Saint Joseph University of Beirut

Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) is a private Catholic research university located in Beirut, Lebanon.

The history of Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) can be traced back to 1839, when French Jesuit missionaries came to Beirut and established a modest French Catholic school. In 1855, the Jesuits founded a bigger school in Ghazir, north of Beirut.

In 1875, the Jesuits decided to move the school to Beirut and rename it Saint Joseph University. This was a time of great political and social upheaval in the region, as Lebanon was still under Ottoman rule and struggling to gain its independence. However, USJ quickly became a beacon of hope and progress, and it soon attracted students from all over the Middle East.

During World War I, USJ was forced to close temporarily due to the political instability in the region. However, it reopened in 1919 and continued to grow and thrive.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Lebanon experienced a period of rapid economic growth and social development. USJ played a leading role in this period of growth, and it became one of the most prestigious universities in the Middle East.

However, the Lebanese Civil War, which began in 1975, had a devastating impact on USJ. The university was forced to close for several years, and its campus was severely damaged.

Despite the challenges of the civil war, USJ managed to survive and reopen in 1991. Since then, it has undergone a major reconstruction and expansion program. Today, USJ is one of the leading universities in Lebanon and the Middle East.

USJ has made significant contributions to Lebanese society in a variety of fields. It has educated many of Lebanon's leading politicians, business leaders, and professionals. It has also played a leading role in scientific research and cultural development.

USJ is a truly international university, with students and faculty from all over the world. It is committed to providing its students with a high-quality education and to preparing them to become leaders in the 21st century.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2026, Saint Joseph University of Beirut is positioned as the #618 top university in the world, which makes it the #4 top university in Lebanon.