7 Top Universities in Israel: Global Rankings, Strengths, and Tuition Fees

Israel has long been known as a hub of academic excellence and technological innovation in the Middle East. With its strong higher education system and significant national investment in research, universities in Israel consistently secure top positions in global university rankings.

If you’re considering studying abroad, these seven leading institutions in Israel deserve a spot on your shortlist. Here is a complete overview.

1. Weizmann Institute of Science

The Weizmann Institute of Science ranks 71st in the world in the Shanghai Ranking 2025, making it the most prestigious research institution in Israel. Located in Rehovot, the institute focuses exclusively on fundamental scientific research and does not offer undergraduate programs, only master’s and doctoral studies in pure sciences.

Weizmann is home to over 250 experimental and theoretical research groups across five faculties:

• Biology
• Biochemistry
• Chemistry
• Mathematics & Computer Science
• Physics

Researchers at Weizmann have produced groundbreaking discoveries, including amniocentesis, multiple sclerosis treatments, advanced nanomaterials, and cutting-edge data storage technologies.

See Also: Best Universities in Hong Kong and Their Top Programs

2. Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI)

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem ranks 88th globally in the Shanghai Ranking 2025 and 240th in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Established in 1918, it is Israel’s oldest and most prestigious university, producing numerous Nobel Prize laureates and leaders across various industries.

HUJI stands out for its exceptional research strength. According to Times Higher Education 2025, the university is ranked:

• 101–125 globally in Arts & Humanities
• 301–400 in Business & Economics
• 251–300 in Clinical & Health Sciences

Tuition fees for international students start from USD 3,220 per year for undergraduate programs. Meanwhile, many master’s research programs charge 0 EUR tuition, making the cost range between IDR 0 – 240 million, depending on the program.

3. Technion – Israel Institute of Technology

Technion ranks 97th globally in the Shanghai Ranking 2025 and 350th in the QS World University Rankings. Often called the “MIT of Israel,” Technion is the national leader in eight major research fields, including:

• Chemical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical & Electronics Engineering
• Nanoscience
• Aerospace Engineering

In the latest Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS), Technion climbed to 32nd in the world for Chemistry and 40th for Aerospace Engineering, ranking 12th in Europe. Technion has also produced over 120 successful startup companies, making it an ideal choice for students in high-tech fields.

4. Tel Aviv University (TAU)

Tel Aviv University is ranked 223rd in QS and 228th globally in Times Higher Education 2025. Established in 1956 and located in the heart of Tel Aviv, TAU offers a rare combination of top-tier academics and a vibrant student life.

According to THE 2025, TAU is Israel’s top university for Research Environment and Research Quality. Its strongest fields include:

• Computer Science (ranked 20th in the world)
• Mathematics (ranked 51–75 globally)
• Life Sciences & Medicine

Tuition fees for international undergraduates range from USD 2,700–6,800 (IDR 42–106 million) per year, while master’s degrees range from USD 4,100–10,900 (IDR 64–171 million) per year.

5. Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU)

Ben-Gurion University (BGU) ranks 469th in QS and 358th globally in the Center for World University Rankings 2025. Located in Be’er Sheva, the largest city in the Negev desert, BGU was founded in 1969 and is now a leading research hub for:

• Desert Technology
• Renewable Energy
• Health Sciences

BGU is known for having one of the most student-friendly environments in Israel. It excels in cybersecurity, robotics, and life sciences, and collaborates closely with Israel’s high-tech industry.

Tuition fees for international students range from 18,000–35,000 ILS (IDR 80–156 million) per year for undergraduate programs in academic colleges affiliated with BGU.

6. Bar-Ilan University

Bar-Ilan University ranks 660th in QS World University Rankings 2026. Located in Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv, it was established in 1955 and became the first university in Israel to offer fully English-taught undergraduate programs.

Bar-Ilan has nine main faculties, including:

• Exact Sciences
• Life Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Education
• Humanities
• Jewish Studies
• Medicine
• Engineering
• Law

The university is especially strong in:

• Computational Linguistics (ranked #2 in Israel, #99 globally)
• Human Resource Management (ranked #3 in Israel, #252 globally)
• Neuroscience (ranked #6 in Israel, #303 globally)

7. University of Haifa

The University of Haifa ranks 7th nationally and is listed across multiple international ranking systems. Founded in 1963, the university sits atop Mount Carmel, overlooking the Haifa Bay and the Mediterranean Sea.

Its strength lies in its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Top academic areas include:

• Social Sciences
• Education
• Maritime Law
• Environmental Studies
• Peace & Conflict Resolution

Tuition fees for international students range between 18,000–30,000 ILS (IDR 80–133 million) per year for academic college programs.

Israel’s universities combine world-class research, multicultural learning environments, and a thriving innovation ecosystem. Whether you’re aiming for science, technology, humanities, or interdisciplinary studies, Israel offers opportunities that are globally competitive and future-oriented.

Take time to explore each institution, assess your academic goals, and prepare for a transformative international education experience.

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