Student Benefits for Olim: Housing, Grants and Support
Moving to Israel as a new immigrant is challenging enough. Starting university at the same time adds another layer of questions: Who pays tuition? Can you get help with rent? Are there scholarships specifically for Olim? What about Hebrew courses, public transport, or living expenses?
The good news is that Olim students in Israel may be eligible for several different forms of government assistance, and some of the most valuable benefits are specifically designed for young new immigrants entering higher education.
The difficult part is that these benefits are administered by different bodies, have different eligibility periods, and often require separate applications. Being an Oleh does not mean every benefit is granted automatically.
This guide brings the main student benefits for Olim in Israel together in one place. Use it as a checklist: go through each section, check whether you qualify, and follow the official government link to apply or verify the current conditions.
What Benefits Can Olim Students Get in Israel?
Depending on your age, Aliyah date, academic program, personal circumstances, and institution, you may be eligible for:
tuition assistance through the Israel Student Authority
funding for preparatory programs and academic Hebrew
additional scholarships connected to community volunteering
Absorption Basket (Sal Klita) payments during the first months after Aliyah
rental assistance
Arnona municipal tax discounts
student discounts on public transportation
free or subsidized Ulpan
academic and professional counseling
academic, social and employment support for Oleh students
additional benefits based on your individual circumstances.
The best first step is to use the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration's Easy-Zechut eligibility calculator, which checks benefits in areas including housing, education, Hebrew, employment and welfare. The calculator is anonymous and available in several languages.
Official eligibility calculator:
After that, check the student-specific benefits below individually.
1. Tuition Assistance for Olim Students
For many students, this is the most important benefit.
The Israel Student Authority (Minhal HaStudentim), part of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, provides financial assistance to eligible Oleh students studying in Israel. Its support includes tuition scholarships throughout eligible years of study, as well as additional academic and integration services.
Who may qualify?
The exact conditions should always be checked for your individual case. According to the Student Authority's eligibility guidance, assistance covers several statuses, including Olim and certain other categories such as returning minors and immigrant citizens.
Age is particularly important.
As a general rule, students must begin:
an Olim preparatory program, bachelor's degree, practical engineering or eligible certificate program by age 27;
a master's degree or qualifying postgraduate/retraining program by age 30.
Different limits apply to some special programs and populations.
There is also an Aliyah-date requirement. In the standard eligibility framework, students must generally begin their studies within three years of receiving Oleh status. Exceptions and extended eligibility can apply in particular circumstances, so do not assume that you are ineligible without checking with the Student Authority.
How do you apply?
For the 2026–2027 academic year, applications for Student Authority assistance are already open.
You must apply online and submit a new application for assistance every academic year. The application itself is completed in Hebrew or English.
Current standard deadlines are:
New students beginning in the first semester: November 10
Continuing students beginning in the first semester: October 1
Students beginning in the second semester: April 1
Students beginning in the summer semester: August 15
Always verify the deadline for your academic year before applying.
Apply here:
If you have already applied but need to provide missing documents:
Important: do not assume your university automatically applies for this benefit on your behalf. The Student Authority requires students to submit an application each academic year.
2. Funding for Hebrew, English and Academic Preparation
Tuition assistance is not the only support available through the Student Authority.
Official guidance lists support that may include:
funding for Hebrew and English courses required for a degree;
preparation for the YAEL Hebrew proficiency exam;
TAKA pre-academic programs;
Mechinat Olim preparatory programs;
summer Hebrew Ulpan programs;
academic support during university studies.
This can be particularly valuable for new immigrants who have a strong academic background but are not yet ready to study mathematics, physics, engineering or other demanding subjects entirely in Hebrew.
Do not wait until you fail a language requirement to investigate this assistance. If Hebrew or English proficiency is part of your university admission or degree requirements, contact the Student Authority early.
Official Student Authority information:
3. SHAHАK: Scholarship in Exchange for Community Service
Eligible Oleh students may also participate in SHAHAK (Community Social Service).
Through this program, students perform community work with a participating organization as part of the Student Authority framework. The program is connected to tuition scholarship support for eligible Oleh students.
Some students are exempt from SHAHАK activities, including, subject to the applicable documentation and conditions:
parents;
pregnant students;
students with certain personal, medical or family difficulties;
students eligible for assistance of up to 250% tuition.
Registration is separate, so check your requirements rather than assuming your general Student Authority application covers everything.
4. Sal Klita: The Absorption Basket
If you have recently made Aliyah, university assistance should be considered together with your general Oleh benefits.
The Sal Klita (Absorption Basket) provides eligible new immigrants with financial assistance for everyday expenses during the initial absorption period. The Ministry states that payments are provided during the first six months in Israel, with the first payment made as part of the arrival process and subsequent payments transferred to the bank account registered with the Ministry.
The amount is not identical for everyone. It depends on factors such as family composition and eligibility.
Rather than relying on figures from blogs or older guides, calculate your current estimated entitlement directly through the Ministry:
You can also log into your personal Oleh account to see benefits, assistance programs and payments relevant to you.
5. Rental Assistance for Olim
Housing is often one of the largest expenses for students in Israel.
Housing assistance for eligible Olim can include rental subsidies, while other housing programs exist for specific eligible populations. The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration works with the Ministry of Construction and Housing on housing assistance for new immigrants.
For Olim receiving Sal Klita, initial rental support is incorporated into the absorption framework. Eligible immigrants may subsequently receive rental assistance through the housing assistance system. Eligibility and amounts depend on factors including immigration status, family situation and length of time in Israel.
This is therefore a benefit you should check individually rather than assuming that being an Oleh automatically guarantees a particular monthly amount.
Start here:
You can also check housing eligibility through:
If your circumstances are unclear, contact a Ministry absorption counselor. The national information center is available at *2994 or 03-973-3333.
6. Student Dormitories
Government rental assistance is not the only way to reduce housing costs. Students should also check their university's dormitory system.
At Technion, for example, there are approximately 5,000 housing solutions on campus, and around one-third of Technion students live in dormitories. Housing is available to different student populations, including single students, couples and families, subject to the university's eligibility and allocation rules.
New students can apply according to the relevant registration schedule after admission.
If you are planning to study at Technion, check dormitory registration as soon as you receive your admission notification. Housing availability and government rental assistance are separate issues, so investigate both.
7. Arnona Discount for New Immigrants
Arnona is the municipal property tax charged on residential property in Israel. Tenants frequently pay it directly, which means it can become a significant part of a student's monthly housing costs.
New immigrants are among the populations eligible for municipal property-tax reductions under the applicable rules. The precise implementation is handled by local authorities, so the application is made to the municipality where you live.
Government guidance for Olim has described a new-immigrant discount of up to 90% for an eligible period, subject to municipal rules and limitations such as the size of the property. Because municipal procedures and individual eligibility matter, verify the current rate directly with your municipality rather than relying on an old percentage alone.
What to do
Find the Arnona department on your municipality's website.
Look for "Oleh Hadash / עולה חדש" under discounts.
Submit the required documents, usually including proof of Oleh status and residence.
If you rent an apartment, make sure the Arnona account is correctly registered for the property and your tenancy.
This benefit is easy to overlook because it is not processed by your university or the Student Authority.
8. Public Transport Student Discount
University students in Israel can receive significant discounts on public transportation.
According to the Ministry of Transport, registered students can receive 33%–50% discounts on prepaid Rav-Kav travel arrangements, depending on the relevant ticket or contract. Student status must be registered and renewed for each academic year.
This is a general student benefit rather than an Oleh-specific benefit, but new immigrants studying in Israel should make sure they activate it.
When comparing transport options, check whether a semester or annual student contract is cheaper than paying for individual journeys.
9. Free or Subsidized Hebrew Ulpan
New immigrants can generally receive government-supported Hebrew instruction.
The Ministry of Education and Ministry of Aliyah and Integration operate Ulpan frameworks, while eligible Olim may also have access to private Hebrew-study options through vouchers.
Official guidance states that eligible new immigrants can receive an exemption from Ulpan tuition fees. During the first six months after Aliyah, living and transportation support associated with Ulpan studies may form part of Sal Klita; other assistance may apply depending on circumstances.
Professional Hebrew courses are also available in certain cases for Olim who have completed Ulpan Aleph and need Hebrew adapted to their profession.
If you plan to enter an Israeli university, take this benefit seriously. Conversational Hebrew and academic Hebrew are not the same thing, particularly in mathematically and scientifically demanding degrees.
10. Free Guidance Before Starting University
One particularly useful benefit is often overlooked because it is not a direct payment.
The Israel Student Authority offers guidance to prospective students, including information about Israeli higher education, checking educational certificates and determining potential eligibility for Student Authority assistance. It can also help build an individual study and integration plan.
There is also a professional academic counseling service for eligible Olim aged 18–30. It can include an evaluation with an occupational psychologist, computerized assessment and a follow-up meeting to help choose an appropriate study path. The service is offered for a symbolic fee.
This can be useful if you are deciding between faculties or are unsure how your education from abroad translates into the Israeli system.
For people who have not yet made Aliyah:
The Biggest Mistake: Assuming Benefits Are Automatic
The Israeli system can be generous to eligible Oleh students, but it is fragmented.
Your tuition scholarship may be handled by the Student Authority. Your housing assistance may involve the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and housing system. Arnona is handled by your municipality. Public transportation requires registration of your student profile. Your university has its own scholarships and dormitory procedures.
As a result, it is entirely possible to qualify for assistance and still miss it simply because you did not apply to the correct body before the deadline.
A useful rule is:
Never assume that one application automatically activates another benefit.
Check each benefit separately.
Your Olim Student Benefits Checklist
If you are a new immigrant planning to study in Israel, work through this list:
Check all Oleh benefits with Easy-Zechut.
Open your Ministry of Aliyah and Integration personal account and review your payments and eligibility.
Check Student Authority eligibility, especially your age and date of Aliyah.
Apply for tuition assistance for 2026–2027.
Check whether Hebrew, English, YAEL preparation or a preparatory program can be funded.
Complete SHAHАK requirements if they apply to you.
Check rental assistance.
Apply separately for your municipal Arnona discount.
Activate your student public-transport profile.
Check your university's own scholarships and dormitories.
Ask the Student Authority about additional assistance based on your individual circumstances.
Save confirmations, receipts, university payment statements and eligibility documents. You may need to submit them again during your studies.
How Anières Mechina Can Help Olim Planning to Study at Technion
For young Olim aiming for Technion, financial assistance is only one part of the challenge. Students also have to understand Israeli admission requirements, close academic gaps, improve Hebrew and prepare for a demanding university environment.
Anières Mechina is designed for new immigrants preparing for admission to the Technion. The program combines academic preparation with support throughout the transition into Israeli higher education.
Instead of navigating the process entirely alone, students can prepare within a framework built around the requirements they will actually face on their way to Technion.
Additional Support Once You Enter Technion
Admission does not necessarily mean that support ends.
Eligible students should continue checking both their government benefits and the support available through their institution. The Israel Student Authority describes its role as extending throughout the study period, including personal guidance, social integration, academic assistance, employment preparation and, for particular populations, monthly subsistence grants.
For Technion students, this means it is worth checking three systems independently:
benefits available because you are an Oleh;
benefits available because you are a student;
scholarships, housing and support available specifically through Technion.
You may qualify under more than one category.
FAQ — Student Benefits for Olim in Israel
Do Olim get free university tuition in Israel?
Eligible Oleh students may receive tuition scholarships through the Israel Student Authority, but eligibility depends on factors including age, Aliyah date, study program and other conditions. Students must apply; the benefit should not be treated as automatic.
Until what age can Olim receive university assistance?
Under the standard Student Authority criteria, the age limit at the beginning of studies is generally 27 for bachelor's degrees and 30 for master's degrees. Different limits and exceptions apply to certain programs and populations.
How long after Aliyah can I receive student benefits?
For standard Student Authority eligibility, students generally need to begin their studies within three years of receiving Oleh status. Other Oleh benefits have their own eligibility periods, so check each benefit separately.
Can Olim get help paying rent?
Eligible new immigrants can receive housing assistance, including rental assistance under the relevant government schemes. Eligibility and amounts depend on individual circumstances and should be checked through the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration.
Do Olim receive an Arnona discount?
New immigrants are among the groups that may qualify for municipal Arnona reductions. Applications are handled by the local authority, and the exact discount depends on the applicable rules and circumstances.
Can Olim get free Hebrew courses?
Eligible new immigrants can receive government-supported Ulpan study, including an exemption from tuition under the applicable framework. Additional Hebrew and academic-language support may also be available to eligible students through the Student Authority.
Where can I check all my Oleh benefits?
Use the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration's Easy-Zechut calculator and your personal Oleh account. Because eligibility depends on personal circumstances, these are more reliable than generic benefit lists for determining what you personally can claim.
Apply to Anières Mechina
If you are a new immigrant planning to study engineering, computer science or another STEM field at Technion, understanding your benefits is important — but so is making sure you are academically ready to get there.
Anières Mechina helps eligible young Olim prepare for Technion, strengthen their academic and Hebrew skills, and navigate the transition into higher education in Israel.
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