Bethlehem University
Bethlehem, Palestine • Founded 1973
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1973, the Bethlehem University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Bethlehem (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), West Bank.
This institution also has a branch campus in Al-Qubeiba. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education of the Palestinian Territory, Bethlehem University (BU) is a small-sized coeducational Palestinian higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion.
Bethlehem University (BU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study. This 51-year-old Palestinian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 40-49% making this Palestinian higher education organization an averagely selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. BU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Bethlehem University's physical location and the contact details prospective students typically need before applying or visiting. Channels listed below come from the institution's published profile.
Academic Details
A snapshot of Bethlehem University's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and the bodies recognising its work. Useful as a benchmark when comparing against peer institutions or national leaders.
Academic Structures
Bethlehem University's organisational chart for teaching: faculties, schools, institutes, and constituent units. Research-intensive universities often add institutes or centres alongside teaching faculties.
Unit 7 items
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Technology and Engineering
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Education
- Graduate School
- Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism
- Shucri Ibrahim Dabdoub Faculty of Business Administration
- Tarek Ahmad Juffaly Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences
Degrees
Bethlehem University's qualification tiers and the degrees within each. Foundation years for international students often run separately and feed into year-one of a bachelor's programme.
Bachelor's 24 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Arabic
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Education
- English
- Fine Arts
- Geography
- History
- Hotel Management
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Physics
- Preschool Education
- Religious Studies
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Software Engineering
Master's 7 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Biotechnology
- Development Studies
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Nursing
- Oncology
- Social Work
- Tourism
Diploma & Certificate 6 programs
Diploma and certificate routes deliver focused, applied training for fast entry into skilled occupations.
- Education
- Hotel Management
- Paediatrics
- Religious Studies
- Tourism
- Transport Management
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education and Higher Education of the Palestinian Territory.
Biotechnology Education and Training (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biotechnology
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Palestinian Heritage (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Heritage Preservation
Teaching Excellence (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Teacher Training
Arts (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arabic
- Arts and Humanities
- English
- Religious Studies
- Social Sciences
Business Administration (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Pedagogy
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Nursing and Health Sciences (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
Common Career Paths
- Registered Nurse
- Clinical Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Community Partnership (Institute) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Hotel Management and Tourism (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Hotel Management
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Leadership (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Leadership
Heriditary (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Genetics
Water and Soil Environment (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Soil Science
- Water Science
Programs Offered
All active programmes at Bethlehem University are listed by degree level. Cross-reference against the divisions section to identify which faculty owns each programme — that determines admissions handling.
46 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Palestine
Bachelor's Degree 27 programmes
Showing 10 of 27.
Master's Degree 9 programmes
Higher Diploma 10 programmes
How to apply to Bethlehem University
A short guide to applying to Bethlehem University — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
-
1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Bethlehem University runs 46 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
-
2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Before applying to Bethlehem University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Palestine.
-
3
Assemble your application package
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Bethlehem University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
-
4
Submit your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.bethlehem.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
-
5
Contact admissions and follow up
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +970 (2) 274 1241. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bethlehem University
Quick answers to the most common questions about Bethlehem University — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.
How old is Bethlehem University?
The institution opened in 1973 (approximately 53 years ago).
What city is Bethlehem University in?
Bethlehem University operates from Bethlehem, Palestine.
Is Bethlehem University a public or private institution?
Bethlehem University operates as a private institution.
How big is Bethlehem University's student body?
Bethlehem University serves approximately 3,000-3,999 students.
What programmes are available at Bethlehem University?
Bethlehem University delivers bachelor's and master's programmes across its academic units.
Is Bethlehem University affiliated with a religion?
Bethlehem University is associated with Christian-Catholic.
What is Bethlehem University's academic structure?
The institution comprises 7 academic units.
Is Bethlehem University accredited?
The institution holds recognition from Ministry of Higher Education.
What is Bethlehem University's official website?
The institution's website is www.bethlehem.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in Palestine
Palestine's most prominent universities are listed below — relevant for assessing Bethlehem University's national positioning. National prominence signals not just academic strength but also employer recognition.
Members of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU)
Membership renewal cycles for International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) create periodic quality reviews. Recent renewals or admissions to the network signal currency of standards — older memberships may need re-examination.
Other Palestinian Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic
Religious holiday observance and academic-calendar alignment at Christian-Catholic universities typically reflect tradition rather than national norms. The peers below tend to follow Bethlehem University in this respect.
Faculties at nearby universities
Regional industry partnerships shape career outcomes across the cluster near Bethlehem University. Comparable employer networks often persist whether you choose Bethlehem University or a neighbour.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Programme-led research opportunities for Education & Teaching students differ. Research-active programmes give undergraduates access to active labs; teaching-only programmes do not.
Universities Compared with Bethlehem University
When students choose Bethlehem University, they typically weigh it against institutions of similar standing. These universities sit at a comparable level — useful comparisons before committing to a final choice, especially when programme content is similar across the options.
Study abroad guides and resources
Spotted something outdated or missing?
Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.
