Al-Quds Open University

Al-Quds Open University offers programmes at 18 locations across the West Bank and Gaza, along with an online distance-learning programme for international students.

It is important not to confuse it with the nearly-identically-named Al-Quds University, which is entirely separate.

For those who wish to study in person, there are branches in the following places: Hebron, Yatta, Dora, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Ramallah and Al-Bireh, Jericho, Salfit, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Nablus, Tubas, Jenin, Gaza, North Gaza, Central Gaza, Khan Younis, Rafah.

Courses offered are technology and applied sciences, agricultural engineering, social and family development, administrative and economic sciences, educational sciences, media, art and graduate studies.

There is an Erasmus exchange programme, which currently partners with Royal Holloway, University of London, University of Wolverhampton and Middlesex University.

The international programme is aimed at, “Arab and Islamic communities in different parts of the world,” and is open to anyone who holds a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Students can choose from bachelor’s degrees in a range of subjects – for example counselling and mental health, public relations and advertising, and Arabic language and literature. There is also the option to study for a diploma or for a master’s degree.

Outside of academia, the university has a student council whose responsibilities include, “discovering and developing students' cultural, scientific, and sport talents and abilities”. There is also a strong culture of volunteering.