There are many reasons why international students choose Israel for their education: the top-ranked universities, the fact that Israel is one of the most innovative countries worldwide, the vibrant student life and fascinating culture, and so on.
But before packing your bags and buying an airplane ticket, you should first ask yourself: how much does it cost to live and study in Israel?
Let’s find out!
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1. University tuition fees in Israel
Tuition fees at public universities
International students need to pay tuition fees to study at Israeli public universities. Fees usually range between:
- 3,900–15,000 EUR/year for Bachelor’s degrees
- 3,100–26,000 EUR/year for Master’s degrees
- 0 EUR/year for PhD degrees (universities tend to waive the tuition)
MBAs are among the most expensive academic programmes.
Tuition fees at private universities
Private universities have higher tuition costs, but the full amount varies from one institution to another. Students should always visit the official university website for up-to-date information.
Most affordable universities in Israel
- Tel Aviv University – Bachelors start at 3,900 EUR/year
- The Hebrew University of Jerusalem – Masters start at 0 EUR/year
Universities we recommend in Israel
Check out the best universities in Israel according to global rankings.
2. Student living costs in Israel
On average, you’ll need between 400 and 800 EUR per month to cover living costs in Israel. Accommodation is the highest expense, but how much you end up spending also depends on your personal habits and lifestyle.
The New Israeli Shekel (NIS) is the official currency. At the time of writing this article, 4 shekels equal 1 euro.
3. Student accommodation costs
These are the most popular types of accommodation for students in Israel:
- university dormitories: most universities offer on-campus accommodation. It is cheaper than renting a flat and the utility costs are included in the price. However, the number of places might be limited. You can find more information on the official website of each university.
- private housing: 700–1,400 EUR per month. You can reduce the overall costs by sharing an apartment with other students. Monthly utilities will add another 180–200 EUR to the expenses.
4. Food costs in Israel
You can end up spending anywhere between 200 and 350 EUR per month on food and groceries. It depends on your spending habits and how much you enjoy eating out or cooking. These are some of the average prices for food products in Israel:
- 1 loaf of bread: 1.80 EUR
- 1 litre of milk: 1.45 EUR
- 12 eggs: 3.15 EUR
- 1 kg of local cheese: 11.50 EUR
- 1 kg of apples: 2.55 EUR
- 1 kg of bananas: 2.10 EUR
- 1 meal at affordable restaurants: 14.85 EUR
- 1 serving of falafel: 2.15–4.30 EUR
Check out other living costs in Israel.
5. Transportation costs
A monthly pass for public transport costs around 50 EUR; as a student, you might be able to benefit from a discount. For a taxi ride, the start fee is 3.20 EUR, and then it’s 1 EUR per km.
Trains are the best option to visit other major cities or urban centres like Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beer-Sheva, etc.
Find Master’s degrees in Israel
6. Extra costs in Israel
- student visa fee: 41 EUR
- entertainment (cinema, concerts, theatre): 40–100 EUR/month
- private medical insurance: monthly fees depend on the length of your stay, the type of medical coverage, and other factors
7. University scholarships and grants
As an international student, you can choose from various financial aid programmes in Israel. Many scholarships in Israel are available on our portal. But you can also use the official Study in Israel website.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to apply for our Studyportals Scholarship.