Study and find schools in Israel

Studying in Israel

Israel has a compact but research-intensive higher education system, with universities known for science, engineering, medicine, the humanities and Jewish and Middle Eastern studies. Hebrew is the main language of teaching, Arabic is widely spoken, and a growing number of international programmes are taught in English. All academic institutions are overseen by the Council for Higher Education (CHE), which also coordinates scholarship programmes for international students.

Before making any plans, students must take the security situation into account. In its travel advice current on 7 October 2026, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Israel because of the regional conflict, and notes that airspace has only partly reopened, with limited flights and many cancellations. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to some parts of Israel and against all but essential travel to others. Universities continue to admit international students, but anyone considering Israel should follow their own government's advice and the host university's safety guidance.

The education system

The CHE's register divides higher education institutions into universities, academic colleges and academic colleges of education, and distinguishes publicly funded from non-funded institutions. The universities include the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv University, the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Bar-Ilan University, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, the University of Haifa and the Weizmann Institute of Science. Academic colleges teach mainly bachelor's degrees and some master's degrees.

Degrees follow a three-cycle structure: bachelor's degrees (BA, BSc and professional degrees such as nursing, law or architecture), master's degrees with or without a thesis, and doctorates at the universities. Most regular degree programmes are taught in Hebrew; international students usually choose English-taught programmes run by the universities' international schools, or start with a Hebrew course (ulpan) or a preparatory year.

Admission and recognition

International students apply directly to the international school or programme of each university. Requirements depend on the programme, but generally include a recognised secondary-school certificate for bachelor's study or a bachelor's degree for master's study, transcripts and proof of English for English-taught programmes. The Hebrew University's Rothberg International School, for example, offers an international BA, graduate programmes, study abroad semesters, Hebrew and Arabic courses and a preparatory programme (mechina) for students who want to enter regular degree programmes. Students should check how their home country will recognise an Israeli degree; Tel Aviv University, for example, states that it is accredited by the Ministry of Education and the CHE.

Student visa

Students who stay for more than three months need a student visa (A/2), which must be issued before arrival. Tel Aviv University advises applying at the Israeli embassy or consulate in the home country about two months before travel. Students from visa-exempt countries who come for less than three months enter as tourists with an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL), applied for online at least 72 hours before travel and valid for two years or until the passport expires. Students of Hebrew ulpan courses are in most cases not eligible for a student visa and should ask the Israeli embassy which visa applies. The Spanish ministry also warns that border authorities may subject travellers to long questioning on entry and exit, and that passports must be valid for at least six months.

Costs and scholarships

Tuition for international programmes is set by each university and usually quoted in US dollars. At Tel Aviv University in 2026/27, most one-year international master's programmes cost $12,640 a year and undergraduate degrees $15,500-$17,500 a year, while several research master's programmes, such as the MSc in Neuroscience, are tuition-free. Applicants also pay a $150 non-refundable application fee and a $300 annual student services fee. Living costs, especially rent in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, should be budgeted separately. The CHE runs scholarship programmes for international students, and universities offer their own scholarships.

Where to study

• Tel Aviv: Tel Aviv University is the country's largest university, with nine faculties, over 30,000 students and more than 2,500 international students.
• Jerusalem: the Hebrew University of Jerusalem teaches international students through the Rothberg International School on its Mount Scopus campus.
• The Arava Valley: the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, founded in 1996 after the Oslo agreements, brings together students from Israel, Palestine, Jordan and other countries for environmental study; its academic programme runs in partnership with Ben-Gurion University.
• Northern Israel: small schools such as Home Ulpan, in Ramat Yishay, teach Hebrew through immersion with a host family.

Practical life

Israel has a Mediterranean climate on the coast, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters, while the south is desert. University international offices help with housing, health insurance and orientation; Tel Aviv University's international tuition for some programmes does not include health insurance, so students should check what their fee covers. Given the security situation, students should register with their own embassy, keep up to date with official advice and follow the safety instructions of their university.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to study in Israel now?

Official advice is cautious. Spain advises against all travel to Israel because of the regional conflict, and the UK advises against travel to parts of the country. Check your government's current travel advice before applying or travelling.

Can I study in Israel in English?

Yes. Universities run international bachelor's and master's programmes, study abroad semesters and summer courses in English, mainly through their international schools.

Do I need a visa to study in Israel?

For stays of more than three months you need an A/2 student visa from the Israeli embassy or consulate before you travel. Shorter stays from visa-exempt countries need an ETA-IL.

How much does it cost to study in Israel?

At Tel Aviv University, most international master's programmes cost $12,640 a year and bachelor's degrees $15,500-$17,500 a year in 2026/27, and some research master's programmes are tuition-free.