Al-Quds University

In early 2024, the Bayt Mal Al‑Quds Acharif Agency unveiled newly rehabilitated courtyards at Al‑Quds University’s Beit Hanina campus following a redevelopment investment of approximately $395,000. The upgrade enhanced the campus’s aesthetic and social spaces.

In 2023, Al‑Quds University became the first Palestinian university to achieve a historic 5‑star rating in the global QS Stars rankings. This distinction reflected excellence across teaching, research, facilities, and internationalization.

On July 13, 2018, Al‑Quds University celebrated the silver jubilee (25 years) of its College of Medicine, honoring its founding vision by Yasser Arafat and highlighting the college’s enduring legacy as the first medical faculty in Palestine.

In 2015, Al‑Quds University launched its College of Dual (Bilateral) Studies, aimed at interdisciplinary collaboration and joint-degree programs. This represented a forward-looking educational strategy responding to evolving academic and professional landscapes.

In 2009, the university created two new institutions: Quds‑Bard College and the Faculty of Educational Sciences. These additions enriched teacher education and regional outreach, solidifying Al‑Quds University’s role in nurturing educational professionals.

In 2002, Al‑Quds University further diversified its academic reach by founding the Faculties of Pharmacy and Business & Economics. This development reflected growing demand for professionals in healthcare and economic development sectors across Palestine.

Also in 2002, the university's medical school achieved official recognition from accrediting bodies in the United States and Europe. This international validation underscored the academic quality of its medical programs and enhanced its global credibility.

In 2000, the university broadened its academic portfolio by establishing two new faculties: the College of Quran and Islamic Studies, and the College of Dentistry. This expansion demonstrated the institution’s commitment to diverse fields including religious scholarship and oral health.

In 1999, Al‑Quds University inaugurated the Najeem Al‑Zaini College of Engineering. This milestone represented a stride toward offering advanced technical education to meet the growing infrastructure and development demands of Palestinian society.

In 1997, the university expanded its health sciences offerings by establishing the School of Public Health. This institutional development responded to growing community needs for public health professionals and fostered preventative healthcare training in Palestine.

By the decree of Yasser Arafat in 1994, Al‑Quds University established the first Palestinian college of medicine. This development was a landmark achievement in Palestinian higher education, reflecting both political will and academic ambition.

In 1992, Al‑Quds University established a centralized administrative structure located in Jerusalem. The four separate boards of trustees were merged into a unified board under the leadership of engineer Mohammad Nasiba. This reorganization improved governance and cohesion across campuses.

In 1981, the four founding colleges—Dawah and Fundamentals of Religion, Science and Technology, Arab Medical Professions, and Hind al‑Husseini Girls’ College—were formally integrated under the name "Al‑Quds University". Dr. Ishaq al‑Husseini became the first president as the institution gained official recognition and expanded its mission.

In 1979, the university expanded by establishing the College of Science and Technology in Abu Dis and the Arab College for Medical Professions. This marked significant academic diversification and, together, these departments formed a more robust institutional structure.

In 1978, Al‑Quds University officially launched its first college, the College of Dawah and Fundamentals of Religion, located in the village of Beit Hanina in East Jerusalem. This pioneering academic unit marked the institution’s transition from concept to operational university.

In 1977, under instructions from King Hussein of Jordan, the establishment of Al‑Quds University was initiated, making it the first Arab university in Jerusalem. The foundational instruction laid the groundwork for its future development and symbolized a significant educational milestone for Palestinians.