Al-Quds University continues to strengthen its presence on the international higher education stage, with seven university projects and initiatives advancing to the final stages of two of the world’s leading higher education awards: the QS Reimagine Education Awards 2026 and the Times Higher Education Awards. The international competition brings together innovative projects and practices in the fields of education, research, partnerships, sustainability, and societal impact.

This achievement reflects the diversity of innovation at Al-Quds University and the ways in which its projects offer models that connect education and scientific research with technology, partnerships, and community needs, while applying academic knowledge to develop impactful solutions and practices in the areas of health, sustainability, inclusion, and international collaboration.

Five Projects Reach the Finals of the QS Reimagine Education Awards

Five projects from Al-Quds University have been shortlisted for the QS Reimagine Education Awards, internationally known as the “Oscars of Education,” from approximately 2,200 submissions from around the world, across categories reflecting the diversity of innovation in higher education.

The project “Developing Clinical Competence through Simulation, Virtual Reality, and Serious Games,” supervised by Prof. Dr. Rania Abu Seir and Dr. Samar Jallad, was shortlisted in the Immersive Experiential Learning category. The project presents an advanced educational model that employs simulation, virtual reality, and serious games to develop students’ clinical skills and enhance their preparedness for practical training.

The project “Virtually Reconnecting with the Heritage of Jerusalem,” supervised by Dr. Ihab Al-Afandi, was also shortlisted in the Immersive Experiential Learning category. It employs virtual and digital technologies to provide an interactive experience that connects students and learners with the historical and cultural heritage of the city of Jerusalem.

In the Partnerships category, the “Burden of Disease in Palestine Project,” supervised by Dr. Hussein Al-Masri, was shortlisted. The project focuses on research collaboration and the development of data and knowledge related to the burden of diseases in Palestine, supporting research and evidence-based health policies.

In the Access, Diversity and Inclusion category, the project “Empowering Students with Disabilities through Innovation,” supervised by Dr. Ibaa Farah, was shortlisted. It offers innovative solutions and practices to promote the inclusion of students with disabilities and enable them to participate fully in academic and university life.

The project “Leading the Transformation towards Sustainable Agriculture,” supervised by Dr. Ibaa Farah, was also shortlisted in the Education for Sustainability category. It connects education, technology, and agricultural innovation with the aim of preparing students to contribute to leading the transition towards more sustainable agricultural practices.

Two Projects Reach the Finals of the Times Higher Education Awards

In parallel, two projects from Al-Quds University have advanced to the final stage of the Times Higher Education Awards, reflecting the expanding scope of university projects competing in international higher education competitions.

The project “Building Global Academic Connectivity from Jerusalem,” supervised by Mr. Ahmad Nada, presents a flexible model for international academic and professional collaboration based on global partnerships, blended learning, and digital communication from Jerusalem.

The project “Strengthening Environmental Leadership through Sustainable Agriculture, Innovation, and Societal Impact,” supervised by Dr. Ibaa Farah, has also advanced to the finals. It presents an integrated model that brings together education, research, innovation, and community service in the field of sustainability, drawing on programs in sustainable agriculture, smart agriculture, and environmental solutions linked to the needs of Palestinian society.

The advancement of these seven projects adds to Al-Quds University’s presence in international forums and assessments, reflecting the diversity of its academic, research, and innovation activities, as well as the international reach of its engagement in competing for outstanding projects and practices in higher education.

From Jerusalem, Al-Quds University continues to develop initiatives that connect education, research, innovation, partnership, and sustainability, contributing to the transformation of academic knowledge into practices and solutions that respond to community needs and open new horizons for cooperation and impact at the international level.