The university conferred honorary degrees on deserving Palestinian individuals who have made substantial contributions to Birzeit University and the society, such as:
- Leading academics in all disciplines and creative minds
- Visionary leaders and exemplary public figures
- Community builders and philanthropists
Edward Said, Honorary Doctorate in humanities, awarded on June 5, 1993
The university awarded Said the university plaque for his contribution to the defense of the Palestinian people’s human rights.
Omar El-Aqqad, Honorary doctorate in economics, awarded on October 7, 1995
Omar El-Aqqad was recognized for his leading role in economics, institution-building and the establishment of industries that contributed to the building of the modern state in the Arab world, and his donation to the construction costs of the Omar El-Aqqad Faculty of Engineering building at Birzeit University.
Mahmoud Darwish, Honorary doctorate in literature, awarded on July 7, 1996
Mahmoud Darwish, certainly the most well-known Palestinian poet, was honored by the university for his major contributions to the development of modern Arabic poetry. His work is associated with revolutionary and nostalgic poetry.
Abdul-Mohsen Qattan, honorary doctorate in Administrative Sciences, awarded on May 1, 1999
The university honored A. M. Qattan for his pioneer role in building and supporting Palestinian public institutions that contribute to the nation's development and citizens’ progress.
Haseeb Sabbagh, honorary doctorate in Business Administration, awarded on April 20, 2000
In recognition of his efforts in community development and his continuous support for the Palestinian institutions, including Birzeit University.
Yousuf Suleiman Nawwas, honorary doctorate in Business Administration, awarded on July 3, 2004
The university honored Yousuf Suleiman Nawwas in recognition of his efforts and contributions to Palestine, and his continued support for Birzeit University. Nawwas established a Students’ Fund at Birzeit University, offering scholarships for students from his hometown of Taybeh. Nawwas also donated the costs of an extension to the Faculty of Science, which was named after him and his wife, Salwa.
Said Tawfiq Khoury, honrary doctorate in Regional development, awarded on June 4, 2010
"In recognition of his efforts in community development and his continuous support for the Palestinian institutions, including Birzeit University."
Mohammed Omran Bamieh, honrary doctorate in Business Administration, awarded on January 1,2011
"In recognition of his efforts in community development and his continued support to Birzeit University."
Mohammed Al-Masrouji, honorary doctorate in Economics, awarded on June 3, 2011
Mohammed Al-Masrouji was honored by the university in recognition of his efforts and contributions to the development of the Palestine and his continued support to Birzeit University.
Walid Al-Khalidi, honorary doctorate in Humanities, awarded on June 3, 2011
Walis Al-Khalidi was honored for supporting the Palestinian cause through his books and studies that address the right of the Palestinian people to live in their homeland and helped to revive the Palestinian identity. Khalidi was active in defending the Palestinian people’s rights through lecturing and writing articles, editing and writing books, and through scholarship and his vital role in Palestinian institutional development, such as his founding of the Institute for Palestine Studies.
Ibrahim Jamil Dakkak, honrary doctorate in Community Development, awarded on May 18, 2012
“In recognition of his many cultural, professional and political services, and his role during his chairmanship of Birzeit University Board of Trustees.”
Ghalib Muhammad Younis, honrary doctorate in Business Administration, awarded on May 18, 2012
“In recognition of his services to the Palestinian community."
Munib R. Al-Masri, honorary doctorate in Economics and Politics, awarded on May 18, 2012
Munib R. Al-Masri was honored by the university in recognition of his role in economic development and empowerment of the private sector in Palestine.
Samih Darwazeh, honrary doctorate in Economics, awarded on June 26, 2014
He was honored for his excellence in community and economic development in the Arab world and for his generosity to Birzeit University.
Samir Awaida, honrary doctorate in Business Administration, awarded on May 20, 2016
He was honored for his continuous support of the university, and devoting time to voluntary work to raise awareness and fundraising to support education in Palestine.
Ali Al Haj, honrary doctorate in Business Administration, awarded on June 30, 2017
He was honored for his devotion to supporting many students to continue their education, and for being a symbol of hardness and generosity.
Riad Al-Sadik, honrary doctorate in Business Administration, awarded on February 3, 2018
He was honored for his excellence in the social and economic development in the Arab world, and for his generosity to Birzeit University.
Samir Abdulhadi, honrary doctorate in Economics and Politics, awarded on June 22, 2018
He was honored for his diligent national work, his support for the Palestinian institutions and his generosity to Birzeit University.
Omar Abdulhadi, honrary doctorate in Business Administration, awarded on June 21, 2019
He was awarded for his contributions to Palestine and especially to Birzeit University’s Arabic Music Program, and his efforts toward the advancement of Palestinian institutions.
