Study in Israel

Types of higher education institutions
Universities –
institutions that offer academic courses on all the three levels, in Israel there are seven universities that offer courses in the humanities and social sciences, in the natural sciences as well as technical courses

Colleges - institutions that offer academic courses on first level and also practical courses preparing students for entering various professions. Some of the colleges, called “regional colleges”, are affiliated with one of the universities.

Structure of university studies
Academic year in Israel starts in October and ends in June; free day in week is Saturday. The language of instructions is Hebrew; some courses at universities are taught in English. Due to the compulsory service in the Israel Army, the average age of student body at Israeli universities is higher than in other countries.

1st level – undergraduate studies usually last for 3 years, some courses are longer, for example law is studied for 3,5 years, technical subjects and education are four-year programs, architecture takes 5 years.

2nd level – graduate courses usually last 4 years

3rd level – doctoral studies last approximately another 5 years; at the end students must defense his/her dissertation work. Outstanding students are allowed to enter some doctoral courses directly after obtaining their Bachelor’s degree.

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Note: Graduate courses in the humanities and social sciences are offered in two different tracks:
1.] the course is composed from studies and research and at the end student defense his/her dissertation work; graduates of this track can continue their studies at the doctoral level
2.] the course is more research-oriented, student does not defense any dissertation work but cannot pursue his/her studies at the doctoral level

Application procedures
- application deadlines at most higher education institutions are in January and February, application fees are about USD 50
- students wishing to start his undergraduate studies at Israeli university must provide his/her matriculation certificate
- undergraduate students must sit for ”Psychometric Examination”. This examination is administered by National Institute for Testing and Evaluation. It is possible to sit for the examination also outside Israel. The examination can be taken in Hebrew and several other languages. It includes a test of English proficiency. Some schools accept SAT instead of the ”Psychometric Examination”.
- provided the chosen course is taught in Hebrew, the applicant must prove proficiency in the language. The test is called Hebrew-Language Proficiency Test and can be taken only in Israel. If the student sits for the ”Psychometric Examination” in Hebrew, he/she does not need to sit for the Hebrew-Language Proficiency Test.
- student who has spent part of his/her undergraduate studies at a university outside Israel can ask for transfer of credits

Financing of university studies
- tuition at Israeli public universities is about USD 6000 for foreign students, private institutions charge higher tuition
- the living expenses in Israel are about USD 6000 for an academic year
- universities and other higher education institutions offer scholarships; details can be obtained at the relevant department of chosen university

Health insurance
It is possible to ensure health insurance directly at the Israeli higher education institution, they charge about USD 250 for an academic year.

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Visa
Students do not need visas to enter Israel if they provide their planned stay will not exceed three months. They can prolong their visas directly in Israel.

Important addresses
Ministry of Education
Evaluation of Foreign Diplomas
2 Dvora Hanevia Street
Jerusalem 91911
Fax +972 (2) 560 37 06

Israel Council for Higher Education
Steering Committee for Overseas Students
POB 4037
Jerusalem 91040
Tel. +972 (2) 563 93 50
Fax +972 (2) 566 03 70

National Institute for Testing and Evaluation
Overseas Examinations Center
P.O.B. 26015
Jerusalem 91260
Tel. +972 (2) 575 95 55
Fax +972 (2) 575 95 43

Internet addresses
http://www.iguide.co.il/english/19.html
http://www.ac.il

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