Israeli universities are genuinely internationally competitive — the Hebrew University of Jerusalem regularly ranks in the world's top 100 — and a well-developed system exists specifically for international students, including many Australians, who want to study there without already holding an Israeli Bagrut (matriculation certificate). This page covers the main pathways in.
The student visa
Israel's student visa is the A/2 visa, generally valid for one year with the possibility of extension, tied to enrolment at a recognised Israeli academic institution. A/2 visa holders are generally not permitted to work in Israel, with some exceptions — mainly graduate students working in an academic capacity, such as PhD students and, in some cases, Master's students. If paid work during your studies is part of the plan, it's worth understanding this restriction clearly before you commit, and comparing it against the work rights covered on Working in Israel.
Preparatory programs: Mechina and BASIS
Most Australian high school diplomas aren't automatically considered equivalent to the Israeli Bagrut, so direct entry to a Hebrew-taught Israeli degree often isn't available straight out of school. Two related pathways exist at institutions like the Hebrew University's Rothberg International School to bridge that gap.
| Program | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Mechina (מְכִינָה, "preparation") | A year-long program combining intensive Hebrew and English instruction with an introduction to academic study, for high school graduates from abroad who don't qualify for direct degree admission |
| BASIS (B.A. Studies for International Students) | A one-year program combining Modern Hebrew instruction, English instruction (if needed), and core discipline courses — completing with an average of 85+ leads to direct bachelor's degree admission without the Psychometric entrance exam |
Both are specifically designed for exactly the situation most Australian school leavers are in: strong academic potential, but without an Israeli matriculation and often without advanced Hebrew. Living arrangements typically place international preparatory students in dedicated housing with Israeli student mentors (called מַדְרִיכִים, madrichim) who help with both the practical and cultural adjustment to life in Israel.
Masa Israel and program funding
Masa Israel is a large-scale organisation connecting young Jewish adults from around the world, including Australia, with long-term immersive programs in Israel — study, career development, and leadership programs, including scholarship support that can be applied toward programs like the Mechina. If cost is a significant factor in your planning, it's worth investigating Masa scholarship eligibility and other program-specific financial aid well before you apply, since some scholarships have their own separate application timelines.
Exchange semesters vs. full degrees
Not every path into Israeli study means relocating for a full degree. Several Australian universities — including Sydney and Melbourne, covered on University Hebrew (Australia) — run exchange arrangements allowing students to complete a semester at the Hebrew University while remaining enrolled in their Australian degree. This is a genuinely lower-commitment way to experience Israeli academic life and build real Hebrew fluency without a multi-year commitment.
Everyday academic Hebrew
| Hebrew | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| קַמְפּוּס | kampus | campus |
| מְעוֹנוֹת | me'onot | student dormitories |
| מַרְצֶה | martzeh | lecturer |
| שְׁעוֹת קַבָּלָה | sh'ot kabalah | office hours |
| סִילַבּוּס | silabus | syllabus / course outline |
| מִלְגָה | milgah | scholarship |
| רֶגִיסְטְרַצְיָה | registratzyah | registration / enrolment |
Practical adjustments worth knowing about
Israeli academic culture tends to be more informally direct than many Australians expect — questioning a lecturer mid-class, or emailing to negotiate a deadline, is far more normal than it might feel at an Australian university. The Israeli academic year also runs on a different calendar than Australia's, generally starting in October and running through the northern summer, which is worth planning around carefully if you're coordinating between an Australian and an Israeli institution, since the two don't line up with a simple semester-for-semester swap.
How this fits your Hebrew learning overall
Everything in Learn Hebrew and Hebrew Conversation builds the conversational base that makes a Mechina or ulpan year noticeably less overwhelming on arrival — students who show up with zero prior Hebrew genuinely start slower than those who've built even an intermediate foundation beforehand.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to already speak Hebrew to apply for Mechina or BASIS?
No — these programs are specifically designed to build Hebrew (and sometimes English) alongside academic preparation, so genuine beginners are a normal, expected part of the intake. That said, arriving with some foundation, even self-taught, makes the transition considerably smoother.
How much does studying in Israel cost compared to Australia?
It varies significantly by institution, program and residency status, and costs and fee structures change from year to year — always check current tuition and housing costs directly with your target institution rather than relying on older published figures, and factor in scholarship options like Masa alongside standard tuition.
Can I work part-time while studying in Israel on an A/2 student visa?
Generally no for most undergraduate and taught postgraduate students — the A/2 visa is primarily a study visa, with limited exceptions mainly for graduate students working in an academic capacity. Check your specific visa conditions directly, since exceptions and enforcement can vary by situation.