Israel is ranked first in the world for investment in research and development. This contributes to the country’s popularity among students pursuing doctoral degrees.
Studying for your doctorate in Israel is an experience you won’t forget. It boasts magnificent beaches, ancient heritage sites, great cities, and programs.
The requirements for earning a doctorate in Israel are similar to those in Europe and America. The highest level of academic qualification is a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
And with that, let us help guide you in which universities provide the best Ph.D. programs in Israel.
Where To Find The Top Ph.D. Programs in Israel
1. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is a public higher education institution that has been around since 1918. It is located in the city of Jerusalem. The Israeli Ministry of Education recognizes the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI).
Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) has many courses for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Admission is based on entrance exams and a student’s academic record and grades.
Their acceptance rate is between 20 and 30%. It is highly selective, and students from other countries are welcome to apply to attend.
HUJI also offers students many additional services. They are the following:
- a library
- housing
- sports facilities and activities
- financial aid and scholarships
- study abroad and exchange programs
- online courses and distance learning opportunities
- as well as administrative services.
What are the best programs at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem?
- Ph.D. in Bioengineering – this field combines biology, physics, chemistry, and engineering knowledge. You make cutting-edge tools for studying biology or practicing medicine. You will use analytical and experimental methods from engineering. This growing field gives us a new level of understanding of biological systems. This ranges from the molecular level to that of whole organisms.
- Ph.D. in Jewish Education – The Melton Centre is Israel’s first Center for Jewish Education. Its mission is to engage in cutting-edge research and train future leaders. It wants to raise the next generation of outstanding scholars and practitioners of Judaism.
- Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences – The Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences has five sub-teaching tracks:
- Biochemistry, Metabolism, and Endocrinology;
- Cellular Biology,
- Immunology and Cancer Research;
- Human Genetics (and Human Genetics—genetic counseling);
- Microbiology, and Neurobiology.
2. Bar-Ilan University
Bar-Ilan University was founded in 1955 and is one of the best places to get higher education in Israel. It is unique because it combines scientific research with a Jewish education. It is rooted in social responsibility. It went from having 70 students to having close to 19,000.
Bar-Ilan University is the fastest-growing higher education institution in Israel. They have an award-winning campus outside of Tel Aviv and in their six regional colleges across Israel.
Tens of thousands are enrolled in certificate and enrichment programs. This includes the largest in-service teacher training program in Israel.
Bar-Ilan University is known worldwide for its research and development projects and groundbreaking scientific achievements.
What are the best Ph.D. programs at Bar-Ilan University?
- Ph.D. in Biological Engineering – A postdoctoral researcher must work with the university’s therapeutic genome editing team. Their research department is devoted to creating effective and precise CRISPR genome editing. This CRISPR editing is a preventative treatment for hereditary illnesses. The program is particularly interested in creating an optimized CRISPR genome editing technique for gene therapy of inherited hematopoietic disorders. This includes severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Researchers also use cancer immunotherapy in conjunction with CRISPR technology. The Hendel lab is an expert in many cutting-edge technologies. They work with next-generation sequencing, flow cytometry, ex-vivo manipulation of stem and progenitor cells, viral vector creation, and transplanting hematopoietic stem cells into mouse models.
- Ph.D. in Chemistry – Modern, physical, analytical electrochemistry with an emphasis on developing the most advanced in-situ tools. Electrochemical power sources: batteries and all kinds of super-capacitors. Li-ion batteries, Na ions batteries, and rechargeable Mg batteries. Devices for large energy storage and conversion: load leveling and grid applications. Challenges in electro-mobility: propulsion of electric and unmanned vehicles by most advanced batteries. Electrochemical water treatment processes: the Energy-Water Nexus. Electrochemical water desalination
- Ph.D. in Biblical Studies – To find the appropriate research instructor, applicants typically meet with the department head. The department head will present a few options, and the student will then get in touch with the appropriate faculty members. The structure is distinct from the U.S. because students earn B.A. and M.A. degrees in Biblical Studies. They are prepared to write their Ph.D. dissertations.
First, students should sign up for a class in a modern language other than English (German, French, Italian, etc.). Second, they should sign up for an ancient language other than Greek, Akkadian, or Latin if they haven’t already done so during their M.A. studies.
Preparing a proposal and the thesis itself takes up most of a student’s time in the Ph.D. program. In addition to participating in the departmental seminars, each Ph.D. student should take one course per year during their study.
3. Weizmann Institute of Science
Dr. Chaim Weizmann (1874–1952) founded the Weizmann Institute in 1934. At the time, it was called the Daniel Sieff Research Institute, after the son of U.K. donors Rebecca and Israel Sieff. In 1949, the Institute was given a new name in honor of Dr. Weizmann. Dr. Weizmann was a renowned chemist and a strong Zionist. He saw his dreams of a Jewish state in the Land of Israel and higher education in Israel come true.
In 1925, he helped start the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Weizmann Institute of Science with other people. The Weizmann Institute of Science is one of the best places in the world to do basic research. It is made up of 250 experimental and theoretical research groups from five faculties: Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics.
What are the best Ph.D. programs at Bar-Ilan University?
- Integrated MSc-PhD in Brain Sciences: Systems, Computational & Cognitive Neuroscience – Many people think neuroscience is the ultimate frontier of science. It uses a wide range of methods, such as studying genes, neurons, synapses, circuits, behavior, and cognition. All of these kinds of research are done in the field of neuroscience at the Weizmann Institute. The Institute has a large and active group of neuroscientists, and it is one of the best places in the world to study the brain and nervous system. Neuroscientists at Weizmann use a wide range of models and cutting-edge methods to try to figure out how neurons work in both health and illness.
The Weizmann Institute offers a competitive Integrated MSc/Ph.D. track in Brain Sciences. The tracks involve Systems, Computational, and Cognitive Neuroscience. This is a training and education program for the next generation of Neuroscientists. It is both interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary.
- Integrated MSc-PhD in Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience – Everything that makes a person a person. This includes sensation, movement, emotion, memory, and consciousness. There are a lot of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science, and their work is all about these topics.
The program offers a wide range of courses in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience. They cover everything from cellular processes to neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration.
