Ranking Israel’s Top Universities
Congratulations! You’ve made it to the research part of your choice to study abroad in Israel. We know you’re probably not in the mood to sift through online pamphlets of information, so we’re here to give you a quick rundown of the top universities in Israel and where they are ranked worldwide.
The programs offered at the following universities can be taught completely in English, which makes it a popular option for students from over 30 countries. Aside from having some of the best universities worldwide, Israel is also home to a Mediterranean landscape, amazing food, outdoor mentality, rich culture, and some of the most hospitable people in the world.
Israeli University Rankings – Let’s Get Started:
Technion-Israel Institute of Technology
Technion is the oldest university in Israel, founded in 1912. Located in Haifa, Technion is led by world-renowned faculty and is the best-ranked university in Israel. It also sits among the top 100 leading universities in the world for the past three years and counting, according to Shanghai Ranking Consultancy’s Academic Ranking of World Universities. Not to mention – as the third largest city in Israel sitting atop a mountain, Haifa offers some of the most scenic views, as well as beautiful beaches, iconic sites (think Bahai Gardens), and a short train trip to Tel Aviv.
University of Haifa
We’re not out of Haifa yet – the University of Haifa is the largest comprehensive research university in northern Israel, offering 56 different departments and 69 research institutes. Interesting fact (and we’re taking this directly from the university’s website): the University has established Israel’s first “multiversity” – a multi-campus institution that is dedicated to academic and research excellence. Some of Israel’s greatest advancements and scientific discoveries have come out of the university, and you could be part of the next ones. If your loyalty lies with the north and you want a research-based education, the University of Haifa is the place for you.
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
At the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, you’ll get the holy city, plenty of diversity, and a facility founded by some of the most brilliant minds of our time, including Albert Einstein. Also among the top universities on Shanghai Ranking’s list, Hebrew U is Israel’s leading research institution as well as one of the first to have opened in the early 20th century. Consider studying here if you’d like to reside on a mountain top in one of the holiest and most diverse cities in the world.
Weizmann Institute of Science
Before we begin here, we’ll open with a summary of the work that happens at the Weizmann Institute of Science’s (which you can find on their website): “The Weizmann Institute has a long history of investigation and discovery rooted in a mission of advancing science for the benefit of humanity”. If this inspires you, perhaps you should start preparing yourself for a semester at the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot, where you’ll have the option to study the many faces of science, including biology, chemistry, and scientific archaeology. Ranked #3 of the top universities in Israel, Weizmann Institute is south of Tel Aviv, only a half hour from the city center.
Tel Aviv University
Ah – Tel Aviv University. Your expectations of Tel Aviv beach, social, and nightlife would certainly be met if you were to decide to study at this university. As for the academics: Tel Aviv University offers some of the most immersive programs in Israel, including Voyage to Medicine, STEM semesters, and Masters programs that delve right into Israel’s land, politics, and culture, like Archaeology and Ancient Near Eastern Cultures, Conflict Resolution and Mediation, and Environmental Studies (to name a few). Definitely, the place for you if you want the center-of-city-beach life.
Bar Ilan University
Known as one of the most popular schools in Israel for international programs, Bar Ilan University is located in Ramat Gan (for those of you who haven’t yet polished up on your Israeli geography, that’s in Tel Aviv) and offers gap year and semester-long programs through Masa Israel. Yet another on the list of Shanghai’s Academic Ranking of World Universities, Bar Ilan stands at #5 of the top universities in Israel.
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Located in Be’er Sheva, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev offers both semesters and full years abroad, academic research programs, and their renowned BGU medical school program. Their English language study abroad program is rooted in social action and community service, and the educational tracks they have include Environmental Studies, Global Health, and Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Be’er Sheva is a little over an hour from Tel Aviv and home to a booming hi-tech scene where many participants also find top internships. BGU is the #6 university in Israel, and worth looking into.
Need some more info? You can read more about each school and the programs they offer here.
