Israel has a technology-driven economy and a higher education system overseen by the Council for Higher Education. For international students, universities and colleges offer English-taught programs in a range of fields.
According to the OECD’s 2025 Economic Survey of Israel, 50.3% of adults ages 25–64 had attained tertiary education, compared with an OECD average of 41.0%.
The Council for Higher Education’s Study in Israel portal lists 61 higher education institutions: nine universities, 31 colleges, and 21 teacher-training colleges.
What does Israel’s higher education system offer international students? Let’s examine the system and some affordable universities in Israel.
Affordable Schools in Israel for International Students
1. Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: 15,021.25 NIS/year (non-Israeli undergraduate students) | 20,298.75 NIS/year (non-Israeli students in other programs; stated exceptions apply to thesis master’s and doctoral students)
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) has campuses in Jerusalem and Rehovot. In the 2026 editions, HUJI is ranked #=240 in the QS World University Rankings and 251–300 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
HUJI offers degree options across a wide range of academic units. International applicants should use the university’s program pages to confirm the language of instruction and admissions requirements for their chosen degree.
Visit the university’s studies page and academic units page for current details. For the 2025/26 academic year, the university’s official tuition page lists annual tuition of 15,021.25 NIS for non-Israeli undergraduate students and 20,298.75 NIS for non-Israeli students in other programs, with stated exceptions for thesis master’s and doctoral students.
2. Tel Aviv University
Tel Aviv University (TAU) offers English-taught degree programs through TAU International. In the 2026 editions, TAU is ranked #223 in the QS World University Rankings and 201–250 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
TAU International lists undergraduate and graduate degree options in English. Tuition varies by program. For example, the official 2026/27 fees page lists several international master’s programs at 12,640 USD per year and the MA in Security and Diplomacy at 16,900 USD per year. The listed application fee for these programs is 150 USD.
Visit the TAU International page and review the page for your selected program to confirm the current tuition, admissions requirements, and available scholarships.
3. Open University of Israel
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: Charged per course; total tuition for a full degree is adjusted to equal the tuition charged for degree programs at other Israeli universities
The Open University of Israel (OUI) is suitable for students seeking a flexible alternative. Its teaching model combines distance learning with academic support.
OUI does not require prior scholastic records or achievement tests for admission to undergraduate studies. Separate policies apply to high school students and master’s degree applicants. The university strongly recommends consulting an academic adviser before enrolling.
At OUI, undergraduate students do not have to choose a specific degree program immediately. Tuition is charged per course rather than per year, and the total tuition for a full degree is adjusted to equal the tuition charged for degree programs at other Israeli universities.
Visit the university’s admissions page for current details about undergraduate and graduate admission policies, tuition, and academic advising.
4. Bar-Ilan University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: See the university’s current CPI-linked tuition policy and program-specific information
Bar-Ilan University (BIU) opened its doors in 1955. In the 2026 editions, BIU is ranked #=660 in the QS World University Rankings and 601–800 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
BIU International lists undergraduate degree options and 16 graduate programs taught in English. Students should review the page for their selected program to confirm admissions requirements and the language of instruction.
Tuition should be checked against BIU’s current policy and the applicable program page. The university’s 2025/26 tuition policy is linked to the Consumer Price Index, and BIU International states that tuition payments are divided into six installments.
5. Israel Institute of Technology
The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology was founded in 1912 and opened its doors in 1924. In the 2026 editions, the Technion is ranked #=350 in the QS World University Rankings and 301–350 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
The Technion focuses on science, engineering, architecture, education, and medicine. International applicants should review the official admissions information for their chosen program.
For the full international undergraduate program, annual tuition is 15,000 USD plus other fees. For the 2025/26 academic year, the graduate tuition page lists 20,299 NIS at 100% tuition for international students and states that the minimum tuition for a degree without exemptions is 200%.
For international undergraduate students in the New East dormitory, the official page lists monthly rent of 1,270 NIS, with utilities billed separately.
6. University of Haifa
The University of Haifa received full accreditation in 1972. In the 2026 editions, it is ranked #=678 in the QS World University Rankings and 501–600 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
UHaifa International offers undergraduate, language, and master’s programs. Tuition varies by program, so applicants should use the university’s official website and the page for their selected program to confirm the current fees, admissions requirements, and scholarship options.
7. Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: 12,017 NIS/year (reduced basic undergraduate tuition) | 16,239 NIS/year (basic regular tuition); program-specific charges and mandatory fees may apply
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) was established as the University of the Negev in 1969 and was later renamed in honor of David Ben-Gurion. In the 2026 editions, BGU is ranked #=469 in the QS World University Rankings and 601–800 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
BGU offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral study opportunities. International applicants should review the page for their selected degree to confirm the current admissions requirements, application fee, language of instruction, and tuition.
For the 2025/26 academic year, BGU’s official tuition page lists reduced basic undergraduate tuition of 12,017 NIS and basic regular tuition of 16,239 NIS. It also lists a mandatory security fee of 711 NIS and an optional welfare-services fee of 476 NIS. Program-specific charges may apply.
FAQs: Studying in Israel
What is the Higher Education Like in Israel?
Israel has 61 higher education institutions: nine universities, 31 colleges, and 21 teacher-training colleges. All are supervised by the Council for Higher Education. All Israeli universities and 41 colleges are publicly funded, while 12 colleges are privately funded.
Universities award bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees. Academic colleges award bachelor’s and master’s degrees, while teacher-training colleges award bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.
Program duration and structure vary by institution and field. Master’s programs may be research-based or course-based, and applicants should confirm the requirements on the page for their selected program.
What is the Language of Instruction at Israeli Universities?
The language of instruction depends on the institution and program. Israeli higher education institutions offer English-taught degree programs for international students at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, together with PhD and postdoctoral research opportunities.
Applicants should check each program page to confirm the language of instruction and whether language-proficiency evidence or preparatory study is required.
What is the Admissions Process at Israeli Universities?
Admissions requirements vary by university and program. Applicants should review the official admissions page for their selected degree before applying.
The Psychometric Entrance Test is one admissions route used by Israeli institutions, but it is not required for every international applicant or every program. Some universities accept alternatives. For example, Ben-Gurion University accepts SAT or ACT results as substitutes for the Israeli Psychometric Entrance Examination for relevant undergraduate applications.
The National Institute for Testing and Evaluation offers the Psychometric Entrance Test in several languages. Available languages and testing arrangements depend on the test location and administration.
Additional requirements may include transcripts, proof of language proficiency, supporting documents, essays, or interviews.
What is the Cost of Study in Israel?
Tuition depends on the institution and program. The Council for Higher Education’s Study in Israel portal states that international bachelor’s degree programs cost approximately 11,000–15,000 USD per year, while master’s degree programs generally range from approximately 10,000–30,000 USD per year. Tuition for research master’s programs can be lower depending on the institution, and PhD tuition is generally waived by the host institution.
Living costs vary substantially by city, housing type, and personal spending. Students should compare university housing information with current local rental, food, and transportation costs before preparing a budget.
Israel is also known for its technology sector. The Israel Innovation Authority describes the country as having one of the highest numbers of startups per capita globally, which may be relevant to students interested in innovation and entrepreneurship.
We hope this article on affordable universities in Israel for international students was helpful. To learn more about studying abroad, check out the Study in Israel and Available Programs for International Students pages.
