Quick Answer: University of Surrey offers several scholarships for Omani students in 2026, including the International Excellence Award (up to £5,000), regional scholarships for Middle Eastern students, and subject-specific funding. The university ranks 295th globally in QS Rankings 2026 and offers strong programs in engineering, business, and hospitality management with excellent graduate employability rates.

Introduction

For Omani students considering studying abroad, the University of Surrey presents an excellent opportunity to pursue higher education in the UK with substantial financial support. Located in Guildford, just 30 minutes from London, Surrey has established itself as a leading institution for international students, particularly those from the Middle East and Gulf countries.

This comprehensive guide explores all available University of Surrey scholarships for Omani students in 2026, including eligibility requirements, application processes, and insider tips to maximize your chances of securing funding.

Why University of Surrey for Omani Students?

The University of Surrey holds a strong reputation among Omani students for several compelling reasons. Ranked 295th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, Surrey excels particularly in hospitality and leisure management (3rd globally), petroleum engineering (top 50 globally), and business studies. The university's graduate employability rate stands at 96%, making it an attractive choice for career-focused Omani students.

Surrey's multicultural environment hosts over 4,000 international students from 140+ countries, with a growing Omani student community. The university's strong industry connections, particularly with companies operating in the Gulf region, provide excellent internship and career opportunities for graduates returning to Oman or seeking international positions.

University of Surrey Scholarships Available to Omani Students

International Excellence Award

The flagship scholarship program offers Omani students up to £5,000 per year for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. This merit-based award recognizes academic excellence and is automatically considered for all international applications meeting the criteria.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Minimum academic requirement: 85% in Omani high school diploma for undergraduates
• Master's applicants need a 2:1 UK equivalent (typically 75%+ from Omani universities)
• English proficiency: IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each band
• Must be classified as international student for fee purposes

Regional Middle East Scholarship

Specifically designed for students from Gulf countries including Oman, this scholarship provides £3,000 annually for the duration of studies. The program aims to strengthen educational ties between Surrey and the Middle East region.

Subject-Specific Scholarships

Engineering Excellence Scholarship: £4,000 for Omani students entering engineering programs, particularly relevant given Oman's focus on infrastructure development and renewable energy projects.

Business School International Award: £2,500 for business-related programs, supporting Oman's economic diversification goals under Vision 2040.

Surrey Hospitality Scholarship: Up to £3,500 for hospitality and tourism management programs, aligning with Oman's tourism sector development.

Application Process and Timeline

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Submit University Application (Deadline: January 15, 2026 for September intake)

   • Complete online application through UCAS (undergraduates) or direct application (postgraduates)
   • Include personal statement emphasizing career goals relevant to Oman's development

2. Automatic Scholarship Consideration

   • Most scholarships are considered automatically upon application
   • Ensure academic transcripts clearly show percentage/GPA equivalents

3. Additional Documentation

   • Submit scholarship essay (500 words) outlining contribution plans to Oman post-graduation
   • Provide two academic references familiar with your work

4. Interview Process (if shortlisted)

   • Virtual interviews conducted in March 2026
   • Prepare to discuss career aspirations and how Surrey education benefits Oman

Important Dates for 2026

• Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
• Scholarship Decisions: March 31, 2026
• Acceptance Deadline: May 1, 2026
• Pre-departure Briefing: July 2026
• Academic Year Start: September 2026

Funding Beyond University Scholarships

Omani Government Scholarships

The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation in Oman continues to support students pursuing degrees abroad. Omani students can combine government funding with University of Surrey scholarships for comprehensive financial support.

External Funding Options

British Council Scholarships: Available for specific programs, particularly in STEM fields aligned with Oman's National Innovation Strategy.

Corporate Sponsorships: Major Omani companies like PDO, OQ, and Omantel offer educational sponsorships for students in relevant fields, especially engineering and business.

Living in Guildford: A Guide for Omani Students

Cost of Living Breakdown (2026 Estimates)

• Accommodation: £150-200 per week (university halls)
• Food: £80-120 per week
• Transportation: £60-80 per month
• Personal expenses: £100-150 per month
• Total monthly budget: £1,200-1,500

Cultural Considerations

Guildford's proximity to London provides access to Middle Eastern communities and halal food options. The town itself is safe, student-friendly, and offers a good balance between academic focus and social opportunities. The Muslim Student Association at Surrey actively supports students from Islamic countries, organizing events and providing community support.

Academic Programs Popular with Omani Students

Based on enrollment patterns and career prospects relevant to Oman's economic development:

Undergraduate Programs

• Petroleum Engineering: Directly relevant to Oman's oil and gas sector
• International Business Management: Supporting Oman's diversification efforts
• Computer Science: Aligning with digital transformation initiatives
• Hospitality and Tourism Management: Supporting Vision 2040 tourism goals

Postgraduate Programs

• MSc International Financial Management: For banking and finance sector growth
• MSc Renewable Energy Engineering: Supporting Oman's green energy transition
• MBA: For leadership roles in both public and private sectors

Career Prospects and Alumni Success

University of Surrey graduates from Oman have secured positions across various sectors. Recent alumni work in:

• Energy Sector: PDO, Shell Oman, BP Oman
• Banking: Bank Muscat, National Bank of Oman, HSBC Oman
• Government: Various ministries and public sector organizations
• Hospitality: Shangri-La Muscat, Kempinski Hotel Muscat
• Consulting: McKinsey & Company, Deloitte Middle East

The university's Career Services department maintains strong connections with employers in the Gulf region, facilitating recruitment opportunities specifically for Middle Eastern graduates.

Tips for Successful Scholarship Applications

Academic Excellence

Ensure your academic record clearly demonstrates consistent high performance. For Omani students, this typically means maintaining 85%+ grades throughout secondary education for undergraduate applications.

Personal Statement Strategy

Connect your academic interests with Oman's development goals. Discuss how your chosen field contributes to Vision 2040 objectives, whether in economic diversification, tourism development, or technological advancement.

Community Involvement

Highlight leadership roles, volunteer work, or community service in Oman. Scholarship committees value applicants who demonstrate commitment to their home country's development.

Language Preparation

While IELTS 6.5 meets minimum requirements, higher scores strengthen scholarship applications. Consider taking preparation courses at British Council Oman or private institutions to maximize your English proficiency.

Visa and Immigration Support

University of Surrey provides comprehensive visa support for Omani students, including:

• Pre-arrival guidance on Student visa applications
• Document verification and CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) issuance
• Post-arrival immigration compliance support
• Graduate route visa guidance for post-study work opportunities

The university's International Student Support team understands the specific requirements for Omani students and provides tailored assistance throughout the visa process.

When exploring your options for UK higher education, you can browse all universities to compare Surrey with other institutions offering scholarships to international students.

Conclusion

University of Surrey offers substantial scholarship opportunities for Omani students in 2026, with funding options reaching up to £5,000 annually. Combined with the university's strong academic reputation, excellent graduate prospects, and supportive international community, Surrey represents an outstanding choice for Omani students seeking quality UK education with financial support. Start your application early and prepare thoroughly to maximize your scholarship success.

Key Statistics

📊 University of Surrey ranks 295th globally in QS World University Rankings 2026 with particularly strong performance in hospitality management (3rd globally)

💰 Scholarships for Omani students range from £2,500 to £5,000 annually, with multiple awards available simultaneously

🎓 96% graduate employability rate makes Surrey attractive for career-focused Omani students returning home or seeking international opportunities

🌍 Over 4,000 international students from 140+ countries create a diverse learning environment with growing Middle Eastern community

📈 Total living costs in Guildford average £1,200-1,500 monthly including accommodation, food, and personal expenses

⏰ Application deadline for 2026 scholarships is January 15, 2026, with decisions announced by March 31, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for University of Surrey scholarships as an Omani student?

Most scholarships are considered automatically when you submit your university application by January 15, 2026. You need to apply through UCAS for undergraduate programs or directly for postgraduate courses. Some specific scholarships like Engineering Excellence require separate applications with additional essays. Ensure your academic transcripts clearly show percentage equivalents and include a strong personal statement connecting your goals to Oman's development.

What is the minimum academic requirement for Surrey scholarships for Omani students?

For undergraduate scholarships, Omani students need a minimum of 85% in their high school diploma. Postgraduate applicants require a 2:1 UK equivalent, typically 75%+ from recognized Omani universities. All students must also meet English language requirements of IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each band. These are minimum thresholds, and competitive scholarships often require higher grades.

How much can I expect to pay after scholarships at University of Surrey?

After scholarships, annual costs vary significantly. International tuition fees range from £19,800-23,800 depending on the program. With maximum scholarships (£5,000), net tuition becomes £14,800-18,800 annually. Including living expenses of approximately £14,400-18,000 per year, total annual costs range from £29,200-36,800. Multiple scholarships can sometimes be combined for greater savings.

What are the most popular programs for Omani students at Surrey?

Popular programs align with Oman's economic development goals under Vision 2040. Top choices include Petroleum Engineering (relevant to oil/gas sector), International Business Management (supporting diversification), Computer Science (digital transformation), and Hospitality Management (tourism development). The Engineering Faculty and Surrey Business School see highest Omani enrollment due to career prospects in Oman's growing economy.

Can I combine Surrey scholarships with Omani government funding?

Yes, University of Surrey scholarships can typically be combined with Omani government scholarships from the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. Many students successfully layer multiple funding sources including corporate sponsorships from companies like PDO, OQ, and Omantel. However, you must declare all funding sources during application and ensure compliance with both institutions' scholarship terms.

What support does Surrey provide for Omani students beyond scholarships?

Surrey offers comprehensive support including dedicated International Student Services, visa guidance, pre-arrival orientation, and academic support. The Muslim Student Association provides religious and cultural community. Career Services maintains Gulf region employer connections for internships and graduate opportunities. The university also offers mentoring programs pairing Omani students with alumni working in the Middle East.

How competitive are Surrey scholarships for Omani students?

Competition varies by scholarship type and academic year. International Excellence Awards are moderately competitive, typically requiring 85%+ academic performance plus strong personal statements. Regional Middle East scholarships have higher success rates due to specific geographic targeting. Subject-specific scholarships like Engineering Excellence are highly competitive but have good success rates for well-prepared Omani applicants given the alignment with Oman's development priorities.

What happens if I don't receive a scholarship initially?

If unsuccessful initially, you can appeal scholarship decisions within 20 working days of notification with additional evidence. Alternative funding options include applying for second-year scholarships, seeking external sponsorships from Omani corporations, or deferring entry to strengthen your application. The university also offers emergency hardship funds and part-time work opportunities (up to 20 hours weekly) to help manage costs during studies.

Key Takeaways

✅ Multiple scholarships available ranging £2,500-5,000 annually, with some combinable for maximum funding

✅ Applications must be submitted by January 15, 2026, with most scholarships considered automatically

✅ Minimum 85% academic record required for undergraduates, with IELTS 6.5 English proficiency

✅ Strong career prospects with 96% graduate employability and connections to Gulf region employers

✅ Comprehensive support services including visa assistance, cultural community, and academic mentoring

✅ Strategic program choices aligned with Oman Vision 2040 goals increase both scholarship and career success