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?
Please join the Shepherd’s Circle for convenient and secure monthly giving that provides students with support to fund their education that will last a lifetime. Help us reach our goal of 100 people donating $1 dollar a day for Bethlehem University. That’s an extra $36,500 a year! Together we are powerful.
June 5, 2025
A Testament to the Mission of Bethlehem University In the rich tapestry of Bethlehem University’s legacy, few figures embody its mission—to prepare graduates of character, committed to the common good—more powerfully than Dr. Nabil Kukali, a distinguished alumnus of the Class of 1979. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Dr. Kukali began a journey…
June 4, 2025
Reaching Underserved Women in Za’atara In the serene hills of Za’atara, third-year midwifery students from the Tarek Ahmad Juffali Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences at Bethlehem University transformed theory into action through a vibrant community outreach event. “The Midwife: A Hand that Cares, A Heart that Cares More,” was held in partnership with the…
June 4, 2025
Learning through Real-World Experience BU’s second-year occupational therapy students recently conducted a field visit to Al-Shurooq School for Blind Children. The visit aimed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application through real-world experiences which is rooted in the University’s Transformative Education Model, emphasizing analytical and understanding-based learning. The Al-Shurooq School’s occupational therapist, Ms. Dana Ramadan,…
June 4, 2025
Understanding Bees in Our Ecosystems In celebration of World Bee Day, which is observed annually on May 20, 2025, the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) at Bethlehem University organized a special children’s activity on Friday, May 16, 2025. The session focused on the important role bees play in our ecosystems. Children learned about…
June 4, 2025
Messages of Notable Palestinian Authors/Poets Explored The Arabic Language Department in partnership with the Faculty of Education at Bethlehem University organized an extracurricular activity an interactive drama performance titled “The Narrative of Palestine and the Identity of Palestinian Literature.” The event was held at Al-Awda School in Bethlehem and targeted tenth-grade female students. Students enrolled…
May 1, 2025
Dynamic, Real-World Learning Experiences Reflecting Bethlehem University’s deep commitment to offering dynamic, real-world learning experiences, students from the Creative Communications and Campaigns course, taught by Mr. Layth R. Awwad, had the unique opportunity to engage with renowned Palestinian-American comedian, actress, author, and disability advocate Maysoon Zayid on April 25, 2025. Ms. Zayid, celebrated internationally for…
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“You can perform miracles by touching the hearts of those entrusted to your care”