Note: For more information on Israeli higher education programs in English for international students at the Bachelor and Master’s degree level ranging from short-term courses to full degree programs, click here.

The university system in Israel can be very accommodating to new Olim. Israeli universities are internationally recognized and some are even ranked in the top 100 universities in the world. Hebrew lectures often include English readings. Advanced Ulpan is available, and several universities and colleges offer MA programs in English. Professors frequently allow Oleh students to answer exams in English. Attending university in Israel is a great way to get your foot in the door, make Israeli contacts within your field, and acquire essential Hebrew skills. A degree from an Israeli institution provides the experience that can make a significant difference in your academic future, as well as your professional career.

As Olim Chadashim, you may be entitled to higher education benefits, subject to certain criteria such as age, prior degrees, etc. For more information about this benefit click here.

Important Note: Most of the programs that are offered in English are private and therefore are not fully covered by the Student Authority (as with the Israeli programs). Tuition ranges from $7,000 – $50,000, depending on the program. If the program is recognized by the Student Authority, they will pay the equivalent of Israeli tuition (approx. $3,000 a year).

To view degree programs taught in English, click here. There are several specialized colleges and university/college programs geared to the needs of the Haredi population. There are nine major universities and over 50 colleges in Israel! For a complete listing of all universities and colleges (Michlalot), please see (Hebrew) Higher Education Options and (English) www.science.co.il.

    • Hebrew University, has five campuses: Mount Scopus, Givat Ram, and the Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem; the agricultural campus in Rehovot; and the veterinary campus in Beit Dagan. It has universal renown and a variety of fields of study ranging from humanities to sciences and engineering.
    • Yeshiva University, Combining a specially designed curriculum between Yeshiva University and Tel Aviv University or Bar-Ilan University, this four-year undergraduate program is taught in English. YU in Israel – Undergraduate Program includes YU Torah studies, providing a world-class international academic experience.
    • Reichman University (Formerly IDC) is Israel’s largest international school in the country and is Israel’s first private university, with over 2,000 international students from 90 different countries.
    • Tel Aviv University has the benefit of being located in the “city that never sleeps.” It offers programs of study in engineering, international relations, medicine, film and television, philosophy, English, and fine arts, among many others.
    • Bar-Ilan University is located in Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv and Givat Shmuel, and has the benefit of an advanced Torah study option, combined with studies across 8 faculties.
    • Ben Gurion University in Beer Sheva is named after the first prime minister of Israel. Its health science programs are very popular, especially physical therapy, nursing, public health, and gerontology.
    • Haifa University is the site of one of the few IBM research centers located outside the USA. Popular fields are the sciences, law, business, and education.
    • Weizmann Institute of Science, offering graduate and doctoral degrees, is one of the top-ranking, multi-disciplinary research institutions in the world. It is located in Rechovot, and is relatively small, with only 2,500 students.
    • Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa has been associated with four Nobel laureates, including three currently on staff. Top fields include engineering, medicine, sciences, architecture, and mathematics.
    • Ariel University recently received recognition as the ninth Israeli university. It is located in the Shomron and offers a variety of degrees in the humanities, social sciences, and health sciences.
    • The Open University is located in Ra’anana. It is based on a system of distance learning and therefore has no admission requirements.
    • Jerusalem College of Technology (Merkaz Academi Lev) has students on three campuses and specializes in high-tech engineering, industrial management, business administration, and life and health sciences.
    • Shalem College in Jerusalem is a private liberal arts college in Jerusalem providing undergraduate education and founded with the aim of producing “broadly educated citizens for lives of influence and service.

For further educational questions or to speak with an advisor contact [email protected].

* Last updated on February 7, 2024 *

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