The University Student Body
The number of students at Birzeit University reached 5447 during the first semester of the 2000/2001 academic year with female students representing 47% of the student body. The student body is a reflection of the community, representative of different geographical locations, and cultural, political and economic groups within the society (student distribution).

Student Affairs Office
This Office is in charge of all the extra-curricular activities and the Student Council at the University.
For more information, please visit the Student Affairs Office website.

BZU Student Council
Most student activities are coordinated by the Student Council, which is run by an 11-member cabinet in a student parliament consisting of 51 members, directly elected each year by the undergraduate student body.

The electoral system is based on proportional representation that allows the views of many student groups or factions to be best expressed. Normally, the elections are held under the banner “A Model for Palestinian Democracy,” and the week of campaigning, debating, and voting is considered to be a training ground for true democratic processes.

The Student Council aims to encourage an enlightened student body and a cooperative spirit among the various groups in the University. The Student Council works with the Student Affairs Office in order to present a wide range of political and cultural events.

Community Work Programs
Since 1972, all Birzeit undergraduate students have been required to become involved in community service. Students have the opportunity to undertake voluntary work on a variety of community projects, including: special jobs in public institutions; the paving of roads in refugee camps and isolated villages; helping farmers during the harvest season; working on forestation projects; and teaching and literacy programs. Currently, students must complete 120 hours of community work as a requirement for graduation.

Counseling Unit
This unit provides academic and psychological counseling and advice to students with various problems and helps them socialize and mix with the rest of the student body.

Extra-Curricular Activities
Birzeit University emphasizes the cultural and personal development of its students. Students are encouraged to attend or participate in the many activities that take place on campus, such as lectures, theatrical performances, and literary and musical events.

International Workcamps
Every August since 1981, the University has offered international students the opportunity to join Birzeit students by working on different projects in the Palestinian community. The workcamps last for two weeks and offer students the chance to visit various parts of Palestine, as well as the opportunity to participate in valuable agricultural, landscaping and building work, all organized by the Community Work Department in the Student Affairs Office.