Al-Quds Bard College

What Al-Quds Bard College does

Al-Quds Bard College (AQB) is a liberal arts institution founded in 2009, operating as a college within Al-Quds University in Abu Dis, Jerusalem, in formal partnership with Bard College in New York. The college delivers English-language, student-centered liberal arts education and awards dual degrees accredited by both the Palestinian Ministry of Education and the US Department of Education — a regulatory distinction unique in the Middle East region. AQB enrolls students across ten undergraduate programs spanning Natural Sciences & Computing (Molecular Genetics, Biology & Premed, Computer Science), Social Sciences (Global Studies and Diplomacy, Social Thought/Economy/Policy, Human Rights and International Law, Urban Studies, plus a joint Bachelor of Law with a Human Rights minor), and Humanities & Practicing Arts (Digital Communications, Literature & Society, English Language & Literature), as well as three graduate programs (Master of Arts in Teaching, M.A. in European Studies, M.A. in American Studies). Supplementary offerings include the AQB Academy and AQB Prep preparatory tracks, the Feminist Leadership School, and the CLEA project extending liberal arts pedagogy into Palestinian high schools.

The business model is tuition-based, augmented by a heavy scholarship and grant funding stack: 80% of students receive financial support, with major institutional backing from the Education Above All (EAA)/Qatar Foundation, Open Society Foundations, and the European Union via Expertise France. Go-to-market is direct-to-consumer via Al-Quds University's admission office, with recruitment supported by standardized testing (Tawjihi, SAT, IB, GCE), online info sessions, and a student ambassador program. The college distributes its academic offering through the OSUN/Bard Network, which enables international exchange for approximately 50% of students and underpins dual-degree recognition.

The operating footprint is small — 22 reported employees — and the technology stack is conventional (AQU e-Class and university portal systems), with no proprietary AI or platform product. AI appears only at the student-project level (e.g., BlinkVoice, YOUthRIVING), and a 90% graduate employment or advanced-degree placement rate is the primary marketed outcome metric. The institution is structurally dependent on its host university, its US accreditation partner, and a small set of large external funders.

Name

Al-Quds Bard College

Legal name

Al-Quds Bard College for Arts and Sciences

Website

https://bard.alquds.edu

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Al-Quds Bard College is a liberal arts college within Al-Quds University in Abu Dis, Jerusalem, offering dual-accredited (Palestinian MoE and US DoE) undergraduate and graduate degrees in partnership with Bard College New York, serving Palestinian students seeking English-language liberal arts education.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Abu Dis

HQ country

Palestinian Territories

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Revenue from tuition payments for undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including Master of Arts in Teaching, and preparatory programs. Financial support is available for 80% of students.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Al-Quds Bard College is a liberal arts college within Al-Quds University that offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs, preparatory English programs, and special non-degree programs in partnership with Bard College in New York. Graduates receive dual degrees accredited by both the Palestinian Ministry of Education and the U.S. Department of Education. The college provides 10 undergraduate programs across natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, three graduate programs (MAT, M.A. in European Studies, M.A. in American Studies), AQB Academy and AQB Prep preparatory programs, and special programs including the Feminist Leadership School and CLEA Project.

Product overview

Al-Quds Bard College is a liberal arts institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs through a partnership between Al-Quds University and Bard College in New York, granting dual degrees accredited by both Palestinian and US educational authorities. The college provides 10 undergraduate programs including Molecular Genetics, Biology, Computer Science, Global Studies and Diplomacy, Social Thought/Economy/Policy, Human Rights and International Law, Urban Studies, Digital Communications, Literature and Society, and English Language and Literature; three graduate programs (Master of Arts in Teaching, M.A. in European Studies, M.A. in American Studies); and special programs including the Feminist Leadership School, CLEA Project, AQB Academy (English prep), AQB Prep, and Qatar Scholarship. The institution also supports student AI innovation projects and interdisciplinary research initiatives.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Molecular Genetics Program Undergraduate program providing comprehensive knowledge of cell and molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology, with foundations in modern experimental biology, preparing students for healthcare institutions, biotechnology industries, and forensic laboratories.
• Biology and Premed Programs Undergraduate biology program covering classical and modern biological theories and experimentation, providing skills for careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and graduate studies in biology.
• Computer Science Program Undergraduate computer science program focusing on fundamental ideas of computer science, multiple programming paradigms, and practical laboratory experience, producing well-rounded computer scientists.
• Global Studies and Diplomacy Interdisciplinary undergraduate program combining political science, economics, international relations, and diplomacy, preparing students for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, and policy-making roles.
• Social Thought, Economy, and Policy Program (STEP) Undergraduate program combining political science, economics, and philosophy to develop advanced critical thinking skills and innovative approaches to policy solutions for social, economic, and political problems.
• Human Rights and International Law Program First undergraduate program of its kind in the region producing human rights experts for Palestinian, regional, and global organizations, integrating historical and conceptual approaches with practical human rights engagement.
• Urban Studies and Spatial Practices Program Interdisciplinary undergraduate program exploring cities and urban spaces through anthropology, sociology, architecture, environmental studies, and development studies, preparing graduates for careers in urban planning and sustainable development.
• Digital Communications Program Undergraduate program preparing students for the evolving digital media and communications landscape, combining traditional media skills with digital content creation, social media management, and multimedia production.
• Literature and Society Program Undergraduate program providing rigorous training in scholarly analysis of literary texts with attention to aesthetic qualities, social relevance, and historical context through an interdisciplinary, globally-focused approach.
• English Language and Literature Program Bachelor's degree program training future educators and translation professionals, preparing graduates for advanced studies in linguistics, English literature, and teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL).
• Bachelor of Law with a Minor in Human Rights and International Law Joint undergraduate program between the Faculty of Law and Al-Quds Bard College providing law students with in-depth human rights knowledge and skills in legal translation and international human rights standards.
• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Graduate program for teaching professionals with a Classroom Research Projects (CRP) capstone, supported by Education Above All Foundation scholarships, designed to advance pedagogical and classroom research skills.
• M.A. in European Studies Graduate program offering advanced study in European affairs, politics, and international relations within the European context.
• M.A. in American Studies Graduate program offering advanced interdisciplinary study of American culture, society, politics, and international relations.
• Feminist Leadership School 90-hour training program in partnership with the Palestinian Working Woman Society for Development, preparing young feminist and community leaders with knowledge in gender studies, democracy, and civic engagement, funded by the European Union through Expertise France.
• CLEA Project Collaborative for Liberal Education for Adolescents partnership with Bard Early College, offering semester-long seminars in Palestinian high schools providing collegiate-level liberal arts education at no cost.
• AQB Academy One-year English language preparatory program for students whose English proficiency is a barrier for matriculating in undergraduate programs, providing intensive English courses alongside elective courses.
• AQB Prep Preparatory program preparing students for undergraduate studies at Al-Quds Bard College with foundational academic skills.
• Qatar Scholarship Scholarship program funded by Qatar through the Education Above All Foundation supporting Palestinian students at Al-Quds Bard College, with a dedicated scholarship manager.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% of graduates are employed or pursuing advanced degrees
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability9 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered strategic and core.

• Palestinian Working Woman Society for Development (PWWSD)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 June 2026Signed cooperation agreement to launch Feminist Leadership School - a 90-hour training program over 3 months for 20+ participants focused on democratic participation and social cohesion. Funded by EU through Expertise France.
• Bard College New YorkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding partner institution providing US accreditation and dual degree certification. Collaborates on curriculum development, exchange programs, and OSUN network integration. AQB is part of Bard Network/Open Society University Network (OSUN).
• Al-Quds UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost institution providing academic framework, degree certification, campus facilities, and administrative infrastructure. AQB is a college within Al-Quds University.
• GHEA21 (Global Higher Education Alliance 21)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal network for higher education collaboration including joint projects like ENTEC and CLEA (Collaborative for Liberal Education for Adolescents) operating in Palestinian schools.
• Bard Globalization and International Affairs Program (BGIA)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange program partner for Global Studies and Diplomacy students, providing opportunity to study one semester abroad and access to specialized faculty.
• Central European University (CEU)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint degree partner for alumna Heba Abu Shama'a's dual Master's program in Global Studies and International Relations.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Central European University: Active partner institution with joint Master's degree pathway for AQB alumni (e.g., Heba Abu Shama'a in Global Studies). Comparable graduate-level social sciences model with similar commitment to interdisciplinary, internationally-engaged liberal education.
• Bard College: Founding partner institution providing dual degree certification. Same liberal arts methodology, student-centered pedagogy, and interdisciplinary curriculum design — directly comparable academic model and philosophy, with AQB explicitly operating as Bard's overseas liberal arts affiliate.

Regional players

• American University in Cairo: Regional peer offering American-accredited liberal arts education in Arabic and English. Similar mission of providing globally-recognized credentials in the Middle East with US curriculum roots, operating in a different national market.
• American University of Beirut: Leading regional liberal arts and research university with American-style curriculum and English instruction. Comparable in mission to deliver internationally accredited higher education in the Arab world, though larger and more established, serving a different national market.
• Bethlehem University: Palestinian university with international partnership DNA (founded by De La Salle Brothers, Vatican-affiliated). Comparable mission of providing quality higher education in Palestine with international accreditation linkages.
• Birzeit University: Premier Palestinian university offering liberal arts and professional programs in the West Bank. Closest direct domestic competitor in Palestinian higher education with overlapping program offerings and student demographic.
• Lebanese American University: US-affiliated university offering American-style liberal arts and professional programs in the MENA region. Comparable in its dual accreditation approach and English-language instruction model, operating from Lebanon.
• An-Najah National University: Major Palestinian university with broad program portfolio including liberal arts and sciences. Competes for the same Palestinian high school graduate pool but offers a larger, more traditional university experience rather than the small liberal arts college model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCshpcEqNk7fst6s1iqDFZIA/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/AlQudsBardCollege
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/al-quds-bard-college-for-arts-and-sciences

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Al-Quds Bard College