The year 2024 has marked a milestone for the University of Jordan (UJ). It has strengthened its leadership in higher education, both regionally and globally, with numerous academic, research, and student achievements. It expanded academic programs to meet the evolving global job market, introducing new specializations in fields such as artificial intelligence, health sciences, and digital economics. Additionally, curricula updating to foster innovation and provide graduates with a competitive edge are in full force.
The university also enhanced its global standing, ranking 368th in the QS rankings, reflecting its academic and research progress. Its research initiatives, addressing issues like renewable energy and AI, further enhanced its reputation as a distinguished research hub. Student activities flourished, with an emphasis on practical skills and innovation through entrepreneurship programs, supporting students in their career development.
Looking to the future, UJ plans to expand its academic programs, enhance international collaborations, and invest in digital technology and educational innovation, securing its ongoing contribution to the advancement of education and sustainable development.
Scientific Research: Key Achievements
Over the past decade, UJ has published over 77,000 research papers in prestigious journals, with more than 60 researchers ranked among the top 2% globally. The university emphasizes scientific research as a core element of its academic strategy, publishing 26% of the nation's research. It has made notable contributions in fields such as sustainable development, energy, and AI, with over half of the research aligned with Jordan's priorities and global sustainability goals.
The university also operates specialized research stations and collaborates with international institutions, achieving high-impact publications, especially in engineering and environmental sciences. To strengthen research management, the university partnered with George Washington University and NCURA to organize a training program aimed at fostering research excellence and innovation.
International Accreditations
UJ has earned 45 international accreditations, reflecting its dedication to global educational standards. Notably, the School of Business received the prestigious AACSB accreditation for 18 programs, making it the first public university in Jordan to achieve this. The university also secured accreditation from AWS Academy for its cloud computing programs and received ABET-ANSAC accreditation for several agriculture and technology programs. These accreditations reinforce the university’s commitment to providing high-quality education and expanding global collaboration opportunities.
Student Excellence across Disciplines
In 2024, the University saw significant student achievements in academics, sports, and innovation. Medical students excelled with a 99% success rate in the United States Medical License Exam (USMLE), and the School of Education's students won the Queen Rania Award for Educational Excellence. In sports, students claimed gold in karate and wrestling and silver in beach volleyball, while the university also topped the general standings in the Jordanian Universities Sports Championship.
Furthermore, students stood out in various global competitions, from programming to language and law, reflecting the university’s continued commitment to excellence across academic and extracurricular fields.
New Programs and Projects
In 2024, UJ introduced innovative new programs to meet local and regional needs while enhancing its academic standing. Prominent additions include a Master's in Health Economics and Policy and a Master’s in Women’s Health, which are the first of their kind in Jordan and the region. The university also launched a diploma in psychological therapy to address the mental health challenges highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Further, the university introduced a PhD in Social Work, the first of its kind in the Arab world, to tackle social issues in the region. Moreover, a joint Bachelor’s program in Aircraft Engineering and Maintenance, developed in collaboration with the Aviation Academy, was created to equip students with specialized qualifications for the global aviation industry. These programs reflect the university’s commitment to providing quality education aligned with global advancements and public needs.
Progress and Developments
UJ has made significant strides in education, expanding to offer 102 undergraduate programs, 120 Master's programs, and 39 PhD programs. The university has also expanded its presence in Aqaba, reaching five schools and new student housing facilities for female students.
In addition, UJ launched several key initiatives, including the Huawei Academy for training in IT and cyber security, the ICT4EDU lab funded by the EU to develop new educational tools, as well as the Arab Bank Cyber Security Lab. A focus on technical education is evident through the introduction of 25 new specialized programs, such as tax experts and electric vehicle maintenance, as well as new partnerships for joint degrees in mechanical engineering and dentistry with prestigious international universities.
Other key advancements include the opening of new research centers, a training laboratory in medical sciences, the expansion of the university’s radio broadcast, and the launch of a WhatsApp channel for better communication with students. These developments emphasize the university’s commitment to innovative education, research, and community engagement.
Global Rankings and Achievements
UJ has made significant progress in global rankings. It ranked 8th in the Arab world and 1st locally in the Webometrics ranking, advancing by 66 places from the previous year. It is also among the top 5% of universities globally. The university also achieved first place in Jordan based on Google Scholar citation indexes and maintained top positions in recent years in total citations.
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject for 2024, the university performed fine across multiple disciplines, including medicine, engineering, and social sciences. It improved its position significantly compared to 2023, reaching 368th globally in the QS World Rankings for 2025. Furthermore, it ranked 284th globally in UNIRANKS, securing a "5-Star Platinum" elite status, making it the only Jordanian university in this category.
The university also maintained its position in the prestigious Shanghai Academic Ranking and the QS Arab 2025 rankings, ranking 9th in the Arab world and 1st locally. It also saw a notable improvement in the THE Arab University Rankings for 2024, securing 9th place in the Arab world and 1st in Jordan.
UJ received the "Student Recruitment of the Year" award at the Times Higher Education Arab Universities Awards, underscoring its efforts to attract international students and expand its academic influence. These achievements highlight the university’s ongoing commitment to excellence in education and research on the global stage.
Global Recognition
UJ has achieved global recognition for outstanding accomplishments in various academic and research fields. Dr. Yasmin Murad received the International Venus Foundation Award for Distinguished Researcher for the year 2024, and the IEEE CS community won the "Outstanding Chapter Award" from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Additionally, Prof. Mohammad Salama Obeidat published three international scientific books, and Prof. Hanan Sa'adeh was recognized by the American Physical Society. The university also received Institute of International Education's Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF) prestigious Century Medal. and its hospital achieved its fifth consecutive Joint Commission International accreditation.
Prominent faculty members and alumni continue to excel. Prof. Omar Hatamleh appointed Executive Director of AI at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, and Prof. Najeeb Abu Karki won the Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Arab Researchers. Thirty nine UJ researchers were ranked among the top 2% globally for citations. The university was awarded the first place in the inaugural session (2023–2024) of the Distinguished Official University Award which is part of the King Abdullah II Award for Excellence in Government Performance and Transparency. Prof. Rushdi Khalil’s team solved a major mathematical problem, and Prof. Alia Alghwiri registered a patent for an advanced medical device.
Digital Transformation
UJ is strengthening its academic position through a comprehensive digital transformation project aimed at enhancing global excellence in higher education. This includes upgrading campus infrastructure, digitizing academic and administrative processes, and training faculty and students to effectively use digital tools.
The university has also developed advanced technological facilities, including 12 specialized labs, to support learning and innovation. The project enhances the university’s global competitiveness by preparing students for the digital future and integrating technology into education and research.
UJ participated in global academic conferences, such as the QS Africa Forum and EduData Summit, furthering international relations and showcasing its commitment to adopting innovative solutions. Additionally, it awarded an Honorary Doctorate to Josep Borrell in recognition of his contributions to global peace.
Led by Prof. Nathir Obeidat, the digital transformation strategy focuses on enhancing education and research systems, modernizing teaching methods, and ensuring the university remains at the forefront of technological advancements.
Student Union Election
UJ's Student Union election was a key event that reflects the democratic awareness and ethical commitment of its students. The process was conducted with full respect for university bylaws, ensuring a fair and successful outcome. The elections allowed students to elect new representatives, demonstrating the university's dedication to empowering students and encouraging their involvement in the political process. This initiative fosters leadership skills and promotes active political participation, further reinforcing the university's commitment to developing future leaders capable of bringing positive change to society.
Celebrating Silver Jubilee
UJ has celebrated the silver jubilee of King Abdullah II’s assumption of constitutional powers by organizing the “First Honorary Professors Forum,” under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Bisher Khasawneh. The forum gathered 60 distinguished scholars awarded honorary professor titles for their contributions to academia and research, marking a historic milestone for the university. This event emphasized the university’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and fostering international collaboration, further fortifying its position as a leading educational institution in the Arab world.
Celebrating Graduates
The University of Jordan's 59th graduation ceremonies in 2024 was a remarkable event, coinciding with the Kingdom's silver jubilee celebrations of King Abdullah II’s assumption of constitutional powers and the university's ranking first among Jordanian universities with a global QS ranking of 368.
The grand events celebrated the graduation of 9,814 students, marking a moment of excellence, determination, and new beginnings. It reflected the university's commitment to academic excellence and its role in preparing graduates to contribute to the development of Jordanian and Arab society.
Field Visits and Meetings
UJ President Prof. Nathir Obeidat, conducted a series of field visits to meet students across various university departments. These visits aimed to strengthen the relationship between the administration and students, addressing challenges and providing support. The meetings promoted direct communication, allowing students to express their needs and discuss solutions to academic and campus-related issues.
The President highlighted the importance of collaboration between the administration and students to improve the educational environment. These efforts align with the university’s commitment to sustainable development and meeting global standards in education and innovation.
The University of Jordan (UJ), founded by King Hussein bin Talal and strengthened by King Abdullah II, has become a top global institution, reflecting the development of Jordan and the legacy of its leadership.