Academic Studies for Olim Chadashim

 

Over 5,000 Olim Chadashim students start their academic studies in Israel each year. Among new immigrant students, around 85% study for undergraduate degrees, while others pursue graduate degrees, diploma tracks, or preparatory programs (mechinot).

 

After making Aliya, students are eligible for extensive support services, including scholarships and financial aid, academic guidance, social activities, and much more. These benefits are aimed at helping new Olim in adjusting to life in Israel, while also assisting them in exceling in their studies and gaining important skills for developing their future career in Israel.

 

 

“Oleh Chadash” is the Hebrew term for a new Immigrant to Israel (in plural: Olim Chadashim). The Law of Return enables Jewish people to make Aliyah, this also applies to children and grandchildren of Jewish people, and people who have converted to Judaism. New Olim are entitled to an absorption basket (known as Sal Klita) which includes financial assistance, along with other benefits.

 

 

The Israel Student Authority is part of The Ministry of Aliyah and Absorption, responsible for aiding new Olim students. The Student Authority also focuses on encouraging students to make Aliyah and provides them with guidance and counselling during this process.

 

 

The Ministry of Aliyah and the Ministry of Higher Education have created several academic programs uniquely tailored to Olim. These integrated programs combine studies in English (or another language) with Hebrew studies, and allow students to enjoy adapted admission requirements, funding options, and academic support. Usually, the first year of studies includes extensive Hebrew courses alongside academic courses in English. In the following years, Olim students begin studying in Hebrew alongside other Israeli students at the academic institute.

 

- Undergraduate degree: Undergraduate degrees in English for Olim include programs in engineering, science, business administration, law, pre-med, social sciences, and more. Most degrees span 3-4 years.

 

- Graduate degree: Graduate degrees in English for Olim are available in various areas of study such as engineering, exact sciences, business management, teaching, and more. Graduate degrees span around 2 years.

 

- Diploma studies: Olim can take part in various diploma studies, designed to help them develop the skills necessary for a career in Israel. Courses are offered in a wide range of subjects such as computing and high-tech, marketing, design, accounting, business, and more. Diploma studies for Olim typically span several months to one year but may be longer.

 

- Practical engineering: practical engineering (Handesaim) is a professional degree which prepares students for various technological roles. Studies take place in technological colleges and usually span 2-3 years. There are special programs for Olim, some consider previous technological expertise and allow students to complete their studies.

 

 

Various study tracks in Israel are offered in English and are suitable for new Olim, these are conducted in partnership with the Student Authority. In these programs, the first year is studied in English and the remainder of the degree is conducted in Hebrew. Moreover, some academic institutions offer programs conducted entirely in English. Some of these are offered as international programs, in which Israeli students study together with students from abroad.

 

 

Apart from English, Olim can take part in academic programs in either French or Russian. In these programs the first year is conducted in French or Russian, and the remainder of the degree is studied in Hebrew, with the transition to Hebrew occurring gradually and with personalized academic support.

 

 

Olim students are eligible for scholarships from the Student Authority, which can amount to 100% of standard tuition in public institutions. In addition, students may be eligible for scholarships from their academic institution (both needs-based and merit-based scholarships), and from private non-academic providers who support new immigrants. Please note that in most cases, it is not possible to receive tuition support from the Student Authority while also receiving other scholarships for Olim.

 

In public academic institutions, tuition rate is assigned by The Council of Higher Education. Standard university tuition rates vary from year to year, and as of 2025 are 11,653 NIS per year for undergraduate degrees, and 15,748 NIS per year for graduate degrees. Tuition in public preparatory programs in 2025 is approximately 15,748 NIS per year.

 

Tuition in private academic institutions is higher than the standard university tuition, and ranges between 35,000 - 90,000 NIS per annum, depending on the program.

 

New immigrants may be entitled to free academic studies in Israel, as part of their benefit package from The Ministry of Aliyah. Eligibility for subsidized tuition depends on various factors such as age, date of Aliyah, the type of academic program chosen, etc.

 

Scholarships may cover up to 100% of standard university tuition, according to the number of years required to complete each degree (3-4 years for bachelor’s degrees and up to 2 years for master’s degrees).

 

Please note that the Student Authority does not fund registration fees, security fees, living expenses, and costs required for repeating an undergraduate degree.

 

 

Hebrew language courses in Israel are available at a wide range of institutions. These include Ulpan schools for Hebrew instruction which offer intensive Hebrew courses in various levels. Public Ulpans are provided by the Ministry of Aliyah and Absorption throughout the country. Tuition in public Ulpans is subsidized. There are also private Ulpans in various cities.

 

Moreover, The Israeli Student Authority offers special Ulpan courses for young Olim, aged 18-30, interested in applying for academic studies. This framework is designed to assist students in acquiring advanced Hebrew skills in a short period of time.

 

Intensive Hebrew programs are also offered at various academic institutions such as the University of Haifa, Tel-Aviv University, The Hebrew University, and more.

 

 

 

 

Olim can study at a variety of academic institutions, including:

 

- Bar-Ilan University (Ramat Gan): Bar-Ilan offers undergraduate tracks in which the first year is in English, in computer science, life sciences, and Law. There are also undergraduate programs in Russian in physics and mathematics. In addition, Bar-Ilan offers an MBA degree in English or in Russian.

 

- Ariel University: Ariel University offers a pre-med program for Olim. In addition, master’s degrees suitable for Olim include subjects such as business administration or digital advertising.

 

- The University of Haifa: The University of Haifa offers master’s degrees in English in subjects such as data science, health systems administration, international relations, Israel studies, archaeology, marine biology, conflict management, political science, technology management (MBA), and more.

 

- Reichman University (Herzliya): Reichman University is a private university, it allows students to study several subjects in English, such as computer science, business administration, government, entrepreneurship, economics, communications, and psychology. Master’s degrees in English include MBA (business), economics, government, healthcare innovation, and Human-Computer Interaction.

 

- Tel-Aviv University: The B.A in management and liberal arts at TAU includes the first 2 years in English. TAU also offers the TESOL M.A graduate program which includes a teaching certificate.

 

- The Hebrew University (Jerusalem): Among the master’s programs in English are physics, animal science, biomedical sciences, chemistry, English literature, international development, life sciences, water sciences, Middle Eastern studies, and more.

 

- Ben-Gurion University (Be’er Sheva): Ben-Gurion University offers special undergraduate programs for Olim in psychology, engineering, natural sciences, and foreign literature. Olim can also study graduate programs in biomedical engineering, chemistry, environmental sciences, computer engineering, hydrology, mathematics, desert studies, and more.

 

- The Technion (Haifa): Olim can study engineering and science for B.Sc degrees. The first year is conducted in English.

 

- Weizmann Institute (Rehovot): Weizmann Institute offers a wide range of graduate programs in science, conducted in English.

 

- Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College: Olim can study for an undergraduate in optometry in English at JMC - Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College.

 

- Machon Lev (Jerusalem): Machon Lev, also known as The Jerusalem College of Technology, offers English undergraduate programs in nursing and business administration.

 

The Student Authority offers an extensive support package for new immigrant students, aimed at providing assistance and guidance from the early stages of the Aliyah process to graduation and integration in the job market. This assistance includes:

 

- Pre-Aliyah services such as consultation and diploma evaluation.

- Scholarships and financial aid services.

- Preparatory programs (Mechinat Olim) which prepare students for academic life.

- Guidance and assistance in choosing a study track.

- Hebrew courses via Ulpan.

- Academic tutoring and assistance throughout the degree.

- Social activities such as trips, student gatherings, and more.

- Counselling and support, provided by psychologists and social workers.

 

 

The duration of eligibility for tuition benefits varies according to age and the chosen study track. Students must begin their studies within the first 3 years after making Aliyah. Army service or national service (Sherut Leumi) are not counted in this time frame. The age relevant for eligibility is:

 

- Preparatory courses (mechina): up to age 27.

- Undergraduate degree: up to age 27.

- Graduate degree: up to age 30. Those required to study prerequisites may also be eligible for an additional year of subsidy.

 

TAKA is a pre-academic program aimed at Olim exempt from the Olim Mechina. The aim of this program is to prepare Olim for academic life in Israel. Study topics include advanced Hebrew, mathematics, computers, academic English, research methods, and more. The TAKA program opens twice a year and spans 5-10 months.

 

Olim students can apply for financial aid online, via the Israeli Student Authority website. They should submit their requests prior to each academic year, or at the beginning of the first semester. The academic institutions also assist students with applying for financial aid, according to their eligibility. This assistance is usually offered at the dean of students’ office on campus.

 

 

The Israeli Student Authority provides Olim students with housing assistance, including assistance with rent, usually after the absorption basket has ended and for a period of up to 2 years. In addition, students may choose to live in subsidized on-campus dorms available at most academic institutions.

 

 

As part of the support system granted to Olim, they are eligible for academic assistance services such as tutoring, preparatory courses, workshops for developing academic skills, career preparation and guidance, and more. To receive this assistance, students should contact the social guide from the Student Authority at their academic institution.

 

The Student Authority offers Olim counselling services aimed at helping them in determining their skills and choosing the right degree for them. This service is provided by an occupational psychologist and includes a consultation meeting and computerized diagnostic tests for skill and personality evaluation. It is mostly aimed at Olim between the ages 18-30.

 

 

Many Olim students choose to work during their studies (either part-time or full-time) to help cover their living expenses, while also gaining important experience in the job market. Students can also take part in internships as part of their degree, some are paid, and others are unpaid. Since professional experience is a key factor in integrating and advancing in the Israeli job market, it is important to begin developing relevant skills as early as possible and not wait until after one’s studies.

 

To help prepare Olim students for integrating in the Israeli employment market, various programs are offered throughout the academic year, some are offered by academic institutions while other are the initiatives of various organizations, such as The Ministry of Aliyah, The Government Employment Services, municipalities, absorption initiatives, and NGOs. These include:

 

- Job fairs – career fairs are an opportunity to meet leading Israeli companies and explore different career paths available in Israel.

 

- Employment workshops – students may take part in these workshops and develop career-oriented skills such as CV submission, job interviews, networking, and more.

 

- Vocational retraining – people interested in changing the course of their career and pursuing a new profession can take part in vocational retraining workshops and courses.