Student Exchange Program – Outgoing Students

Before starting the application process, make sure you meet the following conditions:

• Minimum grade average of 85 to participate in the program. Some departments may require a higher average or have additional eligibility conditions. Be sure to check the specific requirements set by your department. If you’re a first year student and don’t yet have a grade average, you’ll be able to continue the process on a conditional basis, until you receive your average.

• English proficiency: You must have an exemption or complete Advanced English B before departure.
• No active disciplinary sanctions on your academic record.

Check the “Requirements by Department” page for full details.

Let us know you’re interested in going on Student Exchange by filling out the Interest () Form.

• Once submitted, you will be added to our mailing list and receive regular email updates with guidance, reminders, and helpful tips.

Click here to fill out the Interest Form

This is the most important and time-consuming part of the application process. You’ll need to find a host university that offers courses in English which can replace the courses you would have taken at Bar-Ilan during the semester abroad.

Your goal is to build a realistic and academically relevant study program that your department at Bar-Ilan will approve. Follow the steps below:

1. Identify Suitable Host Universities

• Visit the Partner Universities page to explore all available institutions, sorted by country, including a short description of each one.

• Consult the Academic Requirements by Department page to check which universities are recommended for your field and review your department’s specific requirement.

2. Search for Course Catalogs

To find courses offered in English, we recommend using Google searches with terms like:

• University of [Name] courses in English

• University of [Name] course catalog for exchange students

• University of [Name] Erasmus course list

Most universities publish their English-taught course catalogs online, but often only for the previous academic year. This is completely normal — you should build your initial study plan based on last year’s courses and have that authorized by your department. You’ll be able to update it later once new information is available.

3. Select Courses and Build Your Study Plan

You are allowed to select up to three universities and prepare a separate study plan for each one. Choose relevant courses from each university that could substitute courses in your Bar-Ilan program. Each selected course must be approved by your department.

These can include:

• Mandatory courses

• Elective courses

• General courses
• Seminars
  4. Understand Credit Conversion

  Bar-Ilan University uses the נ”ז (credit) system, while most European universities use the ECTS system. Use the following guidelines to estimate credit conversion:

  • Undergraduate courses:
    3 ECTS ≈ 2 נ”ז
  • Graduate (Master’s) courses:
    6–10 ECTS ≈ 2 נ”ז

  The final number of ECTS credits required may vary based on the equivalent course at BIU, the effort involved, and any additional requirements for completing the course. The student’s department at BIU will determine the amount of נ”ז to be awarded per course.

   

   Tips for Success

  Start Early — Finding matching courses and preparing a plan takes time.

  Use Previous Year’s Courses — Updated lists are usually published close to the semester start. You can update your plan later.

  Check Language and Level — Make sure courses are taught in English and are offered at your degree level (BA or MA). Most host universities allow BA students to take MA-level courses.

  Explore Widely — Look at multiple universities to increase your chances of finding your best match.

  Save Everything — Keep course links, syllabi, or PDFs for departmental review.

Academic Form

Download and complete the Academic Form from the Documents & Important Info tab. Here’s what to do:

1. Write down your 3 chosen universities in the order of your preference.

1. For each university, list the courses you found abroad next to the Bar-Ilan courses they will replace.

1. Take the form to your department’s international academic advisor (or both advisors, if you belong to two departments) for review and signing. The contact information for each department’s international academic advisor is listed in the Academic Requirements by Department page.

Note: Getting approval on the academic form does not mean you have been accepted to the program — it’s part of the application process.

Motivation Letter

Download the Motivation Form from the Documents & Important Info tab and write a short essay explaining:

• Why you want to participate in the student exchange program

• What you hope to gain from the experience

• If applicable, why receiving a scholarship is important for your participation

Be honest and thoughtful. This is your chance to tell your story and show your commitment.

Commitment Form

Download the Commitment Form from the Documents & Important Info tab.

This form must be signed before submitting your full application.

Once you’ve completed all of the above, you can fill out the Official Application Form and upload the following documents:

•  Grades Transcript in English (requested through the Inbar)

•  Approval of Academic Studies in English (requested through the Inbar)

•  Updated CV in English

•  Photo of your passport

•  Academic Form signed by your department/s

•  Motivation Letter

•  Signed Commitment Form

Click here to submit the Official Application Form

After submitting your application form, you must schedule a short interview with the Student Exchange Office before we can complete your nomination.

The interview will last approximately 15–20 minutes and will be conducted in English. It’s your chance to explain your interest in the program, discuss your study plan, and ask any last questions.

A link to schedule the interview will be sent to you by email after your application is submitted.

After the application deadline, the Student Exchange Committee will review all submissions.

• Each student will be assigned to a host university based on program fit, availability of scholarships, and student preferences.

• You will be informed by email where you have been nominated to.

• Once nominated, your information will be forwarded to the host university, and the process will continue directly with them.

After nomination, your host university will reach out with information about:

• Their own application process

• Dormitory and accommodation options and deadlines

• Course registration and academic calendar

• Orientation and arrival instructions

You will now be responsible for:

 Valid Passport 

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.

Health Insurance 

All exchange students must purchase comprehensive health insurance for the entire period abroad, including travel dates. Bar-Ilan University is not responsible for any health coverage during the exchange semester.

Visa / Student Residence Permit 

It is your responsibility to apply for a student visa through the relevant embassy/consulate in Israel.

Housing 

Each host university has its own housing system. It is your responsibility to contact them and follow their housing recommendations.

Tip: Each university handles nominations at its own pace. Some may contact you within days, while others may take over a month to reach out. Don’t worry — this is completely normal. You will receive their instructions in time to complete the next steps of the nomination process successfully.

After completing your student exchange, it is your responsibility to request academic credit for the courses you took abroad.

• For BA students: This is done through the Inbar.

• For MA students: You must submit your request through your department.

Full instructions are available under the “Documents & Downloads” tab.

To request your exemptions, you will need the following documents:

1. Official Grades Transcript from your host university — showing all the courses you completed and the grades you received.

1. Updated Academic Form — this version of the form must reflect the exact same courses listed on your transcript, each one clearly matched to the equivalent course it replaces at Bar-Ilan. This form must be signed by your department(s) before being submitted.

1. Last Signed Learning Agreement — the version most recently approved and signed during your exchange semester.

Tip: Be very clear and specific on the updated Academic Form about which course(s) from the host university replace which course(s) at Bar-Ilan. A well-organized and detailed form will help avoid delays in credit approval and ensure smooth processing by your department.

 The Exchange Program allows students to take part in an academic experience abroad, for one or two semesters, while receiving academic recognition for courses studied abroad and without paying tuition to the host university.

Bar-Ilan University highly encourages its students to study abroad, experiencing a unique and enriching opportunity. The exchange program exposes students to different teaching methods and cultures while developing oneself and gaining exceptional life and work experience.

We’ll let our students answer that for you!

• First degree students, during their second or third year
• Second degree students
• PHD students

To be accepted in the program, you must meet the following requirements:

• An average grade of 85 or higher
• B2 English Level (exemption)
• No registration at the disciplinary committee

In addition, every department has the right to add further requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to further inquire with their department accordingly. The program’s duration is a minimum of three months and participation in it is conditioned by the department’s approval.

 Don’t worry, you can still register for the program on a conditional basis. Please notify us as soon as you receive your grades. You won’t need the English exemption until before you leave for the exchange, so please plan accordingly to make sure that you receive the exemption on time.

There are two enrollment possibilities in the Exchange Program

1. Unfunded agreements – Through this agreement, tuition fees continue to be paid to Bar Ilan University (and not to the destination university), but all other expenses associated with going on the student exchange and financing your stay at the host country will be your responsibility.
2. Erasmus+ Program: Erasmus+ is a remarkable mobility program fostering academic cooperation and facilitating student and professor exchanges between European higher education institutions and universities outside the EU, including Israel. This program offers an opportunity to receive a scholarship awarded by the EU, which supports students during their exchange experience. The scholarship includes a one-time flight allowance to the host university and back and a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses. It is important to note that students are not required to pay tuition fees to the host university while continuing regular tuition payments to Bar-Ilan University.

You can find our list of partner Universities, both funded and unfunded here.

 Registration for Exchange Programs during Semester A will be open from December to February.

Registration for Exchange Programs during Semester B will be open from May to July.

Most Exchange Programs last one semester. You can go on an exchange program either on Semester A or on Semester B in accordance with your department’s requirements.

Sometimes there’s a possibility of going on an Exchange Program for a full academic year, but this depends on various factors, and this must be verified with the student exchange office and your department.

Please note that the student is responsible for checking its department’s conditions and requirements.

Bar Ilan University opens a registration period for Exchange Programs twice a year:

In December for Semester A (October to January)

In May for Semester B (March to June)

The link for the application can be found on our website, and it’s the first step you need to take when you start the Exchange Program.

1. Receiving confirmation of eligibility for participation in the program from the department:

After filling out the registration form, we will contact the departments on your behalf to receive confirmation of your eligibility to participate in the exchange program. This confirmation indicates that you meet all the basic conditions for participating in the exchange program. After receiving the answers from the department, we will inform you accordingly whether you have received this eligibility confirmation and whether you can continue the process, or whether it won’t be possible.

2. Selecting a host University, building a study program and signing the commitment form:

Students who received the confirmation of eligibility, will continue by selecting potential host universities and courses. At this stage, we will send you three options for educational institutions that suit you best in terms of the academic requirements you need to meet. You must go through the courses in English that each of the selected universities offers and find courses that correspond to the ones you are supposed to study in Israel during the exchange period. After that, you will present these courses to your department’s Academic Advisor, who will approve your request if the courses are suitable alternatives. For this step you will need to fill out the “Academic Form” with the Universities in the order of your preference, and have it signed by your Academic Advisor. Once this form is ready, send it to us along with the signed commitment form.

3. Nomination to the host University:

We will review your Academic Form and your order of preference of the three universities you selected. Depending on the academic requirements and other factors (amount of quotas, etc.), we will match each of you with a suitable host university. After that, we will update you with the final answer and submit your application to that university.

4. Admission process and registration for courses at the host institution:

Once your application is accepted by the destination university, it will receive your details and contact you. From this point on, the process will continue in front of the selected target university. The university will provide you with all the relevant information and will assist in all matters concerning visas, housing, flights, insurance, scholarship and so on. Of course, if you run into any issues we are happy to help.

Before leaving for the exchange, we will hold a preparatory event for the departure for the student exchange. Participation in the meeting is mandatory and is part of the requirements for participating in the program. The time and date of the meeting will be communicated closer to the travel date.

When you return to Israel, you will be asked to do several things:

1. Submit an application to מדור סטטוס (BA) or בל”מ (MA) for an exemption for the courses studied abroad.
2. Send a short video and/or written review about your experience in the student exchange program. We would love to hear your feedback on your experience!

The Academic Form is a form detailing the list of courses you are supposed to study in Israel during the exchange period next to the courses you found at the three destination universities that you selected. This form should be signed by your department’s Academic Advisor indicating that these are indeed a suitable alternative. The list of courses should be in the English language (both the courses to be studied in Israel and the courses to be studied abroad).

The academic form can be found on our website under “Important Documents and Information”

Yes, both departments need to approve your participation in the exchange program.

 An Academic Advisor is the person responsible for promoting international initiatives in general and student exchange programs in particular for each department.

This form constitutes a commitment on the part of the student to comply with the terms of the program and indicates the seriousness of the student at this stage of the process.

The commitment form can be found on our website under “Important Documents and Information”

In most departments there is no need for an interview. Some departments may add an interview and/or other recommendations to the registration process.

You will choose the courses together with your Academic Advisor according to the academic requirements you have to fulfill during your semester abroad. After a preliminary review process and approval by your department’s Academic Advisor, you should aim to find substitutes abroad for the courses you need to take at Bar Ilan. Please note that you should select a total number of courses at the host university that are all worth at least between 25-30 ECTS.

In some cases, the courses given abroad are not a substitute for a full semester at the university. In these cases, there can sometimes be a delay of a semester in the completion of the requirements for your degree, which may result in additional charges. You should be aware of this possibility.

ECTS* is the credit point system in Europe similar to נק”ז in Israel.

The credit points you will receive for the courses you took abroad will be recognized as credits for the degree in Israel. However, the grades you received abroad will not be included in your grade average in Israel.

It is possible to make changes to the curriculum in the first three weeks of the exchange, and it’s actually very common. Please note that the changes must be approved by your Academic Advisor, the Student Exchange Office and the host University.

The student exchange does not receive a degree from the destination university. However, the נק”ז for the courses studied there will indeed be recognized as part of the degree in Israel.

It is not possible to take Judaism courses at the target university. As part of the program, you must take this into account in advance and prepare accordingly. You can take online courses while you are abroad, but we cannot guarantee places/priority in these courses.

Nevertheless, some host universities have religious studies departments and it might be possible to choose a course from that department that will earn you an exemption from courses in Jewish studies in Israel. This approval should be handled by the Jewish Studies Department.

Yes, you can take general courses at the host university. The approval of general courses should be handled by the International School’s academic advisor.

The answer is that it depends on the department and then it depends on the lecturer. Sometimes it is possible to convert a seminary to a suitable alternative at the destination university. However, there is no possibility of finding alternatives to the practicum.

If you don’t pass a course you took abroad, then you will not get recognition for that course at Bar Ilan and you will need to make sure you have enough courses to complete the degree. We believe in you and we’re sure that you will pass each course successfully!

You can choose which countries and universities you are interested in going to, but the most important selection criteria should be to find a university which offers the courses you need. Also, if you are interested in going to a university with funding, you must choose from the list of universities with funded agreements. Please note that the final choice will be made according to your department’s requirements and in cooperation with our team. We always aim to consider your preferences as much as possible.

You are required to have an “exemption” level of English to participate in the program. However, there are universities that require a certain knowledge of the language spoken in the country. In such cases, most of the courses in English are from the English department, while the courses in the other departments are in the local language.

The academic calendar in Europe varies between countries as well as between educational institutions. You can keep up to date with the semester dates on the websites of the various universities. Generally, the semesters abroad start earlier than in Israel, so it’s important to consider that the departure dates for exchanges can be earlier than the beginning of the semester in Israel.

Students traveling with an Erasmus+ scholarship are entitled to receive a monthly living stipend during their stay abroad. The stipend is determined, among other things, based on the cost of living in each country.

In addition, you will receive a one-time amount for flights, determined according to the distance from Israel to the destination country. You can calculate the distance here.

Yes! Please make sure you have all these requirements ready before you leave:

• Health insurance
• Valid passport
• Securing accommodations
• Requesting a visa
• Securing plane tickets
• Opening a Bank Account

Your host university will assist you with all these matters. After being admitted, you must contact the University’s representative directly and handle these details with them. These matters are your responsibility and are not done by the international school.

Law students should complete the registration form on our website and then continue the process through the Law Department. You must contact the law department directly. The email address is [email protected]

Currently, master’s degree students in social work can go on an exchange program. Unfortunately, the exchange is not available for bachelor’s degree students in the same program.

If you’re an intern, there is no such option. However, we allow student exchanges for medical students exclusively if they are interested in conducting research.

It is currently possible for students in structured programs to go on student exchange. The course selection and approval should be overseen closely by your academic advisor in order to ensure that you complete all your requirements correctly.

This is possible in some cases but it is solely your responsibility. We only handle exchange students, not non-students. If you are traveling on a scholarship basis, the scholarship will only cover your stay and is not given to your spouse or partner.

The matching between each student and the host university is done carefully and according to many considerations. If going together with your friends to the exchange program is possible – great, but we cannot guarantee it.

Yes, you must let us know about these requirements when filling out the registration form and we will do our best to find you a place suitable for these needs.