Israeli universities are renowned for their high-quality education in technology, medicine, mathematics, and physics, attracting international students seeking globally recognized degrees. Below, we outline the admission process to help you plan your academic journey in Israel.
Where to Apply: Higher Education in Israel
1. Universities:
- Offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.
- Top public institutions include Tel Aviv University, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (equivalent to MIT), and Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
- Private universities and international branch campuses (e.g., New York University’s Tel Aviv campus) are also available.
2. Academic Colleges:
- Focus on applied fields like engineering, design, or business.
- Offer bachelor’s and master’s programs (no doctoral degrees).
3. Pedagogical Colleges:
- Over 20 institutions specialize in education degrees.
- Most award a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in specific teaching disciplines.
- Offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.
- Top public institutions include Tel Aviv University, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (equivalent to MIT), and Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
- Private universities and international branch campuses (e.g., New York University’s Tel Aviv campus) are also available.
2. Academic Colleges:
- Focus on applied fields like engineering, design, or business.
- Offer bachelor’s and master’s programs (no doctoral degrees).
3. Pedagogical Colleges:
- Over 20 institutions specialize in education degrees.
- Most award a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in specific teaching disciplines.
How to Apply to Universities in Israel
1. Choose a Program and University:
- Prioritize factors like rankings, language of instruction (most programs are in Hebrew), tuition fees, and scholarship opportunities.
- Competitive fields include medicine, engineering, mathematics, and physics. Less competitive options include law and social sciences.
2. Prepare Required Documents:
- High school diploma and transcripts (minimum GPA of 80; subject-specific grade requirements vary by university).
- A-level/IB graduates: No English proficiency tests required (if exams are passed), but Hebrew proficiency may be needed for Hebrew-taught programs.
- Additional requirements (varies by program):
- Psychometric Entrance Test (similar to the SAT; assesses math, critical thinking, and language skills). A score of 750+ is competitive for medical programs.
- Motivational letter, portfolio (for creative fields), recommendation letters, or interviews.
3. Submit Your Application:
- Apply directly through university websites.
- Deadlines typically fall 6–9 months before the academic year begins (e.g., October–January for fall intake).
Tuition and Financial Aid
- Annual tuition ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 (USD), lower than in the U.S. or U.K.
- Scholarships and grants are widely available:
- Merit-based awards from universities.
- Government programs for international students.
- MASA scholarships for Jewish students and repatriates.
- Prioritize factors like rankings, language of instruction (most programs are in Hebrew), tuition fees, and scholarship opportunities.
- Competitive fields include medicine, engineering, mathematics, and physics. Less competitive options include law and social sciences.
2. Prepare Required Documents:
- High school diploma and transcripts (minimum GPA of 80; subject-specific grade requirements vary by university).
- A-level/IB graduates: No English proficiency tests required (if exams are passed), but Hebrew proficiency may be needed for Hebrew-taught programs.
- Additional requirements (varies by program):
- Psychometric Entrance Test (similar to the SAT; assesses math, critical thinking, and language skills). A score of 750+ is competitive for medical programs.
- Motivational letter, portfolio (for creative fields), recommendation letters, or interviews.
3. Submit Your Application:
- Apply directly through university websites.
- Deadlines typically fall 6–9 months before the academic year begins (e.g., October–January for fall intake).
Tuition and Financial Aid
- Annual tuition ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 (USD), lower than in the U.S. or U.K.
- Scholarships and grants are widely available:
- Merit-based awards from universities.
- Government programs for international students.
- MASA scholarships for Jewish students and repatriates.
Conclusion
Israel is an excellent choice for students pursuing careers in technology, medicine, or STEM fields. Universities are supportive of international applicants, offering financial aid and flexible assessment methods (primarily written exams and essays). While admission requires thorough preparation, Israel’s academic rigor and career opportunities make it a rewarding destination.
For tailored guidance—from selecting English-taught bachelor’s programs to drafting standout applications—partner with Virtual International School (VIS). VIS alumni have successfully secured placements at top Israeli universities, including Technion and Tel Aviv University.
For tailored guidance—from selecting English-taught bachelor’s programs to drafting standout applications—partner with Virtual International School (VIS). VIS alumni have successfully secured placements at top Israeli universities, including Technion and Tel Aviv University.