Gharyan University was established in 1985, and its first nucleus was the College of Accounting, which was initially affiliated with the University of Tripoli. Then Gharyan University was established, and a number of colleges were opened within it in subsequent years, such as science, engineering, arts, and education. The university was renamed several times to the Al-jabal Al-gharbi University, then It was annexed to the Seventh of April University in Zawiya in 1999, then to the University of Alaqsam, then to the Al-jabal Al-gharbi University in Zawiya, then it was renamed again to the Al-jabal Al-gharbi University. In 2018, the university regained its original name. Colleges continued to be established at Gharyan University, reaching 20 colleges now

That the university occupies a pioneering and prestigious position in the fields of higher education and community service, and that it be distinguished internationally by the quality of its scientific and innovative outputs.

Excellence in teaching and learning, scientific research and innovation, and community service, by promoting the principles of scientific analysis and creative thinking in a stimulating academic environment, participating in the production, development and dissemination of knowledge, and interacting with the local and international communities.

Preparing young cadres capable of creativity, innovation and self-learning.

Providing the community with specialists and experts in various fields, taking into account the evolving needs of the labor market, within the framework of the state’s policy for human resources development.

Continuous renewal of the educational process at the undergraduate and postgraduate degree levels.

Conducting theoretical and applied research and studies to serve society and participate in finding scientific solutions to its social and economic problems.

Linking the university’s various research and studies with comprehensive development plans and the future vision of society.

Participating in community service and development through direct and continuous interaction with its economic, social and cultural institutions and providing scientific and technical advice to these institutions, leading to the community benefiting from the university’s energies and capabilities.

Developing human resources and increasing their efficiency by providing continuous education and training programs for all community institutions and spreading scientific and humanitarian culture among the people of society.

Cooperating with other scientific institutions in terms of strengthening scientific connections and ties and exchanging experiences with universities and scientific institutions locally and internationally.

Interacting with global scientific experiments and expertise in the fields of thought, science and culture.

Developing teaching programs and quality standards and encouraging student activities.

Developing programs to develop the capabilities of faculty members at the university to raise their level of performance and creating the necessary incentives for that.

Developing plans and programs for scientific research and research training.

Cooperation between the university and specialized international bodies.