MUSCAT : The agreement was signed by Her Excellency Dr Madiha Ahmed Al Shaibani, Minister of Education, and Saud bin Hamad Al Riyami, Chief Executive Officer of Ooredoo, in the presence of officials from both sides.

The initiative will integrate scholarships into the Unified Admission Centre system and launch a national programme combining academic study with a clear employment pathway. A total of 14 scholarships will be offered in priority technical and digital fields, with job opportunities available to graduates upon meeting specified criteria.

According to the Ministry, the scholarships will be included in the Student Guide for the 2026/2027 academic year, with selection conducted through the Unified Admission Centre based on a competitive minimum score of 85 percent in the General Education Diploma.

Fahd bin Said Al Qasabi, Director General of Scholarships at the Ministry, said the programme forms part of broader efforts to strengthen partnerships with the private sector and anticipate workforce needs across specialised fields.

The four-year programme will target undergraduate students in private higher education institutions in Oman, with scholarships distributed in three phases: five in the first year, five in the second (2027/2028), and four in the third (2028/2029).

Al Riyami said the initiative focuses on equipping Omani youth with skills in emerging fields such as cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence, enhancing readiness for the digital economy.

The first phase is valued at approximately RO 300,000, with plans to expand in future phases based on labour market demand.

He added that students will receive ongoing training, including summer placements and continuous mentoring, improving their employment prospects within Ooredoo and across the wider job market. Priority hiring will be given to outstanding graduates of the programme.

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