Israel is a Middle Eastern country that borders Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt, with the Mediterranean Sea to the west. It is often associated with the Holy Land because of its religious, biblical, and historical sites, as well as its beaches and archaeological museums.
Beyond its physical and historical features, Israel has a lot to offer in higher education. Israeli universities offer a wide range of programs for local and international students, including English-taught degrees, research opportunities, and short-term study options.
In this article, we will be looking at the best scholarships for international students in Israel.
Top Scholarships in Israel
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Type | Eligible Degrees | Scholarship Value |
|---|
| MFA Scholarships for International Students | Government of Israel | MA, Ph.D., postdoctoral, overseas, international, or special programs
Hebrew or Arabic summer language course | For the 8-month academic scholarship: 50% of tuition fees up to a maximum of $6,000, a monthly allowance, and basic health insurance. For the summer language course: full tuition, dormitory accommodation, a 3-week allowance, and basic health insurance. |
| Hebrew University Rothberg International School Merit Scholarship for Graduate Students | Hebrew University of Jerusalem | Selected M.A. programs | Partial tuition |
| Tel Aviv University Lowy International Scholarship Fund | Tel Aviv University | Bachelor’s and graduate degree programs | Tuition fees only; amounts vary |
| University of Haifa Need-Based Scholarship | University of Haifa | Master’s and other International School programs, depending on the program | Varies based on financial need and available funding |
| American Jewish League for Israel University Scholarship | External | Undergraduate and graduate study at accredited Israeli institutions; Ph.D. programs are not currently funded | $4,000 – $6,000, paid directly to the university for tuition |
| Technion – Israel Institute of Technology Financial Aid and Scholarships | Technion – Israel Institute of Technology | Undergraduate international students; external scholarships may have separate eligibility rules | Academic merit scholarships and financial aid grants; amounts vary |
| Azrieli International Postdoctoral Fellowship | External | Postdoctoral research | Monthly stipend of 14,000 ILS, plus 20,000 ILS annually for research expenses and research-related travel, and access to Azrieli Fellows programming |
| Raphael Recanati International School Merit Scholarships | Raphael Recanati International School | Bachelor’s | 50% of yearly tuition for the first year of studies at Reichman University, with possible renewal if conditions are met |
1. MFA Scholarships for Foreign Students
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: For the 8-month academic scholarship, 50% of tuition fees up to a maximum of $6,000, a monthly allowance, and basic health insurance. For the summer language course, full tuition, dormitory accommodation, a 3-week allowance, and basic health insurance.
- Eligible Degree/s: MA, Ph.D., postdoctoral, overseas, international, or special programs; Hebrew or Arabic summer language course
The Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) offers scholarships for international students who want to study or conduct research in Israel. The scholarship is part of Israel’s cultural agreements with selected countries and is available only to citizens of eligible countries.
This scholarship can support either an 8-month academic program or a short summer language course. The academic scholarship is partially funded, covering 50% of tuition fees up to a maximum of $6,000, plus a monthly allowance and basic health insurance. The summer language course scholarship covers full tuition, dormitory accommodation, a 3-week allowance, and basic health insurance.
To start your application for this government scholarship, check the list of eligible countries and contact the Israeli embassy or consulate in your country, since deadlines and local submission procedures may vary.
To qualify, applicants generally need to hold a BA or BSc degree or higher, have a strong academic record, meet the language requirements of the academic institution where they plan to study, and receive admission to an academic program recognized by the Israeli Council for Higher Education. Scholarship recipients must also receive an A/2 student visa, which does not permit work.
Application materials usually include the completed scholarship application pack, academic transcripts, diplomas, a curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, language test results when required, and a letter describing the field of study and the academic institution in Israel. Please visit the scholarship link and confirm the latest instructions with the Israeli embassy or consulate in your country.
2. Hebrew’s University Rothberg International School Merit Scholarship for Graduate Students
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Partial tuition
- Eligible Degree/s: Selected M.A. programs
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) in Jerusalem, Israel, is a public university and one of Israel’s leading universities. Its Rothberg International School offers programs and scholarships for incoming and current international students.
For non-U.S. international graduate students, Rothberg lists the Dr. Sara Meckler-Weisz Merit Scholarship for selected M.A. programs. To be eligible, students must be at least in their final year of undergraduate studies, have a minimum GPA of 3.8 or equivalent, maintain a high academic standard, and submit a complete application to a degree program. The award is listed as partial tuition, with an April 15 deadline.
For U.S. graduate students, Rothberg lists a Merit Scholarship for candidates in selected M.A. programs with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.8. Candidates for non-degree and Ph.D. graduate programs are not eligible for this scholarship.
If you are currently studying as a fourth-year undergraduate student, you may be able to apply if you meet the academic and program requirements. The application form and full eligibility details are available through the scholarship link.
3. Tel Aviv University Support Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Covers tuition fees only, and the amounts awarded may vary
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s and graduate degree programs
Tel Aviv University (TAU) is one of Israel’s major universities, with a large student population that includes international students from many parts of the world. Through the Lowy International School, TAU offers scholarship funding to help eligible international undergraduate and graduate degree students pursue their studies.
The TAU Lowy International Scholarship Fund is intended to cover tuition fees only, and award amounts may vary. One condition for receiving this scholarship is participation in the Lowy Student Ambassador Club and completion of its assignments.
To be evaluated for the scholarship, students must first be accepted to their chosen program. After acceptance, they should contact their program coordinator directly to apply for the TAU International scholarship fund. Some scholarship categories may consider academic merit, financial need, first-time study in Israel, and partner-institution status.
Lastly, students should apply early and confirm the current scholarship category, requirements, and deadline for their program through the official scholarship page.
4. University of Haifa Need-Based Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: May vary depending on the student’s financial need and available funding
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s and other eligible International School programs, depending on the program
The University of Haifa offers need-based scholarships and other financial aid options to eligible students applying to UHaifa International programs. Award amounts vary and may depend on the student’s financial need, program, and available funding.
To be eligible, students generally need to be admitted to a program at the International School. Applicants should submit a letter explaining their financial situation, and supporting documentation may be requested. Scholarship applications are usually reviewed only after the student has been accepted to the program.
Students should check the official scholarship page for the latest application form, deadline, and program-specific requirements before applying.
5. American Jewish League for Israel University Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: $4,000 – $6,000, used for tuition fees
- Eligible Degree/s: Undergraduate and graduate study at accredited Israeli institutions; Ph.D. programs are not currently funded
The American Jewish League for Israel (AJLI) supports students who want to study in Israel. Its scholarship program provides partial tuition grants for eligible students accepted for credit at accredited Israeli institutions. Scholarship funds are paid directly to the university or study program and cannot be used for non-tuition costs.
AJLI typically selects five to six scholars each year, and awards usually range from $4,000 to $6,000. Applicants must generally be U.S. citizens, identify as Jewish or be strongly committed to strengthening ties between Jewish communities, have a strong connection to the American Jewish community, and attend school in person in Israel. AJLI states that it cannot currently fund yeshiva, Ph.D., seminary, study abroad, summer, internship, or other non-accredited programs.
The application form for this Israel scholarship is available on the AJLI website. Before applying, students should check the eligible institutions and program rules. Application materials may include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, an acceptance letter from the Israeli university or program, and essay responses related to studying in Israel.
The AJLI Board reviews all applications, and applicants are notified of their status after decisions are made.
6. Technion – Israel Institute of Technology Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Academic merit scholarships and financial aid grants; amounts vary
- Eligible Degree/s: Undergraduate international students; external scholarships may have separate eligibility rules
The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology is a leading Israeli institution known for science, engineering, and technology. Technion International lists undergraduate financial aid and scholarship options for international students, along with examples of external scholarships.
The Academic Merit Scholarship is granted to students based on grades and achievements. It is available to second- through fourth-year students in all BSc programs who meet the threshold criteria for excellent students.
Technion International also lists financial assistance for undergraduate international students. This aid is a financial grant for students who meet the criteria and is granted at the discretion of Technion International. Applications must be submitted to the Admissions Coordinator before the start of studies at Technion, and current students generally cannot apply for new financial aid or change an existing package except in extreme cases.
Students should also review the external scholarship list, which includes country-specific and organization-based scholarships, since eligibility, award amounts, and deadlines vary.
7. Azrieli International Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Monthly stipend of 14,000 ILS, plus 20,000 ILS annually for research expenses and research-related travel, and access to Azrieli Fellows programming
- Eligible Degree/s: Postdoctoral research
The Azrieli Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports education, research, science, health care, and community initiatives. The Azrieli International Postdoctoral Fellowship supports outstanding early-career researchers who want to conduct postdoctoral research at eligible academic institutions in Israel.
Azrieli International Postdoctoral Fellows receive a monthly stipend of 14,000 ILS. They also receive an additional 20,000 ILS annually for research expenses and research-related travel, along with access to professional development, networking, leadership training, and interdisciplinary programming.
8. Raphael Recanati International School Merit Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: 50% of yearly tuition for the first year of studies at Reichman University, with possible renewal if conditions are met
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
Raphael Recanati International School (RRIS) at Reichman University is described by the university as the largest international school in Israel, welcoming more than 2,500 students from around the world. It offers a variety of academic programs for both local and international students.
The undergraduate Merit Scholarship is granted by RRIS to outstanding new applicants based on previous academic achievements. It is not possible to apply separately for the scholarship. Only full-time students paying full-time tuition are eligible.
The Merit Scholarship is equivalent to 50% of yearly tuition and does not include additional programs, preparatory courses, or additional degrees. Students who receive the scholarship must complete community involvement requirements. The scholarship may be extended for an additional year if the student meets the required GPA and volunteering conditions.
RRIS students who have difficulty covering tuition may also contact the RRIS Financial Aid office to explore scholarship options and loans.
Now, if you’re considering Israel as your next study destination, you have several scholarship and financial aid options to explore. Make sure to review each scholarship’s official page, confirm the current eligibility rules, and check the latest deadline before applying.
We hope this article on the best scholarships in Israel for international students was helpful. Make sure to check out the Study in Israel and Available Programs for International Students pages for more insightful articles.
