Birzeit University, the first university to be established in the occupied territories, is an independent Palestinian institution located between the towns of Birzeit and Ramallah, about 26 kilometers north of Jerusalem. Committed to the principles of academic freedom and thought, Birzeit University aims to prepare young Palestinian men and women to be responsible leaders and useful citizens in their community.
Birzeit University encourages its students along the path of academic excellence while emphasising the need for social awareness and cooperation. As a Palestinian institution, the university is committed to working for the preservation and development of the national heritage. The university's Board of Trustees, an autonomous body of academics and professionals from the wider Palestinian community, governs the policies and direction of the university. The president of the university is appointed by the board and appointments of vice-presidents and deans are confirmed by the board.
The university consists of four faculties - Arts, Commerce and Economics, Engineering and Science - all granting bachelors degrees on the completion of a four-year course of study, excepting the B.Sc. in Engineering which requires five years. The university currently has a masters study programme in both International Studies and Education, and two further masters courses in Modern Arabic Studies and Law will be added next academic year. In addition, the Department of Public and Community Health will be offering a post-graduate diploma in Primary Health Care Training/Supervision next academic year. The University also offers courses for international students in Arabic and Middle East-related social sciences.
The official language of the University is Arabic although English is used as the main language of instruction in many courses. Birzeit University follows a semester system, with two four-month semesters beginning in autumn and spring and a shorter two-month summer semester.