Birzeit University
Birzeit University is a public university in the West Bank, Palestine, registered by the Palestinian Ministry of Social Affairs as a charitable organization. It is accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and located in the outskirts of Birzeit, near Ramallah. Established in 1924 as an elementary school for girls, Birzeit became a university in 1975.
Birzeit University offers graduate and undergraduate programs in information technology, engineering, sciences, social policy, arts, law, nursing, pharmacy, health sciences, economics, and management. It has 9 faculties, including a graduate faculty. These offer 76 Bachelor of Arts programs for undergraduate students and 39 Master of Arts programs for graduate students. As of 2020, more than 15,000 students are enrolled in the university's bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs.
For five consecutive years, Birzeit University has retained its position as the top university in Palestine and is ranked among the best fifty universities in the Arab region according to the 2019 QS Arab Region University Rankings.
History
1920s1970s
Birzeit University was founded in 1924 by Nabiha Nasir as an elementary school for girls from Birzeit and the surrounding villages, under the name Birzeit School for Girls. It was one of the first modern schools in the area. In 1930, it broadened its scope to become a co-educational secondary school, and in 1932, it was renamed Birzeit Higher School. In 1942, the name was changed to Birzeit College. In 1953, a freshman higher education class was incorporated, followed by a sophomore class in 1961. The university launched a four-year program in 1972, leading to bachelor's degrees in arts and sciences and in 1975 the university officially renamed to Birzeit University. In 1973, the campus faced its first closure for 2 weeks by Israeli authorities, marking the beginning of series of repressive measures against the university community. The students and faculty organised protests, demonstrating their commitment to education and resistance. In April 1976, the university was admitted to the Association of Arab Universities, and then to the International Association of Universities in 1977. France financed the construction of the university to the tune of two million francs. In 1978–1979, the university added the faculties of law, public administration, and information technology.1980s1990s
On 21November 1984, a student at the university was shot and killed by the Israeli military, with five others being injured, while taking part in a demonstration in support of Palestinian Liberation Organisation leader Yasser Arafat. In January 1987, history professor Saleh Abd al-Jawad was sentenced to 39 days imprisonment by an Israeli military court after participating in a sit-down strike at the university in December 1986.During the First Intifada, the university was closed from 1988 until 1992 by the Israeli army, banning higher education in Palestine. The university continued to operate underground, organising small study groups in private homes and makeshift locations despite Israeli raids and harassment. The students, faculty and the community around the university demonstrated for education, turning the closure into a symbol of resilience. The university was the last of six in occupied Palestine to reopen.
2000s2010s
During the Second Intifada in 2000 till 2005, Israeli forces blocked roads to Birzeit University, preventing students and faculty from accessing the campus. The university responded with organised protests, lectures near military checkpoints, and an international campaign advocating for the right to education. The university utilised its electronic systems to maintain remote instruction, ensuring continuity of education during periods of siege and restricted access. The Faculty of Information Technology was established in 2006. In 2007, the Faculty of Arts was established. The Faculty of Nursing and Allied Health Professions was established in 2008.In 2015, Birzeit University launched the Ph.D. program in social sciences, its first doctorate program. In 2016, the university was ranked first nationally in the January edition of the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities. 2018 saw the establishment of Birzeit University's newest college, the Faculty of Art, Music and Design. The university was ranked top nationally and among the top 3 percent of universities worldwide in the 2018 edition of the QS World University Rankings, and it retained its position in the 2019 edition.
2020s
assumed office as president of the university in August 2021.In December 2021, a series of violent incidents between students of rival Palestinian factions occurred in the campus. On 14December 2021, Israeli soldiers and Shin Bet arrested a number of students allegedly involved with a Hamas cell, and accused them of funneling money and organizing rallies in support of the organization, as well as incitement. The same day, hundreds of students took part in a Hamas parade on campus to mark the movement's founding anniversary. Some students also attacked the university's security guards. On 10January 2022, an undercover Israeli military unit known as the Mista'arvim stormed the university, shooting one student in the leg and detaining four other student activists.
Birzeit University has played a significant role in preserving Palestinian national identity through education and activism. The university has expanded its undergraduate and graduate programs despite challenges such as military closures and resource limitations. It emphasises academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and democratic values, and is recognized as a leading institution in Palestinian higher education.
Architecture
Old campus
The original Birzeit campus was centered around the historic Nasir family home, built at the end of the Ottoman Empire, and nearby buildings that initially housed the elementary school founded in 1924. This school later evolved into a community college and eventually became the university.New campus
Birzeit University's new campus is located atop a hill, with a view on the rolling hill and the Mediterranean Sea. The university's large building complexes and stone facades are designed in a contemporary architectural style, forming a contrast against the surrounding landscape of olive groves and small villages nestled in the valleys.The relocation of Birzeit University's campus to the village outskirts has led to increased construction of apartment buildings to accommodate students facing mobility restrictions in the West Bank. Israeli-imposed checkpoints and travel restrictions limit daily commuting and require many students to live near campus. The Right to Education Campaign, based at the university, highlights these mobility and access challenges as part of its advocacy for Palestinian students’ right to higher education. This development has shifted land use from agriculture to housing, altering the village's built environment and economy. The demand for student housing has also introduced tensions between long-term residents and the temporary student population, reflecting broader social and geopolitical dynamics in the region, particularly those shaped by the Israeli occupation and the limitations it places on Palestinian movement.
Structure
Administration
Birzeit University follows a semester system consisting of two primary semesters Autumn and Spring, each lasting four months and two shorter summer session of around two months each. The university is supported by numerous Palestinian, Arab, and international foundations, as well as from various individuals.Board of trustees
Birzeit University is governed by an autonomous board of trustees composed of educators and professionals from the Palestinian community. This board appoints the university president and confirms the appointment of vice presidents and deans based on the presidents recommendation. It also approves the university's budget and general development plans, which are presented by the university council.Faculties
The university is organised into nine academic faculties:, Graduate Studies and Research. Together these faculties offer 76 programs that end in bachelor's degrees, such as the major/minor programs and 39 postgraduate programs that lead to master's degrees. Further, the university offers three Ph.D. programs in Social Sciences; Computer Science and Mathematics.Birzeit University is affiliated with the independent public opinion research firm Arab World for Research and Development. Arab World for Research and Development is an independent public opinion research business with his main office in Ramallah. The Palestinian research and advisory organisation focuses on policy design and institutional improvement. To push for evidence-based governance policies and active development, the organization works with local and international partners, including institutions. Birzeit University includes it's students and faculty in regional and national research projects, through this partnership. The students get access to development projects and field research in order to improve participation in politics and institution strengthening in Palestine. This collaboration provides practical experience to increase academic learning.
The university provides diverse additional programs such as the Literacy and Adult Education Program established in 1976, aimed at providing technical expertise to nongovernmental organizations operating literacy programs and helping them overcome the challenges they encounter by creating developmental programs or giving books.
Birtzeit University runs a Voluntary Work Program.Since the start of Birzeit University, the Voluntary Work Program has been an important factor. The program requires students to fulfill 120 hours of community as a part of their graduation requirement. This initiative permitting studentsto engage with and explore Palestinian society through practical, educational activities. Public health, education, protecting culture and social integration projects are examples of volunteer programs. Also, students take part in recycling programs, restoring landscapes projects and agricultural work. To prepare students, the university's Office of Student Affairs organises sessions and workshops in topics, like community service and civil protection. Highlighting the university's focus on practical learning and involvement in the community.
The university also offers the Palestinian and Arabic Studies program for international and diaspora students interested in learning Arabic and studying the social, political and cultural elements of Palestine. One of the courses,The Palestine Question, discusses topics, like the British Mandate, the rise of Zionism, Palestinian nationalism, the Oslo Accords and the peace process. Weekly field trips and volunteer activities are included in the program to provide students with a deeper understanding of Palestinian daily life.