Higher education at public state universities, such as Sultan Qaboos University, is heavily subsidized or effectively free of tuition costs for eligible Omani citizens who meet competitive academic admission standards. The government covers instructional fees, and many public students receive monthly stipends to support living expenses during their studies. However, for non-citizens or students opting for private universities and international branch campuses within the country, tuition fees apply, requiring private funding or scholarships to cover the cost of enrollment, books, and university housing.