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PROGRAMS OF STUDY

What can I study?

You can choose from over 80 degrees taught in English, or in a combination of English and Hebrew, at universities and colleges across Israel. Study in the fields of Science, Engineering, Business, Liberal Arts, Social Sciences and more. And new programs are being added every year! Our site is constantly updated with new programs – come back and visit us again to see what’s new!

How many years can I expect an undergraduate degree to take in Israel?

Most undergraduate programs take three years to complete. Engineering and Science-based programs generally take 4 years. Additionally, programs that transition from English to Hebrew and include Ulpan may take more than 3 years. Keep in mind that when studying in Israel, you jump right into the degree-specific curriculum and don’t generally spend time studying a variety of other disciplines before choosing your major.

Should I study in English, Hebrew or transition from English to Hebrew?

This is a tough one and very much depends on the individual! 

On this site we provide information about all the English-only and English-and-Hebrew options. 

Of course there are many more options available to you in many fields if you feel capable of studying fully in Hebrew! You can also take a year to do a mechina (college preparatory) program that will enable you to apply to and succeed in Hebrew-language programs. In addition to opening up your options to more programs, this route will push you to integrate into Hebrew-speaking society, but it might be too challenging for some!

Transitional language (or First Year in English) programs help students in a gradual way adjust to learning in Hebrew. These new programs, with the support of the Ministry of Aliyah’s Israel Student Authority, are currently found at several universities in specific fields and are designed specifically with olim and potential olim in mind.

Finally, English-only options will harness the strength of learning in your mother tongue and for some students this is the way they will succeed most in their chosen field.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

When should I apply?

Applications open anytime from early to late fall and can remain open until the summer or even September before the school year.  Admissions are generally rolling. Inquire with the specific schools to which you plan to apply for more details. 

How do I apply to college in Israel?

Each program has its own application process and timeline. Browse the Q&A section on each university’s page to learn more. We advise speaking directly with the university about the specific admissions requirements for your program of interest. 

Do I need to take SATs or ACTs? What other application requirements are there?

Some of the universities are test-optional at this point, but many do require applicants to send in SAT or ACT scores. Taking a standardized test can often open doors. 

You can also expect to  send a high school diploma, transcript, and any AP scores you may have. You’ll often have to pass an English proficiency exam for English-language degree programs as well. In some cases, an interview and personal essay may be required. 

Can I defer admissions for a gap-year program?

Many schools will allow deferrals for a gap year, but not all, so please check with the relevant school. 

Do credits transfer from US colleges or gap year programs?

In most cases, Jewish studies courses taken on a gap year are not accepted for credit unless that is the focus of the degree. Whether credits from another university will transfer to an Israeli institution depends on the courses you took and the specific program you’re applying to.

FINANCES

How much is tuition at Israeli universities?

Tuition at Israeli universities and colleges will cost anywhere from $5,000 to 18,000 US dollars a year, a fraction of the cost of U.S. tuition.

For university-specific tuition and fee schedules, visit the FAQs on each university’s page.

What is the cost of housing?

Dorms can range from anywhere from $250 to $1200 a month, depending on the institution and the type of accommodations. Students can also choose to rent their own apartments near the university and the cost will also depend on many factors (size, location in country, number of roommates, etc.).

For new olim in Academic Integration / Transitional tracks, housing subsidies may be available through the Ministry of Aliyah – Israel Student Authority.

What other costs can I expect?
  • About 2000-4000 USD for travel to/from and within Israel
  • 6500 USD for food (tuition does not include a meal plan)
  • 3000 USD for other miscellaneous day to day costs.
  • For those renting apartments – electricity, water, internet, municipality taxes
What is the cost of health insurance?

Insurance should cost about $700-1500 for the year.

All international (non-Israeli) students are required to obtain a health insurance policy for the duration of their stay in Israel – before they arrive. In some cases, health insurance is included in mandatory fees as part of tuition and arranged by the university.

In other cases, students are required to set this up on their own.  You can contact companies such as Harel Yedidim, AIM or Maccabi Foreign Health for services.

What kinds of scholarships are available for tuition?

MASA offers grants to help young adults come to Israel. See if you are eligible and apply here.

If the student is an Oleh- new immigrants are eligible to receive financial assistance from the Ministry of Aliyah – Student Authority for 3 years of study. See here for further info.

Visit each university’s page on our site to learn more about their individual scholarships.

HOUSING

What are the housing options at Israeli universities?

At each campus, you’ll find dormitory options and the ability to rent an apartment near campus at different price points.

To learn more about the individual cities and where students live, get in touch with our JLIC directors! (See each university’s page for contact information).

Also, many of the student communities are close to one another. This gives you the option to live in one city and commute to another for school where necessary.

What is the cost of housing?

See “finances” section above.

CAREERS POST-COLLEGE

Are Israeli universities and colleges accredited abroad?

Yes, Israeli universities and colleges are generally accredited abroad. All institutions listed on this site are accredited by the Israeli Council for Higher Education, making their degrees widely recognized internationally. However, it’s important to verify specific recognition in your home country or within certain professional fields. For example, you can refer to CHEA (U.S. Council for Higher Education)’s international directory here. For more details, contact the university or its international office directly.

What opportunities are available for me during college to prepare for my career?

Israel’s vibrant startup culture offers abundant career opportunities for students, including internships and networking in fields like tech, engineering, and business. Universities and colleges typically provide career advice and connect students with industry professionals. Take advantage of Israel’s innovation hubs to gain hands-on experience and even launch your own startup. Speak to each college’s career center for guidance on leveraging these resources!

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