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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March 6, 2025
BU and Mariam Foundation Sign MOU Bethlehem University (BU) and the Mariam Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a collaborative initiative to support children with cancer and provide BU students with meaningful volunteer opportunities. The agreement was signed March 4, 2025, by Brother Hernán Santos, Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University, and Mr.…
January 15, 2025
Prof. Mazin Qumsiyeh Nominated for 2025 Nobel Peace Prize Bethlehem, Palestine – January 15, 2025 – Bethlehem University is honored to announce that Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh, founder and director of the Palestine Museum of Natural History (PMNH) and the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS), has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.…
December 5, 2024
Lecture Hall Gets a Makeover The first phase of the Brother Joe Hall renovation project, has been successfully completed. This milestone was made possible through the generous support of the EOHSJ-USA Western Lieutenancy and our dear friend, Dr. Nabil Kassab. As one of the university’s priority capital projects, this renovation will significantly enhance the campus,…
October 17, 2024
Bethlehem University’s Faculty of Applied Sciences, Technology, and Engineering has taken a significant step in promoting scientific exploration with the launch of its new Astronomy Club. The initiative aims to ignite passion for astronomy among the university’s community while providing students with a deeper understanding of astronomical phenomena. This stunning photograph of the moon was…
“You can perform miracles by touching the hearts of those entrusted to your care”