Preparing for Your Journey
As you prepare for your arrival, this pre-arrival information will provide you with all the information you need to get ready for your time here. here you will find details about visa requirements, travel arrangements, housing options, and much more.
Most likely you will need to submit the following items with your application
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Your passport, valid for at least two more years.
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Two copies of the visa application form, with one photograph attached to each copy. Forms can be obtained from the Israeli Consulate.
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Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
Supporting Visa documents on behalf of the university
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Your letter of acceptance to the University of Haifa
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Harel Yedidim insurance Letter.
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Embassy letter for the Israeli Consulate
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Proof of accommodation (for dorm residents). The letter is provided by the dorm office
If you do not live near an Israeli Consulate, please contact the closest consulate by phone.
If arrangements are made far enough in advance, a visa can usually be attained by mail.
Students who were born in Israel and/or whose parents are or were Israeli citizens should consult the Israeli consulate in their area to clarify their status and complete any necessary steps before arrival.
Please note that there is no option to update a type of your visa from Israel.
Visa Requirements
As the academic year approaches, it is crucial to ensure that your student visa are in order. All students before arrival to Israel are required to possess a valid student visa, which is a multiple-entry visa valid for one year during which time you can leave and re-enter Israel a number of times within the period of validation without having to secure a new visa. Student visas are renewable after one year both in Israel and abroad.
We recommend contacting the nearest Israeli consulate or embassy to begin this process well in advance. Ensure you have all required documents, Such as your acceptance letter, passport, proof of financial support, and any other specified materials. The Israeli Consulate will inform you as to which type of documents you will need. The list of required documents may vary from country to county.
A list of a closest Israeli Embassy may be found in the following link:
Health and Medical Preparations
Your health and well-being are our top priorities!
All international students are insured by the university insurance.
If you take certain medications, please make sure they are allowed in Israel and bring the amount allowed by your doctor.
Make sure to also bring a general prescription from your doctor, so the same medication can be issued in Israel.
Please place your medication in your on-board luggage not in the checked in luggage.
Preparing Credit Card and Cash
When preparing for your stay in Haifa, it is important to manage your finances effectively.
Ensure you have an international credit card that is widely accepted (such as Visa and Mastercard) and inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with transactions. It is also advisable to carry some local currency (Israeli Shekels) for immediate expenses upon arrival. ATMs are available, but having cash on hand can be very helpful.
Useful words to know:
Medication - Trufot - תרופות
Clinic - Mirpa'a - מרפאה
Hospital - Beit Holim - בית חולים
Useful words to know:
Money - Kesef - כסף
Credit fard - Kartis Ashrai - כרטיס אשראי
NIS - Shekel - שקל
Bank - Bunk - בנק
Visa Requirements
Health & Medical
Money
Phone Services
Packing Checklist
Travel Arrangements
Accommodation
Final checklist
Emergency info
See you soon
Essential App
UHaifa MA Team
Phone Services prior and upon arrival
Please be sure that your phone is unlocked so you can purchase an Israeli sim card for the duration of your studies.
Students are required to have their cell phones charged and with them at all times to enable International School staff to reach them by phone call or WhatsApp message in the event of an emergency.
Students from the US, Canada, Europe and Australia have the option to pre-order SIM cards and plans before arriving to Israel and have them shipped directly to their home.
Students who wish to have a plan upon arrival, have the ability to pre-register for one and pick up the SIM card at the 019Mobile booth at Ben Gurion Airport.
Packing Checklist
Important Documents:
Passport, student visa, acceptance letter, medical insurance, and emergency contact information.
Clothing:
Pack for a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild, wet winters. Include comfortable, casual clothing, formal attire for special occasions.
Medications and Toiletries:
Bring a sufficient supply of personal medications, along with prescriptions. Pack basic toiletries and any specific items you may need.
Electronics:
Adapters and converters for Israeli power outlets (220V)
Academic documents:
Bring your original diploma and transcripts.
Miscellaneous:
Any personal comfort items that will help you feel at home.
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We recommend that you do not ship luggage to Israel.
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It is best to take your belongings with you and check them on your flight.
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If you must take excess baggage, it is much less expensive to pay the extra baggage charge than to ship baggage.
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If you choose to ship luggage, please note that procedures for clearing bags through customs can be quite complicated.
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You must have a detailed itemized list of the contents of each bag, and you may be taxed on personal items whether they are new or used.
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In addition to customs fees, you may be required to pay port fees and handling charges. Rather than bringing excess luggage or shipping baggage, we encourage you to minimize your packing and consider purchasing necessities upon arrival in Israel.
Travel Arrangements and Arrival to Haifa
Booking Flights
Students need to make their own travel arrangements to Israel and to the University of Haifa. When planning your journey to Haifa, book your flight to Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), the main international airport in Israel. We advise you to book your flights well in advance to secure the best prices and preferred travel dates.
On the day of your flight, we encourage you to arrive to the airport four hours ahead of your departure time. Security personnel will routinely ask all passengers questions about their baggage, destination, and purpose for traveling. In addition to your passport and ticket, we strongly recommend that you have a copy of your letter of acceptance to the International School at the University of Haifa easily accessible to verify your identity and purpose for traveling, along with all supplemental documentation, which was necessary for the visa process and entry clearance
Transportation Options to the Campus
Ben Gurion International Airport is about a 1.5-hour car ride from the University of Haifa. It is very easy to find your way from Ben-Gurion International Airport to the University of Haifa.
The options available are:
Taxi: You can access taxi services/ dispatchers from:
Level G, at the exit from Gate 03
Taxi transportation costs can be calculated below and the general cost to the University can be between 400-600 shekels ($100-$150)
Gett Taxi – Book a taxi in advance.
Sherut:
Shared taxis called sherut wait outside the arrival's hall exit.
There are sherut that bring people directly to Haifa and the surrounding regions that depart from the service post on Level G, next to Gates 01-03.
There are signs directing to the post and the service operates 24 hours a day.
Let the driver know that you need to be dropped off at the dormitories of the University of Haifa.
As soon as the sherut van fills with ten people, it will leave for Haifa and will bring you directly to campus.
The cost of the sherut is about 70 shekels or about $20.
Train:
There is a train station at the airport where you can board a train that will bring you directly to Haifa.
When exiting (after baggage claim and customs), you will see to your left-hand side the exit to the train station (there will be a sign above the exit).
The entrance to the train station is on your immediate left upon exiting the airport and you will be able to purchase tickets either by machine via credit card or with a clerk.
Purchase your ticket to: Haifa-Hof HaKarmel (Razi`el).
The cost of the train is about 50 shekel (about $15).
Take the train northbound to Haifa-Hof HaKarmel (Razi`el). It is the first train stop in Haifa.
Take a taxi to the University of Haifa Dorms, "Meonot University Haifa" or walk to the central bus station and take a bus (Please check the availability on Google maps or Moovit) and get off at the last stop on campus: "Meonot University Haifa."
A private taxi to the university will cost approximately 90 shekels.
A bus to campus will cost about 6 shekels. Please note that you cannot pay cash in the bus and need to download an app for payments on the bus.
If you have a lot of luggage, taking a taxi will be the best option.
Useful words to know:
Train – Rakevet - רכבת
Bus – Autobus – אוטובוס
Cable car – Rakevel – רכבל
Taxi – Monit – מונית
Take me to… - Kach oti le… קח אותי ל...
Accommodation
On-Campus Housing Options
The University of Haifa student dormitories are located on campus and there is a security guard at the entrance 24 hours a day. About 1,000 students live in the dorms at the University of Haifa, including students of all social, economic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds.
There are three types of dormitory accommodations available for international students:
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Federman Single Dorms have shared apartments with 3 private bedrooms, shared bathroom, shower and shared common area.
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Federman Double Dorms have shared apartments with 3 bedrooms, each shared by two students, shared bathroom/shower and shared common area.
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Talia Dorms include shared apartments with 3-6 private bedrooms, private shower/bathroom, and shared common area.
Located in the dormitories complex are self-service laundry rooms and a grocery store.
All rooms and public spaces in the dormitories have WIFI Internet connections. In addition, there is a "moadon" or "club" with a large-screen television which often hosts parties, workshops, lectures, and other activities.
Register on your applicant portal
Suggested Packing list for dorms:
Dress in Israel tends to be casual, and what you wear at your home university is probably what you will want to wear at the University of Haifa. In addition to your basic clothing, we suggest you bring the following items:
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Kitchenware
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Towels
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Beddings
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Personal items
The dormitories will provide you with a hotplate and a refrigerator in your dorms.
Utensils and added appliances are NOT provided by the dormitories. They can be purchased upon.
Off-Campus Housing
For students who prefer to live off-campus, Haifa offers a range of housing options to suit different lifestyles and budgets. The city boasts numerous apartments, shared houses, and private rentals located in vibrant neighborhoods. Living off-campus gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local community and experience the city’s rich cultural life.
Useful words to know:
Dormitories – Meonot – מעונות
Room – Heder – חדר
Toilet – Sherutim - שירותים
Bathroom – Miklachat – מקלחת
Final checklist
(download a copy and keep it with you)
Pre departure checklist
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Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your travel date. If it isn't, schedule an appointment to renew it as soon as possible.
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Flight Tickets: Purchase your flight tickets well in advance.
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Student Visa: Apply for a student visa following the guidelines provided by the University of Haifa.
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Health Insurance: If you arrive prior October 28, purchase health insurance for your stay in Israel until the beginning of your studies.
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Medication Supply: Obtain a maximum supply of your medications before leaving. Take them in your carry-on.
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Currency Exchange: Exchange a small amount of your currency for Israeli Shekels (ILS) to have cash on hand upon arrival.
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Goodbyes: Schedule time with family and friends for farewells before your departure date. Cherish these moments!
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Packing: Start packing! Buy any last-minute items you may have forgotten. Choose luggage that stands out from others and use bright-colored luggage tags, tape, or ribbons to easily identify your bags.
Essential App Recommendations
Navigation and transportation Apps
Google maps
Moovit – transportation and public transportation payments (Credit card)
RavKav App – Public transportation payment
Waze – Driving navigator
Gett Taxi
Other useful Apps
Google Translate
Israeli News apps in English
Currency Converters
Emergency apps
Home Front Command – national emergency alerts
Useful words to know:
Police – Mishtara – משטרה
Ambulance – Ambulance – אמבולנס
Fire – Esh - אש
Emergency – Herum – חירום
Emergency information
Police – Emergency 100 | Non-Emergency – 110
Magen David Adom – Medical emergency and Ambulance – 101
Ihud Hatzala – Medical emergency – 1221
Fire department – 102
Emotional Crisis Hotline (Eran) – 1201
See you soon
We want to thank you for choosing the University of Haifa for your study experience.
We are looking forward to having you with us for the academic year and are anticipating your arrival to campus.
We are here to answer any and all questions you may have and are happy to help assist you in any way possible prior to your arrival and while you are here studying with us.
Please don't hesitate to contact us
We wish you a safe journey to us and are looking forward to welcoming you here in Haifa!
See You Soon!
Michal Morgenstern-Laor
Executive Director
Julie Rautio Ben Arush
Head of International Masters Programs Department
Galit Diamant
Director of Marketing, MA
Camilla Shem Tov
Student Advisor
Hagit Lu
Asia Marketing & Recruitment
Netta Dassa Twito
Master’s Programs Admissions
Victoria Greenberg
Master’s Programs Admissions
Hila Heinemann
Finance Office Director
Anet Sonego - Kogan
Assistant Finance Director
Iris Perry-Gilad
Federal Student Aid Officer
