Universities in Israel ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 38 Universities in Israel

The State of Israel is divided into six districts (Hebrew: mehozot), which are further subdivided into sub-districts (Hebrew: nafot). The majority of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria are located in the Tel Aviv and Jerusalem districts. The following uniRank sub-rankings and league tables take into account all districts that include at least one Israeli higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Central District (6)  
Haifa District (2)  
Jerusalem District (8)  
Judea and Samaria (1)  
Northern District (6)  
Southern District (5)  
Tel Aviv District (10)  

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Overview of Israel Universities

Israel's higher education system is globally recognized for academic excellence, innovation and research intensity. Governed by the Council for Higher Education, it comprises 38 institutions including comprehensive research universities and specialized schools. Public universities dominate the landscape (65.8%), primarily funded by the state and known for cutting-edge STEM research, while private institutions (21.1%) offer specialized programs. Most universities are non-profit entities, with degrees awarded at bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. Key hubs include Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa, with English-taught programs widely available for international students.

Top 10 Israel Universities

1. Tel Aviv University (אוניברסיטת תל־אביב) - TAU
   Ranked #1 in Israel (#238 globally). Established 1956 in Tel Aviv. Public comprehensive research university offering multidisciplinary programs.
2. Hebrew University of Jerusalem (האוניברסיטה העברית בירושלים) - HUJI
   Ranked #2 in Israel (#266 globally). Founded 1918 in Jerusalem. Public comprehensive research university with global academic partnerships.
3. Weizmann Institute of Science (מכון ויצמן למדע) - WIS
   Ranked #3 in Israel (#454 globally). Established 1934 in Rehovot. Public specialized research institution focused on natural sciences.
4. Technion - Israel Institute of Technology (הטכניון – מכון טכנולוגי לישראל) - IIT
   Ranked #4 in Israel (#464 globally). Founded 1924 in Haifa. Public specialized research university excelling in engineering and technology.
5. Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (אוניברסיטת בן גוריון בנגב) - BGU
   Ranked #5 in Israel (#615 globally). Established 1969 in Beer Sheva. Public comprehensive research university with strong sustainability focus.
6. University of Haifa (אוניברסיטת חיפה) - HU
   Ranked #6 in Israel (#682 globally). Founded 1963 in Haifa. Public comprehensive research university known for social sciences and marine studies.
7. Bar-Ilan University (אוניברסיטת בר-אילן) - BIU
   Ranked #7 in Israel (#716 globally). Established 1955 in Ramat Gan. Public comprehensive research university integrating tradition with innovation.
8. Reichman University (אוניברסיטת רייכמן)
   Ranked #8 in Israel (#1287 globally). Founded 1994 in Herzliya. Israel's leading private university specializing in entrepreneurship and business.
9. Ariel University (אוניברסיטת אריאל בשומרון)
   Ranked #9 in Israel (#3200 globally). Established 1982 in Ariel. Public comprehensive university serving diverse student populations.
10. Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design (בצלאל - אקדמיה לעיצוב ואומנות ירושלים)
    Ranked #10 in Israel (#3296 globally). Founded 1906 in Jerusalem. Public specialized institution leading in visual arts education.

Analysis of University Types

Israel's 38 universities are categorized by control type as follows:

• Public universities: 25 institutions (65.8% of total)
• Private universities: 8 institutions (21.1% of total)
• Other/Unspecified: 5 institutions (13.1% of total)

Public institutions form the core of Israel's research ecosystem, while private universities like Reichman specialize in professional disciplines such as law and business.

Global Ranking and Standing

Israel's universities demonstrate strong global presence:

• Top 1,000 universities: 7 Israeli institutions rank within the world's top 1,000 (18.4% of national total)
• Top 200 universities: No Israeli universities currently rank in the global top 200

Notably, all 7 top-1000 institutions are public universities, reflecting the country's investment in research-intensive public education.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many universities are in Israel?
Israel has 38 accredited universities and degree-granting institutions recognized by the Council for Higher Education.

What is Israel's top-ranked university?
Tel Aviv University consistently ranks as Israel's #1 institution (CountryRank #1) and features among the world's top 250 universities.

Are Israeli public universities free?
While subsidized by the government, public universities charge tuition averaging $3,000-$4,000/year for domestic undergraduates. International students pay higher fees.

Which Israel universities teach in English?
Most top universities offer English-taught programs, particularly at graduate level. Reichman University specializes in English-language education across all disciplines.

How many international students study in Israel?
Approximately 12,000 international students attend Israeli universities annually, drawn by STEM programs, archaeology and Jewish studies.

What are Israel's specialized universities?
Notable specialized institutions include the Weizmann Institute (sciences), Technion (technology) and Bezalel Academy (arts), all ranked among Israel's top 10.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Israeli universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Israel
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Israeli post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Israel
  Search for Israeli higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Israeli Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Israeli town or city.
• Top Public Universities in Israel
  Discover Israeli public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in Israel
  Find out about Israeli private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Israel
  Explore Israeli not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in Israel
  Look for Israeli for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Israeli Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in Israel have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Israeli Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in Israel that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Israeli Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in Israel are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Israeli Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in Israel with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.