Higher Education in Israel

Israel’s higher education system includes a broad range of institutions—research universities, academic colleges, and teacher training colleges—that offer programs in various fields and play a key role in advancing academic development, economic growth, and social progress.

Facts & Figures 2022/2023

•  Israel is home to 58 accredited higher education institutions, including universities, academic colleges, and teacher education colleges.

• Around 330,000 students are enrolled annually in undergraduate and graduate programs across the country.

•  Each year, tens of thousands of students graduate with degrees in fields such as science and technology, medicine, education, social sciences, the arts, and humanities.

• Israeli researchers have made meaningful contributions to global knowledge, and several faculty members have received international recognition, including 8 Nobel Prizes.

More information is available at the link. 

The Legal Structure and Autonomy of the Higher Education System

Israel’s higher education system is grounded in a legal framework designed to safeguard its academic autonomy while ensuring public oversight and accountability. Two key bodies—the Council for Higher Education (CHE) and the Planning and Budgeting Committee (PBC)—operate independently of government ministries and serve as the central authorities managing the system.

The Council for Higher Education (CHE)

is a independent statutory corporation that was established by the HigherEducation Law 5718-1958 and it is the State institution responsible for higher education in Israel, carrying out its functions according to the authorities vested in it by this Law. The Council for Higher Education draws up policy for the higher education system in the State.

The council is composed of twenty-five members including the Chairman, who is the Minister of Education ex officio. The Chairman of the Planning and Budgeting Committee and the Chairman of the National Association of Students are also members of the council by virtue of their positions. At least two-thirds of the council members are individuals of recognized stature in the field of higher education and the rest are public figures. Council members are appointed by the President of the State upon the recommendation of the government for a period of five years.

The Planning and Budgeting Committee (PBC)

The PBC is a committee of the Council and its executive arm, established by a government resolution. The committee was established in 1974, after the CHE delegated its authority in issues of budgeting to it. The Chairman of the PBC is a member of the CHE by virtue of his position, and he presents reports to the CHE during its meetings about the PBC's activities. The Council appoints the Chairman for a period of three years with the possibility of extending the appointment for an additional three years.
The Committee is composed of seven members (including the Chairman): four are professors (two from the social sciences and humanities and two from the exact and engineering sciences); two are representatives of the public; and one senior faculty member of a budgeted college. PBC members are appointed by the Council for a period of three years (with the possibility of extending the appointment for a further three years), after being proposed by the Chairman of the Council, and chosen by secret ballot.

For more information on the Council of Higher Education in Israel visit its website in English, for more details about studying in Israel and exploring academic programs across the country, visit the Study in Israel platform.

Internationalization And Online Education - The National Perspective

Brochure on the Israeli Higher Education system