With the advent of the 21st century and the use of technology in nearly all fields of endeavor, higher education is becoming increasingly important. To this end Israel is in the process of expanding its system of higher education, encouraging more high school graduates to take matriculation examinations, and providing a wider range of non-university degrees in areas with wide employment opportunities.

The higher education system comprises universities; non-university institutions of higher education that provide instruction at the bachelors degree level only; regional colleges that offer academic courses under the auspices and academic responsibility of the universities; and non-academic post secondary schools. All of these institutions are characterized by complete freedom in academic affairs.

The Council for Higher Education is the licensing and accrediting authority for higher education in Israel, an independent statutory body composed of 19-25 members appointed by the President of the state, on the recommendation of the government.

The Council is empowered by law to advise the government on the development and financing of higher education and scientific research. Its Planning and Budgeting Committee (a permanent subcommittee) submits the ordinary and development budgets for higher education to the government; allocates the global approved ordinary and development budgets provided by the government; proposes plans for the development of higher education, including financing; and ensures that the budgets of the institutions are balanced. In addition, it encourages efficiency in higher education institutions and coordinates between them.

University Studies

In Israel, most students begin their studies aged 20-24, later than in other countries due to compulsory military service. Students include those who have passed a series of matriculation exams (just over 40% of 18-year-olds) as well as those who do not hold a matriculation certificate but have completed a pre-academic preparatory program. Women constitute 56.5% of all students, more than their percentage in the population.

In recent years, the number of students studying social sciences, humanities and business, management and mathematics has increased considerably, while there has been a decrease in the proportion of those studying experimental sciences.

All the universities in Israel (except for the Open University and the Weizmann Institute) grant bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees. Thirty-two percent of all students in universities are graduate students, a very high percentage relative to other developed countries. As the level of the degree advances, the proportion of degree recipients in the experimental sciences and mathematics increases, from 28% of bachelors students to 30% of masters students and 65% of doctoral students. In earlier years it was standard practice in Israel to hire graduate students as teaching and research assistants. This practice has been reduced in scope in recent years, with a corresponding increase in fellowships granted to masters and doctoral students. Post-doctoral fellowships are available, mostly in the physical and biological sciences; they are granted both to Israelis and persons from abroad.

Some universities offer special programs lasting one year and/or one semester for students from abroad who wish to study in Israel. These programs, built around a core of courses bearing academic credit, are designed for students enrolled in degree programs at universities abroad. Programs offer a broad academic experience in the sciences and the humanities, with emphasis on studying the Hebrew language, through an intensive course, as well as special classes in Jewish, Israeli and Middle Eastern studies.

Jewish students from abroad who wish to study in Israel may avail themselves of the services of the Student Authority, which functions within the framework of the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption. This organization aims to encourage Jewish youth to study in Israel and to foster the academic and social integration of immigrant students in Israel. Services offered include help in registering at universities, preparation for academic studies, guidance, financial assistance and more.

Student Authority,
Kiryat Ben Gurion, Building 2,
Rehov Kaplan 2,
Jerusalem,
Tel: 972-2-675-2629

Reproduced by permission of Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jerusalem.

http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Facts+About+Israel/Education/Higher+Education.htm