Since its establishment as a primary girls’ school in 1924, followed by its establishment as a university in 1976, Birzeit University has earned a reputation for innovation. It was the first university in the Arab world to establish an institute specializing in Women’s Studies (1994) and the first Palestinian university to initiate graduate studies (1994). In 2014, it became the first Palestinian university to initiate a PhD program (Social Sciences).
Birzeit University is accredited by the Palestinian Ministry of Higher Education as a public (non-profit private) institution of higher education that offers various academic programs and diplomas. It is also a member of the Association of Arab Universities as well as a member of the International Association of Universities.
The university offers 174 academic programs, including 44 master’s and 6 Ph.D. programs. In addition to 19 programs that culminate with the award of a specialized professional diploma offered by the university’s various colleges, institutes and centers.
Birzeit plays a central role in developing the country’s most valuable resource: the Palestinian people. The University is unique in its liberal atmosphere and history of political activism. The university fosters democratic values and is firmly committed to freedom of thought and expression, intellectual pluralism, and democratic practices.
Our mission is to shape young lives and create hope in a social environment of denial and repression. We are dedicated to developing our students’ intellect by providing a multi-faceted education that is rigorous and engaging. We emphasize the development of character, the building of ethical frameworks, the cultivation of a strong work ethic coupled with creativity.