In 1964, Pope Paul VI visited the Holy Land. In his desire to support the Palestinian people, Bethlehem University was established in 1973 as a joint venture between the Vatican and the De La Salle (Christian) Brothers. From humble beginnings with just three Brothers, a small group of Palestinian educators, and 112 students, Bethlehem University became the first registered university in Palestine. 21,614 men and women have graduated from Bethlehem University since its founding, and today it remains the only Catholic University in the Holy Land.
Bethlehem University provides modern and effective learning resources to enable all staff and students to pursue their academic activities in accordance with its vision, mission, and values. The University intentionally fosters interfaith knowledge and exploration, giving students inter-faith competency and building their capacity to respect all life. Twenty-nine percent of students study Nursing and Health Sciences, 19% Business Administration, and 17% The Arts (Arabic Language and Literature, English Language and Literature, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Religious Studies).
This Spring help us sustain the fragile hope Bethlehem University (BU) students have that tomorrow offers an opportunity for a better future. Just $329 pays one-month tuition for a student in need.
Will you help our students retain a glimmer of Hope?
Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of young Palestinian men and women? For as little as $10 a month you can join the circle that provides students with support to fund their education that will last a lifetime.
Do you have questions about BU? Can you spot it on a map? Do you wonder how the occupation impacts students, faculty, and staff.
These answers and more are found on our FAQ page. Learn More . . .
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April 1, 2025
Education in Vulnerable Regions Bethlehem University remains committed to expanding educational access and fostering resilience in marginalized communities. On Monday, March 24, 2025, representatives from the Faculty of Education visited several Bedouin communities on the outskirts of Al-Quds and Al-Azzariyeh, reinforcing the university’s ongoing efforts to support early childhood education in these underserved areas. The…
March 19, 2025
Milestone Moment for First Graduating Class in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Bethlehem University continues to make strides in academic excellence and community engagement as faculty and students from the Archaeology and Cultural Heritage program embark on an ambitious research initiative. Fourth-year students enrolled in the Research Seminar course have begun their fieldwork at the Khirbet…
March 19, 2025
Fostering New Skills for Student-Centered Learning Environments As part of the Faculty Development Program initiated by the Academic Innovative Hub (AIH), Bethlehem University faculty participated in a transformative workshop led by Dr. Rabiha Elyan/Alayasa, Assistant Professor at the Department of Early Childhood Education, and Ms. Paola Handal, Co-Director of AIH, focusing on course planning and…
March 19, 2025
Experiential Learning at the Forefront As part of Bethlehem University’s commitment to transformative education and community engagement, second-year Occupational Therapy students visited St. Nicolas Home for the elderly in Beit Jala on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The students facilitated a range of activities tailored to the residents’ needs, focusing on daily living exercises designed to…
“You can perform miracles by touching the hearts of those entrusted to your care”