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College Background
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The College of Banking and Financial Studies (CBFS) is
a government organization established under a Royal Decree (No. 64/83) as
the Oman Institute of Bankers in 1983. In 1998, by another Royal Decree (No. 83/89),
with the diversification of activities, the Institute’s name was changed to Institute
of Banking and Financial Studies. And in 2004, another Royal Decree (No. 12/2004) was
issued to change the name of the Institute to College of Banking and Financial Studies.
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The College is under the supervisory jurisdiction of the Central Bank of Oman
(the apex bank in the country) and is supported by several financial establishments in the Sultanate. |
The College has been helping the financial services industry with its varying
educational and training needs. Over the years, the College has been offering
programmes and courses, which are adapted to the emerging needs of Oman and has
been an active partner in the country’s thrust towards Omanization of the banking sector.
Having supported the Omanization scheme of banks in the Sultanate, CBFS, in more recent years,
felt the necessity of upgrading the skills of the junior and middle level banking staff to world
class. With this intention, the CBFS has established links with leading and internationally recognized
institutions in major areas of specialization. Besides this, the College has witnessed a growing number
of non-bankers and expatriate student population joining various specialization programmes.
The certifications in various specializations have international credit attributed to them. The courses offered
are of a high calibre, which prepare the learners for work in any sector of the economy – public practice, industry,
commerce or eventually take up further educational pursuits.
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“Achieve world-class ‘Centre of Excellence’ status
by 2020 through the provision of specialized and innovative education and training, focusing
on the Banking and Financial sector in Oman and the region.” |
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Mission Statement
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“Our mission is to provide internationally
accredited education and training programmes for professional, executive and leadership
development to meet the evolving needs, especially in the Banking and Financial sector
in Oman and the region.” |
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General Objectives
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Teach and train; encourage research in banking and
financial subjects (excerpts – Articles of Association) |
Key Facts About CBFS
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In 2010, CBFS completes 27 years of dedicated service to the nation. Most of the courses offered are
in partnership with acclaimed international institutions. The Strathclyde MBA Programme and the Bradford
Degree Programmes are accredited by international awarding bodies. This means that you are assured that the
qualification is of international standard. Most of the examinations and assessment are externally set and conducted. |
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Student Strength over 27 years – progression chart
Why Choose CBFS?
Credentials:
Established in 1983 – one of the oldest government college in Oman; enjoys the patronage of the
Central Bank of Oman and other financial establishments in the Sultanate.
Success:
For most courses, student achievements at the College are mostly above the national average.
Status
Most of the university-affiliated courses are accredited and are awarded by the reputed universities.
Choice & Flexibility
A variety of courses are available to suit your different needs and entry levels: Most of our courses have two annual in-takes; selected courses have morning and evening shifts for working professionals. Instalment fee payment options available.
Career-Focused
Enhance your career prospects by gaining the professional skills you need, to meet the demands of today’s workplace. Well trained, well-prepared personnel are vital to the success of any organization in today’s highly competitive international job market. Courses are up to date and tailored to the specific requirements demanded by top employers.
Transferable Skills
As well as the competences essential for your chosen profession, you will also gain a wide range of skills transferrable to many other professions. In particular, all students are encouraged to develop their capabilities in computing, communication, organization, research and problem-solving.
Excellent Teaching
Our members of the faculty are highly qualified in the field they teach and have relevant professional experience. You are given support and encouragement to help you make the most of your studies. Besides contact lectures, members of the faculty are available during designated office hours, ensuring personal attention to students on academic matters.
Excellent Facilities
Modern spacious campus with excellent facilities; latest IT and multimedia technologies including campus Wi-Fi – hotspot; library with online search engine facility; private study spaces; atrium; lively student café are point of attractions.
Value for Money
Competitive prices! Excellent coaching! Instalment payment options are also available.
Academics
Postgraduate and Undergraduate Affiliates:
On the academic side, the College is proud to be associated with two prestigious universities – University of Strathclyde, UK – School of Mangement (MBA Programme) that is placed 41st in the global rankings in 2009, and in the Undergraduate studies, the School of Management of the University of Bradford, UK, is ranked 87 in the global rankings for 2009 (by Financial Times, London). The College also enjoys a fruitful affiliation with the Arab Academy of Banking and Financial Sciences, Jordan, for a degree programme in Banking and Finance.
Professional Programme Tuition Partners:
By the tie-up with the Canadian Securities Institute, and the Associateship of Canadian Bankers, the College has assumed the role of quality contributors in Oman. The College has earned the esteemed Gold Status as a tuition provider for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) of the United Kingdom. In addition, CBFS also offers Edexcel (UK) Diplomas in Business, IT and Insurance. Notably, the Higher National Diploma courses (Business, IT, Insurance) which are certified under Edexcel, UK has received ‘B’ grade (strong delivery and assessed by assessors).
General Foundation Programme:
Although the former ‘band system’ had worked efficiently over the years, the system was modified in line with the norms set by the Oman Accreditation Council (OAC). The ELC Foundation Programme now has three semesters with English for Academic & Specific Purposes (EAP & ESP), Financial English, and Information Technology – Foundation and Financial Mathematics – Foundation as additional modules.
Corporate Training:
The Annual Training Plan of the College is based on a comprehensive Training Needs Analysis (TNA) conducted among all banks in Oman to identify their current / priority training needs. Several new courses on core banking topics have been introduced to keep pace with the changing needs of the banking industry. It is also noteworthy that insurance courses have been included in the Annual Training Plan for the first time, keeping in mind the increasing convergence of financial services and the foray of banks into insurance business on non-risk basis. Another highlight of the plan is that CBFS faculty members with extensive experience have been added to the pool of guest trainers. This would add significant value to the training courses through a combination of theoretical and practical inputs.
Student statistics:
The College presently has a student base of over 1500 members, and an increasing number of aspiring students express their desire to join the College every new semester, with the aim of a career in banking and financial sectors, as well as in other areas. |
