Hebrew University Activities in India
Greetings to the University Community,
The current issue is dedicated - almost entirely - to our joint efforts at the University and the International Office to expand and deepen academic ties with India. In recent years, Indian academia has undergone rapid development and today includes excellent universities and research institutions. Many of their graduates are interested in pursuing further academic studies abroad, including in Israel.
Accordingly, we have recently expanded our agreements and activities with leading research institutions in India (as detailed below), engaged a recruitment firm to help attract research students, and enhanced the services we offer to the growing Indian community at the University. Our goal is to create an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment – both for them and other international students - that enables academic success and personal and professional growth.
We invite you to take a moment to read through this issue and share any feedback or ideas you may have for expanding our activities further.
Wishing for a safe and welcome return to routine soon,
Warm regards,
Prof. Oron Shagrir,
Vice-President for International Affairs
The Growth of Higher Education in India and Its Role as a Source of Research Students
India’s higher education sector has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade. Between 2014 and 2023, the number of higher education institutions increased by 13.8%, with universities increasing from 723 to 1,213. Despite this growth, the continued high demand for academic opportunities – combined with uneven teaching quality - has positioned India as one of the world’s leading sources of research students. In 2023 alone, more than 765,000 Indian students were enrolled in academic institutions abroad (The Times of India, Statista, ICEF Monitor, 2024).
At the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the number of students from India has steadily grown between 2017 and 2024. The majority of Indian students come to pursue advanced research degrees, while enrolment in undergraduate and non-research master’s programs remains relatively limited - a trend seen across other Israeli universities as well.
- PhD Students from India at HUJI: The number of PhD candidates has more than doubled, from 34 in 2017 to 74 in 2024. Popular fields of research include Medical Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Agriculture.
- Postdoctoral Researchers from India at HUJI: The number of postdoctoral fellows has risen from 65 in 2021 to 147 in 2024. Most are engaged in research areas such as Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Agriculture, and Pharmacy.
New Initiative: In-Country Representation (ICR) in India
We are pleased to share that the International Office has signed a representation agreement with Zista EdVentures to serve as our In-Country Representative (ICR) in India. This move follows a thorough evaluation of several companies to ensure the best alignment with HUJI’s strategic recruitment goals.
Through this partnership, Zista will lead targeted outreach efforts to top Indian universities and research institutions, engage directly with talented students, and offer personalized guidance on HUJI applications, visas, and academic opportunities. In addition, they will work to deepen institutional partnerships, support collaborative research initiatives, and raise awareness of HUJI through digital campaigns, student counselling, and participation in key academic events.
As India’s interest in international research opportunities continues to grow, and with HUJI’s strong academic reputation, this initiative is expected to attract outstanding candidates and further position HUJI as a destination of choice for research and innovation.
New Guide to Support Faculty in Recruiting Research Students from India
Recruiting top research talents from India presents unique challenges, primarily due to the high volume of applications and the complexity of evaluating academic credentials. These factors can make it difficult for faculty to assess candidates' academic backgrounds with confidence.
To support our faculty, the International Office has created a dedicated guide designed to streamline the recruitment and admissions process. Our aim is to help faculty identify strong applicants, in order to enrich HUJI’s academic community, and foster productive international research collaborations.
The guide has been shared with all HUJI faculty. If you haven’t received a copy and would like one, please contact Naomi Shalom, Director of Asian Engagement, at: naomishal@savion.huji.ac.il.
Strengthening Academic Ties: HUJI Delegation Visits to India
In February 2025, a Hebrew University delegation led by President Prof. Asher Cohen travelled to India as part of our broader efforts to deepen ties with leading academic institutions across the country.
The visit began at the QS India Summit in Goa, where academic leaders gathered to discuss trends shaping global higher education. Prof. Cohen met with senior representatives from top Indian institutions to explore new opportunities for collaborations.
From there, the delegation visited Chennai, where meetings were held with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) - India’s top technological institution - as well as Anna University and SRM University. These discussions focused on building frameworks for academic exchange and join research, with the goal of creating meaningful global opportunities for students from both countries.
In Bangalore, the delegation visited the International Center for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS), part of the Tata Institute for Fundamental Research (TIFR), and explored ways to deepen cooperation with HUJI faculty. The visit concluded at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), one of India’s premier institutions for advanced studies.
This visit represents an important step in strengthening HUJI’s engagement with Indian academia and advancing impactful partnerships in education and research.
Expanding Partnerships with Leading Indian Institutions
The Hebrew University is committed to deepening its cooperation with India’s top academic institutions. As India's research landscape continues to grow, we see great value in forging strong, reciprocal partnerships with both established and emerging universities.
Below are highlights from recent collaborations.
Indian Institute of Science Bangalore (IISc)
The Indian Institute of Science (IISC), located in Bangalore, is widely recognized as one of India’s foremost research institutions, renowned for its contributions to science, engineering, and technology. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), IISc focuses primarily on postgraduate education and research.
Following a HUJI delegation visit in February 2024, led by Vice President Prof. Oron Shagrir, the two universities signed a student exchange agreement enabling science internships for postgraduate students.
Plans are currently underway for joint workshops and summer schools in climate research, mathematics, and physics, to be held in Bangalore with the active participation of HUJI researchers and research students.
In a follow-up visit in February 2025, HUJI President Prof. Asher Cohen met with IISc leadership to explore further expansion of these collaborative efforts.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi consistently ranks among the top institutions in India, often securing a position in the top three, according to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). Admission to its undergraduate programs is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of just 1-2%, requiring outstanding performance in physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
In addition to a student exchange agreement, HUJI and IIT Delhi collaborate through a joint research scheme that has supported 14 projects to date. These projects span a wide range of fields, including medical robotics, climate research, disaster management, defence technologies, artificial intelligence, energy, biotechnology, healthcare, agriculture and food-tech, quantum science, and nanoscience.
In February 2024, a HUJI delegation led by Vice President Prof. Oron Shagrir visited IIT Delhi to explore new avenues for collaboration and to renew agreements related to student exchange and joint research initiatives.
O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU)
O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), located in Sonipat, Haryana, is a leading private multidisciplinary university recognized for its commitment to global education and academic excellence. It offers a broad range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in law, business, international affairs, and the social sciences. JGU’s law school, Jindal Global Law School (JGLS), is consistently ranked among the top in India.
HUJI and JGU maintain an active student exchange agreement, with students from both institutions participating regularly. In addition, the law faculties of HUJI and JGU have held extensive discussions about launching a direct pathway program (3+2, BBL-LLM), which would enable students to complete both undergraduate and master's degrees in law across the two institutions.
In February 2025, HUJI President Prof. Asher Cohen met with JGU Vice Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar to discuss expanding the collaboration. Given that JGU is home to one of the few Israel Centers in Indian academia, the conversation also explored opportunities for HUJI researchers to contribute to the Center’s activities and academic programs.
Academic and Research Tours in India and Indonesia: A Rare Cultural Experience
The Department of Indian and Indonesian Studies at the Faculty of Humanities is one of HUJI’s most distinguished academic units, known for pioneering research on the languages, cultures, and religions of the Indian subcontinent. Among its renowned faculty members is Prof. David Shulman, recipient of the Israel Prize for the Study of Religions and Cultures and a member of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities.
Prof. Shulman recently shared highlights from two remarkable academic journeys: In April 2024, a university delegation traveled to South India during the peak of the hot season. In the village of Murikulangara, Kerala, they spent ten days immersed in Koodiyattam - the world’s last living tradition of Sanskrit theater. The performances included scenes from The Love of King Samvarana and the Daughter of the Sun (Tapati-samvaranam), a poetic tale where a king discovers a love poem inscribed on a palm leaf, setting off a timeless love story.
In September 2024, the delegation returned to India for an international workshop dedicated to King Bhoja’s 11th-century masterpiece, Sringara-prakasa (The Radiance of Passion). The group explored selected passages on Sanskrit aesthetics and visited historical landmarks in the Malwa region. Plans are underway to reconvene the Bhoja workshop in 2026.
International Welcome Unit – Collaborative Activities with the Indian Community at the Welcome Center
The Indian research community continues to play an active and influential role in shaping the activities of the Hebrew University's International Welcome Center. Community members contribute creatively and enthusiastically across all areas of programming, with growing participation from Indian students in a wide range of initiatives each year.
Sports Achievements - The Hebrew University’s cricket team enjoyed an impressive year, with wins against teams from Ben-Gurion University, Tel Aviv University, the Technion, and the Weizmann Institute. Many of these matches were held at Sacher Park, which has become a lively community space and a central meeting point for cricket enthusiasts across Jerusalem.
Cultural Life - The Indian community at HUJI continues to enrich campus life through cultural celebrations, most notably the vibrant festival of Holi. These events, held throughout the year, attract not only Indian students but also international and Israeli peers, faculty members, and representatives from the Indian Embassy - fostering connection, inclusion, and cross-cultural exchange.
Mark David Samraj: A Postdoctoral Researcher’s Journey
My name is Mark, and I’m originally from India. I first visited the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) as a research fellow in 2019-2020, and I’ve since returned as a postdoctoral researcher at the Casali Institute of Applied Chemistry, where I work with Prof. Daniel Cohn. I live in Jerusalem with my wife and two children.
My HUJI Experience: So far, my time at HUJI has been incredible. The staff at the International Welcome Center have been immensely supportive of the international community. My family and I live in the student dorms, which is a vibrant and welcoming environment. I’m fortunate to work with an expert advisor and friendly lab mates from both Jewish and Arab backgrounds, creating a truly collaborative atmosphere.
Reflections on Jerusalem and Israel: Israel’s historical significance is something that truly stands out. Jerusalem, with its ancient landmarks, is a city rich in history, and studying here means being surrounded by living history. As a Christian, experiencing the Bible come to life in Israel has been profound. Academically, HUJI is a world-class institution, especially in scientific research, and I feel honored to be conducting my research here.
One of the most surprising aspects of life in Israel is the Sabbath. Seeing the entire country come to rest, as described in the Torah, is a unique and humbling experience.
My Career Goals: After completing my postdoctoral studies, I aim to pursue a career as an academic researcher at a prestigious university in India, contributing to scientific advancements in my home country.
Vatsalya Valli Doppalapudi, MSc Plant Sciences 2022-24: A Glimpse into My Journey from Hyderabad to HUJI
I come from Hyderabad, a city in southern India, where I grew up in an agricultural family. This upbringing sparked my passion for plant sciences, eventually leading me to pursue a degree in the field.
My HUJI Experience: My time at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem will always be special. From the start, the warmth and inclusivity of the community - students and professors alike - made me feel at home. The academics were rigorous, challenging me to think critically and creatively. Cultural tours across Israel deepened my connection to the country's history and people, enriching my overall experience.
Reflections on Israel: Israel’s diversity was one of the most surprising aspects of my journey. The multicultural student body fostered an environment where ideas and perspectives from all over the world could thrive. This collaboration was invaluable in expanding my horizons. Additionally, Israel’s reputation as a "Startup Nation" is palpable everywhere. From Day One, we were encouraged to innovate, blending theory with practical solutions to real-world problems. It’s a dynamic, inspiring environment for anyone interested in entrepreneurship or emerging technologies.
My Career Goals: With a solid foundation in agricultural science and sustainable development, I aim to bring transformative solutions to India’s farming communities. My goal is to work with stakeholders across the agricultural ecosystem, including government bodies and NGOs, to scale up innovations that will benefit both farmers and the environment. I'm passionate about bridging the gap between science and agriculture to make a lasting impact.