Living in Israel – Postgraduate Guide

Israel is a fascinating, multicultural country in which to study a Masters, with a vibrant tech start-up scene and countless historical sites to explore. There are also Israel’s stunning natural landscapes, which encompass the world-famous Dead Sea, Tel Aviv’s pristine beaches and the Masada National Park.

Given these attractions, it’s no surprise that so many postgraduates choose Israel each year. This page will give you an overview of student life in Israel, from accommodation and transport to living costs and culture.

Israel’s outstanding higher education system means that it’s a popular destination for postgraduates from around the world. Jerusalem is home to sacred religious sites for Jews, Arabs and Christians. The 2,000-year-old Western Wall is one of the holiest places in the Jewish faith, while the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque are sacred for Muslims.

Tel Aviv, meanwhile, is Israel’s tech hub and a vibrant party town. The Tel Aviv Museum of Art is a world-class cultural institution and the ‘White City’ is a UNESCO-listed district of Bauhaus-style buildings from the 1930s.

Israel’s diverse landscapes can be enjoyed in several national parks, including the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve (the biggest oasis in Israel), the stunning Masada National Park and the Roman ruins of the Beit She’an National Park.

Israeli cuisine has something for postgraduates of all tastes, from hummus and falafel to freshly baked pitta bread and sizzling shawarma.

Masters students in Israel will usually choose between university-owned residences and private housing when it comes to accommodation.

University-owned accommodation in Israel is usually the more affordable option, with utility bills and city taxes included in the rent. Expect to pay between ILS 1,915 and ILS 3,270 (USD $600-1025) per month for university accommodation in Tel Aviv.

Privately-rented accommodation is a popular choice for postgraduates wanting to share an apartment or house with fellow students. The range of housing on offer is usually bigger than university-owned equivalents, but you’ll have to bear in mind that bills aren’t normally included in the monthly rent.

The cost of living in Israel is relatively high, comparable to the Nordic European countries. It’s worth noting that Israel is generally considered to have the best quality of life in the Middle East, however.

These are some typical costs you’ll encounter as a student in Israel, based on crowdsourced data from Numbeo:

• Restaurant meal – ILS 65 (USD $18.91)
• Monthly travel pass – ILS 220 (USD $64)
• Cinema ticket – ILS 43 (USD $12.51)

Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to work while in Israel on a student visa. You should make sure that you have the requisite funds in place to support yourself financially before arriving in the country.

Along with accommodation, living costs and culture, there are a few other practicalities to take into account when planning a postgraduate adventure in Israel.

Health insurance

All international students in Israel must be covered by some form of health insurance. In some cases, your university may include health insurance in your Masters tuition fees. In other cases, your university may recommend a health insurance provider for you to take out a policy with.

You should make sure that you’re covered by a private health insurance policy for the first few days of your arrival in Israel, until you can arrange for a long-term policy with your university.

Banking

When opening a bank account in Israel, you’ll need to bring your passport and Israeli student visa. Most banks require a small deposit of around ILS 100 (USD $31).

Transport

Israel has an excellent rail network linking its major cities, with efficient, affordable and air-conditioned trains. It only takes half an hour to travel between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, for example.

Within cities, buses are the most popular option, along with sherut minivans.