Recognized as the ‘Start-Up’ nation, Israel is known for its entrepreneurial energy and is synonymous to high-tech development and innovation. Education is an immensely valued asset and plays a fundamental role in the emergence and development of Israel as a high-tech economy that boasts of excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The ecosystem of ‘innovation and development ‘is driven by a strong higher education system with reputed universities and colleges.
In addition to world-class academics, Israel offers students a warm culture, comprehensive support, leisure opportunities and a first-hand experience in one of the world’s major start-up hubs.
Supervised by the Council for Higher Education, Israel has 61 higher education institutions. These comprise of nine universities, 31 colleges and 21 teacher training colleges. Presently, all Israeli universities and 41 of the colleges are publicly funded, while 11 colleges are privately funded. These collectively offer hundreds of programs in English in a range of fields. Whether you’re looking for a summer course, degree program or post-doctoral position, Israel has the place for you. Click here to find a list of study programs taught in English on the Council for Higher Education’s “Study in Israel” website.
WHY STUDY IN ISRAEL?
· World-Class Education System
The most-important aspect of studying abroad is the quality of the institution. Home to world’s best-ranked universities, when you study in Israel, you “Engage in Excellence”. With world’s best universities, excellence in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure and a high-quality learning environment, Israel offers practical education experience preparing students to emerge as innovators and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. According to ARWU 2020 rankings, four Israeli universities are ranked among the top 200. At present, Israeli universities and colleges offer dozens of full degrees, research opportunities and short-term study programs in English to over 12000 International students, including 1200 from India.
· Innovation & Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
The Start-Up Nation is known for its capability in innovation and an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Home to most high-tech start-ups other than the US, Israel witnesses world’s highest investment per capita in start-up companies. It is ranked amongst the highest in the world in R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP and in citations per academic publication. Israel offers enormous opportunities for students to develop entrepreneurial skills. The education curriculum imparts practical knowledge that help students to think both creatively and critically in a dynamic ecosystem. Ranked as Middle East and North Africa’s most competitive nation in World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index 4.0 2019 rankings, Israel is an ideal study destination for experience-based knowledge.
· Affordability
Israel offers world-class education at highly competitive tuition fees structures. The Council of Higher Education and the institutions themselves offer scholarships, the details of which you can find in the links below:
· PBC Fellowship Program for Outstanding Indian Post-Doctoral Fellows
Most research programs as Israeli universities are designed with low or no tuition fees while offering research stipends. Other programs including bachelor and master’s degrees have great scholarship opportunities for International students. While an Undergraduate degree would start at $4,000 per year, a Master’s degree would start at $5,500 per year. PhDs are generally scholarship-based.
· Student Life
Israel is currently home to over 12000 international students, including 1200 Indian students enrolled in a variety of programs. While on—campus life offers academic excellence, the student life in Israel extends beyond the institutions, into off-campus. The country has a vibrant social life and offers a welcoming environment for students to make life-long friendships and networks. Hear what the students have to say (insert video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAXX50K8q5M
· Student Cities
Israel is home to some of the world’s most popular student cities. From Jerusalem and Haifa to Tel Aviv and Be’er Sheva, each of the student cities has something unique to offer to its international students. Tel Aviv is Israel’s largest metropolitan city and the financial capital. The city is known for its nightlife, young population and 24-hour culture. Situated in the center of the country, Jerusalem – a city that blends traditional with modernity - holds historic relevance and is known for its art and culture. Located by the beautiful coastline, Haifa is Israel’s largest port city and the cultural hub. Be’er Sheva is the largest city in the Negev Desert region and is packed with history and cultural diversity. Known for its community living, the city is also home to a large population of Indian origin Israelis.
· Safety
When it comes to student’s personal safety, Israel is one of the safest study abroad destinations for international students. Statistically, a student is much safer in Israel than in most Western Countries (including the USA), and day-to-day life in the country is very Westernized. As for quality of life, Israel is placed as 9th country globally for its quality of life and as the happiest country in Asia. According to OCED Better Life Index, Israel scores a 7.8 on personal safety index – which is better than majority of countries including United States (7.5), New Zealand (7.6) and Australia (7.4) among others. The personal safety index uses parameters including safety at night, gender inequality and homicide rate.
· Culture
Israel is diverse and dynamic multicultural. It has over 4,000 years of history, which has incorporated many different cultural influences. Whether it’s food, history, art or music, the country offers many opportunities to immerse in its fascinating culture throughout the academic cycle. When you live in Israel, you will be a part of a modern day multi-cultural society that offers unparalleled experiences for students seeking to enrich their cultural knowledge. Glimpse our spirit of creativity (insert video) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80FVThptXto&feature=youtu.be
Travel and Landscape
Israel has plenty to offer as far as sightseeing – from world-famous historical sites, the Dead Sea floating experience, hiking in the Sea of Galilee region or the Negev Desert to the Baha’i Gardens in Haifa or Tel Aviv beach. Israel is packed with a wealth of attractions that will keep one occupied until graduation and beyond.
The Universities
THE TECHNION – ISRAEL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Technion – Israel Institute of Technology is a premier university for science, technology, and innovation and the most preferred university in the country. Ranked among the top 50 science institutes in the world, Technion offers degrees in science, engineering, math, and related fields such as architecture, medicine, industrial management and education. Technion is a leading source of the innovation and brainpower that drives the Israeli economy, as Technion graduates represent 70 percent of the high-tech workforce. Technion graduates and faculty are major contributors to the reputation to the “Start-Up Nation”. On campus, Technion is home to a prominent faculty, among them three Nobel laureates, and a long list of notable alumni including engineers, scientists, physicians, professors and entrepreneurs. The institute has also been acknowledged as one of the world’s leading entrepreneurial ecosystems and incubator for future successful entrepreneurs.
Tel Aviv University International is a top 100 Innovation University and is ranked #25 in Asia Ranking – Times Higher Education 2020. The 60+ English-led academic programs are designed to empower a diverse student body to grow academically, socially and personally. At TAU, curriculums are facilitated by Israel’s leading faculty and experts and enhanced by hands-on workshops, professional internships, and excursions throughout the country. Situated in Tel Aviv, Israel’s cultural, commercial, and creative center, TAU shares the Mediterranean city’s non-stop spirit for discovery, innovation, and community, making it the perfect place for learning.
THE WEIZMANN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE
The Weizmann Institute of Science is one of the top research institutions in the world, offering masters, doctorate and post-doctorate programmes. Its ranks 6th in the Nature Innovation Index. Among its faculty are one Nobel prize, seven Wolf Prizes, three Turing Awards, two Japan Prizes and 33 Israel Prize winners. The Weizmann Institute of Science offers MSc., PhD and Post Docs. under 5 faculties of Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Computer Science and Physics through the Feinberg Graduate School (FGS) and boasts of world class equipment and infrastructure spread over a beautiful 280 acre campus. It’s unique availability of great multidisciplinary talent has led to great innovations that were commercialized and eventually changed the world. The Weizmann Institute has strong collaborations with leading global universities and has had over 565 joint grants in the past five years. There are over 7,000 alumni since the establishment of the Feinberg Graduate School at the Weizmann Institute, out of which 30% are international students lead by Indians. The school’s official language is English, and its exceptional students are automatically entitled to a complete scholarship.
BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NIGEV
Ben-Gurion University (BGU) is a leading multi-disciplinary research University known for its scientific innovation, cross-disciplinary, and applied research that impact people's lives globally. BGU is home to excellent researchers and students who hold original and innovative perspectives, alongside a social conscience and commitment to community engagement. The university is devoted to and engaged in developing the Negev region, Israel, and the world. Ranked #15 in “Nature Index” of Young Universities 2019, BGU welcomes international students from over 50 countries at the heart of a unique ecosystem.
THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel’s premier university as well as its leading research institution. The Hebrew University is ranked internationally among the 100 leading universities in the world and first among Israeli universities. The recognition the Hebrew University has attained confirms its reputation for excellence and its leading role in the scientific community. It stresses excellence and offers a wide array of study opportunities in the humanities, social sciences, exact sciences and medicine. The university encourages multi-disciplinary activities in Israel and overseas and serves as a bridge between academic research and its social and industrial applications. Ranked #87 in Shanghai Ranking, the university offers 150 areas of study and is home to eight Noble Prize winners.
University of Haifa provides an ideal setting for an International Study Abroad and Graduate Studies experience. With Academic excellence as its top priority, the university is home to 72 research centers and is one of Israel’s leading research universities, dedicated not only to academic excellence but to social responsibility as well. An exciting and inspiring cultural mosaic, the University of Haifa is a microcosm of Israeli society. The diverse student population of 18,000 students is made up of Jews and Muslims, Christians and Baha’i, Druze and Bedouin, new immigrants and native Israelis alike. There is also a growing number of international students from around the world.
Ariel University, Israel’s newest university is evolving into a major institution of research and higher education and taking its place among the ranks of Israel’s most honored and respected universities. Ariel University is home to 23 research centers, including an integrative brain science center, an applied cancer research center, a center for robotics research and applications, a homeland security R & D center, a world-renowned materials research center, and the Schlesinger Center for Radiation Sources and Applications (FEL – free electron laser particle accelerator). Ariel University’s four faculties (Engineering, Social Sciences and Humanities, Natural Sciences, and the Faculty of Health Sciences) and the School of Architecture and Moskowitz School of Communications offer undergraduate degree programs in 26 departments; eight of these departments award master’s degrees. AU also offers 9 dual-major programs. It is also home to one of five compact accelerator centers in the world.
Bar-Ilan University has grown into a top academic institution since its inception in 1955. Today, Bar-Ilan University delivers academic excellence combined with internationally recognized research with its 700 faculty members, 10 impact research centers and 45 partnerships with worldwide leading Universities. BIU is centrally located on the outskirts of Tel Aviv, offering an enriching experience both on and off campus to its international students. The International School caters to its students needs offering over 25 degree and summer programs instructed in English, a fully encompassing student services center, a wide selection of social organizations and modernly renovated dormitories. Programs include a diverse set of summer sessions, including hot topic areas, such as Conflict Resolution, Biblical Archaeology, International Business, NanoPhotonics and Data Science – to name a few.
THE OPEN UNIVERSITY OF ISRAEL
The Open University of Israel was established in 1974 with the aim of making higher education accessible to as wide a population as possible. Open admission policy for undergraduate programs; the uncompromising academic quality of study programs; intensive research activity; distance learning programs utilizing state-of-the-art e-learning technologies and face-to-face academic tutorials conducted in sixty study centers throughout Israel, are the main features that make the OUI what it is.
Student Visas
In order to study in Israel, you will need an A/2 Student Visa. Student Visa is valid for up to one year and for multiple entrances and exits. Spouses and children are also granted visas. To know about the list of documents required to apply for a student visa click here
Student Visa Employment Terms
Students who are studying for a Master’s or PhD degree or undertaking post-doctoral research at an Israeli university are permitted to work as a research or teaching assistant in their field of study at the university, on a part-time basis. Other students are not permitted to work in Israel.
Students in High-Tech Fields
A high-tech company is permitted to submit an application to employ a foreign national who completed a full academic degree in an institution of higher education in Israel in one of the following professions: Electrical engineering, electronics, computers (including software engineering), information systems, or computer science. The duration of the permit that will be issued shall be for a period of up to 12 months from the date you are entitled to the degree. The online form for high-tech companies to submit an application can be accessed here.
COVID-19 Update
As of July 22nd, students will need to provide the following additional forms in order to be granted a visa:
· A letter from your institution confirming the isolation conditions upon your arrival in Israel
· Approval from the Israeli Ministry of Health of the isolation conditions
(Both documents will be provided by the institution upon your enrollment)
In addition to the A/2 Student Visa, students will receive an 'Entry permit' to Israel which grants them entrance to Israel at most 30 days before the start date of the academic program. No more than 24 hours before your air travel to Israel, you must fill out an online inbound clearance application form.
**Students must complete a 14 day isolation period in their academic institution upon arrival to Israel. Isolation is not required if you travel from a Green Location, as long as you did not stay in a Red Location during a 14-day period before your flight to Israel. Find a list of red and green countries here.