Selecting the Right Program for Students In Israel

Language of Instruction: One of the  most important considerations is the medium of instruction. Hebrew medium courses are available in plenty at college and university level. However, international students can also access higher education courses in English medium. Another important point to consider is the cost of education.

Financing: Public universities are more reasonably priced, but have fewer seats. Private universities have been on the rise. International students can also opt for foreign universities which have branches in Israel. Public universities are mostly funded by the government but they are in charge of their own teaching programs.  

Hebrew Medium Courses: Most programs are offered in Hebrew for which a high level of proficiency is required in the subject. There is also a preparatory course in Hebrew which is called ulpan. This is a requirement for most international students.  Some colleges are licensed to offer complete undergraduate programs in certain areas. Mostly English medium courses are offered at universities. Students can also opt for trade and vocational schools offering specialised education or foreign universities that make higher education available in Israel. 

Tests: Private universities have emerged during the last decade and they are specialised and concentrated in areas such as business and law. Private universities are more expensive than public ones. For entry into undergraduate courses, students must possess a diploma from high school equivalent to the Israel matriculation certificate or bagrut and also pass the entrance examination which is psychometric. This is conducted by the National Institute for Testing and Evaluation. Students may also have to take the SAT or aptitude test for scholastic purposes for entry into bachelor’s degree courses in Israel.

Interviews: Some departments and universities have more requirements such as many tests or personal interviews. Citizenship  of Israel is also required for certain courses such as dental (medicine), veterinary (medicine), and speech therapuetics. For certain specialised programs such as law, psychology and engineering, there are lofty admission requirements. 

Diploma Equivalence: In some nations, the diploma  for secondary school is accorded the status of the Bagrut as in the Australia's HSC or the British GCE ( with a minimum of 2 “A” and 3 “O” level) 

English Requirements: Most courses for higher education in universities are in English. Candidates who do not hail from English speaking nations must demonstrate proficiency in the language through tests such as TOEFL. English is also important as a medium of communication in interviews for entry into various courses in Israel. Admission to higher education is mostly associated with the grades obtained by applicants. 

Additional Requirements: However, at the Master’s level, additional requirements and academic criteria are needed for successful entrance. MSc programs are only open to students who have an average of 85 or more. Previous projects are also considered before admission is granted to these courses. MBA programs need an average score of 80 or more and candidates should submit GMAT/GRE scores via application forms. Candidates in MA programs should have an average of 80 or more at the bachelor’s level. Those opting for higher studies in social sciences must also pass an interview. For entrance into Master’s programs with thesis, students should have grade average of 80 or B and thesis grade should be 85 or more. Publication of an article in a science journal is another boost. Certain students may have to attend courses which are supplementary before pursuing doctorate.

Higher studies in Israel are a good choice for those looking for reasonably priced courses with academic rigors and practical relevance. Nobel laureates and renowned professors form the faculty of many educational institutions in Israel. Students must possess superlative academic competencies to gain admission into higher educational courses in Israel.

For details about entrance exams go to International Tests