Admission to General Foundation 

The admission of an incoming student to the General Foundation Program is based on the entry standards stated in the University Bylaws. Student Admission is done centrally by the Higher Education Commission Admission Center (HEAC). All Omani high school graduates who satisfy the criteria are eligible for admission.

 

A student has to spend a year in the General Foundation Program, where he/she will study the English language, Mathematics and Information Technology, for the purpose of providing students with the basic knowledge and skills required in the specialization program in three academic departments: Business Studies, Engineering, and Information Technology.

 

College Bylaws, Article 29. 8.1.3 Students are admitted into the Foundation Program according to the College Bylaws, Articles 29 and 30. At this stage a personal file is opened for each student. The student is also issued a college ID card and user account. Students who are eligible to be admitted directly to Diploma 1 level are advised of the range of academic programs available to them (Bylaws, Article 31). Once a student has reached an informed decision about the program of study he or she wishes to pursue, the student is registered according to standard procedures

 

Student Induction

The induction week is held at the beginning of each semester for students entering the General Foundation and Specialization Programs. The activity is given by Student Affairs to introduce students to the various programs and services, facilities and resources available on campus. Students also are introduced to the content and importance of the Student Handbook, college rules and regulations, student services, and their rights and responsibilities. The induction program is conducted both in Arabic and English. Student intake is divided into two batches for admission to the General Foundation Program – September and January of each academic year in the English Language Centre.

 

Placement Qualification Levels

Upon admission, students must undergo a placement test in the English Language Center to determine their level in the General Foundation Program. Below are the placement criteria:

Placement Test Score	Foundation Level in which a student is placed:
0 – 34	Level 1
35 - 55	Level 2
56 - 69	Level 3
70 - 77	Level 4
78 - 100	High-flyers

The General Foundation year comprises four semesters. In case the student fails in any of the semesters, he/she has the opportunity of repeating only one semester.

a. The student moves from the foundation program to the specialization program.

b. The student moves from the Diploma to the Advanced Diploma and the Bachelor's Degree.

c. A student is suspended from the college in the case of failing twice in the English language foundation program or thrice in Mathematics and Information Technology.

 

d. A suspended student who failed in the foundation program at a college of technology, will be readmitted within a maximum of one year from the start of their suspension provided he/she passes the level 4 exit exam and both Mathematics and Information Technology on the first attempt.