Israel offers a unique educational experience because of the county’s rich cultural heritage and competitive academic curriculum. Israel is in the Middle East with sacred historical sites like Jerusalem and other places of worship. Studying for an undergraduate degree in Israel is attractive for international students because of the strength of their higher education system.
There are nine Universities and plenty of colleges in Israel. The top universities in the county are part of the top 400 universities globally. Top universities in Israel have English-taught courses for international students. Aside from the rich and competitive educational experience, international students also commonly pursue internships in Israeli technological firms.
Some of the top universities in Israel are the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv University, the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, and the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
International students in Israel can adjust because English is widely spoken and used in major cities. Additionally, there are dormitories and apartments available exclusively for students. Aside from this, there are also various tourist spots and historical sites international students can visit. Let’s take a look at the steps and requirements in obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Israel!
Application Requirements for Bachelor’s in Israel
The general requirements for applying for an undergraduate program in Israel include the submission of important documents. International students must also pass a standardized exam administered by the Israeli National Institute for Testing and Evaluation or the NITE. This exam will cover basic quantitative and verbal reasoning as well as the applicant’s command of the English Language. Aside from this standardized exam, SATs and GPA will also be a basis of assessment
Students that do not meet the university’s minimum qualification requirements are encouraged to enroll in a preparatory program. There are programs available for international students to help them meet minimum requirements as well as aid them in their application process.
Aside from educational requirements, international students who wish to enroll for a bachelor’s degree in Israel need a student visa before entry. The usual student visa can be valid for up to one year and allows for multiple entrances and exits.
Several websites and service providers aid international students in their application to universities and colleges in Israel. With this said, it is important to choose a legitimate website.
Check Also: Undergraduate Programs for International Students
Bachelor’s Degree Language Requirements for International Students in Israel
As mentioned above, leading universities and colleges offer plenty of English-taught degree programs. Aside from the NITE exam which will test the proficiency of the applicant in the English Language, some universities will require official certification from an English Language Proficiency Exam.
Most universities in Israel would accept IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic for the applicants who want to pursue bachelor’s degree in Israel. With this said, some universities such as the Hebrew University of Jerusalem will require international students to also pass a Hebrew language proficiency exam regardless of the course they are taking. Most universities would require a minimum score on the YAEL.
The YAEL is the proficiency exam for students or applicants whose first language is not Hebrew.
Language requirements should be obtained directly from the university. Some requirements may vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin or level of educational attainment.
How to Apply for Bachelor’s in Israel
The application process will vary per academic institution. With this said, some standard steps and requirements can be expected by international students.
Below are the most common proceedings for application.
1. Find the best Program and College
It is important to diligently search for the best program and college or university in Israel. It is important to make sure that the course you are applying for is taught in the language you have strong command in. Most courses are taught in Hebrew or Arabic.
Most degree programs that are taught in English include Business and Economics, Psychology, Engineering, Literature, and Jewish Culture and History.
Requirements may vary depending on the degree program and educational institution.
There are websites officially recognized by the Israeli government that aid in the application process of international students interested in studying in Israel.
Legitimate websites recognized by the government or by the educational institutions in Israel will act as a third party in ensuring all your requirements are complete.
2. Prepare required documents
Necessary documents may vary per university or college. With this said, universities and colleges will have a complete guide of requirements on their website for the students who wish to apply for a bachelor’s degree in Israel. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has a list of qualifications and required documents depending on the student’s country of origin.
The Ben-Guigon University of the Negev, like many other colleges, will require the submission of SAT or ACT scores. The official test scores will be converted to the scale of the NITE exam or the Israeli Psychometric Entrance Examination.
International students must submit a certificate of graduation from a secondary educational institution. Official transcripts, high school diploma, and a Curriculum Vitae.
Aside from this, the student must also submit the appropriate proof of English proficiency.
Some universities will also require a copy of the applicant’s travel documents and passport as part of the submission of documents. Aside from standard university requirements for admission, additional documents or exams can be required by departments.
3. Apply for Admissions
Many major universities and colleges will have an online admissions portal as part of the process on applying for undergraduate studies in Israel. The Tel Aviv Research University, for example, has an admissions portal where applicants can submit required documents and basic information about themselves.
Similarly, the Ben-Guigon University of the Negev has an admissions page for international students.
4. Secure a Student Visa
A student visa is one of the major requirements in applying for a bachelor’s degree in Israel. Once the student has gotten accepted into a university or college in Israel, it is now time to process a student visa application. The Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a complete list of requirements to process an A/2 or student visa. Instructions on the application procedure are also available on the official website. International students need a formal acceptance letter from a recognized higher education institution.
A/2 visas do not permit the holder to work in Israel and are only awarded for educational purposes.
The following documents are needed:
- A complete Student Visa application form
- Passport size pictures
- Valid Passport
- Official letter of acceptance from a legitimate educational institution
- Proof of financial capacity to support education and living in Israel
We hope that this article on Study Bachelor’s in Israel was helpful. To know more information about about studying bachelor’s abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
