Birzeit University

The University of Bir Zait (Arabic: جامعة بيرزيت, English Birzeit University, BZU ) is a Palestinian university in Bir Zait. It is located south, outside the village, on the road to Ramallah. The university was founded in 1975 and is based on an educational institution of the same name in 1924. It has 8,892 students and 7 faculties; The proportion of women among students is just under 60 % (as of 2010).

History

The University's history dates back to 1924 when Nabiha Nasir ( 1891-1951 ), founded a school in a region in which educational institutions were virtually non- existent. Their main goal was to enable girls from Birzeit and surrounding villages primary education.

From school to junior college

By 1930, the school became a higher education institution for boys and girls, so in 1942 the name was changed in Birzeit College.

From junior college to four -year university

After the June 1967 war, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip fell under Israeli occupation, travel restrictions prevented the occupation authorities students being able to perceive educational opportunities overseas. Therefore, the management of Birzeit colleges saw the urgent need to set up a local university. A few years later the plans to develop a four-year program to obtain a Bachelor's degree and the formation of a new campus in full swing.

With the expected growth of the college, the founders decided to establish an autonomous Board of Trustees to ensure the continuity of the institution. Despite the fact that it took several years before the Israeli military authorities approved its official approval, the Board was founded in 1973 and took over full institutional responsibility.

The development of the college was continued as planned. In 1975, the name was officially renamed " Birzeit University ".

The University was established in April 1976 Member of the Association of Arab Universities and on 11 July of the same year she has already celebrated the graduation of the first Bachelor graduates. In 1977, the University Member of the International Association of Universities was.

In the academic year 1977-1978, a master 's degree in Education was offered in 1978-79 founded the Faculty of Commerce and Economics of 1979-80 was followed by the Faculty of Engineering.

With the establishment of the Palestinian Authority in 1993, the university administration decided to further expand its development programs as well as undergraduate and graduate program offerings to respond to the urgent need for well-trained graduates who should shoulder the tasks within a Palestinian state. Several new centers, institutes and the Faculty of Graduate Studies were established.