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Bethlehem University
جامعة بيت لحم
Bethlehem University Shield.svg
Motto
Indivisa Manent
Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve
Type Private
Established 1 October 1973
Religious affiliation
Roman Catholic
De La Salle Brothers
Academic affiliations
ACCU
UNIMED
International Association of Lasallian Universities (IALU)
Chancellor Most Rev. Monsignor Adolfo Tito Yllana
Vice-Chancellor Brother Héctor Hernán Santos González FSC, PhD
Administrative staff
c. 409
Undergraduates 5000 (fall 2023)
Location
Bethlehem, West Bank
,

Bethlehem University (which is called جامعة بيت لحم in Arabic) is a special kind of university in the city of Bethlehem, Palestine. It's a Catholic university, which means it's connected to the Catholic Church and its values. It helps students learn and grow in many different subjects.

Discovering Bethlehem University's History

How the University Started

Bethlehem University first opened its doors on October 1, 1973. This was just before a big event called the Yom Kippur War. But the idea for the university goes back much further!

Early Schools and a Special Promise

The university's story really began in 1893. That's when a group called the De La Salle Brothers started schools in places like Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Nazareth. They also opened schools in other countries nearby.

Then, in 1964, Pope Paul VI visited the Holy Land. He made a promise to the people of Palestine. He said they would get a university, a place for different religions to study together, and a school for children with special learning needs. Bethlehem University is part of that promise.

A Unique Place for Learning

Bethlehem University was the very first university ever built in Palestine. It's also the only Catholic university in the Holy Land. This makes it a very special place. It's a joint project supported by the Vatican and run by the De La Salle Brothers.

New Additions to the Campus

In 2017, something new opened on the university campus. It was the Palestine Museum of Natural History. This museum works closely with the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability. It's a great place to learn about nature!

Who Studies at Bethlehem University?

A Diverse Student Body

Bethlehem University welcomes many different students. About 75% of the students are Muslim. Around 25% of the students are Christian. Most of the students, about 78%, are female.

What Can You Study?

Main Areas of Study

The university has several main areas, called faculties, where students can learn. These include:

  • Arts & Humanities
  • Business Administration
  • Education
  • Nursing & Health Sciences
  • Applied Sciences, Technology & Engineering
  • Institute of Hotel Management & Tourism

Learning Together: Different Faiths at University

A Place for Everyone

Bethlehem University is a special place where students from different religions learn side-by-side. Christian and Muslim students formally study and discuss their own religions and the religions of others. They do this in mixed groups and settings.

Welcoming All Faiths

The university welcomes students from all religious backgrounds. This includes Christians from many different groups. For example, there are Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, and Russian Orthodox students.

Advanced Studies at Bethlehem University

Continuing Your Education

After finishing their first degree, students can continue their studies at Bethlehem University. They can earn advanced degrees called Master's degrees or Higher Diplomas. These programs help students become experts in their chosen fields. Some of the areas they can study include:

  • Business Administration
  • Biotechnology
  • Tourism Studies
  • Social Work
  • Nursing
  • Education

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Universidad de Belén para niños

  • Education in the Palestinian territories
  • List of Palestinian universities
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