Study in Israel: a guide for international students

  (photo credit: INGIMAGE)
(photo credit: INGIMAGE)

Modern education in Israel is a classical system closely related to new educational trends. Every year, the cost of raising the level of schooling only grows, which allows this land to occupy a leading position in the worldwide rankings. Israel study is an opportunity to master many professions: from engineer or doctor to economist or teacher. Natural and social sciences are considered to be especially in demand. It will be possible to get a job in any Israeli or European company without any problems. The diploma received here meets all the standards and requirements of any state in the world.

Overview Of the Education System 

Israeli higher schooling programs, as well as Israel's achievements in science, are highly regarded in Europe and the US. The most prestigious academies are Tel Aviv University, Weizmann Institute, and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, which belong to the top 50 high schools worldwide for their faculties of exact sciences, computer technologies, and medicine. The famous corporations approach capable graduates of these institutions with job offers even before they have time to pick up their graduation diplomas. 

“Hebrew University of Jerusalem is supreme in the field of humanities. After all, here in Israel the level of studying archaeology, history, religious studies, biblical schooling, ancient languages, international relations, and political science of the Middle East is one of the highest in the world“, claims Rabbi Moshe Shields, an education expert who is also a writer at PapersOwl. He goes on to add that it is possible to do your paper on almost any field. Management, economics, and psychology are also popular areas of Israeli schooling today. 

In Israel, the Council for Higher Education is the organization in charge of all issues pertaining to schooling. The bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. programs are the three fundamental degrees most generally acknowledged in Israel. Ph.D. programs are only provided by research universities. The other two are offered by all other higher education institutions. Depending on the topic of study, it might take 3–4 years to become a bachelor. A master's degree can be earned in two years. PhDs are more involved and might take an average of 5 years to accomplish. 

Student Visas & Permits for International Students 

Before arriving in Israel, an international student must have the right documentation. Depending on where you are from, you may need an Israeli student visa application. It is your duty to find out what the exact criteria are for someone with your citizenship. 

Student documents for studying abroad may be used throughout the whole semester or academic year. This is an important multiple-entry permission that is valid for one year and allows you to enter and exit Israel on several occasions without needing to apply for a new visa each time. Both in Israel and overseas, foreign student permissions are extendable after one year. Before arriving in Israel, students enrolled in the semester or year plan must make arrangements for necessary documents. 

Housing, Living and Tuition Costs

The approximate cost of lifestyle activities for international students in Israel is between 400 and 800 EUR per month. The national currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). At the time this article was written, 4 shekels were equivalent to 1 euro. This is more pricey than, for example, the universities in Eastern Europe but less expensive than going to college in Sweden, where the price starts at 800 EUR and ends at 1200 EUR. The biggest outlay for college students is for lodging, but how much you spend largely relies on your home, habits, and way of life.

The best universities provide dormitories on campus. It is less expensive than renting a private apartment, and the full fee includes all utility charges. However, there might not be as many spots as advertised. Spending on meals and groceries might total anything from 200 to 350 EUR each month. A monthly transit pass is around 50 EUR. As a student, you could be eligible for a discount. You can select from multiple financial aids in Israel. On the official Study in Israel website, a variety of scholarships are offered.

The Application Process

You must review the specific criteria of the Hebrew high school in which you are interested, as there is no unified procedure. The first step is to select the program you wish to enroll in and its level (bachelor, master & PhD). Then select the institution that provides the desired lessons at your selected level and upload your documents.

Without initially demonstrating a particular level of English proficiency, you cannot enter any English-taught degree course. Most colleges require overseas students to complete one of these highly recognized proficiency exams: IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. Depending on the university you wish to study in, various applications have different deadlines. For example, you should submit your applications to Tel Aviv University between January 17 and the end of March for undergraduate courses or until the end of May for graduate (Master's, PhD) schooling. Confirming your enrollment is the last step you should take after getting an offer acceptance letter.

Language & Culture 

Seventy-five percent of Israelis speak modern Hebrew, while only thirty percent of them are native speakers. Many Israelis still speak their mother tongues today while they also learn other languages. The other languages include German, Polish, Hungarian, and many more. 

Popular religious monuments, priceless archeological treasures, and breathtaking natural beauty may all be found in Israel. Tourists swarm to Israel to witness Jerusalem, Nazareth, the Dead Sea, and Tel Aviv, a Mediterranean metropolis. Israel is a collectivist nation, meaning that group members—especially families—are valued more highly than an individual's worth. Israelis appreciate spending time with their loved ones and friends and are compassionate toward those who are in need.

Summary

The system of high schooling in the country consists of places offering a wide range of subjects in the natural sciences and humanities, with world-class reputations. The high level of R&D makes up for the country's almost complete lack of natural resources. It's a land that was created in 1948, almost from scratch. At the same time, it is a region with one of the highest indicators of work balance, economic development, and scientific progress.

 

This article was written in cooperation with Rabbi Moshe Shields