Bar-Ilan University
Ramat Gan, Israel • Founded 1955 • World Rank #716
Overview
Founded in 1955, the Bar-Ilan University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Ramat Gan (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Tel Aviv District.
Officially recognized by the The Council for Higher Education of Israel, Bar-Ilan University (BIU) is a large-sized coeducational Israeli higher education institution formally affiliated with the Jewish religion. Bar-Ilan University (BIU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
This 68-year-old Israeli higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
BIU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Bar-Ilan University's street address and primary contact methods. Social channels often differentiate by purpose — admissions on one, alumni on another, events on a third.
Academic Details
A quick read on Bar-Ilan University's academic vitals — enrolment counts, faculty makeup, and recognition status. The combination determines class sizes, faculty access, and credential portability.
Academic Structures
Bar-Ilan University delivers teaching through the academic units below — useful for orienting yourself before reading individual programmes. Each unit operates with a degree of academic autonomy.
Unit 6 items
- Faculty of Exact Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Jewish Studies
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Life Sciences
- Faculty of Social Sciences
Degrees
Also International MBA Program (iMBA), Executive MBA Program (EMBA) teaching certificates in Comparative Literature, English, French Studies and Music
Bachelor's 22 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Bible
- Classical Languages
- Comparative Literature
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- English
- French
- Hebrew
- History
- Information Sciences
- Jewish Studies
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Medicine
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Music
- Neurosciences
- Philosophy
- Translation and Interpretation
Master's 56 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Anthropology
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Bible
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Biophysics
- Biotechnology
- Botany
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Classical Languages
- Comparative Literature
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Criminology
- Cultural Studies
- Education
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Engineering
- English
- Environmental Studies
- Fine Arts
- French
- French Studies
- Gender Studies
- Geography (Human)
- Hebrew
- History
- Holy Writings
- Information Sciences
- Jewish Studies
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Microelectronics
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Music
- Natural Sciences
- Neurosciences
- Peace and Disarmament
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Technology
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Translation and Interpretation
- Zoology
Doctoral 67 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Administrative Law
- Ancient Languages
- Anthropology
- Applied Linguistics
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Biochemistry
- Bioengineering
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Biophysics
- Biotechnology
- Botany
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Civil Law
- Classical Languages
- Commercial Law
- Comparative Literature
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Constitutional Law
- Contemporary History
- Criminal Law
- Criminology
- Economics
- Education
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
- English
- Environmental Studies
- Ethics
- Fiscal Law
- French
- French Studies
- Geography (Human)
- Grammar
- Greek (Classical)
- History
- Information Sciences
- International Law
- Jewish Studies
- Latin
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Logic
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Medieval Studies
- Metaphysics
- Microbiology
- Microelectronics
- Modern History
- Music
- Neurosciences
- Philosophical Schools
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Private Law
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Translation and Interpretation
- Zoology
Diploma & Certificate 30 programs
Diploma and certificate routes deliver focused, applied training for fast entry into skilled occupations.
- Anthropology
- Art Therapy
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Biophysics
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Communication Studies
- Computer Science
- Criminology
- Economics
- Education
- Geography (Human)
- Government
- Hotel Management
- Journalism
- Library Science
- Management
- Mathematics
- Music
- Optometry
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Tourism
- Translation and Interpretation
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under The Council for Higher Education of Israel.
Land of Israel Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Middle Eastern Studies
American Literature (Course/Programme) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- American Studies
Public Communications (Course/Programme) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Exact Sciences (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Optometry
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Humanities (Faculty) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arabic
- Classical Languages
- Comparative Literature
- English
- French Studies
- Information Sciences
- Music
- Philosophy
- Translation and Interpretation
- Writing
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Jewish Studies (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Bible
- Hebrew
- History
- Jewish Studies
- Judaic Religious Studies
- Middle Eastern Studies
Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Life Sciences (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Biomedicine
- Botany
- Cell Biology
- Optometry
- Physiology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Sciences (Faculty) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Business Administration
- Criminology
- Economics
- Education
- Geography
- Government
- Journalism
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Advanced Technology (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Technology
Advanced Torah Studies (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Holy Writings
Advancement of Religious Education (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Religious Art
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Alzheimer's Disease (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Assyriology (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Ancient Civilizations
Cancer, AIDS and Immunology (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Oncology
Cell Scan for the Early Detection of Cancer (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Oncology
Commercial Law (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Commercial Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Comparative Law (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Comparative Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Computerized Data in Jewish Studies (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Jewish Studies
Common Career Paths
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Systems Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Defence and Peace Economics (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Peace and Disarmament
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Dyslexia and Reading Disorders (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education of the Handicapped
Economic Structures of Jewish Communities (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Jewish Studies
Economics (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economy of Israel (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
European Community (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- European Studies
Family (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Family Studies
History of Jewish Bible (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Bible
History of Oriental Jewry (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Jewish Studies
- Oriental Studies
History of the Land of Israel and its Settlements (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- History
- Jewish Studies
Holocaust Literature (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Jewish Studies
International Policy and Communications (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- International Studies
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Israel-Diaspora Relations (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Relations and Diplomacy
Israeli Economy and Society (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
- Jewish Studies
Jerusalem Studies (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Jewish Studies
Jewish Education in the Diaspora (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Jewish Studies
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Jewish Thought (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Jewish Studies
Latin American Development (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Latin American Studies
Lexicography (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Terminology
Life Sciences Applied Research (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Literature of the People of Israel (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Jewish Studies
- Literature
Mathematical Sciences (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mathematics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medical Diagnostics (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Midrasha for Women (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Jewish Studies
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nuclear Physics
Post-Talmudic Halakhic (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Judaic Religious Studies
Religious Anthropology (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
Religious Zionism (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Judaic Religious Studies
Shoah (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Jewish Studies
Sociology of Ethnic Groups (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Sociologist
- Researcher
- Community Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Strategic Studies (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Military Science
- Peace and Disarmament
Study and Dissemination of Oral Law (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Study of Developmental Disorders in Infants and Young Children (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Developmental Psychology
Study of Mountainous Areas in Judea and the Etzion Bloc (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mountain Studies
Study of Women in Judaism (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Women's Studies
Teaching of Sciences (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Science Education
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Yiddish Culture (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Jewish Studies
Programs Offered
The programme finder below covers every degree Bar-Ilan University currently offers. Programme codes here often map to international classification systems used for credential recognition abroad.
Bachelor's Degree
64 programmes
Browse 64 programmes at Bar-Ilan University for undergraduate entry. Each combines core theory with the credits needed to progress toward honours or a master's.
Data Engineering הנדסת נתונים Information Systems & Technology
Ecology אקולוגיה Environmental Sciences
Materials Engineering הנדסת חומרים Materials Science
Information Systems Engineering הנדסת מערכות מידע Information Systems & Technology
Industrial and Systems Engineering הנדסת תעשייה ומערכות Industrial & Systems Engineering
Electrical Engineering הנדסת חשמל Electrical Engineering
Computer Engineering הנדסת מחשבים Computer Sciences
Optometry אופטומטריה Optometry
Biotechnology ביו-טכנולוגיה Biotechnology
Cellular and Medical Biology ביולוגיה תאית ורפואית Biological Sciences
Environmental Biology and Plant Science ביולוגיה סביבתית ומדעי הצומח Environmental Sciences
Developmental Biology ביולוגיה התפתחותית Biological Sciences
Computer Science מדעי המחשב Computer Sciences
Mathematics מתמטיקה Mathematics
Physics פיזיקה Physics & Astronomy
Pharmaceutical Chemistry כימיה תרופתית Pharmacy
Chemistry כימיה Chemistry
Biochemistry ביוכימיה Biochemistry
Software Engineering הנדסת תוכנה Software Engineering
Medicine רפואה Medicine
Law and Business Administration משפטים ומנהל עסקים Law
Law משפטים Law
Microbiology מיקרוביולוגיה Microbiology
Social Work עבודה סוציאלית Social Work
Journalism and Communications יחידה ללימודי עיתונאות ולתקשורת Communication Studies
International B.A. in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences תוכנית B.A בינלאומית בחברה Liberal Arts
International B.A. in Criminology, Psychology, and Sociology תוכנית B.A בינלאומית Criminal Law & Justice
International B.A. in Communications תוכנית B.A בינלאומית בתקשורת Communication Studies
General Biology ביולוגיה כללית Biological Sciences
Zoology זואולוגיה Biological Sciences
Botany בוטניקה Biological Sciences
Theater תיאטרון Performing Arts
Talmud and Oral Law לימודי תלמוד ותורה שבעל-פה Law
Art History תולדות האמנות Art History
Music מוזיקה Music
Classics לימודים קלאסיים Humanities & Cultural Studies
French Culture תרבות צרפת Linguistics & Language Studies
English Language and Literature אנגלית English Language Studies
Arabic ערבית Linguistics & Language Studies
Library and Information Studies לימודים ביבליוגרפיים וספרנות Information Systems & Technology
Comparative Literature ספרות משווה Literature
General Philosophy פילוסופיה כללית Philosophy & Ethics
Jewish Philosophy פילוסופיה יהודית Philosophy & Ethics
General History היסטוריה כללית History
Land of Israel Studies לימודי ארץ ישראל History
Hebrew Literature ספרות עברית Literature
Hebrew Language and Semitic Languages לשון עברית ולשונות שמיות Linguistics & Language Studies
Biblical Studies לימודי תנ״ך Religious Studies
Interpretation and Translation מתורגמנות Translation & Interpreting
German Language גרמנית Linguistics & Language Studies
Spanish Language ספרדית Linguistics & Language Studies
Italian Language איטלקית Linguistics & Language Studies
Russian Language רוסית Linguistics & Language Studies
Yiddish Language יידיש Linguistics & Language Studies
Psychology פסיכולוגיה Psychology
Psychology - Medical Psychology Specialization פסיכולוגיה רפואית Psychology
Sociology סוציולוגיה Social & Cultural Studies
Economics כלכלה Economics
Political Science מדעי המדינה Politics & International Relations
Criminology קרימינולוגיה Criminal Law & Justice
Combined Social Sciences Track החוג המשולב במדעי החברה Social Sciences & Education
Geography גאוגרפיה Geography
Anthropology אנתרופולוגיה Social & Cultural Studies
Education חינוך Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
11 programmes
Bar-Ilan University provides 11 programmes at master's level for graduates who want to specialise further or strengthen their standing for doctoral applications.
Brain Sciences מדעי המוח Natural Sciences
Gerontology גרונטולוגיה Health Sciences
Contemporary Jewish Studies לימודי יהדות זמננו
Management and Conflict Resolution ניהול ויישוב סכסוכים Peace and Development Studies
Interpretation and Culture התוכנית לפרשנות ותרבות Translation & Interpreting
Science, Technology and Society לימודי מדע, טכנולוגיה וחברה Natural Sciences
Gender Studies לימודי מגדר Gender & Sexuality Studies
Business Administration מנהל עסקים Business Administration
Psychology פסיכולוגיה Psychology
Talmud and Oral Law לימודי תלמוד ותורה שבעל-פה Law
Biblical Studies לימודי תנ״ך Religious Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
9 programmes
Bar-Ilan University's 9 programmes at this tier lead to a doctorate, the credential expected for academic, senior research, and many specialist professional roles.
Law משפטים Law
Biology ביולוגיה Biological Sciences
Computer Science מדעי המחשב Computer Sciences
Mathematics מתמטיקה Mathematics
Chemistry כימיה Chemistry
Physics פיזיקה Physics & Astronomy
Psychology פסיכולוגיה Psychology
Hebrew Literature ספרות עברית Literature
Talmud תלמוד Religious Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Bar-Ilan University
A short guide to applying to Bar-Ilan University — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Bar-Ilan University offers 84 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at Bar-Ilan University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Submit your application
Apply directly via Bar-Ilan University's online portal at www1.biu.ac.il. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +972 (3) 5318 111. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bar-Ilan University
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Bar-Ilan University as a study destination.
When did Bar-Ilan University open?
Bar-Ilan University traces its founding to 1955 (approximately 71 years ago).
What city is Bar-Ilan University in?
Bar-Ilan University operates from Ramat Gan, Israel.
What is Bar-Ilan University's control type?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How big is Bar-Ilan University's student body?
Bar-Ilan University serves approximately 15,000-19,999 students.
Where does Bar-Ilan University stand in university rankings?
Bar-Ilan University is ranked #716 globally and #6 in Israel.
What programmes are available at Bar-Ilan University?
Bar-Ilan University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
Does Bar-Ilan University have a religious affiliation?
Yes, Bar-Ilan University is affiliated with Judaism.
How is Bar-Ilan University organised academically?
Bar-Ilan University is organised into 6 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Bar-Ilan University officially recognised?
Bar-Ilan University is accredited by Council for Higher Education (CHE).
How do I find Bar-Ilan University online?
You can find Bar-Ilan University online at www1.biu.ac.il.
Top-Ranked Universities in Israel
Subject-specific rankings sometimes diverge from overall national rankings. A university below Bar-Ilan University overall may lead in your subject — worth checking subject tables separately.
Other Israeli Universities Affiliated with Judaism
Same-tradition partner institutions sometimes formalise mobility agreements specifically for Judaism students. The peers below may offer exchange routes informed by shared tradition.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Religious and cultural amenities cluster around Bar-Ilan University's region, so the universities below typically draw from similar community infrastructure outside the campus itself.
Where Else to Study Linguistics & Language Studies
Choosing the right Linguistics & Language Studies programme is rarely about one university alone. Institutions across Israel cover the same discipline as Bar-Ilan University from different academic angles, and the right fit depends on what kind of teaching environment suits you.
Universities Often Compared with Bar-Ilan University
Comparable institutions to Bar-Ilan University — by academic scale and standing — are gathered below. Same-tier shortlists give you flexibility on admissions outcomes without compromising on institutional level.
