Start My Assessment

← All countries

Israel

Start My Assessment

At a glance

Living index rating
Expensive
Monthly rent
₪2,000 – ₪3,500 in university dorms or a shared flat (Tel Aviv higher)
Monthly food
₪1,500 – ₪2,500
Other monthly expenses
₪800 – ₪1,500 (transport, phone, health insurance, personal)
Visa processing time
About 2 – 4 weeks (up to 6 – 8 weeks at busy times)
Family allowed for students
Yes

Visa requirements

  • A/2 student visa from an Israeli embassy or consulate (or the Population and Immigration Authority in Israel)
  • Admission letter and confirmation of tuition payment
  • Proof of funds for studies and living costs (e.g. 3 months of bank statements)
  • Passport valid for the whole visa period and health insurance
  • A/2 students generally can't work; master's and PhD students may get permission for teaching or research assistant posts at their university
  • Check your government's travel advice, as the security situation can affect study plans

Work permit after studies

  • No post-study work visa
  • Working after graduation needs an employer-sponsored B/1 work visa, such as the expert or high-tech routes

Citizenship route

  • No route to permanent residence or citizenship from student status for most people
  • Citizenship is mainly through the Law of Return (for people of Jewish descent) or marriage to an Israeli, with a multi-year process

Family details

  • Spouse and children under 18 can get A/4 dependant visas for the length of your A/2 visa
  • A/4 spouses generally can't work, except spouses of PhD students and postdocs, who may apply for a B/1 work visa

Universities in Israel

Top-ranked

All other universities and colleges (53), A–Z

This guide is for general information. Visa and immigration rules change often, so always check the official government website before you apply. Last updated 6 October 2026.