student visa in israel

Do you have an interest in studying abroad in Israel? Independent travelers can get their travel visas for Israel online if they follow a few simple steps regarding applying for a travel visa to Israel.

Israel has a long history of welcoming Jewish students from around the world. Today, thousands of students from around the world come to study in Israel. Many who choose to study in Israel are surprised to find out how easy it is to get a student visa to do so.

In this post you can find information about israel student visa for different courses in Israel.

Student visa in Israel

Studying in Israel as a foreign student is an amazing opportunity for you to learn about the country’s culture and heritage, as well as develop new skills. You can also build valuable connections with people from all over the world. The only thing standing in your way is a student visa, which is necessary for entry into the country. You can apply for this type of visa at your nearest Israeli consulate or embassy. Here’s what you need to know about applying for a student visa in Israel:

What does a student visa allow me to do?

A student visa allows you to enter Israel for the purpose of study at an accredited institution or program. It also gives you permission to work part time while studying, but only if it does not interfere with your studies. If you wish to work full time while studying, then you must apply for an employment permit instead of a student visa. For more information on employment permits and how they differ from student visas, please see our article titled “Working in Israel: Employment Permits vs Student Visas.”

How long does it take until I receive my student visa?

The length of time it takes for you to receive your

If you want to study in Israel, there are a few things you’ll need to know.

First, there are different visas depending on what kind of study program you’re pursuing and how long you’ll be in the country. If you’re planning on attending a university or college in Israel, your student visa will be valid for the duration of your studies. If you’re going to be doing full-time study in Hebrew language or Jewish studies at an ulpan, your student visa will be valid for one year. If you’re planning on studying abroad for more than one year, then this type of visa may not be for you.

Second, if you plan on staying in Israel longer than six months and want to work while studying—or vice versa—you’ll need to apply for an extension before your current visa expires. This can be done by submitting an application with proof of employment and/or enrollment at a recognized institution (school).

How to Apply for an A/2 Visa for Israel?

To complete the application process for an A/2 Student visa for Israel, you need to strictly follow some step-by-step procedures.

The procedures are common for most countries; however, a few countries may have specific less or additional steps and requirements. You should check for that with the embassy of Israel in your country.

You must follow the application procedures for an A/2 Visa for Israel as clearly explained as below in this article. Make sure you do not miss a single thing from the requirements either.

When to Apply for an A/2 Student Visa?

First thing you should do, is to check when is the best time to lodge your application for an Israel visa in your country of residence. Many applications fail because they are filed too early or too late.

You should file your application for an A/2 Visa to study in Israel between one to two months before the date you plan to enter the country of Israel.

Where to Lodge my Application for an A/2 Visa?

Next, check where you need to submit your application. Depending on how the Israeli authorities have regulated visa application submission in your country of residence, you may have to apply at the visa section of one of the following:

  • The Embassy of Israel
  • A Consulate of Israel
  • A third-party visa processing center to which Israel has outsourced visa admission

You can get this information from the Israeli embassy in your country of residence, in their website or by asking through phone or email.  Make sure you check before you start the application procedures.

Complete the A/2 Student Visa Application Form

Now you can start the concrete application procedures for a visa to study in Israel. First, find and download the application for an A/2 student visa and complete it.

The form is available in two languages: English and Hebrew. You can complete it in either language. You can complete the form with your computer and then print it, or with a pen of any other color than black. If you are applying at a third-party visa processing center you are highly recommended to complete it with a computer, as some of these centers do not accept handwritten applications.

The application form for a student visa for Israel contains questions on your nationality, full name, parents’ full names, your occupation and your intended trip to Israel.

You also need to attach a photo to the application form in the given space.

Collect the Required Documents for A/2 Visa

The required documents for an A/2 student visa make up the most important part of the application process. You should pay full attention to each of these documents, their dates, their validity, and if they meet the rest of the criteria set by the Israeli authorities.

Make a checklist of all these documents, and check out each document you obtain, in order to have it easier to collect them all, and leave none behind.

The requirements for an A/2 visa to Israel are as follows:

  • Student Visa application form. The form differs depending on the visa you are applying for. Make sure you download and complete the right one.
  • Two passport-style photographs with a white background and be in size 5.5 cm X 5.5.
  • Your valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay in the Israel territory and with at least one blank page to affix the visa.
  • Older passports. You must submit all passports that you hold, including current/old/cancelled/expired/special passport.
  • Proof of Flight Booking. You do not need to purchase the tickets as if your application is rejected, you will lose your money. You just need a saved seat on a flight to Israel as a proof of the date you intend to travel here.
  • Your birth certificate.
  • Proof of paid A2 visa fee.
  • A letter of approval by the institution where you are going to study. The letter should indicate your name, passport number, and the duration of your study.
  • Evidence of source of financial support. The Israeli authorities want you to have how you are planning to support yourself financially while in Israel. The following are acceptable:
  • Personal Bank statements for the last 3 months. Statements downloaded from the internet are not valid.
  • Proof of scholarship, if you will be studying on a scholarship.
  • Proof of Accommodation. A document that shows where you will be staying while you study in Israel, i.e. a dormitory acceptance letter.
  • Resume.
  • Other educational documents.
  • If you are under 18 years of age:
  • Birth certificate notarized with apostille stamp.
  • Parental Consent to Granting a Visa to Israel. Both parents (or legal guardians) must sign the form in the presence of a notary or consular representative.

On the day of your appointment, you will have to meet with a consular officer to whom you will submit all these documents at the embassy/consulate/visa processing center.  Make sure you bring all these documents in original and with two photocopies for each.

Pay A/2 Student Visa Fee

On the day of the visa appointment at the Israel representative authority in visa issues in your country of residence, you will need to pay the fee for applying.

The fee for an A/2 Visa is €41 for every applicant. If you file your application at a visa-processing center, you will have to pay an additional service fee, which cannot be higher than the price of the visa itself.

Note that the fee is non-refundable if your application is rejected or you decide to withdraw the application before the embassy processes it. If you apply again, you will need to pay the fee again.

What Are the Best Universities in Israel for Foreign Students?

Israel has some very good universities, where world renown professor teach. Here’s a list are some of the best universities in Israel for foreigners:

  • Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  • Tel Aviv University
  • Ariel University in Samaria
  • Bar-Ilan University
  • The Jerusalem School of Business Administration
  • Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Conclusion

In order to study in Israel, you will need a student visa (A/2 visa). Applications should be submitted to the Israeli embassy or consulate in your home country. Once granted, the visa is valid for up to one year and allows for multiple entrances and exits from the country.

In order to be granted a visa, the following items will need to be included with your application: 

  • Completed and signed application for a visa to enter Israel;
  • Two passport sized pictures;
  • A formal letter of acceptance for studies from a recognized higher education institution in Israel;
  • Proof that the student has the financial means to pay for her/his studies and financial resources for the entirety of their planned stay in Israel;
  • A travel document (e.g. passport) that is valid for the entire period of studies and another six months beyond that. If the country has a diplomatic mission in the State of Israel, the passport only needs to be valid for 12 months; and
  • Fee payment.

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