24 July 2011
The University Toulouse 1 Capitole from France will begin operations in the sultanate next year. The opening of the branch will be a milestone in the development of higher education in the sultanate, according to Ruq-aiya al Maani, director of licensing for private institutions, Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE). 

"This outstanding academic institution will play an active role in promoting the educational process, particularly higher education, in the sultanate." The university's curricula are focused on training and scientific research.

Latifa Baba Aissa, university project manager, said that the campus in Oman will offer its students the same status, benefits and diplomas that students get from the main campus in France.

"The university will comprise three colleges - a college of law, of economics and of management. The college of law will be the first to come into existence, and will offer various masters programmes. A full academic year will cost about RO3,500. The university will offer scholarships later on," she said.

"English will be the medium of instruction at the university, which will also offer French language courses. The project will begin with an opening capital of RO5mn, which will be increased later," Latifa added.

The University Toulouse 1 Capitole is one of the oldest universities in Europe, and runs various programmes in Brazil, Morocco and other countries.

© Muscat Daily 2011