Study Programs

Selected Study Programs

The Jewish Agency has compiled a list of
credited semester programs, summer, pre academic or preparatory programs, Master's programs and programs in English open to both tourists and new immigrants for a semester, a year or just for the summer. For additional information please follow the following link: Academic and Pre-Academic Options.

Masa Israel Journey – Long Term Programs

MASA, the Gateway to Long-term Israel Programs, enables thousands of Jewish young adults spend a semester or a year in Israel in one of over 120 approved programs by providing information, scholarships and more. In the following link you can find the program that suits you by selecting from Academic/University Studies, Judaic Studies, post High School, post University, professional internship, Ulpan and other programs. Scholarships are available.

World Zionist Organization – University Programs

On the Hagshama website of the World Zionist Organization you will find a list of university programs intended for students from abroad.

Gesher Student Internship Program

The "Gesher" program is for Jewish students and children of Israelis residing overseas, who are studying for their bachelor's degrees, who have completed their second year, or who are studying for their master's degree. The program offers a chance to experience their field of study in Israel, to meet with Israeli professionals, and experience daily life in Israel. The program takes place in the summer and includes trips around the country, and a variety of social and cultural events.

In order to be accepted to the program you must fulfill the following requirements:

High levels of academic achievement.

Receipt of a job offer from a suitable employer in Israel.

Hi-Tech Studies in Jerusalem

The Jerusalem Hi-Tech study program is designed to prepare immigrant students for higher education studies in hi-tech and scientific professions. The program takes place at the Hadassah Academic College in Jerusalem, under the supervision of the Student Authority.

The following disciplines are emphasized: mathematics, computers, Hebrew, English, and preparation for the Psychometric Exam. Following the preparatory program, you have the option of continuing your studies at the College or at other academic institutions in Jerusalem.

The program also includes lectures on hi-tech subjects, tours to various industries, trips around Jerusalem, and social and cultural activities. The 5 month program is offered twice a year.

For eligibility requirements, conditions of acceptance and additional information please check the Hi-Tech Studies in Jerusalem website of the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption

The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies

The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies is a regional center for environmental leadership located at Kibbutz Ketura, near the Jordanian and Egyptian borders. The Arava Institute encourages environmental cooperation between peoples. Students and faculty participate in lectures, field trips, and group and individual studies, in an effort to work toward peace and sustainable development. The program provides a balanced scientific, political and social understanding of complex environmental issues.

Academic Programs
The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies offers five environmental studies programs. All programs are fully accredited and conducted in English. There are programs for undergraduate and graduate students. For further information please fill out the contact us form.

Israeli Bridge in the Negev

The Israeli Bridge in the Negev program is a 10-month program for Russian-Speaking Jewish Youth from all over the world. The multi-level program focuses on Jewish history, Israeli society, and Jewish-Israeli culture. The program takes place at the desert campus of Sde Boker and includes an intensive Hebrew course, academic courses, trips throughout Israel, and cultural and social activities.

For further information contact:
Project director: Ms. Irit Shaposhnikov (Ben-Gurion Heritage Institute), E-mail: shaposhn@bgumail.bgu.ac.il or Project coordinator: Ms. Avigal Bielfeld (Ben Gurion Heritage Institute) E-mail: abhirsh@bgu.ac.il, Phone: +972-54-521-4882.

Jerusalem College of Technology Machon Lev English Speakers Program

Machon Lev College in Jerusalem offers a yearlong program combining yeshiva and academic secular studies. The English Speakers' Program (ESP) at Machon Lev consists of Jewish and secular studies, and the freshman year is taught completely in English. The secular part of the program is designed so that each student to builds his own academic schedule according to his interests. Courses are offered in a variety of subjects. The ESP academic program is tailored to meet the core requirements of most degrees in the US and Canada.

Bar Ilan University – Torah V’Derech Eretz Program

Bar Ilan University’s Torah V'Derech Eretz program provides a university experience within a Torah environment. Designed to meet the needs of students wishing to experience life in Israel, the program offers courses in both Jewish and General Studies that are easily transferable to colleges and universities in all countries. The program also offers an assortment of trips and visits to some of Israel's historical sights. For additional information please contact kahnar@mail.biu.ac.il.

Bar Ilan University - Conflict Management and Negotiation Program

Bar Ilan University’s Conflict Management and Negotiation program is an English-language semester long program that provides a variety of academic courses, workshops, seminars and negotiating simulations aimed at deepening the understanding of conflict studies. The 13-week graduate program is fully accredited by the university and offered to M.A. and doctoral students. In addition to studies the program provide practical training by bringing participants into contact with major divisions in Israeli society. For further information, please contact fordal@mail.biu.ac.il.

Nativ

Nativ is an academic Conservative Jewish yearlong program. Nativ offers its participants 2 different tracks, an Academic track and a Yeshiva track.

In the Academic track, you can study at either Hebrew University or the Conservative Yeshiva during the fall semester in Jerusalem. For the spring semester, you can choose between kibbutz living and community service. In the Yeshiva track you will spend your entire year studying at the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem. In either track you will participate in trips throughout the country, leadership seminars and volunteer work around Jerusalem and other parts of the country. For additional information please fill out your details at the following link: http://www.usy.org/programs/nativ/help/request.asp

Pardes Year Program

The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem offers a yearlong program emphasizing texts of the Jewish tradition. Pardes is not affiliated with any political party or religious denomination. You can select between a full time program (32 hours a week) or a part time program (20-22 hours per week). Students are required to attend an Ulpan (intensive Hebrew course) in July and August. The program includes trips around Jerusalem and the rest of the country. For further information please check the following website: Year Program.

Bnei Akiva - Amichai Europe

Bnei Akiva’s Amichai program combines volunteering in Israel and participation in an academic program at one of Israel's leading universities. The program includes the following elements:

1. A month of Torah learning.

2. A 3-month period of working and studying Hebrew on Kibbutz, including a high-level Ulpan course on the Kibbutz, with 20 hours a week of Hebrew learning.

3. In the following 2 months participants can choose between the following options:

Marva - a basic training course in the Israeli Army.

MDA - a Magen David Adom First Aid course, followed by volunteer work at a MDA station

Social Volunteering - working in hospitals, or living and working in a children's village.

4. Academic Studies at Bar Ilan University. The program offers an opportunity to join trips to various parts of the country (on Fridays and vacations), and special Shabbat programs. For further information please check the following link: Amichai Program

Carmel Progressive Beit Midrash and Israel Study Program

The Carmel Progressive Beit Midrash and Israel Study Program is a yearlong Reform Jewish learning and living experience in Israel, combining academic and informal learning opportunities. The program takes place in Haifa and includes field trips all over Israel, academic study and credit, Jewish studies, and an intensive Hebrew course.

For additional information please check out the following website: Carmel.

The Rimon Music Experience

The Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music offers an international music program – the Rimon Music Experience. Rimon is Israel's largest independent professional contemporary music school, located in Ramat Hasharon (a suburb of Tel Aviv). Rimon offers eight majors: composition and arranging, film scoring, song writing, jazz performance, general performance, music production and engineering and an advanced program of composition, performance and production.

About the program
The program is a "work/study" program. The program includes: Orientation & Jerusalem Seminar, Hebrew studies, Music studies, Social activities with Israeli students, Education-on-wheels workshops, Desert Experience, Shabbat experience in Tzfat , and more.

In order to be accepted into the program you must undergo a compulsory music audition. College credit is available as Rimon has an accreditation agreement with Berklee College of Music in Boston. Scholarships are available, for information please check the following link: Masa – Rimon School

For additional information please contact Mr. Amikam Kimelman: akimelman@rimonschool.co.il or +972-3-5408882.

Sami Shamoon College of Engineering

Shamoon College is located in Beer Sheva, with an additional campus in Ashdod. The college offers a Jewish and Engineering Studies Israeli Experience program. Students take classes in Hebrew, Jewish identity, History of state of Israel, and Basic engineering courses in subjects such as math, physics, computers, etc . After 10 months study, students receive a diploma indicating the areas of study. Students who wish to continue academic engineering studies at the Shamoon College may do so.

Sapir Academic College Cinemasa

The Sapir College Cinemasa program focuses on academic courses and cinema studies culminating in a unique film production project. Participants take academic courses and Hebrew studies. The program is intended for high school graduates over the age of 18 from countries where the following languages are spoken: English, Spanish, Portuguese and French. Graduation certificates and academic accreditation are available. Graduates wishing to continue studying towards a degree at Sapir can do so.

The Academic program
The Academic program includes the following:

Academic Hebrew Ulpan, by proficiency level.

4 Academic Courses; Introduction to the Modern History of the Jewish people and the History of Zionism, Introductory to the History of the State of Israel, The History of Film, and the Introduction to Israeli Film.

A joint production project with students in the Film Department.

For additional information please check the following link: Sapir College

Shearim College of Jewish Studies for Women

She'arim College of Jewish Studies for Women in Jerusalem offers a Jewish studies program for women only, enabling students to select from 4 levels: introductory, beginner, intermediate and advanced. Students may move between levels as their Hebrew and text skills improve, or combine classes in different levels to form personalized schedule.

TASP-Teach and Study Program

TASP (Teach and Study Program) is a two-year internship program for educators who want to teach English. TASP Interns learn to teach ESL (English as a Foreign Language) and integrate into the Israeli school system. Interns also learn Hebrew and study for an MA in teaching English to speakers of other languages at Tel Aviv University. TASP Interns must have a BA degree, enjoy working with children and be capable of completing an academically challenging MA degree program. For additional information about the program see the following link: MASA - TASP.

For additional information contact: Post Office Box 2320 Kadima 60920, Israel or mkaplan@jewishla.org

The WUJS Arad Program

The WUJS Arad International Program for Israel and Jewish Learning provides an Ulpan (Hebrew language) program, as well as extensive courses in Israel and Jewish studies. The Program incorporates weekly field trips, overnight hikes, meetings with Israeli peers, volunteer options and a variety of fun activities. Students who stay in Israel after graduation receive assistance with professional internships and job placements, Aliyah consultation and guidance.

Scholarships are available. For contact and additional information please check the following link: The WUJS Arad Main Program.

The Yaacov Herzog Center for Jewish Studies

The Yaacov Herzog Center for Jewish Studies program is designed for young Jews from the former Soviet Union who will spend one academic year learning Jewish Studies, Zionism and Hebrew, so that they can later return and serve as teachers, counselors and community leaders in their home communities. The program contains 3 main components: academic, experiential, and practical, and includes intensive Hebrew studies. Families in a religious Kibbutz host program participants during the course of the year.

TELEM Undergraduate Program

Natanya Academic College Masa Telem Undergraduate program offers B.A.-level courses, all taught in English - in the fields of Law, Economics, Management, and Social Science as well as Hebrew studies. You can choose between 5 and 10-month streams, each of which enables you to earn fully transferable credits from the University of Oklahoma. The program includes trips across Israel and volunteer work, and participants can stay with Israeli families over the weekends, if they choose to do so.

Ben Gurion University - Programs in English

Ben Gurion University offers several academic programs, conducted entirely in the English language, awarding MD, MSc, MBA, or MA degrees. For additional information please check the following links:

Academic Programs in English

The Overseas Student Programs (OSP) at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU).

M.A. Program in Middle East Studies
Ben Gurion University's M.A. Program in Middle Eastern Studies (MAPMES) is a one-year program in English designed to train students in cross-disciplinary approaches to the study of the Middle East and North Africa. In addition to classroom seminars, the department organizes an intensive study-tour to a neighboring country, such as Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Turkey. The program also includes an international workshop on the social and cultural history of the Middle East. For further information please check the following link: The Overseas Student Programs (OSP) at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU).

Bar Ilan University

Bar-Ilan University offers foreign students the opportunity to study at a fully accredited, academic institution, while enriching their Jewish identity. There are several different study options available. You can spend a semester or a full academic year taking Jewish studies, Hebrew language instruction, or general studies classes. For additional information, please check the following link: Academic Programs.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem offers a variety of English language programs for foreign students: A preparatory program (mechina), Hebrew language instruction, summer courses, doctoral studies, year/semester programs and a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. You can also apply for degree programs taught in Hebrew on the basis of scholastic records obtained abroad. In this case you should contact the Office of Overseas Students Admissions.

University of Haifa

The Department of Overseas Studies at the University of Haifa, located in the North of the county, welcomes international students to study at the university on a non-degree basis for a summer, semester, or full academic year. The academic credits you earn can be transferred back to academic institutions in your home country and can be applied towards completion of a degree. To learn about the different academic programs offered by the University of Haifa, please check the following link: Academic Programs

Tel Aviv University

The overseas students program at Tel Aviv University offers a variety of academic programs to overseas students: a one year program, one semester programs, summer programs, Hebrew language program (Ulpan), Masters program, and additional programs. To learn about the programs, please check overseas student programs – academic programs.

M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies
Tel Aviv University’s MA in Middle Eastern Studies program is designed for academically qualified students who are interested in getting an accredited M.A. degree in Middle Eastern History. Students take 9 seminars, Hebrew and Arabic and hand in a thesis. Successful completion of the course awards them with an M.A. degree from Tel Aviv University.

The Weizmann Institute

The Karyn Kupcinet International Science School at the Weizmann Institute offers the opportunity to work alongside top researchers while getting to know life in Israel today. Studies are divided into Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Computer Sciences. Lab work centers on current research topics including: immunology, cell biology, lasers, the use of computers in modeling and simulation. Summer and winter programs are available.

How do I participate?
In order to participate in the program you must select your research preferences from a list of Current Research Projects. A scientific coordinator will match your choices to ongoing research at the institute.

Who is the program intended for?
The program is for undergraduate university-level students only, who have completed at least two years of study. If you are in your final year may apply for the summer immediately after graduation. You may not apply if you have already graduated university at the time of application. In addition, if you are from overseas you must have a grade point average of 3.6 out of 4.0 or the equivalent.

Yeshivot

There are a number of Yeshivot that offer young Jewish men and women the opportunity to learn about their Jewish Heritage while studying Jewish texts and traditions. These typically offer yearlong or summer programs. For additional information please check the following links:

Pardes

The Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem

Beit Midrash – A Liberal Yeshiva

The WUJS Arad Peace and Social Justice Program

The Arad peace and Social justice program is a 5 month program designed for Jewish graduates and young professionals who are interested in exploring the fields of peace, democratic development and social justice within contemporary Israel. The program includes classes in peace and social justice, basic Judaism, contemporary Israel and Zionism; three levels of Hebrew Ulpan; volunteering opportunities within the community, and field trips. For additional information please check the following link: The Peace and Social Justice Program.

Useful links