The event will be held on April 25 at InterContinental Muscat in association with alizz islamic bank Bank Muscat BAE Systems and Nama Group as well as leading universities in Oman.

The SEA which was first launched in 2012 aims to recognise Oman's best students in accounting finance and IT.

Ahmed al Esry office managing partner EY Oman said 'We are very excited to be holding the Student Excellence Award for the fifth year running. The SEA inspires and motivates young Omani graduate students to strive to achieve higher standards of excellence provided with an opportunity to learn how leading organisations work. The objective of this initiative is to enhance the professional skills of talented Omani students.

'The SEA is a testament to our continued commitment to investing in Oman's future generations of successful business professionals. The SEA also gives young Omanis a platform to participate competitively based on their merit which cultivates a positive driven attitude that continues into the workplace.'

The SEA is held on a national level with ten universities participating in this year's event. The top five students in each discipline nominated by each of the participating universities (based on their GPA) undergo a challenging and demanding evaluation process designed by EY.

The ten selected universities and colleges identified for the 2016 award include Sultan Qaboos University Higher College of Technology College of Banking and Financial Studies Majan College The Modern College for Business & Science Waljat College Oman College of Management and Technology Nizwa College for Technology Middle East College and Caledonian College for Engineering.

This year students will only be assessed on Accounting Finance and IT. In prior years Business Administration was included in the assessment. The finalists are evaluated on their academic performance analytical skills subject knowledge communication and presentation skills.

The evaluation consists of a technical test in accounting and finance in addition to a written IT test. The students will also need to write and present business plans and participate in a group discussion on a topic that was chosen by them.