Why study a Short Course in Israel
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Study in Israel
With more than 2,000 years of history, Israel is at the crossroads of some of the world’s major cultures and religions, and a great place to get an international education.
Higher education plays a pivotal role in the economic and social development of Israel. In 2009-2010 some 280,000 students attended the country's institutions of higher learning. Of these, 38 percent attend universities and 41 percent are enrolled in colleges, while 21 percent participate in distance-learning courses.
Israel's institutions of higher education have full academic and administrative freedom and are open to all students who meet their academic standards.
Find the best information about what it’s like to study in Israel, including degree course offers, career opportunities, student life, living costs, and more.
Academic organization
Institutions of higher education operate under the authority of the Council for Higher Education, organised by the minister of education, and includes academics, community representatives and a student representative. The Council grants accreditation, authorises the awarding of academic degrees, and advises the government on the development and financing of higher education and scientific research.
Public funds provide 70 percent of the budget for higher education, 20 percent derives from tuition, and the rest from various private sources. In recent years higher education study programmes in Israel have become more career-oriented, with larger numbers of students enrolled in the wide range of professional studies.
General application requirements
In most cases, applications are submitted online. After the application deadline, all applications will be reviewed, and will be contacted with an admissions decision. In some cases, an interview will be required, which can be held either in person or via telephone or Skype.
Application documents include:
- Official transcripts from attended high school, including a copy of the graduation diploma
- Personal essay
- Letters of recommendation
- CV/resume
- Results from standardised university entrance exams in your country
- Demonstrated Command of English
- Heath Declaration Form
- Medical Form
Universities may have additional requirements. Make sure to ask for detailed information before applying to your chosen university in Israel.
Admission exam
Immigrants and students lacking the necessary qualifications may attend a special preparatory program, which enables them to apply for admission. A standardized test is used as a higher education admission exam. The test covers three areas: quantitative and verbal reasoning and English language proficiency. It is administered by the Israeli National Institute for Testing and Evaluation (NITE).
Study programmes
Israeli universities are among 100 of the top world universities in science and engineering-related subjects, according to the QS World University Rankings. Taught subjects include mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, engineering or life sciences.
Summer Programs are offered in general academic areas as well as language offerings in Yiddish, Hebrew and Arabic. Intensive Language Programmes are offered in Hebrew, Yiddish and Arabic. A wide range of Graduate Programs is also available in Israeli universities.
Opportunities are available for international students to spend a semester or year in an exchange programme experiencing another culture, volunteering, doing an internship, studying, or developing their Jewish identity. Jewish Studies programs are designed to deepen your connection to the Jewish traditions and identity.
Higher studies in Israel offer a broad selection of courses taught in English, along with courses in French, Spanish, Russian, and Hebrew delivered by experienced faculty.
English language preparation for studying in Israel
Develop your academic English language skills in order to meet the English language requirements at Israel universities offering degree studies for international students. Choose an English language school anywhere in the world and pick your preferred English exam preparation course from diverse language course options.
Universities accept these official English exams:
- PTE Academic
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- C1 Advanced
Internships and connections
Whether you are interested in hi-tech innovation, community building, art, scientific research, renewable energy, music, language, or archaeology, Israel has an array of cutting-edge companies, socially conscious organisations, top-notch educational institutions, and warm communities that will welcome you during your program. Students are encouraged to build lifelong connections with Israeli citizens.
Living in Israel
- Israel is a relatively small country and it's easy to travel from a city to another in your free time.
- English is widely spoken and understood; in major cities most street and business signs are in English, as well as in Hebrew or Arabic.
- Dormitories are divided into studio apartments for singles or two bedrooms shared by two students per bedroom.
- Sharing a standard apartment with one or two roommates may cost more or the same as the student dorms.
- About 30 youth hostels have been built in Israel.
- A sherut (shared taxi van) is a good way to travel between major Israeli cities and airports. Sheruts leave as fast as they fill up and are cheaper than bus fares.
- You need a minimum of 850 EUR/month to cover living costs in Israel.
- About 90% of Israel’s inhabitants live in some 200 urban centers, some of which are located on ancient historical sites.
- Over 150 nature reserves and 65 national parks, encompassing nearly 400 square miles have been established throughout the country.
- The official languages of the country are Hebrew and Arabic.
- The Dead Sea is a salty lake situated about 400 meters below sea level. It is the lowest point on earth in any land mass. It is called the Dead Sea because of its salinity that prevents the existence of any life forms within the lake, but also has healing properties.
- The fortress of Masada is a symbol of great historical, religious and cultural importance.
About Israel
The history of the Jewish people, and its roots in the Land of Israel, spans some 35 centuries. Israel is located in the Middle East, along the eastern coastline of the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt. It lies at the junction of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa.
Long and narrow in shape, the country is about 290 miles (470 km.) in length and 85 miles (135 km.) in width at its widest point. Although small in size, Israel encompasses the varied terrain features ranging from forested highlands and fertile green valleys to mountainous deserts, and from the coastal plain to the semitropical Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Approximately half of the country’s land area is semi-arid.
Israel's climate is characterized by sunshine, with a rainy season from November to April. Regional climatic conditions vary considerably: hot, humid summers and mild, wet winters on the coastal plain; dry, warm summers and moderately cold winters, with rain and occasional light snow, in the hill regions; hot, dry summers and pleasant winters in the Jordan Valley; and semi-arid conditions, with warm to hot days and cool nights, in the south.
Israel is a country of immigrants. Since its inception in 1948, Israel's population has grown almost ten-fold. Its 7.8 million inhabitants come from varied ethnic backgrounds, lifestyles, religions, cultures and traditions. Today Jews comprise some 75.4% of the country’s population, while the country's non-Jewish citizens, mostly Arabs, number about 24.6%.
The State of Israel was established in 1948 and Jewish independence, lost almost 2,000 years earlier, was renewed.
Jerusalem, Israel's capital (population 788,100), has stood at the centre of the Jewish people’s national and spiritual life since King David made it the capital of his kingdom some 3000 years ago. Today it is a flourishing, vibrant metropolis, the seat of the government and Israel’s largest city. Tel Aviv-Yafo was founded in 1909 as the first Jewish city in modern times.
Israel is a parliamentary democracy with legislative, executive and judicial branches.
Israel's industry concentrates on manufacturing products with a high benefit that are primarily based on technological innovation. These include medical electronics, agro-technology, telecommunications, computer hardware and software, solar energy, food processing and fine chemicals. Trade is conducted with countries on six continents. Some 48% of imports and 32% of exports are with Europe, boosted by Israel's free trade agreement with the EU. A similar agreement was signed with the United States.
Hebrew, the language of the Bible, long restricted to liturgy and literature, was revived a century ago, accompanying the renewal of Jewish life in the Land.
Universities, colleges and schools in Israel
Beersheba
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (9 Short courses)
Haifa
- Technion - Israel Institute of Technology (2 Short courses)
- University of Haifa (1 Short course)
Jerusalem
- The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (2 Short courses)
Tel Aviv
- Tel Aviv University (6 Short courses)
Find Short Courses in Israel
What subject to study in Israel?
- Agriculture & Forestry 3 Masters
- Applied Sciences & Professions 0 Masters
- Arts, Design & Architecture 2 Masters
- Business & Management 5 Masters
- Computer Science & IT 2 Masters
- Education & Training 0 Masters
- Engineering & Technology 2 Masters
- Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences 3 Masters
- Hospitality, Leisure & Sports 0 Masters
- Humanities 8 Masters
- Journalism & Media 1 Masters
- Law 1 Masters
- Medicine & Health 4 Masters
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics 1 Masters
- Social Sciences 7 Masters
Numerous education initiatives in the world were formed to promote international cooperation and academic exchange between universities as well as attract students and staff worldwide. This focus on international student education provides high quality programmes in various fields of study and prepares students for future careers anywhere in the world.
Studying, for instance, in Australia, Asia, Europe or America represents a wide range of opportunities to see the world and interact with other students from different countries. Different study options allow students to hold a job during their study years in order to pay for their education, if they wish to do so. Online programmes help you get an international education without having to leave home.
The number of English-taught short courses in Asia, Australia, Europe and The United States are continuously rising in popularity in the last few years. Many countries offer English-taught study programmes, including: Australia, China, Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, France, Spain, Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States and more. Other English short courses may be found in the rest of the European countries as well.
Short courses / Summer Courses
Short courses offer a great variety of subjects for a short and fixed period. This period can vary between a week to six weeks, depending on country, institution and course. This is an excellent opportunity to gain academic, cultural and social experience if you are not able to access long-term study opportunities. A wide variety of countries and institutions offer summer and short courses in all kinds of subject areas. It is a great opportunity to get some background information for your own research, to learn a language or to gain knowledge on a related topic.
Sometimes summer and short courses provide students with short-term housing. Therefore, it is useful to find out if housing is included in the fee of the summer or short course you wish to apply for.
Discover other countries
The Netherlands is a very popular study destination. Internationals choose this beautiful country because Dutch universities are some of the best in Europe, the living standards are high, foreigners are always welcome, and you get to live in one of the happiest and safest countries in the world. The Netherlands is also renowned for innovative technologies and engineering solutions, which is reflected in the wide range of Engineering degrees offered by universities.
English is spoken by around 90% of Dutch citizens, so forget about language barriers. Also, bike lanes and the “cycling culture” will help you to stay fit and healthy, and there are diverse job opportunities and internships for international students.
In the Czech Republic, you will enjoy top-quality education and research, especially in subjects like Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The number of English-taught degrees offered by Czech universities is constantly growing. This is a response to the numerous international students attracted by academic opportunities and great living standards at reasonable costs.
The Czech Republic is among the safest countries in the world, according to the Global Peace Index, and it allows you to travel around Europe easily. While out of class, you can visit local attractions like the Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, the local spas, and hot water springs, etc.
Finland is an excellent choice for all internationals and especially for EU/EEA students who can study at local public universities for free. The beautiful Nordic country has one of the best education systems in the world and ranks among the safest and happiest nations in the world. You can also choose from over 400 English-taught programmes.
In your spare time, you can explore the breathtaking Finnish nature and landscapes, as well as the numerous lakes that give the country the nickname ‘The Land of a Thousand Lakes.’ From here, you can easily travel to neighbouring countries like Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, or Estonia.
Ireland is among the top countries in the world in terms of quality of life, peace, safety, and development. It represents an appealing blend of beautiful landscapes, English-speaking environments, and a strong, welcoming, and rich culture — of which the Irish people are very proud. International students also enjoy the full support of Irish universities, which hire and train staff that are able to help with accommodation, studies, visa details, or any other challenge.
Norway is a paradise for anyone who wants to study abroad for free. Public universities don’t charge any tuition fees. This policy applies to all international students, regardless of their nationality. The academic standard is very high, and professors are easy to approach, always willing to go the extra mile for their students. Additionally, classes are organised in small groups, which further improves learning and cooperation.
You can choose from a wide range of English-taught programmes, and you don’t need to worry about language barriers outside of classes either, because most Norwegians speak English as a second language. Internationals should find it easy to adapt to Norway’s society, which is based on equality and fair opportunities — reflected both in the legal system and in people’s behaviour.
Sweden is a very ambitious, eco-friendly, and visionary country. For example, by 2040, it aims to produce all its energy from renewable sources. Universities play an important role in achieving development goals, thanks to their world-class research facilities. If you’re from the EU/EEA, you can study at public universities for free.
As a student, you will discover and easily adopt the three main values of Swedish society: freedom, equality, and sustainability. These values are reflected in every aspect of the local society, and you’ll quickly learn to appreciate them. Language barriers are also almost non-existent since around 80% of Swedes speak English.
Switzerland has one of the most advanced free-market economies, which is reflected in the high living standards and the satisfaction of people living here. In terms of higher education, Swiss universities are constantly ranked among the best in Europe, and they shine in areas like Business, Tourism, Culinary Arts, and Engineering.
When compared to Western universities, tuition fees in Switzerland are affordable, and all studies — especially PhD programmes — are world-class. You’ll have the opportunity to develop in a multilingual environment and try learning international languages like German, French, or Italian. If you settle down here, the unemployment rates are low, and salaries are well above the European average.
Universities in the UK are some of the most highly regarded in the world, and for good reasons. Some of the world's most highly regarded research takes place in British universities, which are regularly featured in international rankings. While studying in the UK, you will be able to develop in a highly multicultural environment with high chances of pursuing lucrative careers after graduation. The teaching in the UK is designed to encourage new idea generation, encouraging individual research and group cooperation, through class discussions and creative assignments.
Canada is one of the most popular study destinations in the world due to its high focus on the quality of its universities and its emphasis on attracting international students who can later immigrate. Canadians are very welcoming to international students and they invest a lot into making sure students are safe, treated fairly, and enjoy their stay in the country. Study in one of the strongest economies in the world while enjoying a high living standard and a flexible study environment. Classes have smaller student groups ensuring everyone gets the attention they need, and encouraging group assignments and debates.
The United States is home to some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the world. With over 150 universities featured in international rankings, the U.S. has some of the best business schools, medical schools, and engineering schools. Universities and colleges in the U.S. are well known for academic flexibility and ways to customize your study experience with optional studies and extracurricular activities. Depending on where you will be studying, you will be able to visit iconic places like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Goldengate Bridge, The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Disney's Magic Kingdom Park, and much more.
Israel attracts international students through high standards of education and a wide range of English-taught degrees. Local universities shine in areas like Technology, Sciences, Business, and Entrepreneurship. In fact, Israel is a renowned land of innovation, having earned itself the nickname ‘Start-Up Nation’.
While living and studying here, you will discover a wonderful culture developed throughout 4,000 years of history; different cultural influences are noticeable everywhere, especially in Israeli food, art, and history.
In major cities, English is widely spoken, so communication shouldn’t be a problem. In your spare time, you can visit one of the over 400 nature reserves and 80 national parks.
By studying in Australia you will take advantage of the great student environment both inside and outside classrooms. In addition to some of the best business and engineering schools in the world, you will be able to explore a greatly developed country that still retains its wild side with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and the Great Outback, with over 500 national parks. Many Australian universities provide internships and work placements, preparing students early on for the job market.