Ariel University is an Israeli public research university located in the Israeli settlement of Ariel in the occupied West Bank. Founded in 1982 as a regional college affiliated with Bar-Ilan University, it gained independence in 2004 and was officially recognized as a university in July 2012 by the Israeli Council for Higher Education, at which point it changed its name from Ariel University Center of Samaria to Ariel University. The institution offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as engineering, natural sciences, health sciences, architecture, communications, and social sciences, with a student body of over 15,000. It emphasizes applied research and innovation, particularly through its award-winning technological incubator that supports seed-stage startups and technology transfer via Ariel University R&D Company Ltd. The university operates in a politically contentious environment due to its location in a settlement considered illegal under international law by much of the global community, though recognized as part of Israel by the Israeli government. Ariel University has faced criticism from Palestinian authorities and international organizations for contributing to the expansion of settlements in disputed territories. Despite this, it maintains international partnerships, including a 2011 cooperation agreement with Ural Federal University and Russia's Skolkovo innovation center to facilitate access to capital and manpower for Israeli companies. The university also engages in community outreach and has been noted for its role in promoting Jewish settlement and education in the Samaria region. Financially, Ariel University is primarily funded by the Israeli government as a public institution, with additional revenue from tuition, research grants, and its innovation ecosystem. It has been involved in various academic collaborations and is listed in international databases, though its location limits some partnerships. The university's development reflects broader Israeli policies on education in the West Bank, aiming to strengthen demographic and infrastructural presence in the area.