Israel: Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

There are eight universities in Israel offering degrees at Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral level. Most Masters degree programmes extend over a period of two years. Doctoral programmes focus on a thesis or dissertation. Applicants must have a Masters degree from a recognised university. Doctoral programmes are based on original research relevant to the department.

Regional colleges also offer academic courses. A number of these operate under the auspices of one of the universities, enabling students to begin studying for a degree near their home before completing it at the university's main campus.

Most Israeli students are over the age of 21 when they begin their studies (after having undergone compulsory military service).

The Israel Council for Higher Education  has more information on the higher education system in Israel and has links to universities, teacher training colleges and other higher education institutions.

What courses are available?

Postgraduate courses are available at Masters and Doctoral level in a range of subjects.

Courses are often taught in Hebrew, although some courses are taught in English. For example, English-language MBAs are available at a number of Israeli universities, including:

• Ben Gurion University of the Negev
• Bar-Ilan University
• Tel Aviv University
• The University of Haifa

The Feingold Graduate School  at The Weizmann Institute of Science  offers MSc and PhD degrees in physical sciences, chemical sciences, life sciences, mathematics and computer science, and science teaching - all available to English-speaking graduate students.

For a list of undergraduate, postgraduate and summer courses taught in English, aimed at students from abroad, see the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs  website .

Where can I study?

Israel has eight universities:

• Bar-Ilan University  
• Ben Gurion University of the Negev  
• The Hebrew University of Jerusalem  
• The Open University of Israel  
• Technion - Israel Institute of Technology  
• Tel Aviv University  
• The University of Haifa  
• The Weizmann Institute of Science  

How do I apply?

A good degree from a recognised university is required. An adequate knowledge of Hebrew is also necessary. Other requirements may include academic references, practical experience and additional tests.

In addition to a completed application form, applicants may also need to provide a non-refundable registration fee and a transcript of degree qualifications.

Entry on to a Masters programme is usually at the beginning of the academic year (mid to end of October) or sometimes the beginning of the second semester (March). PhD applications can be made anytime. Check the individual university websites for more specific information.

Jewish students from abroad who wish to study in Israel may use the services of the Student Authority Israel  at the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption (Israel) , which aims to encourage Jewish youth to study in Israel. It provides information on choosing study programmes, scholarships and loans, academic preparatory courses and help with registering.

For further information, contact the university you are interested in directly.

How much will it cost?

Fees vary. Check the individual university websites for specific information. There may be additional fees for international students in Israel.

Are any scholarships available?

The government of Israel offers scholarships to students who are UK citizens as laid out by cultural agreements between Israel and Great Britain. See the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

Are there any exchange programmes?

Contact your university to see if they have any exchange programmes or links with Israeli universities.

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

Information about the equivalency of qualifications and skills from Israel to the UK’s national qualifications framework is provided by UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom) .