Al-Quds Open University

About

Al-Quds Open University is Palestine's pioneering and only open-learning institution, dedicated to providing accessible higher education through a blended learning model across numerous study centers. It is academically known for its commitment to community outreach and practical education, with strong programs in Education, Technology and Applied Sciences, and Administrative and Economic Sciences. While primarily serving the Palestinian population, international students interested in flexible, distance-learning opportunities can explore its offerings, though dedicated international student services or extensive English-taught programs are less prominent than at traditional universities. The university participates in international academic cooperation, often focusing on distance education methodologies and shared research. Its distinctive characteristic is its unique role in democratizing higher education access throughout the Palestinian territories.

Background

Al-Quds Open University (Arabic: جامعة القدس المفتوحة) is an independent, distance education public university in Palestine. It was created by a decree issued by the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1991. QOU is the first Open learning institute in Palestine. It has 60,000 students studying in 19 branches and centers distributed all over the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. QOU is the largest non-campus university in Palestine. In 2023, the university's facilities in the Gaza Strip were destroyed by Israeli bombardment during the Gaza war.

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