Bethlehem University of the Holy Land is a Catholic institution of higher learning founded in 1973 and open to students of all faith traditions. During the historic visit of Pope Paul VI to the Holy Land in 1964, Palestinians expressed their desire to establish a university in their homeland. Bethlehem University officially opened its doors on 3 October 1973, becoming the first university in the West Bank.
Bethlehem University was one of the founding members of the Palestinian Council for Higher Education in 1978 and continues membership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education resulting from the coming of the Palestinian Authority in 1995. In May 1981 Bethlehem University became a member of the Association of Arab Universities.
Despite being closed twelve times by Israeli military imposed orders, classes have continually been held on- and off-campus. The University’s story is one of people committed to pursuing their higher education – perseverance and courage in the face of adversity and injustice – working together in hope with an ever widening international circle of colleagues to build a better future.

Bethlehem University
Rue des Freres
Bethlehem, Palestine

Tel: +972 2 274 1241
Website: www.bethlehem.edu