Birzeit University operates on a two-semester system and according to credit hours. Each of the two semesters is 16 weeks, and a summer session, if offered depending on available means and capabilities, is 8 weeks long. The University closes on Fridays and Sundays of each week, and other holidays are announced at the beginning of each academic year.

New students are accepted at the beginning of each academic year, and a small number of students are admitted depending on space availability during the second semester. The Admissions Committee takes into consideration the general acceptance policies and guidelines that the University Council decides upon. Applications should be sent to the Registration Office according to the dates published annually in the University's bulletin.