Apply to Study in Israel 2024: Everything you need to know as an International Student

As an international student who wants to apply to study in Isreal, taking time to understand the process before proceeding is evident that you can get in easily.

Israel is regarded as a technological powerhouse and one of the world’s most inventive nations. It is known as the “Start-up Nation” since it has the most startups per capita in the world, making it an ideal location for students with an entrepreneurial spirit!

In terms of quality of life, several statistics rank Israel as the 9th happiest country in the world and the happiest country in Asia!

All of this results in a high-quality higher education system that includes some of the best universities, colleges, and research institutes in the country for developing entrepreneurs. Therefore, I won’t say that your plan to study in Isreal is a bad idea at all!

This article is choke-full of information related to how you can apply to study in Isreal for international students.

About Israel as a Study Abroad Nation

Israel is one of the top nations in the world that has higher education institutions that provide a wide selection of English-language academic programs for international students.

These programs are at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels, ranging from short-term courses to full-degree programs.

Currently, Israeli higher education system comprises 9 universities, 31 colleges, and 21 teacher-training colleges. These institutions are overseen by the Council of Higher Education.

In summary, Israel has 61 higher education institutions, 50 of which are government-supported and 11 of which are privately funded, making tuition costs competitive on a global basis.

What is the Tuition Fees for Studying in Israel?

Isreal’s tuition fees for higher education vary based on the program and institution. For instance, to get a bachelor’s degree, you will spend between $4,000 and $15,000 a year (USD) and about $5,000 and $30,000 to get a master’s.

However, tuition for research master’s degrees varies by institution, and the host institution usually waived tuition fees for PhD degrees, so inquire about their fees.

Do I Need a Student Visas and Permits to Study in Israel?

Yes, of course.

To study in any of the 61 educational institutions in Isreal as an international student, you must have a student visa. Here, you send your applications to your home country’s Israeli embassy or consulate. If granted, then you can start your studies but if not, you’ll have to wait.

Note, your student visa is valid for up to one year. The following items must be supplied with your application in order to be granted a visa:

  • An application for a visa to enter Israel that has been completed and signed;
  • Two photos the size of a passport;
  • A formal acceptance letter for study from a recognized Israeli higher education school;
  • Proof showing the student has the financial resources to pay for her or his studies and for the duration of their intended stay in Israel;

A travel document (such as a passport) that is valid for the duration of the study and another six months after that. The passport only has to be valid for 12 months if the country has a diplomatic mission in Israel; and payment of the fee.

What is the Cost of Living in Isreal?

Before you even consider studying in Isreal, you must first consider the cost. Find out whether you’re financially stable to handle not just the tuition fees, but also the accommodation and other expenses.

In short, your budget should be the most crucial element to consider when studying abroad. As a student, consider your living situation, how many travels you expect to do, and whether you will try to locate a part-time job.

The good news is that international students in Israel are entitled to student housing and discounts at famous attractions.

The following are some examples of average living expenditures in Israel:

  • 60 NIS ($16 USD) for a meal
  • 12 NIS ($3.50 USD) for a cup of coffee
  • 30 NIS ($8.50 USD) for a beer
  • 35 NIS ($10 USD) for a cinema ticket
  • Rent: 2100-2800 NIS ($600-800 USD) per month
  • 215 NIS ($60 USD) per month for transportation

What you should know before moving to Israel

It’s wise to opt for student housing instead of private housing if you want to study in Isreal. This is because student housing is usually more accessible than private housing.

The challenge is that you might not get one easily because some institutions have a limited number of student housing facilities, so you may need to find private lodging.

Keep in mind that only master’s, PhD, and post-doctoral students are eligible to work part-time within the university. Other students are not permitted to work, so if you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree, don’t expect to find work while studying in Israel.

Apply to Study in Isreal Process

Just like every other country has a procedure for its program’s application, so also is Isreal. And considering that Isreal operates a unified application system, the admissions procedure may differ based on your field of study, program level, or school.

That being said, here is a clear procedure for applying for Isreal Program:

Choose a Program and School

The first step is to choose a program of your interest. Choose your academic level (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD), your topic of study, and the institution you want to attend. For school, here are some of the top ranking schools in Isreal you can consider:

  • Tel Aviv University
  • Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  • Technion Israel Institute of Technology
  • Bar-Ilan University

Note, before you choose a school, ensure the school offers the program you are interested in studying.

Get the paperwork ready

Once you’ve decided on a program, check the institution’s website for entrance standards, which may differ from one institution to the next.

During the application process, the school you choose might request you submit the following documents:

  • Transcripts and diplomas from past academic pursuits;
  • Proof of English language ability;
  • Letters of endorsement from professors;
  • A curriculum vitae
  • Purpose Statement;
  • Scores on the GRE or GMAT;
  • Certificate of good health;

Note, these documents can vary depending on the type of program and your academic history:

Go Through the Admission Requirements

You may need to meet unique entrance standards depending on the institution and/or program. Before you apply, make sure you are eligible for the program you want.

As an international student, some Israeli institutions may expect you to complete an intensive language course at a Hebrew school (ulpan) before beginning your regular studies.

However, specific English language requirements will apply to programs held in English, and proof of proficiency will often be in the form of a TOEFL test result or an equivalent (such as previous studies in English).

Wait for Your Acceptance Letter

Once you’re done, wait for your letter of acceptance.

Oftentimes, admission results take a long time to arrive after you’ve submitted all the required documentation. The university will give you a formal letter of acceptance once you’ve been accepted.

This letter will confirm your course information and start dates. And with this letter, you can get your student visa to study in Israel.

Apply for a Student Visa

You can apply for an A/2 student visa at your local Israeli embassy or consulate if a higher education school in Israel accepts you.

Don’t put off the process because it can take a long time and involves various vital documents. Without a student visa, you will be unable to study in Israel.

Travel to Israel

You can travel once your student visa is ready. Remember to research the cost of living in the city where you will stay, as well as your budget. After that, you can start looking for a place to stay.

Finally, it’s time to book your flight to Israel and settle into your new hometown! There are plenty of sites and things to enjoy regardless of where you stay.

Are there Financial Aids for International Students in Isreal?

Sure, there are tons of financial aids for international students studying in Isreal. These aids are as scholarships, grants, and fellowships from Israeli Government, higher education institutions, and other organizations. Here is a list of some of them:

1. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Scholarships

This scholarship is for international students studying in Isreal. To apply, you must have BA or BSc degree (or higher) and have a good record of academic achievement.

Also, you must be a citizen of the country where you are for the scholarship and be under the age of 35 (at the beginning of the academic year).

2. Excellence Fellowship Program for International Postdoctoral Researchers

This fellowship program is for international postdoctoral researchers provided by the Council for Higher Education in Isreal.

This program signifies Israel’s commitment to the promotion of international scientific collaborations and to the advancement of world-class research.

To be eligible, you must have a PhD from a recognized higher education institution outside of Israel less than 4 years from the time of application.

3. Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program

The Fulbright program in Israel offers a range of core and other unique programs, including the Outstanding Fellowship Program for Outstanding Postdoctoral Participants. Note, this opportunity is only for USA students.

4. University of Haifa – Idit PhD Fellowship

The Idit Fellowship is a four-year multidisciplinary program at Haifa University focused at developing Israel’s future generation of social science scholars. A chosen selection of PhD students from the Herta & Paul Amir Faculty of Social Sciences takes part in the program.

5. Tel Aviv University’s Australian Friends of TAU Scholarship

This assistance will assist in covering tuition for any TAU International Program taught in English, including Academic Gap Year, Study Abroad (summer/semester/year), Bachelor’s degree programs, and Master’s degree programs.

6. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Rothberg Family Fund

The Rothberg Family Fund provides partial tuition grants to students enrolling in the Division of Graduate Studies programs at the Rothberg International School.

Other scholarship opportunities for students studying in Isreal include:

  • Peisach Scholarship Fund – Tel Aviv University
  • TATA Foundation Scholarship – Tel Aviv University
  • International Scholarship – Technion Israel Institute of Technology
  • Glocal Scholarship – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  • ELSC Postdoctoral Fellowships Program – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  • Scholarships for the Institute for Law & Policy – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  • Scholarships for International Graduate Programs (LL.M. and M.A.) – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  • Merit Scholarship – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  • The Rothberg Family Fund – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  • Thanks to Scandinavia Sperling Scholarship – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

FAQs

To get a bachelor’s degree in Isreal, you will spend between $4,000 and $15,000 a year (USD).

The tuition fees in Isreal for a master’s degree is around $5,000 and $30,000.

Here are some of the available scholarships you can get if you’re studying in Isreal:

  • Peisach Scholarship Fund – Tel Aviv University
  • TATA Foundation Scholarship – Tel Aviv University
  • International Scholarship – Technion Israel Institute of Technology
  • Glocal Scholarship – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  • ELSC Postdoctoral Fellowships Program – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  • Scholarships for the Institute for Law & Policy – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  • Scholarships for International Graduate Programs (LL.M. and M.A.) – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  • Merit Scholarship – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

To apply for Isreal student visa, the following documents are important:

  • An application for a visa to enter Israel that has been completed and signed;
  • two photos the size of a passport;
  • A formal acceptance letter for study from a recognized Israeli higher education school;
  • Proof showing the student has the financial resources to pay for her or his studies and for the duration of their intended stay in Israel;

Conclusion

With the information provided in this article, you can comfortably apply for any program you want to study in Isreal. Good Luck!

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