Equitable and Inclusive Student Admissions Policy

Policy Statement

An-Najah National University is committed to fairness, equality and inclusion in all aspects of student admissions. The University admits students on the basis of academic merit and potential, through clear, published and objective criteria, and does not discriminate against any applicant on any ground. Recognising that not all applicants compete on equal terms, the University may also apply limited, clearly justified positive action measures to support applicants from disadvantaged and underrepresented groups, as set out in this policy.

Purpose

This policy aims to:

• Guarantee transparency, integrity and equity throughout the admissions process.

• Ensure that every applicant is assessed fairly and consistently.

• Explain the basis and logic of any positive action measures used in admissions.

• Reflect the University’s mission of advancing education, social justice and community development in Palestine and beyond.

Scope

This policy applies to all undergraduate, postgraduate and professional programmes offered by An-Najah National University across all campuses and faculties. It covers all domestic and international applicants.

Principles

1. Equality of Opportunity
Every applicant is given equal consideration on the basis of objective academic criteria and the requirements of the programme applied for. Selection processes are impartial, consistent and accessible to all.

2. Non-Discrimination
The University prohibits any discrimination in admissions on the basis of gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, place of residence, disability, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, marital status or any other personal status. No applicant may be refused admission, or treated less favourably, on any of these grounds.

3. Merit as the Foundation
Admission to all programmes is based primarily on academic merit, measured through published criteria such as the General Secondary Examination (Tawjihi) average or its equivalent for undergraduate programmes, and academic qualifications and programme-specific requirements for postgraduate programmes. Positive action measures operate within this merit-based framework and do not replace it.

4. Positive Action: Rationale and Measures

Why positive action is needed
Equal treatment alone does not always lead to equal opportunity. In Palestine, many capable students face barriers that are not related to their ability, including disability, poverty, displacement, geographic isolation, movement restrictions, and the economic and social impacts of the occupation on their families. Without targeted support, these barriers can prevent talented students from accessing higher education and leave some groups underrepresented. The University therefore considers it fair and necessary to take limited, justified steps to reduce these barriers.

Groups that may benefit
Positive action measures may be applied to support groups including:

• Applicants with disabilities.

• Applicants from low-income families.

• Applicants from marginalised, rural or geographically isolated areas.

• Applicants whose education or family circumstances have been directly affected by the occupation, conflict or displacement.

• Other groups identified as underrepresented in specific programmes or faculties.

Types of measures
Depending on the group and programme, these measures may include:

• Outreach and awareness programmes in schools and communities with low participation in higher education.

• Preparatory and bridging programmes to help applicants meet academic requirements.

• Reasonable accommodations in admissions procedures and tests for applicants with disabilities.

• Financial support, scholarships, grants and instalment plans that remove cost as a barrier to enrolment.

• A limited number of reserved seats in certain programmes, in line with University decisions and the regulations of the Palestinian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Safeguards
All positive action measures must:

• Be approved by the relevant University bodies and published before the admissions cycle in which they apply.

• Be proportionate to the barrier they address.

• Maintain the academic standards required for each programme.

• Be reviewed regularly to assess whether they remain necessary and effective.

5. Inclusion and Diversity
The University values the strength of a diverse student body and actively welcomes students from different cultural, geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, creating an environment of respect, understanding and shared learning.

6. Transparency and Accountability
Admissions criteria, minimum averages, deadlines, procedures and any positive action measures are published each year by the Deanship of Admission and Registration on the University website. All admissions decisions are documented and subject to review, and applicants may submit an appeal or complaint if they believe they have been treated unfairly.

7. Accessibility and Support
The University provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities, in cooperation with its Disability Support Office, and offers guidance and support to help all applicants complete the admissions process successfully.

8. Confidentiality and Respect
The privacy of all applicants is protected. Personal information and admissions records are handled with integrity and respect, in accordance with University policies and applicable law.

Implementation and Review

The Deanship of Admission and Registration oversees the implementation of this policy and ensures that admissions procedures are consistently fair and transparent. The University reviews this policy periodically to ensure alignment with national higher education regulations, social inclusion goals and international best practice, and to assess the effectiveness of its positive action measures.

Effective Date: October 12, 2016
Review Date: October 12, 2026