Note: Registration is open for the 2024-2025 academic year
In the face of a troubling surge in global antisemitism, especially on college campuses, since October 7, 2023, Bar-Ilan University has taken a proactive stance by introducing a range of multilingual undergraduate degrees and a new combined graduate program. These innovative offerings aim to attract international and olim (immigrant) students, providing them with a top-quality education in a secure and inclusive environment at a significantly reduced cost.
Recognizing the concerns of Jewish students who increasingly feel uncertain about their place in academic institutions, Bar-Ilan University is stepping up to offer an appealing alternative. With the launch of four new multilingual undergraduate programs and one graduate degree option, the university is determined to foster an atmosphere that encourages international students to embrace the enriching experience of studying on a vibrant and welcoming campus.
The undergraduate programs – BSc in Computer Science, BSc in Engineering, BSc in Life Sciences (Pre-Med), and Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – will kick off with a foundation year where the courses will be taught in English. Simultaneously, students will undertake an intensive Hebrew ulpan, or language course, which begins in the summer before the start of the academic year. The remaining courses will be taught in Hebrew from the second year.
Ofer Dahan, the executive director of the International School at Bar-Ilan University, acknowledges the gravity of the situation, stating, “Antisemitism on university campuses around the world has reached heights not seen since the 1930s. With this in mind, the university aims to provide a nurturing, safe atmosphere where Jewish and international students can feel at ease and focus on their studies.”
Dahan further explains the motivation behind expanding the degree offerings and introducing multilingual options. “We decided to include these programs to enable international and olim students to benefit from our Hebrew programs,” he says.
“The intensive Hebrew ulpan will equip students with sufficient knowledge of the language, enabling them to study alongside Israeli students from their second year. This integration not only facilitates a seamless transition into student life and Israeli society but also opens up more career opportunities in Israel upon completion of their studies, should they choose to stay.”
Empowering Students through Multilingual Programs
The new multilingual programs, offered through Bar-Ilan’s International School, cover a wide range of disciplines.
BSc in Computer Science: Bar-Ilan’s Computer Science department is globally renowned for its expertise in artificial intelligence, robotics, cryptography and cybersecurity, algorithmics, and natural language processing.
BSc in Engineering: The Kofkin Faculty of Engineering offers study tracks in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Information Systems, Data Science Engineering, Software Engineering, and Materials Engineering.
BSc in Life Sciences (Pre-Med): The Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences provides BSc studies in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Computational Biology (Bioinformatics), and Biophysics.
Bachelor of Laws (LLB): The Faculty of Law specializes in religion and law, sustainability and environmental justice, family law, law and technology, regulation, and conflict resolution and negotiation.
For those interested in pursuing a graduate degree, Bar-Ilan University is now offering a unique option: the International MBA combined with a Certificate in Cyber Security and Data Protection for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and Data Protection Officers (DPOs). The Hebrew ulpan is optional for this program as all courses will be taught in English throughout.
For students who prefer to study exclusively in English, the university already offers five undergraduate degrees, 14 graduate degrees, two Erasmus Mundus joint master degrees, and numerous postgraduate options across various fields. These programs are conducted entirely in English, ensuring a seamless experience for international students. More information can be found on the International School’s website.
The upcoming academic year at Bar-Ilan University will commence in October 2024, with the Hebrew ulpan starting in July 2024.
If you’d like additional information about the program, please visit BIU’s International School website or contact the university via email at [email protected].
