The Vienna School of International Studies, the world’s oldest diplomatic academy, has welcomed its first Omani student, marking a significant milestone in Gulf-European academic and diplomatic relations. Established in 1754 by Empress Maria Theresa as the Imperial and Royal Oriental Academy, the institution in Vienna has a longstanding reputation for training diplomats, ambassadors, and global leaders over nearly three centuries.

The formal inauguration of the academic year took place under the leadership of Ambassador Dr. Walter Eichtinger, Director of the Vienna School of International Studies, and was attended by a roster of distinguished international figures. Among the highlights was a keynote address by Magnus Brunner, European Union Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, who underscored the importance of cultivating global diplomatic expertise amid evolving international challenges.

This year’s incoming class is notable for historic firsts involving Gulf nationals. Aziza al Mughairy has become the first Gulf national to enroll in the school’s flagship Diploma Programme (DLG) since the institution’s founding, and she is the first Omani student ever admitted. The development reflects a growing engagement between the Sultanate of Oman and the European diplomatic education sector, signaling enhanced opportunities for the Gulf region in international affairs training.

The Vienna School of International Studies has continuously updated its curriculum to respond to the shifting demands of global diplomacy, maintaining its role as a premier institution for professional diplomatic education. The enrollment of al Mughairy exemplifies both the academy’s ongoing appeal and its expanding diversity in attracting students from across different regions of the world.