Undergraduate Degrees FAQ
Considering an international education for your undergraduate degree? Tel Aviv University (TAU) offers an exciting, accessible and academically rigorous alternative to traditional US options.
From affordable tuition to a globally recognized degree and exclusive opportunities for early-career experience, here’s why studying at TAU should be on your radar. Find the answers to the most common questions about studying at TAU and living in Israel.
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TAU is Israel’s largest and most comprehensive university and the #1 choice among Israeli students. With over 125 schools and departments, nine faculties, and more than 400 research labs, it offers a truly interdisciplinary academic environment.
In terms of scale, TAU is comparable to a large US state university, with around 30,000 students. At the same time, international students study within a smaller, close-knit community of about 2,500 students. This combination offers the best of both worlds: small class sizes and close connections with professors, alongside the resources, research opportunities, and academic breadth of a top-tier global university.
Our programs are also designed to take advantage of the diverse learning experiences that the city of Tel Aviv has to offer. For students who actively seek intellectual, personal, and professional growth, the sky over Tel Aviv is the limit.
TAU is an accredited university with many partnerships in the United States. While our undergraduate degrees are three-year programs, they are equivalent to a four-year degree in the US and will be treated as such across North American universities. Moreover, TAU graduates are regularly accepted into top US graduate programs and work at major companies, including Google and Amazon.
Tel Aviv boasts the highest number of startups per capita in the world, and approximately 50% of Israel’s high-tech workforce consists of TAU graduates. Furthermore, many of Israel’s most iconic startups—including Wix, Waze, Check Point, Monday.com, and ICQ—were founded by TAU alumni.
TAU’s strong connections with industry leaders mean we can offer you a close-knit academic environment with exceptional opportunities. With clear pathways to internships and a significant footprint in the tech and business sectors, studying at TAU positions you for success in the global job market.
Yes, students can apply to multiple programs simultaneously. Applications to the Columbia Dual Degree BA program are handled through the dedicated Columbia website. At TAU, students can apply for several programs concurrently, including the BA in Liberal Arts and the BA in Management & Liberal Arts.
Note that the Columbia Dual Degree deadline is in early January, while the other TAU BA programs have later deadlines, allowing students more flexibility if they wish to apply to other options.
Students can defer their enrollment at TAU for one year. If a longer deferment is needed, they would need to reapply after the first year.
Yes, students may transfer from other universities into TAU. Transfer credits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the level and content of courses, accreditation of the previous institution, and grades achieved.
SAT and ACT scores are optional for TAU’s BA programs, but students are welcome to submit them.
While specific average scores are not published, students applying to the Columbia Dual Degree BA program are recommended to have a minimum SAT score of 1350.
Our admissions process is personalized, and each application is reviewed holistically. Prospective students are encouraged to reach out to our admissions team with questions at any stage, both before applying and throughout the application process.
Yes, TAU evaluates transcripts and may grant transfer credits for coursework from GAP year programs, provided the courses align with TAU’s curriculum, were taken at a recognized institution and meet a minimum grade requirement (B/82 or above).
To earn a degree from TAU, students must complete at least a third of their credits at TAU, including senior seminars in their major or minor tracks and be enrolled at TAU for at least one full year.
Yes. For instance, within the BA in Management & Liberal Arts, students can take advanced classes from the Sofaer Global MBA program during their third year. These courses may count toward a future degree, giving students a head start on graduate-level work.
Yes. In both the BA in Liberal Arts and the BA in Management & Liberal Arts programs, students have flexibility in shaping their academic path during the first part of their studies.
At TAU, students can take a semester or two to discover their academic interests and then choose a major without needing to restart their degree. Students graduate with both a major and a minor, allowing them to combine different areas of study and build an interdisciplinary academic profile.
Available tracks to choose from in the Liberal Arts BA include:
- Psychology
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Jewish & Israel Studies
- Digital Culture & Communication
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation*
- Data Science**
* Entrepreneurship & Innovation cannot be taken as a major.
** Data Science is currently not available as a major
Students interested in Hebrew can take language courses through the Hebrew ulpan, available year-round. In certain BA tracks, like Middle Eastern Studies or Modern Jewish and Israel Studies (within the Liberal Arts BA program), up to four semesters of Hebrew are covered by the program.
Additionally, students may request to take regular classes in Hebrew if they demonstrate fluency and obtain approval from the program coordinator, although availability may be limited due to course demand among Israeli students.
TAU’s BA programs are not structured to meet the prerequisites for medical school.
However, TAU offers graduate programs in medical sciences for students holding relevant undergraduate degrees.
New immigrants (olim) in the BA in Management & Liberal Arts have the option to switch to a Hebrew program.
For other programs, students would need to withdraw from the English program and reapply to a Hebrew-taught program, meeting all the necessary language and admissions requirements.
Hebrew knowledge is not required to study in any of TAU’s programs offered through The Lowy International School.
However, we certainly recommend that students take a Hebrew Ulpan course to enrich their time in Israel.
Yes. TAU has partnerships with top universities around the world, giving you access to the kind of exchange experience you'd expect from leading American universities, while still benefiting from everything TAU has to offer.
These programs are a meaningful part of TAU's academic profile and reflect our commitment to providing a globally connected education. Our international exchange opportunities are designed to complement your degree and enhance your experience as a TAU student.
Students in the Management and Liberal Arts BA have additional exchange opportunities offered by the Coller School of Management.
TAU provides a variety of academic support services, including tutoring, writing assistance and study workshops. Professors and teaching assistants are accessible for additional support, and the TAU Library offers extensive resources and quiet study areas.
The university also has services specifically for international students, offering extra support as they adjust to a new academic environment.
Israel has, as Israelis call it, a “flat society” meaning there are no hierarchies like some other cultures have. You will discover a faculty that will encourage you to ask questions and be on first-name terms with everyone, including professors.
Intimate class sizes mean you will get to know everyone in your program and take an active part in academia.
FINANCE: Tuition Fees, Scholarships, Payments, and Cost of Living
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TAU tuition is significantly lower than at US universities. Students can complete their undergraduate degree in three years and may continue directly to a master’s program, completing both degrees in a total of four years.
Tuition includes academic fees, mandatory health insurance, access to all campus libraries, academic and cultural excursions, and activities throughout the year organized by the Student Life Team.
There are an increasing number of scholarships available based on both merit and financial need.
Most scholarships require students to apply several months in advance of the start of classes. For full details and eligibility criteria, please refer to our scholarships page.
Yes, parents can apply their 529 College Savings Plans to TAU’s programs, making international education at TAU more affordable for US families.
US Federal loan options are available to help support US students attending TAU. For more detailed information, prospective students should reach out to TAU’s admissions office or consult their home state’s education resources.
For more information, please contact Tel Aviv University's North America Office:
Email: finaid@telavivuniv.org
The monthly cost of living in Tel Aviv ranges approximately from $1,500 to $2,000, though some students manage on a bit less.
Once accepted, students receive resources to help them find housing and settle into life in Tel Aviv smoothly.
We do not offer meal plans, but our dorms are fully equipped with cooking facilities and the on-campus housing has several supermarkets and stores nearby.
Why not take a trip to Shuk HaNamal or Shuk HaCarmel to immerse yourself in Tel Aviv life while getting groceries? Plus, making your own meals is a great way to connect with fellow students.
Of course – deliveries and mail can be sent either directly to the dorms or to the Lowy International School's office.
Student life at TAU is vibrant and diverse, with numerous clubs and organizations ranging from cultural and language clubs to academic societies and volunteer groups.
International students can take part in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including well-known student organizations such as Model United Nations and TAMID. TAU’s Model UN program gives students the opportunity to participate in conferences and travel to international competitions in Europe.
International students are supported by community managers, who are there to answer questions and help them throughout their stay, and who also organize lots of extracurricular activities, including social events, guided tours, and hikes across Israel.
The Educational Counselor is there to provide initial mental health support to international students. If needed, Educational Counselor can refer students to the TAU's Student Success Center that cares for the welfare of Tel Aviv University's students and provides a wide range of services.
Yes. Students who want to stay active have access to a wide range of sports and fitness options on and around campus.
The TAU Sports Center offers modern fitness facilities, swimming pools, group classes, and courts for a variety of sports. Tel Aviv University students receive discounted membership rates, making it easy to incorporate fitness into their routine while studying.
Students can also join the TAZUZ student sports club, which offers opportunities to participate in different team sports, recreational leagues, and social fitness events.
Yes, The Lowy International School provides orientation to all of our new international students. This program covers essentials such as safety and wellness, navigating TAU’s academic setting and Tel Aviv, campus tours and more. For instance, students also receive information about health insurance, banking and transportation in Israel. The orientation also helps students adjust socially, providing an opportunity to meet peers and form a support network.
Yes, TAU provides various resources to help international students adjust to Israeli culture. The university offers an orientation program for new students and Hebrew language classes (ulpan).
Additionally, events and excursions organized by The Lowy International School introduce students to Israeli history, society and culture, making it easier for students to integrate into the community.
Finally, our community managers are here to answer questions and help international students every step of the way.
The Career & Internships Center at the Lowy International School assists students with finding internships, job searching, building resumes, and preparing for job interviews both in Israel and abroad. As Tel Aviv is a major tech and business hub, there are also many internship opportunities with leading companies, including those coordinated through The Lowy International School.
Tel Aviv is generally considered a safe city, and TAU maintains a high level of security and safety measures; as part of orientation at The Lowy International School, students receive detailed guidelines on how to maintain safety both on and off campus.
The university also keeps students informed about any potential security concerns and provides resources to help them stay prepared. Many international students report feeling safe and welcomed at TAU.
See more FAQ on safety and security at TAU during this time.
Upon receiving your acceptance letter to your program of choice, you will need to visit your local Israeli Consulate or Embassy to obtain a A/2 student visa visa. In general, you will be required to make an in-person appointment and can expect to be asked for specific documents (e.g., passport, letter of acceptance, visa application form, proof of funds, and other required documentation). The Lowy International School provides guidance on this process.
Read more information on passports and obtaining visas before coming to Israel.
Student visas generally do not permit students to work while studying, although some internships or part-time jobs may be allowed with special permission. Speak to our team if you want more information.
Yes, all international students are required to have health insurance, and TAU offers a comprehensive, sponsored health insurance plan through a local provider. This plan covers medical services, including doctor visits, hospitalizations and prescriptions.
The health insurance is typically included in the tuition package for international students, though check your program to ensure this is the case for you.
To get to TAU, you’ll need to fly into Ben Gurion Airport and then take either the train, bus or a taxi.
We currently recommend flying with El Al, Israel’s national airline, which has been the most reliable airline since October 7.
US students studying on a student visa are not required to serve in the military. Israeli citizens or children of Israeli citizens may be subject to military service requirements, although deferments are available. Lone soldiers typically apply to TAU after completing their service; their applications are evaluated holistically, without bias.
