Up to 400% of Tuition in Olim Scholarships

Every year, hundreds of new immigrants (olim) begin their academic journey at Bar-Ilan University. Many of them receive generous financial support through the Student Authority and the Study-IL scholarship program, a government initiative designed to help olim access higher education in Israel with confidence and financial security.

These scholarships open doors, ease the transition into Israeli life, and enable students to focus on what matters most: building their future.

What Is the Study-IL Scholarship?

Study-IL is a national program of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration that supports eligible olim in their first academic degree in Israel.
Through the Student Authority, the program offers:

• Full coverage of tuition (up to the standard university tuition rate)
• Academic and personal guidance
• Pre-academic tracks such as Hebrew studies, preparatory programs (mechina), and TAKA
• Ongoing support throughout the academic journey

For many students, this means earning a degree in Israel with no tuition costs at all.

Who Is Eligible?

New immigrants may qualify for the Study-IL scholarship if they meet the following criteria:

• They begin their degree studies within 36 months of making aliyah
  (extensions apply for military service, national service, MASA programs, and additional special circumstances).
• They enroll in their first academic degree (BA/BSc), professional certificate, engineering track, or other recognized academic program.
• They study at a recognized institution eligible for Student Authority funding, such as Bar-Ilan University.
• They meet the age and program-specific conditions defined by the Student Authority.

Eligibility is determined individually through an official application process.

Why So Many Olim Choose Bar-Ilan University?

Bar-Ilan University has become one of Israel’s welcoming homes for new olim pursuing higher education (and the second largest research university in Israel). With its inclusive campus culture, academic excellence, and strong support systems, BIU offers:

• A diverse, vibrant community of students from around the world
• Dozens of programs taught in English or with English-language support
• Dedicated staff who assist olim throughout registration, enrollment, and integration
• A campus located at the heart of Israel’s innovation and research ecosystem

Thanks to the Study-IL scholarship, many olim begin their BIU degree with complete tuition funding, making their transition into Israeli life smoother and more accessible.

Academic Preparation and Hebrew Support

For students who need additional academic or language preparation, Study-IL provides access to programs designed specifically for olim:

• Hebrew language courses
• Pre-academic foundations (mechina)
• The TAKA academic readiness program
• Guidance counselors who accompany the student from the moment they start the process

These programs help students build confidence, develop strong academic habits, and enter their degree fully prepared.

"I am truly grateful for the help of Student Authority. It made me feel welcome and supported in new country," says Maria Shmidt, Student of BA Political Science and Communication at Bar-Ilan.

How to Apply

Students interested in studying at Bar-Ilan University with Study-IL support should:

1. Check eligibility early, preferably soon after making aliyah.
2. Begin the registration process for their desired BIU program.
3. Submit a scholarship application through the Student Authority.
4. Stay in touch with their counselor for guidance during every step of the process.

Information and application instructions are available on the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration’s Study-IL website.

Your Future Starts Here

The Study-IL scholarship is more than financial aid, it’s an invitation to build a new life in Israel with academic stability, community, and long-term opportunity. Bar-Ilan University strengthens that path by offering smooth entry tracks for olim, including first-year programs taught in English alongside Ulpan Hebrew studies, as well as a wide range of advanced degree programs in English.

To support true integration, BIU actively works to include olim and international students in every part of campus life. Many STEM programs can be taught fully in English from the moment the first international student joins the class, ensuring access to high-level academic training without language barriers.

If you are a new immigrant considering a degree in Israel, this is the right moment to explore your options and see how BIU and Study-IL can support your academic and personal journey.