Top 20 Scholarships in Israel for international students 2024

Who wouldn’t want to study in a country with cutting-edge technologies, breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and some of the best universities in the world? Having the option of diverse scholarships in Israel for international students makes it even better. 

Israel is home to some of the top universities, where a diverse range of scholarship programs for international students are available. Hence, pursuing higher education in Israel opens doors to exceptional academic opportunities and also allows students to immerse themselves in a unique and dynamic environment. 

In this article, we will explore the top 20 scholarships in Israel for international students. We will also guide you on how to apply for these scholarships and why you should apply for them. So, let’s journey!

Also Read: Top 20 Fully Funded Scholarships In Canada

What Makes Israel A Great Place To Study?

Israel is indeed a great place to study. There are several reasons why this is so. We have highlighted some of them below:

#1. High-Quality Education

Firstly, Israel has a highly respected education system that offers world-class higher education. Little wonder why Israeli universities and colleges are among the best in the world. These universities offer various academic programs in fields such as including science, technology, engineering, humanities, and the social sciences.

#2. Technological Advancement

Many know Israel as the ‘Start-up Nation’. This is owing to its strong focus on innovation and technology. Many Israeli universities partner with tech companies, thus allowing you to gain hands-on experience and develop valuable skills.

#3. Cultural Diversity

Furthermore, Israel is a melting pot of cultures and religions, which creates a unique and vibrant atmosphere for you. Israeli universities attract students from all over the world, thereby providing an opportunity for you to learn from diverse perspectives and broaden your cultural horizons.

#4. Historical Significance

Also, Israel is home to many historical and religious sites that attract millions of visitors every year. Hence, studying in Israel allows you to explore these sites and understand their significance.

#5. Personal and Professional Growth

Another reason Israel is the perfect place for you to study is the opportunity it creates for you to grow personally and professionally. Israeli universities offer a challenging and stimulating academic environment. Also, the experience of living in a foreign country can help you develop independence, adaptability, and cultural awareness.

#6. Language Acquisition

Being multilingual is a huge advantage. Studying in Israel can provide the opportunity to learn Hebrew, an important language in the Middle East and also a valuable skill for many careers.

Why Apply For Scholarships in Israel for International Students

Below are some reasons why we think applying for scholarships in Israel as an international student is a great idea:

#1. Wide range of courses 

Firstly, Israeli universities offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), humanities, social sciences, and business. There are available scholarships in Israel for all of these fields. Thus, giving you more options when applying for a scholarship in Israel. 

#2. Career Networking Opportunities

Secondly, Israel is a hub for technology and innovation. Hence, studying in the country can provide opportunities to connect with industry leaders and potentially secure employment in a growing and dynamic field.

The Government of Israel and many large companies organize scholarships. So, as a beneficiary of their scholarships, you have an even better chance to connect with these industry leaders.

#3. Exciting Scholarship Package

Many scholarships in Israel receive funding from private and public institutions, such as the Israeli government, Israeli universities, and international organizations. These funding sources often offer generous financial packages that cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel expenses, thus making it easier for you to pursue your studies in Israel as an international student. 

#4. Support for Research 

In addition, Israel is known for its research and development culture. Hence, many scholarships in Israel for international students fund research projects in various fields. This emphasis on research offers you an opportunity to gain practical experience and contribute to ground-breaking research projects that have a global impact.

#5. Increased Chances

While scholarships in Israel may not necessarily be better than those in countries like the US, they are relatively easier to get. However, they still offer unique opportunities for students who are passionate about pursuing academic excellence and contributing to innovative research projects. So, why not increase your chances by going for the less competitive option?

How To Apply To Scholarships in Israel for International Students

However, you should note that the application process for scholarships in Israel can vary depending on the specific scholarship. Be sure to check the application instructions and requirements carefully. Also, reach out to the scholarship providers if you have any questions or concerns.

Top 20 Scholarships in Israel for International Students

#1. MFA Scholarships 

The Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) offers scholarships to international students who wish to study in Israel. MFA Scholarships cover the tuition of students for an 8-month academic degree or a 3-week program to learn the Hebrew Language.

#2. Lowy International School Scholarships 

The Lowy International School Scholarships are scholarships offered at Tel Aviv University. Tel Aviv University is a public university in Israel, and also the largest in the country. 

The Lowy International School Scholarship is one of the most sought-after scholarships in Israel for international students. So, if you are an undergraduate or graduate student looking to further your education, you can apply for this scholarship. 

However, you must have gained admission into a degree program at the university to be eligible. 

#3. Middle East and North Africa Scholarships at Tel Aviv University 

Middle East and North Africa Scholarships is another scholarship scheme available for international students at Tel Aviv University. The scholarship is open to students from UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, or the Palestinian Authority. 

It is among the merit-based scholarships in Israel for international students. It covers up to 50% of tuition, with a maximum threshold of $8,000.

#4. Non-resident Fellowships for International Students in Israel 

The Israel Public Policy Institute organizes Fellowships for non-resident International students in Israel. This Non-resident fellowship seeks to support all international professionals, as long as they share in the goals of the Israel Public Policy.

The Israel Public Policy Institute funds the research projects of professionals to promote and achieve its mission and set goals, through the research of these professionals. 

#5. International Student Grants at Touro College, Israel 

Touro College is a private University in Israel, founded by Rabbi Dr.Bernard Lander in 1971. The college offers financial aid as grants to international undergraduates taking up 12-18 credit hour courses. The grants cover the tuition fee.

#6. Hebrew University Science International Scholarships 

Hebrew University Science International Scholarships is also among the most sought-after scholarships in Israel for international students. This is mostly because the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is one of the best universities in Israel to study science courses.

If you want to study any of the following courses at the MSc or Ph.D. level in Israel, then this scholarship is one to consider. The courses include Biomedical Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Bioengineering, Mathematics, and Agricultural Sciences. 

#7. Abisch-Frenkel Doctoral Scholarships at Hebrew University 

Another scholarship offered at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is the Abisch-Frenkel Doctoral Scholarship. This is another one of the scholarships in Israel for international students that you should consider.

Israel is a country much interested in innovation and technology. Hence, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem helps achieve more innovation in the country by welcoming researchers in the Biomedical Science field.

#8. Jelvix Annual Scholarship Program

Another one of the many scholarships in Israel for international students is the Jelvix Annual Scholarship Program. As the name suggests, it is a scholarship awarded to outstanding students every year.

Jelvix is a global tech company committed to helping students across the globe achieve their dreams. Apart from Israel, the Jelvix Annual Scholarship Program is also available to students who want to study in the USA, Canada, UK, and Germany. The scholarship is open to both High School and College students. 

#9. Telfed Financial-Need Scholarship 

Telfed Financial-Need Scholarship is a scholarship program organized by Telfed. The scholarship program seeks to assist young people of Southern African heritage who may not otherwise be able to afford to study in Israel. If you are of Southern African heritage, up to the 3rd generation, then hop on this huge opportunity.

#10. Postdoctoral Excellence Fellowships 

The Postdoctoral Excellence Fellowships is a Fellowship program organized by the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities. It also comes up every year, and up to 20 researchers benefit from it.

However, to be eligible, you must have completed a Ph.D. in a non-Israeli institution. The Fellowship supports your research project for two years.

#11. The Azrieli International Postdoctoral Fellowship 

Another scholarship to consider is the Azrieli International Postdoctoral Fellowship. It is open to international Post doctorate students. The Fellowship sponsors up to 24 postdocs every year to carry out research in any eligible Israeli institution. 

However, to be eligible, you would have to show proof of having an academic sponsor as the Fellowship does not cover all academic expenses. 

#12. TAU International Sports Scholarship Fund

The TAU International Sports Scholarships are scholarships for students at Tel Aviv University (TAU) who have excelled in sports. Although the scholarship is awarded at TAU, the funds come from the Daniel Howard Foundation.

It is also important to point out that you must be between 17 and 30 years to be eligible for the scholarship.

#13. Need-based Scholarship at Raphael Recanati International School 

Next up on our list of scholarships in Israel for international students is the Need-based Scholarship at Raphael Recanati International School. 

Raphael Recanati International School offers need-based scholarships to international students. The scholarships are for undergraduate students who otherwise cannot afford to study in Israel.

#14. IIAS Fellowships 

The IIAS Fellowships provide funding for innovative research projects of both Israeli citizens and students from the international community. The IIAS Fellowships hold at the Edmond J. Safra Givat Ram campus of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. 

Being that the Fellowship is fully funded, the benefits include a Monthly stipend of up to $6,000, accommodation, round-trip flight, visa, health, personal belonging insurance, and shipping expenses. 

#15. Israel ELSC Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Fellowship Program In Brain Sciences

Isreal ELSC Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Fellowship Program offers financial support to researchers from all over the world to carry out research in Israel. It is also important to know that the research work must be Brain Science-related.

Analogous to other fellowships, the ELSC Fellowship rewards fellows with a monthly stipend. The stipends can reach up to $10,440.

#16. International Ph.D. Fellowships In German And European Studies At the University Of Haifa, Israel

The University of Haifa offers scholarships and fellowships alike to international students. It specifically offers Fellowships for International students to take up German and European studies at the Ph.D. level. The fellowship also covers two years of study.

#17. Presidential Merit Scholarship at the University of Haifa

The Presidential Merit Scholarship is another one of the scholarships in Israel for international students at the University of Haifa. The scholarship is open to postgraduate students whose countries have some form of cultural agreement with Israel. The students must also have had atleast 3.8 a GPA to be eligible.

#18. Council for Higher Education Sandwich Scholarships at Bar-Ilan University 

The Council for Higher Education (CHE) is highly committed to promoting international relations through education. In order to achieve this, CHE grants scholarships to international students.

The scholarships cover one academic year for a postdoctoral degree. However, you must have completed your first year of doctoral studies at a non-Israeli institution.

#19. RBNI Scholarship for Excellence in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology 

The Russell Berry Nanotechnology Institute (RBNI) also offers scholarships to international students. The scholarships are specifically for students who show excellence in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. They are open to students at the master’s or Ph.D. level.

#20. BCSC Fellowship Program for Worldwide Scientists

Last on our list is the BCSC Fellowship Program for Worldwide Scientists. The Fellowship program is open to postdoctoral fellows who wish to carry out research in Israel.

However, the research has to be in science fields such as Biotechnology, Architecture, Aquaculture, and Hydrology. The Ben-Gurion University of the Negev hosts the fellowship program.

FAQs on Scholarships in Israel for International Students

You cannot work in Israel with a student visa. However, as a full Master’s or Ph.D. student, you can work as a part-time teaching assistant in your field at the Israeli university where you study.

As with student visas in other parts of the world, you also have to contact your local embassy to get an Israeli student visa.

On average, tuition fees for undergraduate courses at Israeli institutions are around US $11,000 – $15,000, while Master’s degree costs between US $10,000 – $30,000.

While it may be true that you cannot work as a student in Israel, you can participate in internships there. Israeli institutions offer a variety of internship opportunities. 

Unquestionably, the amount you spend on living expenses depends on your standard of living as a person. However, as an average spender, you should expect living expenses of between US $800 – $1,000 per month.

Yes, international students can apply for scholarships at Israeli universities. Many universities in Israel offer scholarships and financial aid programs specifically for international students. It is advisable to visit the university’s website or contact the international student office for information on available scholarships and the application process.

Yes, there are scholarships available specifically for certain fields of study in Israel. Some scholarships may be targeted towards specific disciplines such as STEM fields, social sciences, humanities, or arts. It is important to research scholarship opportunities within your field of study to identify relevant options.

Some scholarships may cover the cost of intensive Hebrew language courses, known as ‘Ulpan’. Always check the specifics of the scholarship you’re applying for.

Usually, you must have an offer from an Israeli university before you can apply for a scholarship. However, this can vary by scholarship, so it’s always important to check the specific requirements.

This varies between scholarships. Some scholarships require full-time study, while others may be open to part-time students. Always check the specific requirements of the scholarship.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! These are our top 20 scholarships in Israel for international students. If you ever dreamed of studying in a country with rich history without breaking the bank, then you should consider one of these. 

It is also important to realize that the scholarships are competitive. Hence, you should put up a compelling application. 

Reference

• https://www.scholarshipportal.com/scholarships/israel– Scholarships in Israel for International Students
• https://uhaifa.org/finance/student-scholarships– Scholarships to Study in Israel 
• https://www.scholarshipsforstudy.com/israel-scholarships.html – Israeli Scholarships for International Students