Author: Dr. Souptik Mukherjee, Email: souptikm@gmail.com
India and Israel have strong ties. Thus many Indian students desire to study in Israel. Also Israel is known for hosting a fantastic research and technology ecosystem, world ranking universities and a strong stratup culture. This also attracts many students who dream of studying in these universities for Masters or PhD. Studying in Israel as an Indian student requires careful planning and adherence to specific procedures. The first step is to research universities in Israel that offer the Masters program of interest. It is essential to consider factors such as academic offerings, faculty, facilities, and specializations that align with the student's interests. Each university may have specific admission requirements, which typically include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, standardized test scores (such as GRE or GMAT), and proficiency in English or Hebrew (depending on the language of instruction).
Most universities in Israel offer courses in English, but some may require proof of English language proficiency through standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS. Once the universities have been selected, students can apply to their chosen Masters program, carefully following the application process and deadlines.
After receiving an acceptance letter from a university, Indian students need to apply for a student visa. This requires contacting the Israeli embassy or consulate in their country to understand the visa requirements and procedures. Financial considerations are crucial, including tuition fees, living expenses, and available scholarships or financial aid options for international students. Suitable accommodation options near the chosen university should also be considered, and many universities offer on-campus housing for international students.
Before departing for Israel, students must ensure they have all the necessary documents, such as the student visa, acceptance letter, and any required medical certificates. Proper planning, thorough research, and meeting all the requirements are essential for a successful study abroad journey in Israel.
Israel is home to several prestigious universities known for their academic excellence and research contributions. Five top universities in Israel include the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Tel Aviv University, Weizmann Institute of Science, and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Each institution offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, established in 1918, is one of Israel's oldest and most renowned institutions, consistently ranking among the top universities globally. Its research in areas like archeology, agriculture, and computer science is particularly renowned. Technion, founded in 1912, is a leading science and engineering-focused university known for its strong emphasis on technological innovation and research, especially in engineering, computer science, and life sciences.
Tel Aviv University, located in the heart of Tel Aviv, is one of Israel's largest and most prestigious institutions, excelling in fields such as social sciences, humanities, business, and arts. It has collaborations with various international universities and offers diverse programs for local and international students. The Weizmann Institute of Science is globally recognized for its groundbreaking discoveries in physics, chemistry, biology, and interdisciplinary studies, focusing primarily on scientific research.
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, situated in Beersheba, has a strong focus on desert studies and sustainability. It offers a wide range of programs, including engineering, health sciences, and social sciences.
The tuition fees for higher education in Israel are competitive and vary depending on the program and institution. For a master's degree program, the fees can range from $5,000 to $30,000 per year.
Indian students in Israel have various opportunities for scholarships and funding to pursue their academic and research ambitions. The Israeli government offers scholarships at the graduate level, covering tuition fees, providing a monthly allowance, and offering basic health insurance. While accommodation, transportation, and air travel must be arranged by the applicants, these scholarships present excellent opportunities for Indian students to study in Israeli universities and approved programs.
Additionally, the Israeli government provides short-term summer scholarships for specific courses at various Israeli universities. This initiative, launched in 2013, allows Indian students to spend a month at research universities in Israel, gaining exposure to cutting-edge research and academic experiences.
Apart from government-funded opportunities, private funding options and grants are available for Indian students and researchers in Israel, providing additional financial support. The Israeli Council for Higher Education and the Israeli Academy for Sciences and Humanities have launched a post-doctoral fellowship program offering fellowships for international researchers conducting research in various fields in Israeli universities.
The University Grants Commission (UGC)-Israel Science Foundation (ISF) Fund has also been supporting joint academic research projects since 2013. This funding program encourages collaboration between Indian and Israeli researchers, providing financial support for experimental and theoretical projects in various disciplines.
The Israel India Innovation Initiative Fund (I4F) is a five-year technology fund launched by Israel and India to boost their business relationship and encourage technological collaboration. Announced during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel, each government contributes $4 million annually for five years to the fund. The primary goal of I4F is to encourage Indian investments in Israel's technology ecosystem and motivate large Indian companies to establish development centers in Israel. This initiative is expected to enhance cooperation and generate up to $25 billion in cross-border investments between the two countries by 2025.
The fund follows several recent collaborations and partnerships between Indian and Israeli entities, such as Indian Angel Network starting operations in Israel and LetsVenture partnering with Israeli equity crowdfunding platform OurCrowd. Additionally, Wipro Ltd. partnered with Tel Aviv University for research on emerging technologies, and Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. expanded its joint venture with Wipro Infrastructure Engineering and the Kalyani Group. The I4F is a significant step forward in strengthening the relationship between India and Israel and fostering innovation and technological growth in both countries.
According to the Times Higher Education Ranking (2023), the top universities in Israel are as follows: Hebrew University of Jerusalem at 154th position, Tel Aviv University at 230th position, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology at 247th position, and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev at 407th position. In the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Ranking (2022), Tel Aviv University is ranked 201st and Technion - Israel Institute of Technology is ranked 501st. Additionally, Tel Aviv University's online programs are also ranked 201st in both rankings, while The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is ranked 251st in the Times Higher Education Ranking and 77th in the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Ranking.
Tel Aviv University is known for its large community of Indian students, who come to study full undergraduate and graduate degree programs, PhD and Post Doc fellowships, as well as short academic programs. Indian students make significant contributions to TAU's academic community, and the university encourages more students to experience the unique benefits of studying at TAU. TAU has partnerships and exchange agreements with leading Indian institutions of higher education, including IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, OP Jindal, and Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET).
TAU's cooperation with TIET includes a joint 3+2 program, where students from TIET come to TAU to study a Master's program in Life Sciences or Engineering. This special program facilitates academic collaboration and enriches students' learning experiences.
For Indian students who have completed their masters and are looking for job opportunities in Israel, various work visa options are available. The most relevant visa for foreign employees is the B/1 work visa, allowing them to work in Israel for a 30-day period. However, to work beyond 30 days, they need to obtain a work permit, which can be applied for simultaneously with the work visa.
Obtaining an Israeli work visa and permit requires providing documents such as a signed employment contract, a valid passport, passport photographs, a criminal background check, fingerprints, and a medical certificate showing good health. Additionally, applicants must undergo an interview at the Israeli consulate in their home country. The application process involves collaboration between the employer and the foreign worker, with the employer submitting the application to the Ministry of the Interior in Israel while the employee submits necessary documents to the consulate.
Once approved by the Israeli government, the work permit is issued, and the employee can travel to Israel and begin working. Work permits are initially valid for one year and must be renewed annually. It is essential for employees to carry their passport and work permit at all times, and failure to do so may result in fines or deportation. Employees wishing to bring their families to Israel can apply for B/2 visas for their spouses and dependents, which are typically issued for the same duration as the employee's working visa. Activation of the B/1 work permit must be done within 90 days of the start date, or additional fees may apply for reapplication.
In conclusion, Israel offers a plethora of opportunities for Indian students looking to pursue higher education. The country's prestigious universities, known for their academic excellence and cutting-edge research, attract students from around the world, including India. From the Hebrew University of Jerusalem to Tel Aviv University and beyond, these institutions provide an enriching academic environment that fosters diverse fields of study.
Moreover, Israel's commitment to fostering international collaborations and academic exchanges is evident through various scholarship and funding opportunities available for Indian students. Government-funded scholarships, private funding options, and research grants enable Indian scholars to pursue their academic and research ambitions in diverse fields, further strengthening the ties between India and Israel.
The Israel India Innovation Initiative Fund (I4F) stands as a testament to the countries' commitment to encouraging technological collaboration and business partnerships. The fund's potential to generate significant cross-border investments highlights the growing importance of innovation and technological growth in both nations.
As Israel continues to welcome Indian students with open arms, the number of Indian students pursuing higher education in Israel is on the rise. The collaborative academic environment in Israel has attracted a significant number of Indian students pursuing doctoral and post-doctoral studies, with around 900 Indian students currently studying in various Israeli institutes and universities.
This welcoming approach and the plethora of opportunities make Israel an attractive destination for Indian students seeking quality education, groundbreaking research, and exposure to a diverse cultural experience. By fostering academic excellence and encouraging collaboration, Israel and India are paving the way for a bright future of innovation, knowledge exchange, and mutual understanding between the two nations.
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