Study in Jerusalem, Israel

About Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the most populous city in Israel: at the end of 2021 it had 966,200 inhabitants, according to the Jerusalem Institute for Policy Research. It is a city of great religious and historical importance to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and that mix of communities, languages and traditions shapes daily life and much of what international students come to study here.

Most international students come to Jerusalem for a semester or a year at university, for an intensive Hebrew or Arabic course, or for subjects such as Jewish studies, religious studies, archaeology and Middle Eastern studies. Some stay for a full degree taught in English.

Studying in Jerusalem

Our directory currently lists one school in Jerusalem, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. It was founded in 1918 and opened in 1925, and according to the university it has about 25,000 students. It has three campuses in Jerusalem, one in Rehovot, a veterinary hospital in Beit Dagan and the Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat, and teaches at bachelor's, master's and doctoral level. Its regular degree programmes are taught mainly in Hebrew.

For international students, the main entry point is the university's Rothberg International School (RIS) on Mount Scopus. The first programme specifically for international students opened in 1956, and the school took its current name in 1981. According to the university, it brings together students from more than 90 countries. RIS offers:

• study abroad semesters and years, exchange places and summer courses
• an international bachelor's degree taught in English: a double major chosen from liberal arts, business administration and English, completed in three years
• master's programmes for international students, and a year-long preparatory programme (Mechina) with intensive Hebrew and English for school leavers from abroad who do not qualify for direct admission to a degree
• Modern Hebrew courses at five levels, from elementary (Aleph) to advanced (Heh), as intensive summer courses or semester courses during the academic year, and Arabic courses

The Hebrew language division was established in 1965, and the university describes it as the largest academic institution in the world for the study of Hebrew.

Cost of living for students

We found no official figure for student rents or living costs in Jerusalem, and the Rothberg International School refers students to each programme page for the cost of the programme and on-campus housing. As an example of tuition, the international bachelor's degree costs US$15,500 per year for the 2026-27 academic year, not including housing and health insurance; applications for that year closed on 1 August 2026.

Housing on the Mount Scopus campus is available to international bachelor's students, which makes it easier to budget for the first year.

Visa and practical matters

All international students at the Rothberg International School, including those on short programmes and Hebrew courses, must obtain a multiple-entry A/2 student visa through an Israeli embassy or consulate before arriving in Israel. The university advises starting the application at least one month before departure, and warns that it may not be possible to convert a tourist visa into a student visa after arrival. Holders of student visas are not legally permitted to work in Israel, so students need to show they can cover their costs.

The security situation in the region can change quickly. Check your own government's travel advice and your university's guidance before you book and while you are in Jerusalem.

Getting around and daily life

Jerusalem has a bus network and a light rail line, and its historic centre and many neighbourhoods are best explored on foot, although the city is hilly. The Hebrew University runs free shuttle services between its campuses and student residences during each semester; a valid Hebrew University student ID is required to use them.

The week follows the Israeli rhythm: many shops and public transport services stop on Friday afternoon and Saturday for Shabbat. Respect for religious customs, such as modest dress in holy sites and in some neighbourhoods, is expected.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in English in Jerusalem?

Yes. The Hebrew University's Rothberg International School teaches study abroad programmes and an international bachelor's degree in English; most regular degree courses at the university are taught in Hebrew.

Is Jerusalem a good place to learn Hebrew?

Yes. The Hebrew University offers Modern Hebrew at five levels, with intensive summer courses and semester courses during the academic year.

Do I need a visa to study in Jerusalem?

International students at the Rothberg International School need a multiple-entry A/2 student visa, issued by an Israeli embassy or consulate before arrival. Students on this visa may not work in Israel.

How much does it cost to study in Jerusalem?

It depends on the programme. The Hebrew University's international bachelor's degree costs US$15,500 per year in 2026-27, without housing and health insurance.