Study in Israel
Brief Background: With 4,000 years of history, students are drawn to Israeli culture and its excellent academics. Higher education institutions are known worldwide for their award-winning faculty members, cutting-edge research and innovative programs, with several universities ranked among the highest in the world.
Internationalization is a central priority for the Israeli government, which has committed to significantly increasing the number of international students in the country. The Council for Higher Education of Israel, the statutory government agency responsible for all matters related to higher education, has defined internationalization in higher education as a main priority in its multi-year strategy (2017-2022). As part of this strategy, the Council for Higher Education seeks to attract top-tier international students to Israel (degree-seeking students, short-term programs, and post-doctoral researchers), to develop Israeli students’ international competence, further international research collaborations, and advance strategic partnerships with leading universities worldwide.
In 2018-2019, there were approximately 12,000 international students in Israel, including students participating in study abroad, short-term programs, and post-doctoral research. Israel aims to increase this number to 24,000 by 2023. In order to achieve this goal, significant resources have been invested in developing English courses and programs and creating the institutional capacity to recruit and support international students.
Students have the opportunity to study at one of the following types of institutions:
Universities
All universities in Israel are publicly funded institutions. There are eight universities in Israel: Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Tel Aviv University, Bar Ilan University, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ben-Gurion University, Ariel University, Weizmann Institute of Science, and the University of Haifa. These institutions engage in teaching and advanced research for undergraduate degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees in a wide range of fields. A notable exception is the Weizmann Institute of Science, which offers only graduate and post-graduate degrees.
Public Academic Colleges
Public academic colleges offer undergraduate and often master’s degree programs in a variety of fields, some of which are more professionally oriented. Some of the academic faculty in these institutions conduct their own research. Institutions in this category include general colleges, arts institutes such as Bezalel & Shenkar, the Jerusalem Academy for Music & Dance, and several engineering colleges.
Private Academic Colleges
Private academic colleges offer undergraduate and often master’s level education in various fields, particularly in the social sciences. These institutions are not financed by the state. Tuition is higher than at subsidized public institutions. In these institutions, some of the faculty are involved in research. There are 11 private academic colleges in Israel. The Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya is one private academic college that has numerous bachelor and master degree programs in English and a large international student body.
Academic Teacher Training Colleges
Academic teacher training colleges are publicly funded and offer undergraduate and master’s degrees in education. There are 21 teacher training colleges.
The Open University
This institution offers undergraduate and master’s degree studies. However, the teaching methods employed are typical of open universities around the world, namely, online teaching and distance learning. The Open University is publicly funded.
Good to Know: Undergraduate degrees in Israel are generally completed in three years, with engineering degrees spanning four years. Due to mandatory military service in Israel, students usually begin academic studies around the age of 22-24. The average age at graduation from bachelor’s degrees is over 27.
Israel prides itself on its excellent higher education system and is home to several leading universities and top professors. Due to the informal culture of Israeli society, and its flat hierarchy, students can engage intimately in this academic environment. Students take an active role in their studies, debate and collaborate with their professors, and develop entrepreneurial skills that will jump-start their careers.
Israel is a world leader in science and engineering. Israeli scientists have won four Nobel Prizes in chemistry, three Turing Awards (the highest distinction in computer science), and one Fields Medal and one Abel Prize (awarded for excellence in mathematics). Israel ranks seventh globally in the number of citations per scientific publication and is particularly strong in computer science, engineering, chemistry, and life sciences. Studying these fields in Israel will give students the chance to work with leading researchers and in cutting-edge facilities.
Israelis are known as out-of-the-box thinkers, making Israel the “Start-Up Nation” and the reason leading companies from around the world have opened research and development centers in Israel. This sense of innovation is rooted in Israel’s higher education institutions, with many academic programs targeted for students who want to succeed in business and entrepreneurship. Some programs include opportunities to conduct internships in leading companies from around the world, giving students the opportunity to receive career skills and build their résumés.
Many of Israel’s higher education institutions are engaged in teaching and research related to agriculture and sustainability, which are of critical importance to the world’s environment. Since the first kibbutz farmers struck their hoes in Israeli soil, a great deal of progress has been made in the country’s agriculture sector. Israel’s challenging environment and lack of natural resources has led it to become an agricultural “incubator” of ideas, developing new kinds of plants as well as revolutionary agricultural innovations. Drip irrigation technologies are one famous example of Israel’s success in this field.
Israel also offers students an unparalleled opportunity to acquire an in-depth understanding of the political, social, and economic dimensions of the Middle East and the international diplomatic arena. The birthplace of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Israel is the perfect place to study religion—especially Jewish studies, with some of the world’s top scholars based there. Archaeology programs are also very strong, with students having the ability to study ruins dating thousands of years old.
International students are welcomed in Israeli universities and colleges. As a result of the national policy, Israeli universities and colleges have invested significant resources into developing their international affairs and international student support services. All universities and colleges that offer programs in English have dedicated staff who ensure that international students receive all support necessary, from academics to student life, housing, and wellbeing.
Academic Calendar: The academic calendar in Israel begins in mid- to late-October, following the Jewish high holiday season, with the first semester generally ending in mid- to late-January. Following a month-long break, which includes the examination period, the second semester begins in March and continues until the end of June. The examination period takes place in July and August. Students in Israel are given the opportunity to re-take tests for most courses, which extends this period. Some higher education institutions hold summer semester courses from July to September.
Universities and colleges are closed for a two-week Passover vacation in April.
Some higher education institutions hold orientation and preparatory courses from August to September for first-year students in undergraduate degree programs.
Search: The Council for Higher Education manages the Study in Israel website, which provides information to international students about the country’s higher education system. The website includes a list of all Israeli universities and colleges as well as a search engine of all courses of study taught in English.
Apply: Students must apply directly to a course of study at the relevant university or college. International student applications are generally processed by the institution’s international center/school/office. There is no restriction on the number of applications a student may submit to the country’s various higher education institutions.
Deadlines: Applications for fall semester must generally be submitted from May to late July. In order to start in the spring semester, students generally must apply by January.
Application Fees: Each university or college determines its application fees. Fees are generally US$100 to US$150 per application.
Admission Requirements: Applicants must submit an application form, high school diploma and transcripts, and two recommendation letters. Most programs require at least one recommendation to be from someone qualified to comment on the student’s academic abilities. Standardized test scores are also required. Depending on the country of origin, this may be SAT, ACT, or Aptitude Scholastic Test (AST). Additionally, students who are non-native English speakers must also submit English proficiency test scores from TOEFL or IELTS.
Some institutions require personal essays and résumés, as well. In addition, depending on the program, there might be additional math or science requirements. For example, engineering programs require a background in physics and/or SAT subject tests in math and physics.
As admission requirements vary between institutions and programs, it is important to verify requirements with the institution.
Upon Acceptance: Most universities review student applications upon submission and rolling admission is utilized. Admitted students are required to pay a deposit to secure their spot. Students will receive a letter of admission, which must be presented to acquire a student visa.
Tuition and Fees: Israeli higher education tuition fees are competitive compared to average costs of college in the United States and Canada. Tuition varies depending on the institution and program, with undergraduate tuition ranging from US$4,000 to US$15,000.
Financial aid is offered by all colleges and universities and scholarships are offered based on merit and need. Many organizations and nonprofits also provide scholarships for international students in Israel. International students are eligible to apply for scholarships for undergraduate and post graduate programs at most Israeli higher education institutions that offer full degree programs in English.
Housing: International students are eligible to live in on-campus housing, pending availability. Students sign up for dormitories when registering for the academic year. Dorms are furnished and maintained by the university. Information about on-campus housing is provided upon admission.
The international schools and centers have dedicated student life coordinators, all fluent in English, who are available 24/7 for their students. The institutions organize social events and trips for international students around Israel. Many universities and colleges also provide “buddy systems” which give international students the opportunity to meet and build real friendships with Israeli students, as well as integrate into and experience Israeli society and culture.
Visa and Other Permits: In order to study in Israel, international students will need an A/2 student visa. Applications should be submitted to the Israeli embassy or consulate in their home country. Once granted, the visa is valid for up to one year and allows for multiple entrances and exits from the country. In order to be granted a visa, the following items are needed:
- Completed and signed application for a visa to enter Israel
- Two passport-sized pictures
- A formal letter of acceptance for studies from a recognized higher education institution in Israel
- Proof that the student has the financial means to cover their studies and living costs for the duration of their stay in Israel
- A travel document (e.g., passport) that is valid for the entire period of study and another six months beyond that. If the country has a diplomatic mission in Israel, the passport only needs to be valid for at least a year.
- Fee payment
- International undergraduate students are not permitted to work in Israel.
Advice from the Field: Most of the universities have active alumni chapters and conduct activities for alumni in different parts of the world, with a strong focus on the United States.
It is important to note that most degree programs in Israel, which are open to international students, are designed for English speakers and are taught in English. There are opportunities for students to take a Hebrew “Ulpan”—an intensive Hebrew study program that is centered around everyday conversations—which will help students navigate the country when traveling.
Academic programs offer a diverse selection of internship programs for students to gain experience in their field of interest during their studies.
Go to our Study Abroad University Database for more information and find the perfect university for your future!