Since its founding in 1918 by prominent scientists and public figures from Israel and abroad, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has fostered strong international ties through research collaboration and academic partnerships. These connections form the backbone of the University’s internationalization strategy and continue to shape its global presence.
The International Office serves as the central hub for these activities, working to advance the University’s global engagement. It initiates and sustains academic collaborations with partner universities, manages student and staff exchange programs, and supports visiting researchers and scholars. Today, the University holds 265 academic agreements with institutions in 45 countries, including student exchange agreements with more than 90 institutions worldwide.
As one of the world’s leading academic institutions, the Hebrew University is committed to strengthening its international reach. The University’s 2022–2027 internationalization goals focus on expanding research collaboration, enriching the academic experience for all students, and cultivating a diverse, globally connected academic community.
HUJI Internationalization Strategy Objectives
Internationalization Goals at the Hebrew University for 2022-2027
As one of the world’s leading academic institutions, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is committed to deepening its global engagement through a robust internationalization strategy. Our 2022–2027 goals focus on expanding international research collaboration, enriching the academic experience for all students, and cultivating a diverse and globally minded academic community.
- Attract More International Research Students
We are expanding opportunities for outstanding master’s, doctoral, and post-doctoral candidates from around the world to join our dynamic research environment. With recent growth in faculty – particularly in the experimental sciences – Hebrew University is prioritizing the recruitment of high-Caliber international students (alongside excellent Israeli students) to further strengthen our research output, foster innovation, and contribute to global knowledge. Supportive initiatives include expanded scholarships, new joint degree programs, and a caring Welcome Center designed to offer a smooth transition for incoming students. These efforts are aligned with global standards, ensuring an attractive and competitive academic experience in Jerusalem.
- Increase Student Mobility through Study Abroad (Mainly through Exchange Programs)
Hebrew University strongly encourages its students to take part in exchange programs and other international study experiences. These opportunities equip students with global perspectives, enhance academic development, and significantly boost future career prospects.
We aim for consistent growth in outgoing student mobility - through semester exchanges, summer courses, internships, and language programs - while also increasing access for students from underrepresented backgrounds. International exchanges are central to our academic culture and serve as a key attraction for incoming students as well.
- Strengthen Strategic Academic Partnerships
Hebrew University continues to invest in long-term, high-impact collaborations with top universities worldwide. These partnerships span joint research projects, co-supervised degrees, and shared teaching initiatives. Current strategic partners include institutions such as the Free University of Berlin, University of Toronto, University of Melbourne, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and the CREATE program in Singapore, which includes partnerships with NUS and NTU.
We are committed to evaluating and refining our existing partnerships to ensure mutual benefit and to foster the next generation of academic cooperation.
- Advance “Internationalization at Home”
Global engagement doesn’t only happen abroad. We are committed to creating an inclusive and international campus experience by embedding intercultural perspectives and global content into everyday university life. This includes expanding English-taught courses, bringing in international guest lecturers, offering joint virtual courses with partner universities, and supporting multilingual and multicultural programming across campus.
We are also working to implement a formal strategy to develop global competencies among all students - helping them thrive in today’s interconnected world.
Key Infrastructure Goal: Launching the International Welcome Center to support researchers, faculty, and students from abroad, while fostering a welcoming, inclusive campus environment.
Opened in January 2023, the Welcome Center serves as a central hub for administrative and social support, greatly enhancing services for our international community. Over the next five years, we aim to expand its reach to all four campuses, alongside continued improvements to services, support systems, and the overall study and campus experience.