Study in Israel

A fascinating and historically important country, Israel will provide international students with cultural diversity and high quality educational institutions. Whilst the country is still relatively young, it has experienced a rapid development in its economy, and has a high rate of start-up businesses. Israeli universities have strengths in a wide variety of subject areas, so you will have plenty of courses to choose from.

Why study in Israel

As well as the impressive economy and vivid culture, Israel also has plenty of famous tourist attractions to see and explore. There are 8 public universities in Israel, and these are supported by the state. You will be required to sit an entrance exam, called the Psychometric Entrance Test. If you receive good marks on this test, you will be admitted to a public university and will benefit from reduced tuition fees.

You will find 4 Israeli higher education institutions in the 2023 QS World University Rankings top 500. The highest ranked of these is the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, which is placed at =222nd. The next highest ranked is the Tel Aviv University, which is placed at =260th.

At institutions in Israel, international students are able to earn bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees. All of these are comparable to those you can earn in the USA and European countries, and will usually be recognised.

About Israel

Officially the State of Israel, Israel is a country located in the Middle East. It sits on both the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, and you will also find the Dead Sea within the country. It shares land borders with 4 countries; Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt. Also within the land borders of Israel you will find the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Israel has evidence of the earliest migration of hominids (great apes) out of Africa, and there is archaeological proof of human life since the Middle Bronze Age.

The climate in Israel is variable across the country, with the coastal areas enjoying a Mediterranean climate and other areas experience a desert climate. Higher education is highly valued by Israeli society, and Jewish communities in the Levant were to the first to introduce compulsory education. Institutions in Israel are particularly renowned for offering high quality science and technology courses.

Costs of studying and living in Israel

Israel uses the New Shekel (ILS) as its currency.

If you choose to study at a public university, your tuition fees will be generously subsidised by the government, who pay 70% of fees. If you choose to study at a private university, your fees will be considerably higher. On average, you should expect to pay between ILS 33,000 and ILS 55,000 per year at a public university. Fees will vary from institution to institution, and you may be eligible for a scholarship.

Your living costs will depend on where you choose to live. Bigger cities such as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv will be more expensive to live in than smaller cities. On average, you should budget for around ILS 41,000 per year. This accounts for your accommodation, travel, and groceries.

Another cost that international students need to consider is health insurance. It is required that you have a health insurance policy for the duration of your studies. Sometimes insurance cover will be provided by your institution as part of your tuition fees, and sometimes you will have to purchase a policy privately.

Student visas

If you are a non-Israeli student, you will need a student visa to study in Israel. If your studies are longer than 3 months, which they are likely to be, you will need an A2 visa. Your application can be processed at the Israeli embassy or consulate in your home country. You should submit your application at least three months before your intended arrival. To apply for a visa, you will need certain documents. These are:

A letter of acceptance from an Israeli institution
Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your studies
A passport valid at least six months beyond your stay duration
Two passport sized photos
A completed application form

Language

The official language of Israel is Hebrew. The country also has a recognised language of Arabic.

English is widely spoken throughout Israel, and is a compulsory subject in schools up until high school. Israeli universities teach mainly in Hebrew, but do also offer degrees taught in English. If you study in a non-native language, you will need to provide evidence of your language proficiency. If you do not meet the required standards, it is possible for you to take a preparatory language to help you improve.

Even if you study in English, you should make an effort to learn as much Hebrew or Arabic as possible. Communicating with the locals or other students is a perfect way to practice! Having extra language skills will look great on your CV/resume.

Student cities in Israel

Jerusalem

The largest city and seat of government in Israel is Jerusalem. There is contention about its status as the capital of Israel, as different parties make different claims. Throughout its long history, the city of Jerusalem has been destroyed at least twice, besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times, and captured and recaptured 44 times. The old city and its walls is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located in the city you will find the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, which was established in 1918. It is Israel’s second oldest university, second only to Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (1912). The first board of governors included Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud and Martin Buber, among others.