Study abroad
Study in Palestine
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Palestine
Higher education in Palestine, in Western Asia, gives international students a chance to study in a new academic and cultural setting. Universities and other institutions offer programmes at different levels, from first degrees to postgraduate study, across subjects such as business, engineering, health, science and the humanities.
The economy has strengths in healthcare, education and culture and heritage, which is reflected in many study options. The main language is Arabic; the availability of English-taught programmes varies between institutions. Start with the subjects available here, then compare institutions, costs and application steps.
Before planning a move, read your government's current travel advice for Palestine and ask institutions how they support international students.
Why study in Palestine?
There is no single reason to study in Palestine. For some students it is the programme itself; for others it is the setting in Western Asia, the language or links to a particular industry. It is worth being clear about what matters most to you before comparing options.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, Education, PGCE & Teaching and Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, with options differing between universities.
- Industry context: Healthcare, education and culture and heritage matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Cities and campus life: Ramallah, Nablus and Gaza each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Palestine means everyday contact with Arabic and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Look closely at course content, entry requirements and student support, and think about where you would like the qualification to take you.
Top subjects to study in Palestine
Choosing a subject is the first big decision. For Palestine, the areas below are a sensible place to begin; they reflect local strengths such as healthcare, education and culture and heritage, not a league table.
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Education, PGCE & Teaching
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- Public Policy, Government & International Studies
- Engineering
- Business & Management
Because healthcare, education and culture and heritage matter locally, students in related fields may find useful context for projects and internships. Each subject has its own page for Palestine on this site, with its specializations.
It helps to look at specializations within each area as well: two programmes with the same broad subject can lead in quite different directions.
Universities in Palestine
- An-Najah National UniversityNablus, Palestine
- THE 2026 801–1000
- Al-Quds UniversityJerusalem, Palestine
- THE 2026 1501+
Scholarships to Study in Palestine
Finding funding for Palestine takes time, so start looking as soon as you have a shortlist of courses.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Palestine
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Eligibility, the amount of support and deadlines vary, and competition can be strong. Apply to several suitable options and confirm what each award covers. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Palestine
Academic calendars in Palestine differ between institutions and programmes, so there is no single start date that applies everywhere.
Plan early. Popular courses can close well before the start date, and international applicants usually need extra time for translations, language tests, scholarship applications and visas. Each institution publishes its own deadlines, so check them for every course on your list.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Palestine
Before you commit to a course in Palestine, work out the full cost of the programme, not just the first year’s tuition.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Palestine
Studying in Palestine usually involves an immigration step as well as an admission step, and the two often depend on each other.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Palestine in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Palestine
How much you spend while studying in Palestine varies from student to student and from city to city. Costs in Ramallah can differ noticeably from those in Nablus or Gaza and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Ask your institution for its estimate of student living costs and plan for some extra money for arrival and emergencies.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Palestine
Why should I study in Palestine?
It depends on your goals. Palestine offers programmes across many subjects, a location in Western Asia and study in Arabic (with some English-taught options). Students interested in healthcare, education and culture and heritage may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Palestine?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, Education, PGCE & Teaching, Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences and Public Policy, Government & International Studies. The subjects page for Palestine lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in Palestine?
Start dates vary between institutions. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Palestine?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Palestine?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Palestine.
Are scholarships available for international students in Palestine?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Where do international students live in Palestine?
Ramallah, Nablus and Gaza are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Palestine?
Many courses are taught in Arabic. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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