Israel offers a unique educational experience because of the country’s rich cultural heritage and competitive academic programs. Located in the Middle East, Israel is home to sacred historical sites such as Jerusalem and many other places of worship. Studying for an undergraduate degree in Israel can be attractive for international students because of the strength of its higher education system and the availability of English-taught programs.
According to the Council for Higher Education’s Study in Israel portal, Israel has 61 higher education institutions: 9 universities, 31 colleges, and 21 teacher-training colleges. Several Israeli universities also appear in major global rankings; in the QS World University Rankings 2026, Tel Aviv University, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev are all ranked within the global top 500. Top universities in Israel offer English-taught programs for international students. Aside from the rich and competitive educational experience, international students may also pursue research, internship, or high-tech opportunities depending on the university, program, and visa conditions.
Some of the top universities in Israel are the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv University, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
International students in Israel can adjust with the help of university support services and English-taught academic options. Additionally, students can choose from on-campus accommodations, dormitories, and shared apartments, depending on the institution and location. 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 for obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Israel!
Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
The requirements for applying for an undergraduate program in Israel vary by institution, program, and the applicant’s educational background. Applicants are usually asked to submit academic transcripts, diplomas, proof of English proficiency, recommendation letters, a curriculum vitae, a statement of purpose, and, in some programs, standardized test scores. Some universities require or consider the Israeli Psychometric Entrance Test, administered by the National Institute for Testing and Evaluation (NITE), or accept SAT or ACT scores as substitutes. The Psychometric Entrance Test includes verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and English sections.
Students who do not meet the university’s minimum qualification requirements may be encouraged or required to enroll in a preparatory program, often called a Mechina. These programs can help international students meet minimum academic or language requirements and prepare for university-level study in Israel.
Aside from educational requirements, international students who wish to enroll in a bachelor’s degree in Israel generally need an A/2 student visa before entering the country. The usual student visa can be valid for up to one year and allows multiple entries and exits.
Several official websites and university-recognized portals can help international students with their applications to universities and colleges in Israel. With this said, it is important to use official university pages or government-recognized portals and to avoid relying on unofficial service providers unless they are recommended by the institution.
Check Also: Undergraduate Programs for International Students
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Undergraduate Studies
As mentioned above, leading universities and colleges offer a variety of English-taught degree programs. Aside from the NITE exam or other university language assessments, some universities require official certification from an English language proficiency exam.
Language requirements vary by university and program. Examples of accepted English assessments can include TOEFL, IELTS, NITE English tests such as AMIR/AMIRAM/AMIRNET, or English components of other standardized tests, depending on the institution. For example, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem states that most undergraduate programs require Hebrew proficiency, usually through YAEL/YAELNET or a university proficiency test, while applicants to its International Bachelor’s Program at the Rothberg International School are exempt from submitting proof of Hebrew proficiency.
The YAEL is a Hebrew proficiency exam for examinees taking the Psychometric Entrance Test in a language other than Hebrew. The computerized version is called YAELNET.
Language requirements should be obtained directly from the university. Some requirements may vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin, program, previous language of instruction, or level of educational attainment.
Bachelor’s Degree Application Process
The application process will vary by academic institution. With this said, some standard steps and requirements can be expected by international students. Below are the most common proceedings for application.
Step 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 also important to make sure that the course you are applying for is taught in a language you understand well. Many undergraduate programs in Israel are taught in Hebrew, while Israeli institutions also offer English-taught academic programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels.
English-taught options may include full degree programs, academic integration tracks, short-term programs, and study abroad programs in fields such as engineering, business, Jewish studies, humanities, social sciences, and other disciplines, depending on the university.
Requirements may vary depending on the degree program and educational institution.
There are websites officially recognized by the Israeli Council for Higher Education that provide information about programs, applications, visas, tuition, and funding for international students interested in studying in Israel.
Legitimate websites recognized by the government or by educational institutions in Israel can help students find programs and review requirements, but applicants should always confirm admission instructions directly with the university or college.
Step 2. Prepare Required Documents
Necessary documents may vary by university or college. With this said, universities and colleges usually provide a complete guide to requirements on their websites for 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.
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, like many other universities, requires undergraduate applicants with foreign high school diplomas to submit a standardized test score. BGU accepts SAT or ACT scores as substitutes for the Israeli Psychometric Entrance Examination, and SAT scores are converted to the scale of the Israeli Psychometric Entrance Examination.
International students must usually submit a certificate of graduation from a secondary educational institution. This often includes official transcripts, a high school diploma, and a curriculum vitae.
Aside from this, the student must also submit appropriate proof of English proficiency or other required language proficiency, depending on the program.
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 may be required by departments.
Step 3. Apply for Admissions
Many major universities and colleges have an online admissions portal as part of the process of applying for undergraduate studies in Israel. Tel Aviv University, for example, has an International Student Portal where applicants can continue an application and contact the relevant program coordinator.
Similarly, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has an application process page for full-degree programs.
Step 4. Secure a Student Visa
A student visa is one of the major requirements for studying for a bachelor’s degree in Israel. Once the student has been accepted into a university or college in Israel, it is time to process a student visa application. The Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides information on the A/2 student visa application procedure. International students need a formal acceptance letter from a recognized higher education institution.
A/2 visas are granted for educational purposes. Bachelor’s students should assume that the A/2 student visa does not permit work unless they receive specific authorization under a separate applicable policy.
The following documents are usually needed:
- A completed and signed student visa application form
- Two passport photos
- A valid passport or travel document
- An official letter of acceptance from a recognized educational institution in Israel, including the start date of studies
- Proof of financial capacity to pay for studies and living expenses in Israel
- Payment of the required consular visa fee
- Any additional documents requested by the Israeli embassy or consulate handling the application
We hope that this article on studying for a bachelor’s degree in Israel was helpful. To learn more information about studying for a bachelor’s abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
