The University College of Applied Sciences was established in 1998 by a decision of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. It initially provided technical and vocational education to the Palestinian community under the name of the Community College of Vocational and Applied Sciences. In 2007, it was transformed into a university college, granting bachelor's degrees, intermediate diploma and professional diploma in more than 60 accredited specializations in various fields.

In its beginnings, it granted an intermediate diploma, and with its transformation into a college, it started granting bachelor's degrees in 9 specializations. It also attracted the best academic expertise consisting of 660 academics, including 270 PhD and master's degree holders, to meet the requirements of working in the college environment from the administrative, financial and technical aspects. The University College also provided qualified administrative staff in various units and departments, numbering 243 male and female employees, all of whom strive to provide the best services to the college community, including students, their parents and faculty members.

In 2009, the college introduced development programs, according to the plan to improve the quality of educational outcomes and enhance their relevance, according to the needs of the local and regional community, and established a community service center, which included several important facilities, such as the Continuing Education Center, the Speech Disorders Clinic, MEDAD, and the Animation Unit. In 2009, the college opened a branch of applied sciences in Khan Younis.

The college also relies heavily on laboratories, of which there are 41 laboratories, with 1050 devices, which are updated periodically, especially since the specifications of the college's laboratories are considered international. The college also has many "smart rooms" equipped with the latest technology. This is in addition to specialized simulation laboratories, most notably the nursing simulation laboratory, the accounting simulation laboratory, the media center with its various units, and the law court.

The college has built relationships, regionally and internationally, through academic cooperation with various educational and academic institutions and Arab and international organizations.
During its journey, the college won several awards, including:
Palestine International Award for Excellence and Creativity (2007) First place award in the Made in Palestine Competition (2009) Second place award in the Made in Palestine Competition (2010) International Quality Certificate (ISO 9001-2008 2011)