Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

The establishment of the Institute for Higher Education in the Negev was initiated by the residents of Beer-Sheva and the Negev during the early 1960s. Teachers from other academic institutions in Israel provided higher education in Beer-Sheva. Continuous efforts to convince the government to establish a full-fledged university in the Negev, in southern Israel, were fruitful, and on November, 9, 1969, Yigal Alon, the Minister of Education and acting Prime Minister, announced that the Government had decided to build and support the University of the Negev. In November 1970, the first meeting of the Board of Governors took place, and the Institute for Higher Education in the Negev became the University of the Negev. The University was formally accredited by the Council for Higher Education (CHE) in 1973 and after the death of David Ben-Gurion, Israels first and legendary prime minister, it was officially named Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

The University is open to all, regardless of race, religion, national origin, or sex. There is no discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, national origin, sex or political views in its activities.The University is committed to safeguarding academic freedom. The Purposes To constitute a scientific, educational, and cultural center in Israel and to assist in the development and advancement of the State of Israel, particularly in the Negev. To maintain, develop, and advance education, teaching, and research in all fields of human knowledge. To help in crystallizing the spiritual, cultural, and moral values of the State of Israel, and to assist in developing its society and economy. To help in the spiritual and cultural absorption of Jewish immigrants to Israel from all countries and to develop academic programs for Jews living outside Israel. The Duties To establish and maintain research and teaching institutions, especially in Beer- Sheva and the Negev region. To encourage and develop the humanities and the social, natural, engineering, technological, health, and other sciences. To engage in research, teaching, and other activities for the advancement of these sciences. To ensure the professional level of the academic staff, their ability to impart knowledge and to spread values of culture, education, and learning to the University`s students and the population of the Negev and Israel. To constitute an academic community based on close Copperation between teacher-researchers and students. To engage and to train an academic cadre in academic research and instruction.

Foundation year: 1969
Short name: BGU
Type: Public
Students: 16430
Faculty: 800
Faculty/Students Ratio: 20:1
Region: Asia
Location: Beer-Sheva