Degree Details
Haifa is the technology hub of northern Israel and a picturesque mix of people and cultures. Students in the Israeli & Middle Eastern Studies Program spend a term or year at the University of Haifa, considered one of the most pluralistic institutions of higher learning in the country. The program combines language study with other coursework and excursions in Israel. There are also internship opportunities; past placements have included such fields as medical services, archaeology, education, public relations, social work, conflict resolution, and women’s studies.
Key Facts
Area of Study
Location
Home University
Program Structure
Internship Availability
Term
Coursework Level
BU Hub Offered
NoneHousing
Language of Instruction
Requirements & Considerations
- /abroad/planning-resources/academic-policies-procedures/Please note that travel to Israel is currently subject to an additional layer of review and approval by the Global Travel Risk Assessment Committee, according to BU’s International Travel Risk Policy
- All students must enroll according to, and remain in compliance with, the Boston University Study Abroad Course Load Policy.
- The University of Haifa International School’s admissions criteria require study abroad students to have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Students with a GPA below a 3.0 may be considered on a case-by-case basis and should contact BU Study Abroad before applying.
- No previous Hebrew or Arabic language experience needed
- Admissions requirements for all programs
Curriculum
Students at the University of Haifa can participate in optional pre-term programs like study tours or intensive language courses for an additional fee. During the term, students enroll in four courses through the International School, including Hebrew or Arabic, a culture/history course, and electives in liberal arts. Course offerings may vary, so students should check the International School website for the latest schedule.
Housing & Student Services
University Dormitory
- Students have single rooms with their own bathroom and share a kitchen and common space with 5 other Israeli and international students. The rooms are fully furnished with a bed, desk, chair, bookshelf, and closet, and students are provided with bedding (pillow, pillowcase, two sheets, 1 blanket). There is a 24-hour security guard, and one room in each suite has a “secure” room with a heavy steel door and walls
- Haifa is on the top of Mount Carmel with a sweeping view over the Mediterranean. It is adjacent to a national park in which students can run, and they can take an hour-long hike downhill to the “student beach.”
- Students share a kitchen with Israeli and international students.
- Board is not included
- The campus has a cafeteria, smaller eateries, and a weekly market
- Laundry room in the building
- Students can purchase a membership to the gym on campus, which is equipped with aerobic machines and weights. There is a library, a museum, and a student center with a bar and room for activities.
Program Dates
This program follows rolling admissions and may fill before the official deadline.
Fall Term
Program Dates
October to early January
Fall Pre-semester Option: early August to early October
Fall Term
Applications Open
December 15
Fall Term
Application Deadline
March 15
Spring Term
Program Dates
Late February to early June
Spring Pre-semester Option: mid-January to late February
Spring Term
Applications Open
June 1*
Spring Term
Application Deadline
October 1
This program is rolling admissions; applications are reviewed once all application materials are received, prior to all deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials are received by the BU Study Abroad office. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as some programs and internship tracks have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Submitting a complete application prior to the application deadline, does not guarantee acceptance. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.
Information for BU Students Awaiting an Admissions Decision and exceptions to the standard admission calendar for all students can be found here.
Cost & Financial
- 2025/2026 Tuition & Fees: $43,424 per term*
- Cost includes tuition, housing, program related activities, administrative fee, overseas medical insurance, and emergency evacuation coverage.
- Budget sheet, including cost of living expenses.
- Grants and Scholarships available
- *An additional charge may be levied due to increased insurance requirements currently required for travel to Israel. Students will be notified of the additional cost after admission.
Ready to study in Haifa?