Fresh Graduate Jobs and Internships in Oman: Where to Start

The best place for a fresh graduate in Oman to start is a mix of three channels: national programmes run by the Ministry of Labour (including the Tawteen platform and on-the-job training schemes), structured graduate programmes at large employers, and entry-level roles advertised on job boards. Omani graduates have the widest access to these schemes; expatriate graduates usually need family residency plus an employer willing to sponsor a work permit, so their route is narrower.

What the graduate job market looks like

The government has made employment of Omani jobseekers a top priority. In January 2026 the Ministry of Labour announced a target of 60,000 opportunities for the year: 10,000 in government, 33,000 in the private sector and 17,000 through national training and qualification programmes, as reported by the Times of Oman. National statistics (NCSI) showed 436,098 Omanis working in the private sector at the end of March 2026, up 8.8% on a year earlier, with sales jobs among the fastest growing.

For graduates this means two things: there is public support for first jobs and training, but employers still look for practical skills, internships and a professional attitude. A degree alone is rarely enough.

Step 1: Register with the national systems

Omani graduates should register as jobseekers with the Ministry of Labour and keep their profile up to date on the Tawteen platform, which the ministry and the National Employment Programme launched to connect jobseekers, employers and training. According to the Oman Observer, Tawteen lets jobseekers update their profiles, apply and track applications, and uses data tools to identify skill gaps. Since February 2026, companies in Oman are required to register on the platform, so it is becoming a central meeting point between employers and Omani talent.

• Upload your certificate, transcript and a short CV.
• Choose realistic job preferences and locations.
• Check messages regularly and respond quickly to nominations.

Step 2: Look at graduate and training programmes

Several major employers run structured programmes that combine training, rotations and mentoring. Recent examples include:

• OQ Graduate Development Programme: OQ onboarded 130 graduates in February 2026 under a partnership with the Ministry of Labour that aims to create 600 opportunities for graduates and jobseekers.
• Banking programmes: National Bank of Oman's "Tomorrow's Leaders" graduate programme and Ahlibank's two-year "Himam" programme target Omani bachelor's degree holders.
• Energy sector: Petroleum Development Oman and other energy companies regularly run training and employment programmes for young Omanis.
• On-the-job training: the Ministry of Labour has run on-the-job training editions with the SME development authority, in which trainees receive a monthly stipend while working at small and medium enterprises.

Intake dates and conditions change every year, so follow the employers' official channels and the ministry's announcements.

Step 3: Use internships to gain experience

An internship is often the fastest way to your first contract. Most universities and colleges in Oman include a practical training period; treat it as a long interview. Ask your career centre which companies have hired interns before, and approach companies directly with a short email and your CV.

• Do internships in the field you want to work in, even if unpaid or short.
• Ask for a reference letter at the end that describes your tasks.
• Stay in touch with your supervisor; many vacancies are filled through referrals.

Step 4: Apply for entry-level roles

Search for titles such as "graduate", "trainee", "junior" and "entry level" in your field. Fields that regularly hire juniors in Oman include sales and customer service, administration and HR, accounting, logistics, retail and IT support. Browse all jobs, filter by category, and create a free job alert so you see new openings first.

Your degree	Typical first roles	Where to look
Business, marketing	Sales executive, customer service, marketing assistant	Sales & Marketing
Accounting, finance	Junior accountant, accounts assistant, bank trainee	Accounting
Engineering	Graduate engineer, site or maintenance trainee	Engineering
IT, computing	IT support, junior developer, network trainee	IT & Telecom
HR, administration	HR assistant, coordinator, receptionist	Admin & HR

Other routes: freelance, part-time and remote work

The Labour Law (Royal Decree 53/2023) recognises part-time, temporary and remote work and leaves the details to ministerial decisions. The Ministry of Labour also runs a freelance work system; it said 2,300 professions were registered in 2025, with expansion planned for 2026–2027. Short contracts and freelance projects can help you build a portfolio while you search for a permanent job.

Also consider fields where the Ministry of Labour is creating replacement jobs for Omanis, such as oil and gas, logistics and tourism, which were named among its 2026 priorities. Vocational and technical certificates in these areas can lead to a job faster than a general degree alone.

Advice for expatriate graduates

Expat graduates who grew up in Oman face a tougher path. Many entry-level titles are reserved for Omanis, and an employer must obtain a work permit before you can work, even if you already hold residency as a family member. Focus on specialist skills that are in short supply, professional qualifications and fields that are not Omanised, and consider gaining experience abroad first. Always verify whether a role is open to non-Omanis before applying.

Make your application stand out

• Keep your CV to one page: education, internships, projects, skills and languages (Arabic and English are both valued).
• Add measurable achievements: a project result, a sales target met or a tool you built.
• Prepare for common interview questions about teamwork, problem-solving and why you want the role.
• Take short certificates relevant to your field (for example Excel, digital marketing or safety basics).
• Never pay anyone for a job offer.

Key takeaways

• Omani graduates should register with the Ministry of Labour and keep their Tawteen profile active.
• Large employers such as OQ and several banks run graduate programmes with yearly intakes.
• Internships and on-the-job training are often the bridge to a first contract.
• Search for "graduate", "trainee" and "junior" roles and set up job alerts.
• Expat graduates need an employer-sponsored work permit and should target non-Omanised, specialist roles.