In 2021, around 10,000 international students choose Israel as their study abroad destination. More international students are interested in studying abroad in the sunny, historic country each year, as seen by the sharp rise in searches for “studying in Israel” between January 2022 and June 2022.
If you’re thinking about studying in Israel, you’re probably eager to experience the ancient sites, breathtaking beaches, and Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine. Another item to think about is the cost of attending school in Israel.
Israel, which is the 11th most expensive country, is regrettably virtually among the top 10 in the world for students. Daily costs may therefore be higher than in other popular study abroad nations like France or the Netherlands.
How much does it actually cost to study in Israel? Let’s look at the cost of living and educational fees to find out.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for programmes in Israel can vary considerably depending on the institution and course that you choose. However, in general, you can expect to pay:
- €3,600-€15,000 per year for a Bachelor’s course
- €3,100–€26,000 per year for a Master’s course
These costs are comparable to those of other European nations without international tuition subsidies.
Some universities, like the University of Tel Aviv, charge tuition for a Master’s degree over the course of two years rather than just one, making them more affordable than institutions that charge on a per-year basis.
The Cost of Living in Israel
Similar to tuition prices, costs might vary based on where in Israel you live and the type of lifestyle you choose as a student. Daily coffee runs, shopping excursions, and travel adventures all add up!
In Israel, there are three main city regions for foreign students. The best universities in Israel and a sizable share of young people and students can be found in these cities.
- Jerusalem: Israel’s capital, and home to top universities like the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the city has a price tag that befits the capital.
- Tel Aviv: Known as one of the world’s most expensive cities, this is also Israel’s most cosmopolitan, known for its beautiful beach and vibrant nightlife.
- Haifa: The third-largest city in Israel on the country’s northern coastline, Haifa is a blend of history and technology, with an affordable cost of living compared to the larger cities.
As in most other nations, the cost of studying in Israel varies greatly depending on whether you want to do it in a city or a small village.
We’ll now get into the specifics of how much it costs to live in Israel. Unless a city is identified, costs that are listed will be the average for Israel. often keep in mind that although prices are listed in euros above, Israel uses the New Israel Shekel (often known as the shekel for short).
Rent
As we’ve already indicated, studying in a major Israeli city will result in much greater prices.
A one-bedroom apartment in Jerusalem may cost you between €900 and €1,500.The similar flat in Tel Aviv’s city center will cost substantially more there—between €1,250 and €1,900.
Your institution will be able to assist you in locating housing for your study as an international student. For instance, although there may be a waiting list, most colleges provide international students subsidized housing.
Shared dorms at Tel Aviv University cost between €58 and €900 a month, depending on the size of the unit and the number of roommates you have.
Food
Groceries will be a substantial additional cost for you while studying abroad. However, Israeli street cuisine is quite affordable, typically costing between €2 and €3. This implies that you might learn about the regional food while also saving money!
If you want to cook at home, markets are going to be a cheap place to acquire fruit and vegetables because you can find a lot of seasonal produce there for less money. Here are some samples of typical supermarket prices in Jerusalem:
- Loaf of bread: 4.50-16 NIS (€1.20-€4)
- 1kg apples: 9-14 NIS (€2.25-€3.50)
- 12 eggs: 9-19.20 NIS (€2.25-€4.80)
You can find a variety of lunch specials in restaurants that are less expensive and include one or two courses. But as we’ve already noted, falafel and hummus can be had for as little as €2.50. You may get plates at informal eateries for about €7.50–€12.50.
Entertainment
While you are studying there, you want to explore your stunning home country of Israel. For that, you’ll need to set aside money for entertainment. Have your student ID on hand when you go out for the day because many businesses will give students discounts.
For instance, the price of museum admission in Jerusalem is roughly €10, while the price of a cinema ticket is roughly €10.50. If you want to travel while you’re a student in the nation, a monthly pass for the public transit system costs roughly €50.
How Much Does it Cost to Study in Israel?
You’ll need to factor in some additional expenses for studying in Israel if you’re an international student.
The cost of a student visa is one of them. The Israeli government requires that all international students apply for an A2 student visa, which costs 175 NIS (about €44). You require the following paperwork to apply:
- A letter of admission from your institution
- Proof you’ve paid tuition fees
- A valid passport
- A photo
- Birth certificate
Additionally, you’ll need to provide evidence that you have the resources to sustain yourself while studying in Israel. You cannot work while you are a student if you have a student visa.
You can do this by submitting bank records with the latest three months’ worth of statements. It is generally recommended that you have between €400 and €800 per month to live in Israel, not including any outstanding tuition costs.
