Universities in the Palestinian Territory

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 26 Universities in the Palestinian Territory

The State of Palestine is divided into 16 governorates. The majority of higher education institutions meeting the uniRank selection criteria are located in the governorates of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The following uniRank league tables and sub-rankings consider all governorates that include at least one Palestinian higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Gaza Strip (11)  
Jerusalem (1)  
West Bank (14)  

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Overview of Palestinian Territory Universities

The Palestinian Territory higher education system comprises 26 accredited universities operating primarily in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. These institutions fall into two main categories: public universities funded by the Palestinian Ministry of Higher Education and private universities that include both non-profit and for-profit models. Established predominantly after 1970, Palestinian universities offer comprehensive academic programs across diverse fields including engineering, medicine, humanities and technology. Despite operating under challenging geopolitical conditions, these institutions maintain rigorous academic standards and serve over 200,000 students collectively, with Arabic as the primary language of instruction and growing English-taught programs.

Top 10 Palestinian Territory Universities

1. Birzeit University (جامعة بيرزيت) (BZU) – Ranked #1 in Palestine and #1452 globally. Established 1975 in Birzeit (West Bank). Private non-profit comprehensive university offering bachelor's to doctorate programs.
2. An-Najah National University (جامعة النجاح الوطنية) (ANU) – Ranked #2 in Palestine and #1702 globally. Founded 1977 in Nablus (West Bank). Public comprehensive institution with undergraduate to PhD programs.
3. Al-Quds University (جامعة القدس) (QU) – Ranked #3 in Palestine and #2241 globally. Established 1970 with campuses in Jerusalem/West Bank. Public comprehensive university offering diverse academic levels.
4. Islamic University of Gaza (الجامعة الإسلامية بغزة) (IUG) – Ranked #4 in Palestine and #3508 globally. Founded 1978 in Gaza City. Public comprehensive institution with bachelor's to doctoral studies.
5. Bethlehem University (جامعة بيت لحم) (BU) – Ranked #5 in Palestine and #4401 globally. Established 1973 in Bethlehem (West Bank). Private non-profit comprehensive university.
6. Arab American University (الجامعة العربية الأمريكية) (AAUP) – Ranked #6 in Palestine and #4579 globally. Founded 2000 in Jenin (West Bank). Private for-profit comprehensive institution.
7. Palestine Polytechnic University (جامعة بوليتكنك فلسطين) (PPU) – Ranked #7 in Palestine and #4927 globally. Established 1999 in Hebron (West Bank). Private non-profit technology-focused university.
8. Al-Aqsa University (جامعة الأقصى) (AQU) – Ranked #8 in Palestine and #5985 globally. Founded 1991 in Gaza City. Public comprehensive institution.
9. Hebron University (جامعة الخليل) (HU) – Ranked #9 in Palestine and #6296 globally. Established 1971 in Hebron (West Bank). Public comprehensive university.
10. Al Azhar University-Gaza (جامعة الأزهر بغزة) (AUG) – Ranked #10 in Palestine and #6754 globally. Founded 1991 in Gaza City. Public comprehensive institution.

Analysis of University Types

The Palestinian Territory has 26 universities with distinct governance structures:

• Public Universities: 11 institutions (42.3% of total)
• Private Universities: 7 institutions (26.9% of total)
• Unspecified Control: 8 institutions (30.8% of total)

Public institutions dominate the sector, particularly in Gaza where 3 of 4 listed universities are public. The West Bank features greater private university presence, including unique models like the for-profit Arab American University.

Global Ranking and Standing

Palestinian universities show emerging global engagement but face ranking challenges:

• 0 universities in the global top 200 (0% of Palestinian institutions)
• 0 universities in the global top 1,000 (0% of Palestinian institutions)

Top-ranked Palestinian Territory universities globally include Birzeit University (#1452 worldwide) and An-Najah National University (#1702). While no institutions currently rank in elite tiers, several demonstrate strong regional influence and specialized research capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many universities exist in Palestine?
There are 26 accredited universities: 11 public, 7 private and 8 with unspecified control type.

What is Palestine's top-ranked university?
Birzeit University consistently ranks as Palestine's #1 institution (CountryRank #1, WorldRank #1452).

Are there English-taught programs in Palestinian universities?
Yes, many universities offer English-medium programs, particularly in graduate studies and technical fields like medicine and engineering.

Which Palestinian universities have the strongest engineering programs?
Palestine Polytechnic University and An-Najah National University are renowned for engineering, with PPU specializing in polytechnic education since 1999.

Do Gaza universities operate during conflicts?
Universities in Gaza maintain operations during ceasefires but face significant disruption during active conflicts, with infrastructure damage and mobility restrictions affecting both students and faculty.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Palestinian universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in the Palestinian Territory
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Palestinian post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in the Palestinian Territory
  Search for Palestinian higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Palestinian Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Palestinian town or city.
• Top Public Universities in the Palestinian Territory
  Discover Palestinian public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in the Palestinian Territory
  Find out about Palestinian private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in the Palestinian Territory
  Explore Palestinian not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in the Palestinian Territory
  Look for Palestinian for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Palestinian Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in the Palestinian Territory have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Palestinian Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in the Palestinian Territory that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Palestinian Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in the Palestinian Territory are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Palestinian Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in the Palestinian Territory with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.