Tel Aviv University's Academic Integration Tracks Welcome Olim

Since the beginning of the October 7 war, there has been a noticeable surge in citizenship requests and Aliyah to Israel, particularly from France and the United States, but not exclusively. Responding to this growing trend, Tel Aviv University (TAU) is introducing new academic integration tracks in collaboration with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration. These tracks offer a unique opportunity for new Olim to start studying in English or French and eventually graduate in Hebrew.

Professor Milette Shamir, Vice President International of TAU: "Discovering the overwhelming interest in moving to Israel, during my recent travels abroad, has left me truly astonished.  It’s heartening to see how many young people are eager to make aliya at this challenging moment in Israel’s history.  The new Integration Tracks could not have come at a better time."

TAU launched the tracks in 2024 with two English options, a BA in Management and Liberal Arts and an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

For French speakers, there's the option to apply to the Gesher TAU, a social sciences program with five fields of study: Economics, Political Science, Communication, Sociology and Anthropology, and Human Resources and Labor Studies. Currently, it is the only French-taught program in Social Sciences in Israel.

Six Tracks in 2026–27: Preparatory Year in Engineering or Social Work 

Since the 2024 launch, TAU has added three tracks, bringing the total to six for the 2026–27 academic year. Each begins with a preparatory year before students join the regular Hebrew-taught degree:

• BSc in Electrical Engineering: Academic Integration Track: an English-taught preparatory year with mathematics, physics and intensive Hebrew, then the Hebrew BSc.
• BSc in Mechanical Engineering: Academic Integration Track: the same preparatory-year model, leading into the Hebrew BSc in mechanical engineering.
• Bachelor of Social Work: Academic Integration Track: four psychology courses in English in the preparatory year, then the three-year Hebrew BSW.

Olim who would rather study in English throughout can choose one of TAU's English-taught degrees instead. For students who qualify for Student Authority aid, the funds are transferred directly to TAU to cover part of the tuition; for regular graduate programs, the age limit for this support is 30. Compare tuition-free and funded programs at TAU.

Hebrew Classes, Networking Opportunities, And More

These programs provide newly arrived immigrants with a valuable opportunity for soft integration into Israeli society and the educational system. The academic integration track includes fully-funded Hebrew learning, with intensive language courses during semester breaks and additional Hebrew classes throughout the semesters. Before transferring to the Hebrew track, students take the Yael exam to assess their Hebrew proficiency.

Students in the English undergraduate track have an option of studying Hebrew for two years, while those in the French track will have a shorter, yet more intensive year-long Hebrew course as their academic workload will be lighter – with only five subject courses in their first year of studies.

Additionally, students have the opportunity to work part-time, acquiring valuable local work experience. Daria Gurskaia, a second-year student in the BA in Liberal Arts and Management who made Aliyah in 2023, highlights, "In my current job, I get to apply the knowledge and skills we’ve learned in the classroom. Our program effectively prepares us for the job market, and working part-time during my studies will surely help me build my career."

"Students will be able to immerse themselves in the local community while studying alongside Israelis, making them more eligible for jobs in Israel upon graduation."—Louise Hyatt, the program director for BA in Liberal Arts and Management.

MA in TESOL graduates will receive an Israeli teaching certificate upon completing the full two-year program, enabling them to find employment in schools or colleges in Israel. In addition to a strong theoretical foundation, the curriculum includes practical training. 

"Our students teach English classes either in local schools or through the TAU’s Center for Language Excellence,"—Kate Klementieva, TESOL program coordinator.

MA TESOL students find immense value in this practical component of the program. For Elli Kichik, a TESOL student participant, the practicum is a standout feature: "I can watch a real experienced teacher at work, and also teach myself." She is confident that the TESOL degree will unlock numerous opportunities for her in the future: "I'm already applying the skills acquired during the course in my current teaching practice."

Beyond Academics: Comprehensive Assistance System

Making Aliyah is a significant decision, and TAU, in collaboration with the Israel Student Authority, offers extensive support. Admitted students will receive support from a designated Olim student counselor on campus throughout their studies, addressing academic, scholarship, and other concerns.

Additionally, Olim students have access to psychological guidance, provided either by a social worker or through a psychological support framework subsidized by the Israel Student Authority.

Eligible students receive partial tuition funding from the Israel Student Authority, and new olim can apply for housing support through TAU's community program for olim students (conditions apply).

Student Spotlight

Noa Joffe, originally from Germany, made Aliyah in 2021 to connect with her Israeli and Jewish roots. Reflecting on her decision, she shares, "Life in Israel is hard, but the experience is worth it. The multiculturalism and diversity here have taught me many things about life and helped me develop myself." 

Noa Joffe, Olah from Germany

"One can learn about Israel by coming here for a vacation, but one will really benefit from it only if one takes the jump to the unknown and engages with the challenge of studying in a new country. For me, it was the best decision I could have taken."

Joffe emphasizes that studying at Tel Aviv University reinforced her decision: "It is a big challenge, but the reward of making it is the greatest feeling."

How to Enroll?

The tracks are open to new olim recognized by the Israel Student Authority (including those with Oleh Hadash, Katin Hozer or Ezrach Oleh status) who made aliyah less than three years ago. Applicants to the undergraduate tracks can be up to 27 years old, and applicants to the MA in TESOL track up to 35.

Undergraduate applicants do not need to submit psychometric exam results, which Israeli applicants are required to provide; some tracks ask for SAT scores instead.

To check your eligibility, contact the English or French-speaking coordinator at the Israel Student Authority.

Explore new academic horizons, embrace cultural diversity, and contribute to Israel's future by joining TAU's integration tracks. For contacts, support services and benefits at TAU, see support and eligibility for olim at TAU.