Israel is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and many religious, historical, and natural attractions. It has also made notable contributions to fields such as technology, agriculture, and medicine, supported by a strong research and innovation ecosystem.
Israel also has an active student community and several universities that appear in major global rankings, including Tel Aviv University, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. Studying in Israel can give students access to research-focused universities, international programs, and opportunities connected to the country’s innovation-driven economy. Below are five useful fields to consider in Israel, along with relevant universities and program areas.
Top Courses to Study in Israel
1. Computer Science
Israel is widely recognized for innovation and technology. Among OECD countries, it reports one of the highest levels of research and development intensity, and its technology sector includes many deep-tech companies, cybersecurity ventures, and AI-related startups. This makes the country a strong study destination for students interested in computer science, software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
Eligible international students may also look for government scholarships and university scholarships, although eligibility depends on nationality, academic background, degree level, and the specific scholarship program. Computer science programs in Israel generally combine theoretical foundations with practical learning in areas such as mathematics, programming, algorithms, software engineering, machine learning, cybersecurity, and computer systems. Many programs also include labs, research projects, or industry-related training.
Some of the most well-known universities in Israel that offer computer science or closely related degrees are Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv University, Weizmann Institute of Science, and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
2. Political Science
If you are interested in studying political behavior, public policy, international relations, governance, and the allocation of power and resources in society, political science in Israel can be a strong option. Israel’s political system and regional context create a complex setting for studying contemporary political institutions, conflict, security, religion, identity, diplomacy, and public policy.
Political science programs in Israel can train students to become critical thinkers who can look deeper into the reasons behind different political phenomena. Depending on the university and program, students may also attend seminars, workshops, study tours, and meetings with academic experts, activists, policymakers, and other professionals to gain insights from different perspectives.
Relevant universities and programs include the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Bar-Ilan University, Ariel University, and Tel Aviv University.
3. Business
- Relevant schools: Coller School of Management at Tel Aviv University, the Hebrew University Business School, Bar-Ilan University School of Business Administration, Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business and Management at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Israel is often associated with entrepreneurship and innovation. It has been called “Startup Nation,” and its startup ecosystem continues to rank highly globally. For students interested in entrepreneurship, management, finance, technology management, innovation, or marketing, Israel can offer a practical business environment connected to technology and research-intensive industries.
Israeli business schools offer programs in areas such as management, entrepreneurship, finance, information systems, technology management, consulting, business administration, and leadership. Many programs are designed around Israel’s innovation economy and include exposure to startups, multinational companies, and applied business challenges.
Among the relevant business schools in Israel are the Coller School of Management at Tel Aviv University, the Hebrew University Business School, Bar-Ilan University School of Business Administration, the Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business and Management at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and business and management programs at the University of Haifa.
4. Mining Engineering
- Related schools and program areas: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Tel Aviv University
Dedicated mining engineering degrees are not commonly listed by Israel’s major universities, so students interested in this field should check each university’s current catalog carefully before applying. In practice, related study options in Israel are more likely to be found through engineering, earth and environmental sciences, geosciences, civil and environmental engineering, materials science, and energy or natural-resource-related research.
Students interested in mining engineering can still build relevant skills in Israel by studying geology, engineering geology, environmental sciences, civil engineering, materials engineering, or other engineering fields. Ben-Gurion University of the Negev offers earth and environmental sciences and graduate tracks that include engineering geology, while Technion – Israel Institute of Technology offers broad engineering and science pathways.
If getting a degree connected to mining, natural resources, materials, or geosciences is something that piques your interest, check official program pages at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, and Tel Aviv University before applying, as program names, teaching language, and availability can change.
5. Agriculture
Agriculture is another excellent field to pursue in Israel because the country has strong research activity in agriculture, food systems, water, plant sciences, environmental science, and desert-related innovation. Agricultural products and commodities associated with Israel include potatoes, avocados, dates, citrus fruits, vegetables, and other crops, and agriculture-related research is closely tied to issues such as water scarcity, climate, food security, plant health, and sustainable production.
Programs and research in agriculture-related fields in Israeli universities often involve laboratory work, fieldwork, and applied research. Students can gain exposure to agriculture experts, farmers, scientists, and other professionals, depending on the program.
The clearest agriculture-focused university option is the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, which offers English-taught master’s programs in areas such as Plant Sciences in Agriculture, Agroecology and Plant Health, Soil and Water Sciences, Animal and Veterinary Science, Genetics and Breeding, and Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment. Students may also consider related plant, environmental, life-science, and food-security research or programs at Weizmann Institute of Science, Bar-Ilan University, Tel Aviv University, and other Israeli universities.
The cost of living in Israel can vary widely by city, housing choice, and lifestyle, so students should plan their budget carefully before enrolling. Choosing your university, city, housing, and scholarship options early can help you manage expenses. We have highlighted a list of the best universities in Israel that you can browse through and see whether they offer your courses of interest.
We hope this article on the Best Subjects to Study in Israel was helpful. For more information on studying abroad, check out Study in Israel and Available Programs for International Students.