# =537QS World University Rankings
135Undergrad & Postgrad Programmes
17 % International students
About Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ)
The Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) is a private Lebanese university, founded in 1875 by the Society of Jesus. The University counts 13 Faculties (religious studies, medicine, pharmacy, dental medicine, nursing, engineering and architecture, law and political science, economics, USJ Business School, humanities, science, education, and languages and translation), 14 Institutes and 9 Schools operating under USJ Faculties. Education is provided on Beirut campuses as well as at the Regional campuses: North Lebanon Campus (located in Tripoli), South Lebanon Campus (located in Saida), and Zahle and Beqaa Campus (located in Zahle).
USJ manages a university medical center called Hôtel-Dieu de France (HDF) and its hospital network. Medical students, interns and residents benefit from the clinical teachings in hospitals affiliated with or accredited by the Faculty of Medicine. The University also manages the Dental Care Center, the Center for Diagnosis, Therapy and Research in Psychomotor Therapy, the Center for Diagnosis, Therapy and Research in Speech and Language Therapy, and the Center for Psychological Support.
USJ sustains several institutes and associations affiliated to it, including Berytech Technological Park, Health Technology Pole (PTS), and Recherche et Développement SARL.
USJ’s mission encompasses three main dimensions: research through new knowledge creation, teaching through knowledge transfer, and service through using knowledge in the service of society. To carry out this mission, the University defines itself as an academic institution of French language and culture, which favors pluriculturalism and trilingualism (Arabic, English and French). USJ is equally accessible to all social classes and all communities and is dedicated to the service of the country and the region. It promotes, through teaching and research, questions around sustainable development, the supremacy of rights of human, of justice, of democracy, of civilizations’ dialogue, as well as questions on purpose. The University is also internationally oriented and is keen to benefit from the extraordinary potential of the network of Jesuit and catholic universities throughout the world. Its vision and mission are built around values such as the Jesuit educational tradition, autonomy, collaboration, participation, freedom of conscience, political independence and social commitment. Combined with academic, professional and ethical training of excellence, and complemented by an authentic culture rooted in questions of purpose, USJ is dedicated to the progress of humanity.
In March 2019, Saint Joseph University of Beirut received the unconditional accreditation by European educational accreditation institute ACQUIN.
This accreditation is of significant importance for higher education institutions, and it brings recognition and a plethora of benefits for USJ itself as well as for its students, graduates, teachers and partners in general. It strengthens the national, regional and international ranking of the university. Obtaining this label positively impacts the employability of USJ graduates as well as student mobility and institutional partnerships with universities and international organizations.
About Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ)
The Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) is a private Lebanese university, founded in 1875 by the Society of Jesus. The University counts 13 Faculties (religious studies, medicine, pharmacy, dental medicine, nursing, engineering and architecture, law and political science, economics, USJ Business School, humanities, science, education, and languages and translation), 14 Institutes and 9 Schools operating under USJ Faculties. Education is provided on Beirut campuses as well as at the Regional campuses: North Lebanon Campus (located in Tripoli), South Lebanon Campus (located in Saida), and Zahle and Beqaa Campus (located in Zahle).
USJ manages a university medical center called Hôtel-Dieu de France (HDF) and its hospital network. Medical students, interns and residents benefit from the clinical teachings in hospitals affiliated with or accredited by the Faculty of Medicine. The University also manages the Dental Care Center, the Center for Diagnosis, Therapy and Research in Psychomotor Therapy, the Center for Diagnosis, Therapy and Research in Speech and Language Therapy, and the Center for Psychological Support.
USJ sustains several institutes and associations affiliated to it, including Berytech Technological Park, Health Technology Pole (PTS), and Recherche et Développement SARL.
USJ’s mission encompasses three main dimensions: research through new knowledge creation, teaching through knowledge transfer, and service through using knowledge in the service of society. To carry out this mission, the University defines itself as an academic institution of French language and culture, which favors pluriculturalism and trilingualism (Arabic, English and French). USJ is equally accessible to all social classes and all communities and is dedicated to the service of the country and the region. It promotes, through teaching and research, questions around sustainable development, the supremacy of rights of human, of justice, of democracy, of civilizations’ dialogue, as well as questions on purpose. The University is also internationally oriented and is keen to benefit from the extraordinary potential of the network of Jesuit and catholic universities throughout the world. Its vision and mission are built around values such as the Jesuit educational tradition, autonomy, collaboration, participation, freedom of conscience, political independence and social commitment. Combined with academic, professional and ethical training of excellence, and complemented by an authentic culture rooted in questions of purpose, USJ is dedicated to the progress of humanity.
In March 2019, Saint Joseph University of Beirut received the unconditional accreditation by European educational accreditation institute ACQUIN.
This accreditation is of significant importance for higher education institutions, and it brings recognition and a plethora of benefits for USJ itself as well as for its students, graduates, teachers and partners in general. It strengthens the national, regional and international ranking of the university. Obtaining this label positively impacts the employability of USJ graduates as well as student mobility and institutional partnerships with universities and international organizations.
Available programmes
University information
• Either online, by accessing the link: https://admission.usj.edu.lb/
• Or at any submission office on Campus (CSH, CSS, CST, CLN, CLS and CZB); the candidate’s in-person presence is preferred.
To submit your application, please:
1. Fill in all sections of the Application Form (link)
2. Choose up to 9 programs from the list (link) by ranking them in order of preference from 1 to 9, 1 being your preferred choice. During the late period and for the second semester, only one choice is allowed.
3. Enclose all required documents; an incomplete application will not be considered by the Admission Committees.
4. Pay the application fee of 75 USD. This fee is non-refundable and is paid only once for the 3 admission periods, as well as for the second semester of the 2024 – 2025 academic year.
N.B.: FM, FMD and FP candidates are allowed to take the entrance exam twice at most (consecutively or not). This provision is applicable to all past, present and future applications, without exception.
Since students dedicate a considerable amount of time to their studies, they spend more time at university than anywhere else. As a result, the University offers practical services aimed at ensuring their stay goes as smoothly as possible.
Parking Lots
Instructors are provided with parking spaces on the campuses. They are required to obtain an access sticker
from the administration.
Some campuses have parking spaces open to students, but access conditions vary from one campus to
another.
Student Housing
Housing is provided at the University dorms, “USJ Dorms”. Students can stay there for a maximum of 3 consecutive academic years.
Catering
The Beirut campuses, as well as the regional campuses, have cafeterias open to all. They offer full, balanced menus, snacks, sandwiches, and hot and cold drinks
First Aid Services at USJ
All USJ campuses are equipped with first aid services and necessary equipment to respond to the various
emergency situations that may arise on campus. A team of staff members specifically trained in first aid,
supported by student paramedics, manages the following emergency response chain:
• Alerting, diagnosing the severity of the situation, and informing relevant personnel.
• Administering first aid, picking up the patient, and transferring them to the first-aid room.
• Contacting and arranging transportation to the hospital with the assistance of the Red Cross, Civil Defense,
or other appropriate means, depending on the case.
It should also be noted that approximately one hundred people on the various campuses have been trained to
make first contact in the event of an emergency and to activate the emergency response chain.
The USJ Daycare
The USJ Daycare welcomes the children aged between 6 months and 3 years of USJ and Hôtel-Dieu de France staff and USJ students. Located at CIS, it is open from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
The Main Campus Libraries
These libraries house resources tailored to the specific fields of study offered by the faculties and institutions they serve on a shared campus. They are subject to common conditions and are accessible to all University students and instructors.
Student life
THE STUDENT LIFE OFFICE
The life of USJ students extends beyond academic pursuits alone! The University has implemented an efficient
and dynamic office aimed at enhancing student life across all campuses.
Established in 2016, the Student Life Office (SVE) oversees and cultivates student projects and activities, while
also coordinating initiatives with other university entities such as the Chaplaincy, the Career and Placement
Office, Sports Office, Opération 7e jour, and other institutions.
The Student Life Office has defined its four core values: Living Together, Democracy, Citizenship, and Solidarity.
These values guide the Office towards a brighter future for students and towards a broader sense of the
University’s mission, the nurturing alma mater of students.
The Student Life Office operates in these areas:
Community Life
The Office trains and monitors student projects and structures, while also striving to foster bonds of solidarity,
engagement, and community living.
It encompasses clubs, student chapter committees, Student Council, and various activities such as the
Welcome Party, Clubs Night, the Rally – USJ 360 Welcome Festival, the training day for club offices, the
student structure day, as well as the monitoring and coaching program for club offices.
Student Clubs
A club serves as a student organization that brings together students around a particular activity theme,
operating on a voluntary basis. It aims to promote and coordinate student participation in recreational,
social, or cultural activities. Today, students can join over 30 clubs (professional, civic, cultural, artistic, etc.)
or establish new ones.
Student Council
The Student Council, chaired by the Rector, is a consultative body at USJ comprising administrative and
academic representatives alongside student representatives. Its objective is to facilitate communication
between the University administration and students, particularly regarding academic and administrative
plans, and various aspects of student life. It formulates proposals aimed at improving the living and working
conditions of USJ students.
MENTAL
The Office has launched a mental health project called MENTAL, aimed at promoting student well-being and
raising awareness about the importance of mental health. In collaboration with the Counseling Office, SVE
conducts awareness activities with Student Chapters and clubs across various campuses. Additionally, it
provides students access to a database of organizations offering free or reduced-cost mental health services.
Cost of Living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Utilities
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
Employability
USJ graduates don’t just enter the job market; they step into roles where they truly make a difference. They bring more than just skills. They carry values, a strong work ethic, and a clear sense of purpose shaped by their journey at USJ.
Wherever their path takes them, in healthcare, law, education, business, technology, culture, performing arts, or public service, they move forward with confidence and a grounded mindset. The USJ experience stays with them, shaping how they think, act, and grow.
They are present in 103 countries, building meaningful careers and contributing positively to their communities. Many hold leadership positions in their organizations, lead multidisciplinary teams, or advise on national and international policies. Others choose to launch their own ventures, create jobs, and bring innovative ideas to life in challenging contexts. Some become powerful voices for social justice, human rights, and environmental responsibility. And many, day after day, perform their duties with integrity, humility, and professionalism, quietly making a difference in the lives of those around them. In everything they do, they reflect the mission of their Alma mater: to serve society and foster positive change. They carry with them a deep pride in belonging to a University that has shaped generations of skilled, committed, and ethical professionals.
At Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ), we bridge academic excellence with professional success through external partnerships. The Career and Placement Office cultivates relationships with leading organizations across Lebanon and globally, creating internship and job placement opportunities for students. We streamline access to these opportunities through the Career Match platform, which directly connects students with suitable roles. The job portal further enhances this, featuring over 1,600 job offers annually accessible to students and alumni.
Students also get to engage directly with potential employers at key events like the 3 annual USJ Connect Job Fairs, company presentations, and dedicated competitions where top companies recruit USJ talent. Many of the academic programs also feature specialized partnerships, offering exclusive internships and collaborative class projects tailored to specific fields.
These initiatives lead to significant outcomes: over 200 companies visit USJ each year, actively seeking students for internships and full-time positions. A significant number of students secure employment with the very organizations where they complete their internships, highlighting the direct impact of USJ in fostering successful transitions from academia to the professional world.
Rankings & Ratings
Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) is one of the top Private not for Profit universities in Beirut, Lebanon. It is ranked #=537 in QS World University Rankings 2027.
QS World University Rankings
- 2015#551-600
- 2016#601-650
- 2017#491-500
- 2018#491-500
- 2019#=500
- 2020#561-570
- 2021#541-550
- 2022#531-540
- 2023#531-540
- 2024#631-640
- 2025#711-720
- 2026#=618
- 2027#=537
QS World University Rankings
- 2015#551-600
- 2016#601-650
- 2017#491-500
- 2018#491-500
- 2019#=500
- 2020#561-570
- 2021#541-550
- 2022#531-540
- 2023#531-540
- 2024#631-640
- 2025#711-720
- 2026#=618
- 2027#=537
Campus locations
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Frequently Asked Questions
At USJ, there are three admission periods for undergraduate programs: early, regular, and late.
To apply, you can obtain the application form from the Student Information and Orientation Office or from any of the Admissions Offices. Once completed and with the required documents attached, the application must be submitted within the specified deadlines.
Applications can be submitted online at www.usj.edu.lb/admission or in person from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM at any of the following campus offices:
- Humanities Campus (CSH)
- Social Sciences Campus (CSS)
- Science and Technology Campus (CST)
- North Lebanon Campus (CLN)
- South Lebanon Campus (CLS)
- Zahle and Beqaa Campus (CZB)
All offices accept applications for all programs, regardless of the campus or faculty.
For more information about undergraduate admissions, visit: www.usj.edu.lb/admission
The application fee is $75. This non-refundable fee is paid once and covers all three admission periods, as well as applications for the second semester of the 2024–2025 academic year.
For French-speaking programs, French is the main language of instruction. However, students also take remedial English language courses related to their field throughout their studies.
For English-speaking programs, English is the main language of instruction. Depending on the program, Arabic courses may also be required, except for students officially exempt from Arabic.
USJ follows the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), a flexible, internationally recognized system that allows students to choose their course load, within a minimum and maximum number of credits per semester. A full-time academic year typically consists of 60 credits.
Degrees are awarded once students have completed the required number of credits:
- First cycle (Bachelor): 180-240 credits
- Second cycle (Master): 90-120 credits
- Third Cycle (PhD): 180 credits
These credits are fully transferable, enabling students to transfer validated credits from USJ to any other university or institution that follows the ECTS system, whether for exchange semesters, to continue their studies, or start a new program elsewhere.
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