Israel, often called the “Start-Up Nation,” is a strong destination for innovative studies, research, and English-taught programs. It is also a good place to study a wide range of fields, including archaeology, philosophy, psychology, mathematics, and economics.
Tuition fees vary by institution and program. According to the Israeli Council for Higher Education’s Study in Israel portal, international bachelor’s programs generally cost about $11,000 to $15,000 per year, while master’s programs by coursework generally range from about $10,000 to $30,000 per year. Research master’s degrees may cost less, and Ph.D. tuition is often waived by the host institution.
The Israeli government can help reduce study costs through scholarships such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Scholarships for International Students. In this article, we will be looking at the Israel government scholarships for international students.
Israel Government Scholarship Awards
The Israel Government scholarship offers an 8-month academic scholarship for MA, Ph.D., postdoctoral, overseas, international, or special programs. Students can also apply for a 3-week Hebrew or Arabic summer language course scholarship.
For the 8-month academic scholarship, the award includes 50% of tuition fees up to a maximum of $6,000, a monthly allowance for one academic year, and basic health insurance.
For summer language course programs, the MFA scholarship includes full tuition fees, dormitory accommodation, a 3-week allowance, and basic health insurance. Scholarships for Ulpan language studies are granted for an Ulpan chosen by the MFA.
It is important to note that health insurance is not included for citizens of Poland and the Czech Republic because of bilateral agreements with Israel.
Eligibility Criteria: Israel Government Scholarship
The Israel Government scholarship is open to citizens of these countries:
- Asia – China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Turkey
- Americas – Argentina, Canada (Quebec Province), Colombia, Mexico
- Europe – Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Serbia, Romania, Russia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine
Israeli citizens are not eligible to apply.
Applicants from the above-mentioned countries should be under the age of 35 at the beginning of the academic year. They should hold a BA or BSc degree, or higher, and have a good academic record.
Applicants must meet the English or Hebrew proficiency requirements of the academic institution where they intend to study or conduct research. Relevant documents may include TOEFL, GRE, IELTS, GMAT, or Ulpan test results, depending on the program and language of instruction.
Additionally, the MFA scholarship will fund studies only after the student is accepted to an academic institute and program recognized or approved by the Israeli Council for Higher Education. The Study in Israel portal lists CHE-supervised institutions, including universities such as Ariel University, Bar-Ilan University, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the Open University of Israel, Reichman University, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Tel Aviv University, the University of Haifa, and the Weizmann Institute of Science.
Applicants interested in Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design or the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance should confirm that their specific program is approved and eligible before applying.
How to Apply: Israel Government Scholarships
Before applying for the Israel Government scholarship, you should first apply to and be accepted by an eligible Israeli institution or program. Application procedures vary according to the institution.
At Hebrew University, international graduate applicants apply through the Rothberg International School.
For Tel Aviv University and other institutions, research, Ph.D., or postdoctoral applicants should check the relevant department requirements and secure acceptance or confirmation from an Israeli supervisor when required.
Once your university application is in order, you may proceed with your scholarship application. The steps for doing so are as follows:
Step 1. Contact the Israeli Embassy in Your Home Country
This will help you confirm the submission deadline, local application procedure, and the process for choosing awardees from your country.
Step 2. Prepare the Necessary Documents
Your submission packet for the Israel Government scholarship should include the completed Israel government scholarships application pack, including the application form and health form signed and stamped by a licensed medical practitioner. The application form should state your personal details, mailing address, contact numbers, email address, educational attainment, present occupation, and language skills in English or Hebrew.
Academic records, diplomas, transcripts, relevant test scores, a curriculum vitae, and at least 2 letters of recommendation from lecturers or professors are needed as well.
The packet should also include a detailed letter describing the field you wish to study and the university or academic institute where you wish to study. If you are applying for research or postdoctoral study, include an acceptance letter from an Israeli supervisor and any relevant correspondence with Israeli academic institutions.
You should also include any relevant documents regarding English language proficiency, such as TOEFL, GRE, IELTS, or GMAT test results. If you intend to study or conduct research in Hebrew, include relevant documents regarding Hebrew language proficiency, such as Ulpan test results.
Apart from these academic documents, you will also need to submit 3 portrait photographs. Original documents or notarized copies are required. Documents that are not in English or Hebrew must be submitted with a notarized translation.
Step 3. Submit the Requirements
Print the application materials in English and submit 3 copies to the Israeli embassy in your country, unless your local embassy gives different instructions. You should apply in the country of your citizenship. Applicants who hold citizenship in more than one eligible country may apply through only one of these countries.
Deadlines and procedures can vary by country, so applicants should confirm the current deadline with the Cultural Section of the Israeli embassy in their country before submitting the application.
Step 4. Wait for the Results
Final scholarship decisions are usually made around July each year, and the MFA or the relevant embassy will notify accepted candidates.
If you are accepted, you may proceed to apply for an A/2 student visa. This visa can be issued for up to one year and may allow multiple entries, but recipients are generally not permitted to work in Israel.
The Israel Government scholarship is a good option for citizens of eligible countries. While the 8-month academic scholarship covers only part of tuition, it also includes a monthly allowance and basic health insurance for most recipients. Students interested in short-term language study may also apply for the 3-week Hebrew or Arabic summer language course scholarship.
We hope that this article on Israel Government scholarships for international students was helpful. If you’re interested in studying abroad, make sure to check out the Available Programs for International Students!
