International Students can study in Israel in English for Free, but only a few universities in Israel offer English-taught programs, as the main language of instruction in Israeli universities is Hebrew.
Students from places outside Israel no longer have to worry about learning Hebrew before studying in Israel. Learning a new language can be so much fun. Students also have the opportunity to study in Israel for free.
Israel is the smallest country by area (22,010 km2) in Asia, and it is popularly known for its innovative activities. According to the 2021 Bloomberg Innovative Index, Israel is the seventh most innovative country in the World. Israel is the right place for students into innovation and technology.
The Western Asia country was nicknamed “Startup Nation” because it has the second-largest number of startup companies in the world after the US.
According to US News, Israel is the 24th best country for education in the World and ranks 30th in the US News Best Countries Overall Ranking.
Besides that, Israel ranks ninth in the 2022 World Happiness Report issued by the United Nations. This is one of the things that attracts students to Israel.
Below is a brief overview of higher education in Israel.
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An Overview of Higher Education in IsraelÂ
There are 61 higher education institutions in Israel: 10 universities (all are public universities), 31 academic colleges, and 20 teacher-training colleges.
The Council for Higher Education (CHE) is the licensing and accrediting authority for higher education in Israel.
Higher education institutions in Israel offer these academic degrees: bachelor’s, master’s, and PhDs. Only research universities can offer PhDs.
Most programs offered in Israel are taught in Hebrew, especially bachelor’s degree programs. However, there are several graduate programs and few bachelor’s degree programs taught in English.
Are the Universities in Israel Free?
All the public universities and some colleges in Israel are subsidized by the government and students pay only a small percentage of the actual cost of tuition.
A bachelor’s degree program in a public university costs from NIS 10,391 to NIS 12,989 and a master’s degree program will cost between NIS 14,042 to NIS 17,533.
Tuition for Ph.D. programs is generally waived by the host institution. So, you can earn a Ph.D. degree for free.
There are also various scholarship programs offered by the government, universities, and other organizations in Israel.
How to Study in Israel in English for Free?
Here is how to study in Israel in English for Free:
- Choose a Public University/College
Only public institutions have subsidized tuition. This makes its tuition more affordable than private schools in Israel. You can even study Ph.D. programs for free because tuition for Ph.D. is generally waived by the host institution.
- Ensure the University offer English-taught Programs
Hebrew is the main language of instruction in Israeli public universities. So, you need to confirm that your choice of program is taught in English.
- Apply for Scholarship
Most public universities in Israel offer scholarship programs. The government of Israel also provides scholarship programs. You can use a scholarship to cover the remaining cost of tuition.
Scholarship Programs for Students in Israel
Some of the scholarships available for international students to study in Israel are:
1. The PBC Fellowship Program for Outstanding Chinese and Indian Post-Doctoral Fellows
The Planning and Budgeting Commission (PBC) runs the fellowship program for outstanding Chinese and Indian post-doctoral fellows.
Each year, the PBC offers 55 post-doctoral fellowships, valid for two years only. These fellowships are offered based on academic qualities.
2. Fullbright Post-Doctoral Fellowships
Fullbright offers up to eight fellowships to US postdoctoral scholars who have an interest in doing research in Israel.
This fellowship is only valid for two academic years and only available for US citizens who have acquired a Ph.D. degree before August 2017.
The value of the Fulbright postdoctoral fellowship is $95,000 ($47,500 per academic year for two years), estimated travel, and relocation allowance.
3. The Zuckerman Postdoctoral Scholars Program
The Zuckerman Postdoctoral Scholars Program attracts high-achieving postdoctoral scholars from premier universities in the US and Canada to do research at one of seven Israeli Universities:
- Bar Ilan University
- Ben-Gurion University of Negev
- University of Haifa
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- Technion – Israel Institution of Technology
- Tel Aviv University and
- Weizmann Institute of Science.
The Zuckerman Postdoctoral Scholars Program is awarded based on academic and research achievements, as well as on personal merit and leadership qualities.
4. Ph.D. Sandwich Fellowship Program
This one-year doctoral program is funded by the Planning and Budgeting Committee (PBC). It is awarded to international Ph.D. students to research in one of Israel’s top universities.
5. The MFA Scholarships for International Students
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also provides scholarships for international students who have acquired an academic degree (BA or BSc).
The ministry of foreign affairs offers two types of scholarships for international students:
- A full academic year scholarship for MA, Ph.D., Post-doctorate, Overseas, and International Programs, or Special Programs.
- 3-week Hebrew/Arabic language program scholarship over the summer.
The full academic year scholarship covers 50% of your tuition fees up to a maximum of $6,000, a monthly allowance for one academic year, and basic health insurance.
And the 3-week scholarship cover full tuition fees, Domitries, a 3-week allowance, and basic health insurance.
6. Council for Higher Education & Israel Academy of Science and Humanities Excellence Fellowship Program for International Postdoctoral Researchers
This initiative was created to attract top young recent Ph.D. graduates to take on a postdoctoral position with leading scientists and scholars in Israel in all fields of science, social science, and humanities.
The program is open to an international student who has received a Ph.D. from a recognized higher education institution outside Israel less than 4 years from the time of application.
Requirements needed to Study in Israel in English
Each institution has its admission requirements, so check for the requirements for your choice of institution. However, these are some of the general requirements for international students to study in Israel in English.
- Academic transcripts from previous institutions
- High School Diploma
- Proof of English Proficiency, like TOEFL and IELTS
- Letters of Recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Purpose
- Psychometric Entrance Test (PET) or SAT Scores for admission to bachelor’s degree programs
- GRE or GMAT scores for graduate programs
Do I Need A Visa to Study in Israel in English for Free?
As an international student, you will need an A/2 Student Visa to study in Israel. To apply for a student visa, you will need the following:
- Completed and signed application for a visa to enter Isreal
- A letter of acceptance from an Isreal accredited institution
- Proof of sufficient funds
- A Passport, valid for the entire period of studies and another six months after studies
- Two passport pictures.
You can apply for a student visa at the Israeli Embassy or consulate in your home country. Once granted, the visa is valid for up to one year and allows for multiple entrances and exits from the country.
Best Universities to Study in Israel in English
These universities are consistently ranked among the top universities in the World.
They are also considered the best universities in Israel for international students because they offer English-taught programs.
Below is a list of the 7 Best Universities in Israel:
- Weizmann Institute of Science
- Tel Aviv University (TAU)
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- Technion Israel Institute of Technology
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
- University of Haifa
- Bar Ilan University.
1. Weizmann Institute of Science
Established as Daniel Sieff Institution in 1934, the Weizmann Institute of Science is a world-leading research institution located in Rehovot, Israel. It only offers graduate programs in natural and exact sciences.
Weizmann Institute of Science offers master’s and Ph.D. programs, as well as teaching certificate programs. The official language of instruction at Weizmann Institute of Science Feinberg Graduate School is English.
Also, all students at the Feinberg Graduate School are exempted from paying tuition fees.
2. Tel Aviv University (TAU)
Founded in 1956, Tel Aviv University (TAU) is the largest and most comprehensive institution of higher learning in Israel.
Tel Aviv University is a public research university located in Tel Aviv, Israel, with over 30,000 students and 1,200 researchers.
TAU offers 2 bachelor’s and 14 graduate programs in English. These programs are available in:
- Music
- Liberal Arts
- Cyber Politics & Government
- Ancient Israel Studies
- Life Sciences
- Neurosciences
- Medical Sciences
- Engineering
- Environmental Studies e.t.c.
Scholarship programs available at Tel Aviv University (TAU)
Both international and domestic students studying at Tel Aviv University may be eligible for a range of scholarships and financial support.
- TAU International Scholarship Fund is awarded to support eligible international undergraduate and graduate degree students. It covers tuition fees only and the amount awarded varies.
- Exclusive Scholarships for Ukrainian Students are available to only Ukraine students.
- TAU International Tuition Assistance
- And TAU Postdoctoral Scholarships.
3. Hebrew University of Jerusalem
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem was established in July 1918 and officially opened in April 1925, it is the second-oldest Israeli university.
HUJI is a public research university located in the capital of Israel, Jerusalem.
The University offers over 200 majors and programs, but only a few graduate programs are taught in English.
Graduate programs taught in English are available in:
- Asian Studies
- Pharmacy
- Dental Medicine
- Human Rights and International Law
- Jewish Education
- English
- Economics
- Biomedical Sciences
- Public Health.
Scholarship program available at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem Financial Aid Unit grants scholarships based on financial need to undergraduate and graduate students studying an MA program, a teaching certificate, a medical degree, a degree in dentistry, and a degree in veterinary medicine.
4. Technion Israel Institute of Technology
Established in 1912, the Technion is the first and biggest technology university in Israel. It is also the oldest university in the Middle East.
The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology is a public research university located in Haifa, Israel. It offers English-taught programs in:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- MBA.
Scholarship program available at Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
- Academic Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded based on grades and achievements. The scholarship is available in all BSc programs.
5. Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU)
The Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is a public research university located in Beersheba, Israel.
BGU offers bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs. English-taught programs are available in:
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Business and Management.
6. University of Haifa (UHaifa)
Founded in 1963, the University of Haifa is a public university located in Mount Carmel in Haifa, Isreal. It received full academic accreditation in 1972, becoming the sixth academic institution and fourth university in Israel.
The University of Haifa has the largest university library in Israel. It has over 18,000 students from different ethnic backgrounds.
English-taught programs are available in these areas of study:
- Diplomacy Studies
- Child Development
- Modern German and European Studies
- Sustainability
- Public Health
- Israel Studies
- National Security Studies
- Archaeology
- Public Management and Policy
- International Relations
- Geoscience e.t.c
Scholarship Program available at the University of Haifa
- University of Haifa Need-based Scholarships for students admitted to a program at UHaifa International School.
7. Bar Ilan University
Bar Ilan University is a public research university located in Ramat Gan, Israel. Established in 1955, Bar Ilan University is the second-largest academic institution in Israel.
Bar Ilan University is the first Israeli university to offer an undergraduate program taught in English.
English-taught Programs are available in these areas of study:
- Physics
- Linguistics
- English Literature
- Jewish Studies
- Creative Writing
- Biblical Studies
- Brain Science
- Life Sciences
- Engineering e.t.c
Scholarship Program available at Bar Ilan University
- The Presidential Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to outstanding Ph.D. students. The value of the presidential scholarship is NIS 48,000 for four years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is education free in Israel?
Israel provides free and compulsory education for all children from age of 6 to 18 years. Tuition for public universities and some colleges is subsidized,students will only pay a small percent.
How much does it cost to live in Israel?
The average cost of living in Israel is around NIS 3,482 per month without rent. About NIS 42,000 per year is enough to take care of living cost for each year of study(without rent).
Can non-Israeli students study in Israel?
Yes, non-Israeli students can study in Israel if they have a A/2 student visa. There are over 12,000 international students studying Israel.
Where can i study in English for free?
The following Israeli universities offers English taught programs: Bar Ilan University Ben-Gurion University of Negev University of Haifa Hebrew University of Jerusalem Technion - Israel Institution of Technology Tel Aviv University and Weizmann Institute of Science
Are universities in Israel recognized?
7 out of the 10 public universities in Israel are usually ranked among the top universities in the world by US News, ARWU, QS top universities, and Times Higher Education (THE) ranking.
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Conclusion
Studying in Israel comes with a lot of benefits from affordable quality education to a high standard of living, access to the world’s best tourist centers, the opportunity to learn a new language, and exposure to innovation and technology.
We have now come to the end of this article.
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