Market Overview
Oman’s education sector is experiencing significant reform as the Sultanate seeks to build a knowledge economy aligned with Vision 2040. Government education spending represents approximately 12% of the national budget. The private education market has grown at 15% annually over the past five years, driven by expatriate demand and rising middle-class aspirations.
The country operates 28 private higher education institutions alongside the flagship Sultan Qaboos University, with enrolment capacity gaps estimated at 30,000 students by 2028.
Opportunity Assessment
TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) represents the highest-growth segment, with government mandates requiring expanded capacity in line with Omanisation targets. International branch campuses enjoy preferential treatment, while edtech platforms addressing Arabic-language content gaps have demonstrated strong adoption rates.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Education budget share | 12% of national budget |
| Private school enrolment | 185,000 students |
| Higher education gap | 30,000 seats by 2028 |
| Edtech growth rate | 22% CAGR |
| TVET expansion target | 50% increase by 2030 |
| Foreign ownership | Up to 70% in education |
Risk Factors
Accreditation timelines can be lengthy, and fee structures for private institutions face regulatory oversight. Student loan availability remains limited, which can constrain market size for premium education offerings.
Entry Strategy
Branch campus agreements with Omani partner institutions streamline regulatory approval. TVET operators should engage directly with the Ministry of Labour to align programme offerings with national skills priorities. Edtech platforms should prioritise mobile-first delivery.
Vision 2040 Alignment
Education is central to Vision 2040 Pillar 1 (People and Society) with explicit targets for increasing educational quality metrics and TVET participation rates. The Education Fund provides co-investment opportunities for qualifying institutions.