Pay for College

PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE

Where Affordability And Excellence Converge

Studying in Israel for college is significantly more affordable than most U.S. options—but thoughtful planning still matters. From tuition and housing to travel and daily expenses, we’re here to help you understand the full picture. On this page, you’ll find information about:

✔️ What college in Israel actually costs
✔️ Scholarships and financial aid opportunities
✔️ Using U.S. federal loans and college savings plans like 529s

With thoughtful planning, studying in Israel is a highly affordable and accessible option—without compromising on quality or experience.

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Smart Investment In Your Future

What Will College Cost?

Tuition at Israeli universities and colleges ranges from approximately $5,000 to $18,000 USD per year.

The Council for Higher Education sets a standardized tuition rate annually based on the Consumer Price Index. For the 2025–2026 school year,
the rate for citizens is NIS 12,017 for a full year of study. Non-citizens pay a slightly higher rate (20-20% more).
The rate for each year is announced in the summer immediately beforehand.

Among the English-language or transitional programs listed on our site, the following universities use this standardized tuition rate:

Ariel University | Technion | Bar-Ilan University (Note: Transitional language programs include an additional ulpan fee of $1,000)

Tuition Rates of Other English-language or transitional Programs

(all rates are for full year of study of 2025-2026 )

BUDGET PLANNING

Other Costs to Consider

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Housing

Dormitory costs vary widely, from $250 to $1,200 per month, depending on the institution and accommodation type. Renting private apartments near universities varies by location, size, and roommates. Housing subsidies may be available for new olim in Academic Integration/Transitional tracks through the Ministry of Aliyah – Israel Student Authority.

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Food

Approximately $6,500 per year (note that meal plans are generally not included in tuition).

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Travel

Expect to spend $2,000–4,000 on flights to/from Israel and travel within the country.

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Health Insurance

Usually between $700 and $1,500 annually, sometimes included in tuition.

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Utilities for rented apartments

Includes electricity, water, internet, and municipality taxes.

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Miscellaneous Daily Expenses

Around $3,000 per year.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Scholarships

In addition to Israel’s relatively low tuition rates, there are several scholarship opportunities available to help further reduce costs. Below are a few sources of financial support for international students in Israel:
Tuition Scholarships from Universities
Many Israeli universities offer merit-based or need-based scholarships. Contact the university or college you’re applying to for details about school-specific scholarships. You can also explore the FAQ section at the bottom of each university’s page on our site for more information.
Student Authority Scholarships (for New Olim)
The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration’s Student Authority offers tuition assistance for new olim (immigrants to Israel). This is a government-funded scholarship, and eligibility is based on a number of factors. Key points: ~ You must begin your studies within 36 months of receiving new oleh status. This window excludes time spent in military service (including up to one year of keva), national service, or Hesder (up to 4 years). ~ The maximum age for receiving assistance for undergraduate degrees is 27. ~ The number of years of assistance is determined by the official length of the degree program: Most BAs: 3 years; Law, communication disorders, occupational therapy: 3.5 years; Engineering, nursing: 4 years ~ Tuition is covered at 100% for all eligible years of study as defined above, up to the standardized government tuition rate. If your program’s tuition exceeds the standard rate, you’ll be responsible for the difference. ~ Students who are under 23 can also receive assistance for Mechina, a one-year preparatory course. ~ You must apply online each academic year to receive the scholarship. ~ Olim students are expected to complete volunteer hours in community service in order to receive the tuition stipend. This service helps students build stronger connections with Israeli society and gain professional experience in new fields of interest. Learn more and apply on the Student Authority’s official website.
MASA
MASA offers grants to help young adults come to Israel and participate in a diverse set of programs. To be eligible for a Masa grant, you must: - Be Jewish - Be between the age of 9th-grade graduate up until 35 years old (some exceptions apply) - Have not been on an organized post-high school program (including an academic program) of more than four months in Israel since September 2004 - Not have Israeli citizenship OR if you do, you must have left Israel before the age of 14 and have lived outside of Israel for at least four consecutive years prior to receiving your grant - Have not spent 4 consecutive months or longer in Israel within the 24 month period prior to the start of your chosen Masa program after the age of 18. Learn more and apply at https://www.masaisrael.org/funding/apply-for-masa/ .
Other Scholarships
Find more scholarships available to U.S. citizens studying abroad or international student at https://finaid.org/ , https://www.iefa.org/ , and https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college
FEDERAL AID

Loans and College Savings Plans

Federal aid is available to U.S. citizens studying at eligible institutions abroad. While federal grants (like the Pell Grant) are not available for study outside the U.S., federal student loans are—for approved programs at certain universities in Israel.

FAFSA-Eligible Israeli Universities

The following schools are fully eligible to receive new federal loans (Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized and PLUS loans):

Hebrew University of Jerusalem
(FAFSA Code: G04012)
Tel Aviv University
(FAFSA Code: G08373)
University of Haifa
(FAFSA Code: G10456)
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
(FAFSA Code: G20941)
Raphael Recanati International School (IDC Herzliya)
(FAFSA Code: G40703, sometimes listed under Interdisciplinary Center)
Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
(FAFSA Code: G09428)
What About 529 College Savings Plans?

Many Israeli universities that are recognized as eligible institutions by the U.S. Department of Education can accept funds from 529 college savings plans. However, not all programs or expenses may qualify. We recommend contacting your 529 plan provider and the financial office of your chosen Israeli university to confirm eligibility and process.

How to Apply for Federal Loans

1. Find the school’s FAFSA code from the list.
2. Complete the FAFSA each year, beginning October 1: 
https://studentaid.gov
3. Contact your university’s financial aid or international office to:

  • Confirm which programs are eligible
  • Submit any required school-specific financial aid forms
  • Clarify deadlines and loan disbursement details

4. Apply annually to maintain your loan eligibility throughout your studies.

Find Your Degree

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