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The registration for Semester A 2025-2026 will open in December
Why should I go on Students Exchange?
Let’s let our students answer this question:
What is the Students Exchange Program?
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.
How much does it cost to spend a semester abroad?
The exchange program does not require any additional academic costs. Tuition is paid regularly to Bar-Ilan University and there is no need to pay the host university.
It’s important to note that exchange students are responsible for other various expenses, including language proficiency testing, travel to and from the Host Institution, visa requirements, accommodations, tuition and student fees, study materials, insurance coverage, personal travel, and other incidental expenses incurred during the program. Please note that in some of the host universities, additional charges may apply to produce a student’s card, which may also serve as a library and/or public transport card.
Who may participate in the Students Exchange Program?
Any registered student at Bar-Ilan University, meeting the following requirements:
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.
Finding the right time for a student exchange depends on your academic needs and department requirements. Note that certain departments only approve exchanges during specific semesters.
For master’s students, the possibility of participating in an exchange begins in the second semester of their first year of study. Research students currently pursuing their master’s or Ph.D. degrees, and who do not require coursework, have the option to engage in an exchange program as part of their research activities. In such cases, it is essential to identify a mentor at the host university who will serve as your academic liaison throughout your stay abroad. It is important to emphasize that the mentor’s role complements rather than replaces the professor with whom you are currently collaborating at Bar-Ilan University.
We encourage you to carefully consider your academic needs and consult with your department regarding the most suitable semester to embark on a fulfilling student exchange adventure. By making informed decisions, you can ensure that the exchange program aligns seamlessly with your educational journey.
Which Universities can I Attend During My Exchange?
You can explore the full list of our partner universities here, where you can find a host university that aligns with your academic goals.
How may I contact the Students Exchange team?
Our team can be contacted in one of the following ways:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 03-7384174
Service is given on Sunday – Thursday, from 9:00 – 16:00.
In addition, you may book a meeting with the Students Exchange team via our booking system.
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To participate in the Exchange Program, one must meet the following requirements:
In addition, every department has the right to add further requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to further inquire with their department accordingly.
Fall Semester \ Semester A 2025-2026 תשפ”ו
Spring Semester \ Semester B 2025-2026 תשפ”ו
Ensuring that you meet the required criteria and have completed our registration form, it is essential to acquaint yourself with the subsequent steps in a seamless process:
Preliminary Approval of Participation: Following the conclusion of the registration period, our student exchange team will review all participation requests, including yours, and submit them to the relevant departments. Following that, your department will assess your eligibility and subsequently approve or decline your participation accordingly. The students exchange team will then update you with the department’s decision.
Finalizing a Study Program: Upon receiving preliminary approval, you will be required to commence the development of a comprehensive study program at the host university. It is crucial to obtain approval for this program from your department’s academic coordinator. Additionally, at this stage, you will need to complete our commitment and academic forms, which play a vital role in facilitating your exchange experience.
For students aspiring to secure a scholarship, this is the moment to submit your motivation letter and schedule an interview with the student exchange team.
Nomination to the Host University: Once you have submitted the commitment and academic forms to the student exchange team, we will proceed with nominating you to a suitable host university. The final decision concerning the specific institution is contingent upon various factors, including your own preferences.
Acceptance of Nomination: Upon receiving acceptance of your nomination from the chosen host university, they will promptly contact you, providing comprehensive details regarding the rest of the process. Typically, this will involve registering with the host university and completing essential paperwork. We kindly request your attention to vital matters such as visa arrangements, passport validity, securing accommodation, obtaining adequate health insurance, and enrolling in courses offered at the host university.
Returning to Israel: Upon your return to Israel, it is imperative to address the necessary course exemptions. Undergraduate students should correspond with Mador Status, while Master’s and Ph.D. students are advised to contact the School of Graduate Studies for guidance and assistance in this regard.
Kindly ensure that you carefully complete our registration form and submit the required documents outlined below:
Moreover, please note that your passport should remain valid for at least six months after your anticipated return to Israel.
Additional documents to be provided include:
For students interested in applying for an Erasmus+ scholarship, a motivation letter must also be submitted.
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 encompasses a one-time flight allowance to the host university and back, as well as 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.
To the Erasmus+ Israel website
As part of the Erasmus+ scholarship, you may study at the following universities:
| University | Country | University | Country |
| University of Innsbruck | Austria | Christian University of Applied Sciences | Netherlands |
| Lauder Business School | Austria | University of Minho
|
Portugal |
| University of Zagreb | Croatia | Alexandru Ioan Cuza University
|
Romania |
| Open University
|
Cyprus | University of Granada
|
Spain |
| University of Jyväskylä
|
Finland | University of Alcala
|
Spain |
| FAU, University of Erlangen-Nurnberg | Germany | University of Ankara
|
Turkey |
| University of Kassel
|
Germany | Vilnius University
|
Lithuania |
| Trinity College Dublin | Ireland |
|
Given the high demand for Erasmus+ scholarships, students must apply to be considered for this prestigious opportunity. It is crucial to bear in mind that the number of scholarships is limited and awarded to students attending specific universities.
The scholarship application process entails:
To schedule an interview with the Student Exchange Team, please utilize our convenient booking system. Please be mindful that it is the responsibility of students to book interviews during the designated dates, as mentioned below.
Please note some important dates while applying to an Erasmus+ scholarship:
First registration period- going on the first semester\ a whole year:
Answers regarding the acceptance of a scholarship are estimated around mid April.
Second registration period- going on the second semester:
Answers regarding the acceptance of a scholarship are estimated around early October.
It is essential to review the academic schedule of your desired host university due to potential differences between Bar-Ilan University and European universities.
During your study abroad, you have the opportunity to enroll in courses parallel to those you would take at Bar-Ilan University. If you wish to study a mandatory course abroad, please ensure the following:
Approval for recognition of courses taken abroad must be obtained from your department’s coordinator before your departure to ensure credit transfer upon your return. Courses completed abroad will be graded on a pass/fail basis, and the credits earned will count towards your degree. Students are responsible for verifying the requirements for their degrees, including mandatory seminars, dissertations, and general or Jewish studies courses.
Please note that there is no option to transfer seminars with courses abroad.
Please note that participating in a student exchange may extend the duration of your studies, necessitating an additional year of registration and tuition payments. To avoid any unnecessary delays, it is crucial to begin planning your exchange journey from the early stages of your academic program. Proper course planning, in consultation with your academic coordinator, will enable you to complete your studies on time. We encourage you to explore the websites and brochures of different universities to gain a thorough understanding of the programs available for exchange students.
When contemplating a student exchange, it is important to consider the following aspects and potential implications:
Necessary documents for the students exchange procedure:
Please take note of the following important considerations as you prepare for your travel and kindly adhere to the provided guidelines:
Passport Validity:
Prior to your departure, please ensure that your passport remains valid for approximately three months beyond your expected return date to Israel. It is essential to check this requirement well in advance.
Health Insurance:
It is mandatory for every student participating in the exchange program to obtain comprehensive health insurance coverage for the entire duration of their stay abroad, including during flights. Please be aware that Bar-Ilan University does not assume any insurance or medical obligations for students on exchange.
Visa:
The responsibility for all visa-related matters lies with the student. It is important to consult with the host institution and the Israeli embassy or consulate to understand the visa guidelines and the specific documents required to obtain a student visa.
Course Registration:
You must register for courses at the host institution according to their guidelines and procedures. If you are interested in taking an online course at Bar-Ilan University during your exchange period, subject to departmental approval and based on your study program, you will need to register for it on the In-Bar platform during the designated registration period.
Accommodation:
Each institute provides its own options for accommodation and living arrangements. It is your responsibility to gather all the necessary information from the host university and take appropriate action accordingly. If you encounter any difficulties during this process, please do not hesitate to contact us, and we will do our best to assist you.
Tuition and Course Recognition:
In some cases, courses taken abroad may not fully substitute an entire semester’s worth of credits at your home university. Consequently, there is a possibility of experiencing delays in fulfilling all the requirements for your semesters, which may result in additional tuition charges. Students need to be mindful of this potential outcome.
English Language Proficiency:
Before departing to the host institution, you must obtain an exemption from English language courses, if applicable.
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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!
To be accepted in the program, you must meet the following requirements:
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
| Monthly Scholarship Stipend | Destination |
| 900€ | Denmark, Ireland, France, Italy, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Lichtenstein |
| 850€
|
Belgium, Chech Republic, Germany, Greece, Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Turkey, Iceland |
| 800€
|
Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Macedonia |
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.
| Travel Distance | Amount |
| 180€ | Between 100 to 499 km |
| 275€ | Between 500 to 1,999 km |
| 360€ | Between 2,000 to 2,999 km |
| 530€ | Between 3,000to 3,999 km |
| 820€ | Between 4,000 to 7,999 km |
| 1,300€ | Over 8,000 km |
Yes! Please make sure you have all these requirements ready before you leave:
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.
Prof. Dror Fixler, Israel
“The main goal of the Erasmus+ trip was to strengthen the cooperation between Bar-Ilan University and the University of Patras, and to encourage students to join the joint research. The goal was achieved above expectations! Some students have already expressed interest in joint research, and we hope to win the second year and thus continue the tradition of excellence of the two universities.”
Axel Kaplan Szyld, Argentina
“It is difficult to summarize my beautiful experience during the Erasmus program for PhD students at the University of Granada. Besides having been this fundamental stay for my doctoral dissertation, I met people who are very important for my academic future. Go back to Bar Ilan University, with the new knowledge and, after being outside, it allowed me to transmit my learning to my colleagues in the department. Along with this, I had the opportunity to promote our institution and its principles there”.
Liping Zhang, China
“My tenure at Bar-Ilan University as a student has proven to be one of the best periods of my life. It has given me the opportunity to discover my potential. At BIU, we interact with both Israeli and international students, ensuring that my studies lead me to a satisfying and prosperous career. Specifically, the Erasmus Mobility+ study abroad program has impacted my professional development and is of great value. As well as starting to carve out a fabulous career for myself, I was granted a rare and valuable opportunity to travel the globe with the support of Erasmus.”
Hadas Lupa, Israel
“Bar-Ilan University provides many opportunities when it comes to students mobility and suggest flexible programs with very supportive environment, and I thank them very much for my time at the University of Valencia. The benefit of having the opportunity to spend 3 months at the University of Valencia is something that is difficult to quantify. During my stay there, I met new people, locals and foreign students, who engaged in similar research areas to mine. Observation at different people doing similar things enriches the perspective and the way of thinking in which problems can be approached. Beyond that, staying in Europe allowed me to travel a lot and to explore different parts of Spain during holidays vacations”
Madina Telkhozhayeva, Kazakhstan
“I am truly grateful for the Bar-Ilan International School and my Professor for the organization of international partnerships, and especially for the chance to be part of an Erasmus Program for PhD students at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. This internship was a perfect chance to develop my personal and professional life. I was lucky enough to meet wonderful people who helped to be integrated in their country and projects. I believe that my scientific knowledge from the University of Venice would enable me to make a valuable contribution to my group back in Israel”
Roie Yellinek, Israel
The International School of Bar-Ilan University was very encouraging and supporting before, during and after my participation on Erasmus+ and I’m grateful for this. I chose to go to Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, to enjoy some quiet time, to meet new people and to enrich my research skills and experience as a Ph.D. student.
During the Erasmus+ time I had the privilege to meet new people within and without the University. Staying in Europe helped me travel and discover new lovely places and to enjoy new experiences.
Itamar Holzman, Israel
“First of all, I’d like to thank Bar-Ilan University for the incredible opportunity of visiting the University of Jyvaskyla as part of the Erasmus program. During my time there I had a chance to meet colleagues from all over the world and be introduced to a variety of state-of-the-art techniques. Alongside of that, I made new personal connections that have and will allow me to further advance the research in my field. As an added bonus, I was very thankful for the chance to explore a beautiful part of Finland with it’s warm, hospitable culture and people”.
