Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Israel • Founded 1969 • World Rank #597
Overview
Established in 1969, the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Beer Sheva (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Southern District.
This institution also has a branch campus in Sede Boqer and Eilat. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Israel, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) is a large-sized coeducational Israeli higher education institution.
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 55-year-old Israeli higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
BGU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev's address, phone, email, and social presence. Department-level scholarship enquiries route faster through the specific faculty rather than central admissions.
Academic Details
Below: the academic-side numbers and recognition that shape Ben-Gurion University of the Negev's reputation. Recognition and accreditation are distinct — recognition is government-level, accreditation programme-specific.
Academic Structures
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev's constituent schools and faculties. Continuing education or professional development units are typically separate from full-time degree-granting units.
Unit 6 items
- Faculty of Desert Research
- Faculty of Engineering Sciences
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Management
- Faculty of Natural Sciences
Degrees
The full range of degrees Ben-Gurion University of the Negev awards is grouped by level below. Awards typically map to recognised qualifications frameworks, easing credit transfer abroad.
Bachelor's 61 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- African Studies
- Ancient Civilizations
- Anthropology
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Arts and Humanities
- Behavioural Sciences
- Bible
- Bioengineering
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Cognitive Sciences
- Communication Studies
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Cultural Studies
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Technology
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Folklore
- Gender Studies
- Geology
- Government
- Health Administration
- Health Sciences
- Hebrew
- History
- Hotel Management
- Industrial Engineering
- Industrial Management
- Information Technology
- Jewish Studies
- Laboratory Techniques
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Management
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Modern Languages
- Neurosciences
- Peace and Disarmament
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Software Engineering
- Statistics
- Teacher Training
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Tourism
Master's 37 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Arid Land Studies
- Bioengineering
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Computer Engineering
- Ecology
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- Geology
- Gerontology
- Industrial Engineering
- Industrial Management
- Information Technology
- Jewish Studies
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medicine
- Nanotechnology
- Nuclear Engineering
- Nursing
- Optical Technology
- Physical Therapy
- Physics
- Public Health
- Safety Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Water Science
Doctoral 7 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Arts and Humanities
- Business Administration
- Cognitive Sciences
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education of Israel.
Eilat (Campus) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Hebrew
External Studies (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Israel Studies (Course/Programme) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Jewish Studies
Business and Management (Faculty) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Behavioural Sciences
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Health Administration
- Hotel Management
- Management
- Public Administration
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering Sciences (Faculty) 17 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Construction Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Safety Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health Sciences (Faculty) 17 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Epidemiology
- Gerontology
- Health Administration
- Health Sciences
- Immunology
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Physiology
- Public Health
- Virology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Humanities and Social Sciences (Faculty) 33 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Ancient Civilizations
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Art History
- Arts and Humanities
- Behavioural Sciences
- Bible
- Biology
- Cognitive Sciences
- Economics
- Education
- English
- Environmental Studies
- Geography
- Hebrew
- History
- Jewish Studies
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Mathematics Education
- Media Studies
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Modern Languages
- Philosophy
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Science Education
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Technology Education
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Natural Sciences (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Ecology
- Environmental Studies
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Optical Technology
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Desert Research (Institute) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arid Land Studies
- Biotechnology
- Energy Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Natural Resources
- Water Management
Study of Israel and Zionism (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Jewish Studies
Desert Studies (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arid Land Studies
- Hydraulic Engineering
- Water Science
Advanced Graduate Studies (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Neurosciences
Inter-Faculty Brain Sciences (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Continuing Education
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
International Health (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Programs Offered
Every programme Ben-Gurion University of the Negev offers, searchable by name and grouped by level. Pathway programmes leading from foundation to bachelor entry are sometimes listed separately from full degree programmes.
Master's Degree
3 programmes
At postgraduate taught level, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev runs 3 programmes. These master's degrees suit applicants ready to concentrate on a narrower field than their bachelor's covered.
Albert Katz International School for Desert Studies Politics & International Relations
Israel Studies Masters Program History
African Sustainable Communities MA Program Politics & International Relations
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master of Business Administration
1 programme
At postgraduate taught level, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev runs 1 programme. These master's degrees suit applicants ready to concentrate on a narrower field than their bachelor's covered.
MBA International Program Business & Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
1 programme
There are 1 programme to choose from at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev for doctoral candidates. A PhD or equivalent typically takes three or more years of supervised, independent research.
Medical School for International Health (MSIH) Politics & International Relations
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Five steps that capture how most applications to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.
- 1 Research programmes at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Use the programme finder to browse Ben-Gurion University of the Negev's 5 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Programme-level requirements at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
- 4 Lodge your application
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev processes applications through www.bgu.ac.il. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
- 5 Confirm receipt and track progress
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +972 (8) 646 1223. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.
In what year was Ben-Gurion University of the Negev established?
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev was founded in 1969 (approximately 57 years ago).
Where can I find Ben-Gurion University of the Negev?
The institution is located in Beer Sheva, Israel.
Is Ben-Gurion University of the Negev a public or private institution?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students does Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have?
The institution has a student body of 15,000-19,999.
How is Ben-Gurion University of the Negev ranked?
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev holds rank #597 globally and #5 in Israel.
What qualification levels does Ben-Gurion University of the Negev offer?
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How is Ben-Gurion University of the Negev organised academically?
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is organised into 6 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Ben-Gurion University of the Negev accredited?
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is accredited by Council for Higher Education (CHE).
Where can I learn more about Ben-Gurion University of the Negev?
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev's official website is www.bgu.ac.il.
Where Else to Study Politics & International Relations
Interested in Politics & International Relations but want alternatives to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev? These institutions in Israel also offer programmes in this field, each with their own specialisations and admissions paths. Comparing the curriculum across schools often surfaces differences worth weighing.
Universities Often Compared with Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Endowment and financial peer comparison signals institutional resources and scholarship depth. Universities comparable to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in this dimension often offer similar aid packages.
