Oman has taken a significant step toward strengthening international academic ties through a new partnership with Bahrain. The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation signed a formal agreement with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Bahrain Royal Medical University. This deal, therefore, expands opportunities for Omani students pursuing medical studies abroad. Medical scholarships for Omani students now form the core of this bilateral cooperation. Consequently, the signing reflects a shared ambition to deepen academic exchange between both nations.
Dr. Rahma Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi represented Oman at the signing ceremony, alongside Professor Sameer Al Atoum from the Bahraini university. Both parties, moreover, emphasised the importance of educational diplomacy and mutual development. As a result, the agreement builds on years of productive engagement between the ministry and the university. They hope, in turn, to develop sustainable frameworks for medical training and student support. Medical scholarships for Omani students remain central to this new academic strategy.
Under the agreement, the ministry will nominate qualified students for admission to either the Medical Commencement Programme or the Bachelor of Medicine. Additionally, the ministry will provide an official list of candidates at the start of each academic year. Selection will rely on GPA, admission tests, and standard university entry requirements. Furthermore, the university will offer ten seats annually for ministry-sponsored applicants. Medical scholarships for Omani studentswill include two fully funded seats provided directly by the university.
Moreover, the agreement ensures transparency and competitiveness in the selection process. Candidates must meet strict academic criteria before receiving approval. Meanwhile, Oman will continue to fund the remaining eight seats as part of its higher education support program. These efforts aim to foster future doctors who can contribute to national healthcare. In turn, the partnership ensures access to world-class medical education within the Gulf region.
Ultimately, Oman’s focus on global educational outreach gains momentum through this deal. Furthermore, the ministry plans to strengthen ties with other top institutions in similar ways. Bahrain’s Royal Medical University becomes a key partner in this strategic vision. This latest development, therefore, underscores Oman’s commitment to academic excellence. Through medical scholarships for Omani students, the nation invests directly in its next generation of healthcare professionals.
