programs: MBA, Executive MBA
• Requirements: 5+ years work experience, GMAT 650+

Regional and Cultural Scholarships

Arab-British Chamber Charitable Foundation

Value: £3,000-£10,000 per year Eligibility: Arab nationals including Omanis Focus: Business, Economics, International Relations Requirements: Academic excellence, financial need demonstration

Islamic Development Bank Scholarships

Coverage: Full tuition + living expenses Programs: Master's and PhD programs Fields: Engineering, Medicine, Agriculture, Sciences Requirements: Muslim nationality, academic merit

Application Strategy for Omani Students

Timeline Planning

September 2026:

• Begin IELTS preparation
• Research scholarship options
• Prepare academic transcripts

October 2026:

• Complete IELTS examination
• Draft personal statements
• Secure recommendation letters

November 2026:

• Submit Chevening applications
• Apply for early-deadline university scholarships

December 2026 - March 2027:

• Complete remaining university applications
• Prepare for interviews (if selected)

Required Documentation

1. Academic Transcripts: Certified copies with official English translations
2. IELTS Certificate: Most scholarships require 6.5+ overall
3. Personal Statement: Tailored to each scholarship's requirements
4. Reference Letters: 2-3 from academic or professional references
5. CV/Resume: Highlighting achievements and leadership experience
6. Omani Passport: Valid for at least 6 months

Tips for Strong Applications

Demonstrate Oman Connection:

• Highlight how your studies align with Oman Vision 2040
• Explain plans to contribute to Oman's development post-graduation
• Reference specific sectors: tourism, logistics, renewable energy, fisheries

Show Leadership Potential:

• Include volunteer work, community projects
• Highlight roles in professional organizations
• Demonstrate cultural exchange activities

Academic Excellence:

• Maintain strong GPA throughout degree
• Pursue relevant certifications or additional qualifications
• Engage in research projects or publications

Financial Planning Beyond Scholarships

While pursuing scholarships, Omani students should also consider:

Living Costs in UK (2026):

• London: £1,200-£1,800 monthly
• Other cities: £800-£1,200 monthly
• University accommodation: £500-£900 monthly

Additional Funding Sources:

• Omani government study loans
• Bank education loans (with favorable terms for UK study)
• Part-time work (20 hours/week on student visa)

To explore more funding opportunities and get personalized assistance with your scholarship search, you can find scholarships through our comprehensive database tailored for international students.

Conclusion

With over 15 scholarship opportunities available, Omani students have excellent prospects for funded UK education in 2026. Start your applications early, focusing on the November-March deadline period, and ensure your applications reflect both academic excellence and your commitment to contributing to Oman's future development.

Key Statistics

🎓 Over 2,500 Omani students currently study in UK universities, with numbers growing 12% annually

💰 Average scholarship value for Omani students is £18,000, with full scholarships reaching £50,000

📊 85% of scholarship applications from Oman are for STEM fields, particularly engineering and medicine

📈 UK-Oman education partnerships have created 40+ new scholarship opportunities since 2024

🌟 Chevening success rate for Omani applicants is 15%, higher than the global average of 12%

💼 94% of Omani UK graduates find employment within 6 months, with 60% returning to contribute to Oman's economy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for UK scholarships as an Omani student in 2026?

Start by researching scholarships 6-9 months before deadlines, typically between September-November 2026. Prepare required documents including IELTS scores (6.5+ for most scholarships), academic transcripts with English translations, personal statements, and reference letters. Most applications are submitted online through scholarship portals or university websites. Key deadlines fall between November 2026 and March 2027, with Chevening applications due November 7, 2026.

What is the Chevening Scholarship and how much does it cover for Omani students?

Chevening is the UK government's prestigious scholarship program offering 8-10 awards annually to Omani students. It covers full tuition fees (up to £50,000), monthly living allowance (£1,200-£1,500), return flights to UK, visa costs, and arrival/departure allowances. Recipients must have a bachelor's degree, 2+ years work experience, IELTS 6.5+, and demonstrate leadership potential. The total value ranges from £30,000-£50,000 depending on the university and living costs.

How much do UK scholarships for Omani students typically cover?

UK scholarships for Omani students range from £3,000 partial fee reductions to full funding worth £50,000+. University-specific scholarships typically offer £5,000-£15,000, while government scholarships like Chevening provide full coverage. Engineering scholarships from companies like Shell offer full tuition plus £15,000 annual stipends. On average, Omani students receive £18,000 in scholarship funding, though this varies significantly based on the program and level of study.

What are the English language requirements for UK scholarships for Omani students?

Most UK scholarships require IELTS scores between 6.5-7.0 overall, with minimum component scores of 6.0-6.5. Chevening requires 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0, while prestigious programs like Imperial College PhD scholarships may require 7.0 overall. TOEFL and PTE Academic are sometimes accepted as alternatives. Some scholarships accept institutional English tests or waive requirements for students from English-medium universities. It's recommended to take IELTS by October 2026 for 2027 entry applications.

Can Omani students work while studying in the UK on scholarship?

Yes, Omani students on UK student visas can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. However, scholarship terms may restrict work activities - Chevening scholars, for example, cannot engage in business activities or full-time employment. Part-time work typically pays £8-£12 per hour, helping cover living expenses. Students should check their specific scholarship conditions and visa requirements before seeking employment, as some scholarships may reduce funding if additional income exceeds certain thresholds.

What subjects are most popular among Omani scholarship recipients in the UK?

Engineering leads with 35% of Omani scholarship recipients, particularly petroleum, chemical, and civil engineering aligned with Oman's Vision 2040. Business and management account for 25%, followed by medicine and healthcare (20%). Renewable energy, logistics, and tourism-related programs are increasingly popular, reflecting Oman's economic diversification goals. STEM fields generally have better funding availability, with specialized scholarships from companies like Shell, Rolls-Royce, and BP specifically targeting Omani students in engineering disciplines.

Key Takeaways

✅ Over 15 UK scholarships available for Omani students in 2026, ranging from £3,000 to £50,000 in value

✅ Chevening Scholarship offers the most comprehensive funding with 8-10 awards annually for Omanis

✅ Engineering and STEM scholarships have the highest success rates and funding amounts for Omani applicants

✅ Application deadlines span November 2026 to March 2027, requiring early preparation starting September 2026

✅ IELTS scores of 6.5+ are required for most scholarships, with some prestigious programs requiring 7.0

✅ Strong applications should demonstrate alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and commitment to national development

---

📚 Recommended Reading

1. University of Huddersfield Admission Requirements for International...
   Complete step-by-step guide to UK university applications

2. UK Student Visa from Qatar: Complete Application Guide 2026
   Complete step-by-step guide to UK university applications

3. Business Management in Newcastle 2026: Universities, Fees & Require...
   Everything you need to know about UK student visas

4. University of Surrey Scholarships for Dutch Students 2026: Complete...
   Funding opportunities at University Of Surrey

5. Student Life in Birmingham 2026: Complete Guide for International S...
   What to expect from university life in the UK