We, Qaboos bin Said, the Sultan of Oman
after perusal of the Basic Statute of the State issued by Royal Decree 101/96,
Royal Decree 15/94 Determining the Mandates of the Ministry of Higher Education,
Royal Decree 18/96 Regarding the Establishment of Private Colleges and Higher Institutes,
and Royal Decree 65/98 Establishing a Council for Higher Education,
and in pursuance of public interest,
have decreed as follows
Article I
It is permitted, by a decision by the Minister of Higher Education after the approval of the Higher Education Council, to establish private colleges or higher institutes that undertake the teaching of one or more practical or technical specialties after the secondary stage, in a manner that serves the needs of the development plans in the Sultanate and its labour market.
The Ministry of Higher Education shall supervise the mentioned colleges and higher institutes.
Article II
The Minister of Higher Education shall issue the necessary regulations for the establishment and governance of private colleges and higher institutes after the approval of the Higher Education Council. Until these regulations are issued, the existing regulations continue to operate to the degree that they do not contradict with the provisions of this decree.
Article III
The mentioned Royal Decree 18/96 is hereby repealed, as well as all that is contrary to this decree, or in conflict with its provisions.
Article IV
This decree must be published in the Official Gazette, and comes into force from the date of its publication.
Issued on: 10 Safar 1420
Corresponding to: 26 May 1999
Qaboos bin Said
Sultan of Oman
Published in Official Gazette 648 issued on 1 June 1999.