Al-Quds Open University is a public institution that enjoys administrative, academic, and financial independence. In 1975, the pressing need for higher education among Palestinians, shaped by their demographic, social, and economic realities under Israeli occupation, led to the idea of establishing a university tailored to the needs of the local community.

At the request of the Palestine Liberation Organization, UNESCO conducted a feasibility study in 1980 to launch the project. This study was subsequently approved by the UNESCO General Conference and, later, by the Palestinian National Council in 1981. However, the project’s implementation was delayed until 1985 due to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon.

In 1985, a temporary headquarters was established in Amman, Jordan, with the approval of the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Between 1985 and 1991, efforts were dedicated to preparing comprehensive study plans across various academic disciplines, founding faculties, and producing educational materials, including textbooks and audio-visual teaching aids.

In 1991, QOU officially launched its educational services, opening a new headquarters in Jerusalem and gradually establishing branches across major Palestinian cities. Initially enrolling a few hundred students, the University experienced steady growth, reaching an enrolment of 45,000 students by the end of the first semester of the 2018/2019 academic year. The first cohort of graduates received their degrees in 1997.

QOU faced two major challenges during its formative years: the First Intifada (civil uprising) against Israeli occupation in 1987, and the First Gulf War, with its profound economic and political repercussions on Palestinian society. Despite these obstacles, Al-Quds Open University remained steadfast in its mission, driven by the determination and vision of its founding leaders to ensure it would serve as a lasting beacon of educational enlightenment.

Since its inception, the University has sought — and continues to seek — to expand the reach of open learning and e-learning not only within Palestine but across the Arab world, aiming to serve a broader base of students, trainees, and knowledge seekers. The University remains committed to fostering freedom of thought, opinion, creativity, innovation, and academic excellence.

To attain leadership, excellence, and innovation in open learning, community engagement, and scientific research, and to strengthen its role as a catalyst for building a knowledge-driven Palestinian society.

Al-Quds Open University is committed to preparing highly qualified graduates equipped with the competencies required to address community needs and compete effectively in local and regional labor markets. QOU promotes innovation in scientific research and the advancement of human and technical capacities by offering educational and training programs grounded in best practices in open and blended learning. It also seeks to foster an academic environment that meets international quality standards and strengthens cooperation with community institutions and experts.

• Leadership and excellence
• Patriotism and national identity
• Democracy in education and equal opportunity
• Academic and intellectual freedom
• Commitment to regulations and bylaws
• Community partnership
• Participative governance
• Empowerment of women’s leadership
• Integrity and transparency
• Competitiveness

• Continuously develop graduates’ qualifications and enhance their competitiveness in both local and regional labor markets
• Continuously improve academic and training programs to meet the evolving demands of the labor market, in line with best practices in blended learning and the latest advancements in science and technology.
• Promote scientific research, innovation, and excellence, while supporting academic and intellectual freedom
• Strengthen cooperation and engagement with the community, and reinforce social responsibility across the University’s operations.
• Diversify, improve, and increase the University’s financial resources, while enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of its financial management.
• Progressively improve the blended learning environment and student services to achieve excellence in teaching and learning.
• Enhance both the quantity and quality of academic and technical services to support the teaching and learning process.
• Foster an environment that promotes quality and excellence, and build leadership and management capacities across all University units.

Al-Quds Open University adopts a blended education system that combines traditional learning with e-learning, which transcends time and location barriers. This approach provides opportunities for high-quality education at a convenient cost.

The system relies on printed textbooks and materials, face-to-face lectures and examinations, as well as self-learning tools. It integrates modern technologies into the learning process, particularly e-learning tools, to support learners through programmed educational methods and practical training activities. These resources promote learner independence and enhance face-to-face instruction, in accordance with both modern and traditional enrolment standards.