Dhofar University
جامعة ظفار
A not-for-profit private university in Salalah and the first private university in Oman to earn OAAA accreditation.
- Students
- 3,049
- International
- 7%
- of students
- Student–faculty
- 15.9:1
- ratio
- Tuition
- OMR 2,100
- 2026-27
- Founded
- 2004
About DU
Dhofar University (DU) is a private, not-for-profit university in Salalah, the main city of Oman's southern Dhofar Governorate. It was established by Ministerial Decree No. 5/2004 in January 2004 and began teaching in September 2004. In December 2018 it became the first private university in Oman to be institutionally accredited by the Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA).
DU follows an American-style credit-hour system, and most programmes are taught in English, with Arabic Literature, Law and some Social Work programmes in Arabic. Four long-standing colleges, Arts and Applied Sciences, Commerce and Business Administration, Engineering, and Law, offer two-year diplomas, four-year bachelor's degrees and master's degrees; the university lists 56 programmes (16 diplomas, 26 bachelor's, 13 master's and a teaching diploma). A new College of Medicine has published its admission criteria, and a Centre for Preparatory Studies runs placement tests and a foundation year in English, mathematics and IT.
Since 2010 the university has occupied a 450,000 square-metre campus built in a blend of modern and traditional Omani architecture, with capacity for up to 10,000 students. DU suits students who want an English-medium, accredited degree at a relatively low cost in a small, mostly Omani community, and it is especially well set up for women, who can live free of charge in the on-campus hostel.
Why students choose DU
Tuition is charged at a flat OMR 70 per credit hour, so a 120-credit bachelor's costs about OMR 8,400 in tuition in total (bachelor's degrees need 120 to 150 credits depending on the major).
DU was the first private university in Oman to receive OAAA institutional accreditation (December 2018).
Female students from outside Salalah can live in the on-campus hostel without rent, paying only a refundable insurance deposit.
Students from low and lower-middle income countries can receive tuition concessions and deferred payment, and female students among them free accommodation.
Admissions
2026-27 academic year (fall 2026 and spring 2027 intakes)
Selectivity
DU does not publish an acceptance rate. Undergraduates are admitted on their General Education Certificate (or equivalent) plus placement tests in English, mathematics and IT; students who do not reach the required level join the Centre for Preparatory Studies rather than being turned away. The College of Medicine sets higher minimum grades.
Typical entry requirements
| Omani General Education Diploma or equivalent | Required for all undergraduate programmes; certificates from outside Oman or from international schools must be certified by the Omani Ministry of Education |
|---|---|
| College of Medicine | General Education Diploma with at least 80% overall, 80% in two of Biology, Chemistry and Physics and 70% in English; or A-levels with at least C in Mathematics and in two sciences (or A at AS-level); or IB Diploma with 24 points, including 5 at HL (or 6 at SL) in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and in two sciences |
| English language | IELTS 5 IELTS 5.0 with at least 4.5 in writing exempts students from the English foundation programme; IELTS 7.0 also exempts them from freshman English courses. Holders of IELTS or TOEFL certificates issued outside Oman may still be asked to sit the placement test. |
Deadlines
DU does not publish a single application deadline. In the 2026-27 academic calendar, fall 2026 classes began on 13 September 2026 and spring 2027 classes begin on 7 February 2027 (online registration 3-6 February 2027); the foundation programme holds placement tests at the start of each of its three terms (September, December and March).
How to apply
Privately funded students apply online on the DU website: create an account, then upload an ID card and passport (PDF), the general education diploma certificate (PDF) and a recent photo (JPG). The FAQ lists an application fee of OMR 30. All admitted undergraduates then take the placement tests. International students get visa and resident-card support from the International Student Support Team once they have completed admission and paid tuition.
What admissions looks for
- A completed General Education Certificate or recognised equivalent.
- Your level in English, mathematics and IT, measured by the placement tests or by exemption certificates.
- For Medicine, high science and mathematics grades (at least 80% in two sciences on the Omani diploma, or C grades at A-level).
- Properly certified documents: diplomas from outside Oman must be certified by the Omani Ministry of Education.
Tips for applying to DU
- 1 Take IELTS before you apply: 5.0 (writing 4.5) lets you skip the English foundation courses and 7.0 also skips freshman English, which can save a semester or more of fees.
- 2 Get your school certificate certified by the Omani Ministry of Education early if you studied outside Oman or at an international school.
- 3 Work out your cost from the credit hours in the DU catalogue: total tuition is the programme's credit hours multiplied by OMR 70.
- 4 Female students from outside Salalah should apply early for a place in the free on-campus hostel; there is no on-campus housing for men.
Costs & financial aid
2026-27 · figures in OMR
DU gives tuition concessions and deferred payment to students from low and lower-middle income countries (World Bank definition), plus free accommodation for female students among them. Published discounts include 10% for a second sibling at DU and 15% for a third or later sibling. Female students from outside Salalah live in the campus hostel without rent.
- OMR 70
- Tuition per credit hour
- 10% for a second sibling, 15% for a third or later sibling
- Sibling discount
- No rent; refundable insurance deposit only
- Female hostel
Academics
Academic calendar: Two 16-week semesters (fall and spring) plus an 8-week summer semester
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering
One of seven engineering bachelor's degrees, alongside Interior Architecture, Civil, Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics, and Computer and Communications Engineering.
Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Offered by the College of Commerce and Business Administration, which also runs Business Analytics, Accounting, Finance and Management degrees.
Bachelor of Law
Taught in Arabic, with master's programmes in Private Law and Public Law.
Diploma in Computer Science for Students with Hearing Impairment
A dedicated programme reflecting DU's support for students with disabilities.
Bachelor of Education in Teaching English Language
One of five teacher-education bachelor's degrees, including Teaching Mathematics and Teaching Information Technology.
Research
- DU hosts the UNESCO Chair on Science and Innovation for Environmental Sustainability (SIES), a newly established chair under the UNESCO UNITWIN Programme, and a Centre for Sustainability.
- The university has held three International Forums on Frankincense and Medicinal Plants; the third brought together researchers from 17 countries.
- The College of Engineering's laboratories and its Frankincense and Biodiversity laboratories achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification after an audit in May 2023.
Schools & faculties
- College of Arts and Applied Sciences
- College of Commerce and Business Administration
- College of Engineering
- College of Law
- College of Medicine
- Centre for Preparatory Studies
Student life
DU is a commuter campus for most students, with a strong Dhofari character. The Student Affairs building houses clinics, cafeterias, a bank branch and ATM, a shopping area and prayer rooms, and a mosque sits next to it; a multipurpose hall seats more than 1,000. Women from outside Salalah can live in a four-building hostel on campus with its own clinic, gym, restaurant, study halls and free transport to shops and hospitals. International students are welcomed with the 'Ahlane' orientation and 'Khoboor' mountain trips, can ask for a peer mentor, and join clubs and annual football, volleyball, table tennis and chess competitions.
- Free on-campus hostel for women: four buildings, each for more than 300 students
- 'Ahlane' welcome event and 'Khoboor' mountain excursions for international students
- Peer mentor scheme and an International Student Support Team that handles visas and resident cards
- Annual sports competitions in football, volleyball, table tennis and chess
Housing. Only female students can live on campus, in a rent-free hostel with a refundable insurance deposit; men and women who prefer to live off campus get help from the International Student Support Team to find affordable private housing.
Location
Salalah is the main city of the Dhofar Governorate in southern Oman, on Oman's southern coast. It is known for its mild weather, especially during the summer Khareef season, when temperatures stay in the upper twenties Celsius. Long sandy beaches and nearby mountains offer swimming, fishing, hiking and camping. The Mwasalat public bus runs from the university gate to the city every half hour, and taxis are easy to find.
Nearest airport: Salalah Airport
Frequently asked questions
How much does Dhofar University cost?
Tuition is OMR 70 per credit hour, so a 120-credit bachelor's taken at 30 credits a year costs about OMR 2,100 a year (OMR 8,400 in total); bachelor's degrees range from 120 to 150 credits by major, so check your programme's plan. The foundation year costs OMR 900 per term, and books, transport and housing are extra.
What IELTS score does Dhofar University need?
IELTS 5.0 with at least 4.5 in writing exempts you from the English foundation programme, and 7.0 also exempts you from freshman English. Without it you take DU's English placement test.
Is Dhofar University accredited?
Yes. In December 2018 it became the first private university in Oman to be institutionally accredited by the Oman Academic Accreditation Authority.
Does Dhofar University have student housing?
Only for women: female students from outside Salalah can live in the on-campus hostel without rent, paying a refundable insurance deposit. Male students live off campus, with help from the international support team.
What is Dhofar University's QS ranking?
It is in the 901-950 band in the QS World University Rankings 2027, having first entered the ranking in the 851-900 band in 2026.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
- Dhofar University: Profile of DU (archived May 2026)
- Dhofar University: Fees and Expenses (archived June 2026)
- Dhofar University: Admission Requirements (archived April 2026)
- Dhofar University: Application Procedure (archived April 2026)
- Dhofar University: International Students (archived April 2026)
- Dhofar University: Academic Calendar 2026-2027 (archived June 2026)
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