Making Aliyah as a Student

Making Aliyah as a student has many advantages, not least of which is the opportunity to acclimate to Israeli culture, study in Hebrew and build up a network of personal friends and professional contacts -- all of which will boost your career after you graduate from your program and join the Israeli work force.

In addition, the Government of Israel covers the full cost of tuition for an undergraduate degree for new Olim under the age of 27; and the cost of a graduate degree for new Olim under the age of 30 (provided the Oleh does not already have this degree from abroad; and that the program that you choose is recognized by Minhal HaStudentim, the Student Authority). This tremendous financial benefit is a far cry from the cost of education overseas, and a strong incentive to make Aliyah and study in Israel.

For information about specific academic programs that are currently offered by universities in Israel, please see Limudim B'Yisrael. (The site can be viewed in English or in Hebrew.)

If you are currently a college or university student, you are eligible for a special bus pass, which entitles you to travel free of charge on some routes and to discounted rates on other routes. For details, click here.

Pre-Aliyah from the US or Canada

Begin the Aliyah Process
The first step in the Aliyah process involves filling out a joint Nefesh B'Nefesh/Jewish Agency online application. Click here to begin.

Find a Program
Email the advisors in the One Aliyah Department at nbnstudents@nbn.org.il for guidance on particular academic and Jewish learning programs, what to expect in each, and connections on campuses.

Minhal HaStudentim (The Student Authority)
Minhal HaStudentim (the Student Authority) is a branch of the Israeli government located in Misrad Haklita (the Office of Immigrant Absorption). It is specifically designed to assist immigrant students through their university experience.

On the Misrad Haklita website you will find a detailed list of all the programs in Israel which Minhal HaStudentim will subsidize. Click here for the list of universities and colleges.

Final Steps

Apply to Your Program
Be sure to check with universities regarding application deadlines. Deadlines may vary for each department, even within the same university.

Open a Student File
In order to register for Oleh Chadash tuition assistance, you must open a Student File (Tik Student) with Minhal HaStudentim online.

If you would like to open a Student File in advance of your Aliyah, please contact Naomi Shmuel at the English Desk of Pre-Aliyah Services at Minhal HaStudentim, naomis@moia.gov.il. You will fill out a form prior to Aliyah and complete an online application after Aliyah.

If you did not open a Student File prior to your Aliyah, you may do so by contacting your regional office of Minhal HaStudentim. A list of the regional offices may be found here.

Receive Student Benefits
Approval of the Student File enables students to receive various benefits. See a full description of benefits at the following sites:

Please Note: If you are approved for funding by the Student Authority, you will be required to pay the tuition bills that you receive, and will only be reimbursed later by the Student Authority.

Updates
Check NBN's online calendar for information about events throughout the year, and follow us on Facebook to stay up to date regarding any changes or information that Nefesh B'Nefesh provides. In addition, stay in contact with Minhal HaStudentim for updates, new programs, events, and academic guidance.

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Making Aliyah as a Student