Israel (IL)

Start-Up Nation with world-class tech ecosystem, rich ancient history, stunning Mediterranean beaches, and a vibrant expat and immigrant community.

Capital: Jerusalem

Region: Middle East

Language: Hebrew

Currency: ILS (₪)

Cost of living: Expensive (index 72)

Emergency: 100

Education & Schools

Schools, universities, and language courses in Israel.

👶 Childcare & Kindergarten

Mishpachton (Family Daycare) NIS 1,500–4,000/month (subsidised); NIS 4,000–7,000 (private)

Age: 0–3 years

Subsidy available

Working parents with children aged 3 months–3 years can apply for Ministry of Economy childcare subsidies (Kupot Tipul). Subsidy depends on income level and number of children. Single mothers and low-income families receive more generous support.

Register directly with mishpachton (licensed home daycare) or day care centre (Gan Yom). Subsidised places: apply via Ministry of Economy online portal. Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Social Services also funds some childcare.

⏱️ Apply as early as possible — subsidised places are very limited. Contact your local municipal welfare office (Misrad HaRavakha) to apply.

Gan Yeladim (Public Kindergarten) Free for ages 3–6 (compulsory education); nominal fees for extras

Age: 3–6 years

Subsidy available

Public kindergarten is FREE from age 3 under the Compulsory Education Law. Extended hours (tzohoron) cost NIS 500–1,500/month extra.

Register at your local municipal education department. Proof of address (rental contract + Teudat Zehut) required. Vaccination records needed.

⏱️ Register with your municipality in January–February for September start. Register with both public and private options simultaneously.

Private Kindergarten / Preschool NIS 3,000–8,000/month

Age: 0–6 years

Direct registration with the school. Some international preschools have entrance interviews or sibling priority.

⏱️ Private Anglophone and international preschools fill up fast — register 6–12 months in advance.

🏫 Schools

Public Primary School Free

Beit Sefer Yesodi (בית ספר יסודי)

Ages: 6–12 years (Grades 1–6) · Language: Hebrew (public Jewish schools); Arabic (public Arab sector schools)

Enroll at your local municipal education department. Documents required: Teudat Zehut, proof of address, birth certificate, vaccination record, and for Olim: Teudat Oleh. Olim children are assessed and placed according to Hebrew level — integration support (ulpan in school) available.

Israel has multiple public school streams: Secular Hebrew (Mamlakhti), Religious Hebrew (Mamlakhti-Dati), Arab secular, and Haredi (ultra-Orthodox — largely privately managed). Public school is free but parents pay for books, trips, and enrichment activities (typically NIS 1,500–4,000/year). School starts in September.

Public Secondary School Free

Beit Sefer Tikhon (בית ספר תיכון)

Ages: 12/13–18 years (Grades 7–12) · Language: Hebrew (public Jewish schools); Arabic (Arab sector)

Enrollment via municipal education department. Olim teenagers may attend special ulpan-integrated schools (e.g., NAALE programme for overseas youth). Bagrut (matriculation exam) taken in final years — equivalent to A-levels or IB.

The Bagrut (בגרות) matriculation examination determines university entry. Subjects studied include Hebrew literature, English, history, mathematics, and chosen specializations. Some schools offer enhanced Bagrut or enriched programmes. International baccalaureate (IB) available at some international schools.

International Schools

International schools in Israel offer English-medium education with internationally recognized curricula. Key options: Walworth Barbour American International School (WBAIS) in Even Yehuda, near Tel Aviv — IB/American curriculum, fees USD 22,000–28,000/year. Jerusalem American International School (JAIS) — smaller, Jerusalem-based. Lycée Français (French curriculum) in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa. German School in Tel Aviv (Deutsche Schule). These are popular with diplomatic families and English-speaking Olim. Limited places — apply 6–12 months before September.

University

Tuition fee

Public universities: NIS 10,000–14,000/year (subsidised by state). Full price without subsidy: NIS 25,000–45,000/year. International student fees: USD 6,000–20,000/year depending on programme.

Semester fee

Included in tuition. Two semesters per year: October–February (Semester A) and March–July (Semester B).

Student visa

A2 student visa required for non-citizen international students. Apply at Israeli embassy/consulate in home country or through the university's international office once accepted.

Health insurance

International students must arrange their own health insurance. Some universities offer group plans. Olim students are covered by the standard HMO system.

Application process

Apply directly to universities through the Psychometric Entrance Test (Psikometri — similar to SAT) and Bagrut scores. International students may apply with equivalent qualifications. Hebrew proficiency required for Hebrew-medium programmes; some programmes taught in English (especially at TAU, Technion, Hebrew University, Reichman/IDC).

🗣️ Language Courses

Ulpan (אולפן)

Provider: Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, municipalities, universities, private schools · Duration: Full-time: 5 months (500+ hours). Evening/part-time: 8–12 months. · Levels: Aleph (beginner) through Vav (advanced). Placement test on entry.

FREE for Olim (new immigrants). NIS 3,000–8,000 for full course for non-Olim.

Ulpan is the single most valuable resource for any immigrant to Israel. Intensive, immersive Hebrew teaching designed for adults. The government-funded Ulpan is free for Olim for the first Ulpan course. Private ulpanim charge but offer more flexible schedules.

Municipal Ulpan

Provider: Local municipalities (e.g., Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality) · Duration: 6–12 months (evening classes) · Levels: All levels

Free or low-cost (NIS 500–1,500) for residents

Evening ulpan classes allow working immigrants to study Hebrew while employed. Register at your local municipality cultural/education department.

University Hebrew courses

Provider: Tel Aviv University, Hebrew University, Technion, others · Duration: Semester (4 months) · Levels: Beginner to advanced

NIS 2,000–6,000 per course

Academic-quality Hebrew teaching. Many universities also offer Ulpan intensives during summer break.

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