The Hashemite University (HU) is the fifth state university in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It is located on the outskirts of the city of Zarqa to the east (about 45 minutes drive) of the capital Amman. Al-Zarqa Governorate is the second most populated Governorate in the country. The university was established to meet the particular needs and tackle the main concerns of this geographic area which are pollution, poverty, health-related issues of the Bedouin population, arid land and desertification. Another important factor in the establishment of HU is the fact that approximately seven thousand students from this area travel daily, by public transportation, to Amman to attend classes at the University of Jordan. These considerations together called for the establishment of HU.
The Royal Decree ordaining its establishment was issued In June, 1992. Since then, The Hashemite University has been working in support of higher education, scientific research and community service through providing the society with competent and qualified graduates and specialists in different fields and majors. Teaching at the University started at the outset of the Academic year 1995/1996, and the students were admitted to the three functioning faculties at the time. The university has grown in size, status and stature over these few years. The university now includes ten faculties, one institution, two deanships: The Deanship of Scientific Research and Higher studies and The Deanship of Students Affairs and four centers: The Computer Center, The Consultation and Community Service Center, The Center for Environmental Studies and The Academic Quality Assurance Center.
The Hashemite University adopts the credit-hour system which is characterized by flexibility and the freedom of choice and variety it provides to students. Moreover; this system facilitates the interaction between students of different majors especially when they meet in selective courses chosen according to their personal tendencies and desires.