Scholarships for Israel

Jewish Students Help Build a Strong Israel

Jewish people have faced many hardships, especially in recent history. But they continually show their resilience and are a thriving group of individuals. Israel is home to many Jews and is rich wish history and religion. Many students go here to learn more about ancient civilizations; others come to see the ancient religious artifacts and buildings. Jewish organizations encourage Jewish students to conduct studies in Israel and even offer generous scholarships for those unable to afford the trip.

Government Scholarships

The government is a huge provider of scholarship funds especially when you are looking to study abroad.  One service they administer is the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. Focused toward students with high financial need, the Gilman Scholarship is designed to allow students the opportunity to study abroad so they will be better prepared for roles in the growing global economy. This program aims at sending students from underrepresented groups- community college students, students from diverse backgrounds and students with disabilities- to locations that are overlooked by most other study broad programs.

The traditional destinations for students studying abroad are Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. To receive the maximum amount of funding, you should consider a place of study outside of these areas- areas like Israel! The only students eligible for this award are those who are already receiving Federal Pell Grants. over 2,300 of these awards are given out annually. The average amount of funding is $4,000, with the maximum amount being $5,000.

College Scholarships

Michigan State University’s Jewish Studies program focuses on every aspect of Jewish history, religion, culture and civilization. Students track these subjects from biblical times all the way up to today. an important part of understanding a culture is to immerse yourself in it and become part of it. With this Jewish Studies program students do just that. They offer a few courses for students interested in traveling to Israel. They also provide funding for students to travel to Israel. The Levy Scholarship is for both Jewish and non-Jewish students. It is intended for students to study at Israeli universities to become excellent leaders in the global economy. To be eligible, students must have a GPA of at least 3.0. Up to $5,000 can be awarded for an academic year of study.

The Mosse / Weinstein Center for Jewish Studies at the University of Wisconsin- Madison brings many disciplines together- over 12 departments- to study ancient Jewish and Israelite history, religion, politics, society, and culture. Students who major in Jewish studies usually go into law or medical school, education, or the rabbinate. For students looking to study in Israel, they offer a few scholarships.

• Robert and Lynn Berman Scholarship- this research grant allows either an undergraduate or graduate student the opportunity to study abroad in Israel. This $1,000 scholarship goes toward travel expenses, professional conferences, and other resources needed for study (except books).
  
• Robert and Beverly Natelson Family Scholarship in Jewish Studies- the student who proves that they are the best and brightest in the area of Jewish Studies is awarded this $3,000 scholarship.
• Weinstein-Minkoff Junior Year in Israel Scholarship- this merit-based award goes to an undergraduate student that will be studying in Israel during their junior year.

Private Organizations

The Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies, located in Jerusalem, Israel, offers study programs for men and women who are at least 20 years of age. They emphasize textual study of the Old Testament of the Bible, giving students the ability to read and understand great works in their original language of Hebrew and Aramaic. The Mayanot Institute doesn’t want finances to stand in the way of students looking for the best Judaic Studies. As such, they offer partial airfare grants- up to $400- and scholarships to students wishing to study in Mayanot. The Rohr Grant provides $500 in funding to students who are going to Mayanot for their first time.

The American Jewish League for Israel was established to support the people and the State of Israel. They offer scholarships to students for a year of study at one of Israel’s Universities. This program aims at fostering Jewish spiritual and cultural values by studying and living in Israel. Students will also be able to strengthen the ties between Jews in the U.S. and Jews in Israel.

MASA Israel Journey is an organization which allows young adults to study abroad and volunteer in Israel. This is done to inspire and form the next generation of Jewish leaders, and to connect them with more Jewish people and to Israel. They offer different merit and need-based scholarships. In North America, eligible students automatically receive $1,000, and if you are over 21 you automatically receive between $3,000 and $4,500. They also offer up to $3,000 in need-based funding. That equals up to $7,500 in scholarships!

If you are interested in other Jewish religious scholarships, we list a number of opportunities here.