Scientists in Israel

Published on October 29, 2023March 11, 2024

Science and Israel go hand in hand, with Israel holding a prominent global position in science and engineering. Israeli scientists have earned numerous awards, including 4 Nobel Prizes in chemistry, 3 Turing Awards in computer science, and 1 Fields Medal in mathematics. Israel ranks 7th worldwide in citations per scientific publication, excelling in computer science, engineering, chemistry, and life sciences. Studying in Israel offers you a unique chance to collaborate with top researchers and world-class facilities in these fields. So, if you’re pondering the next chapter of your scientific journey, let’s explore how Israel can be your canvas for discovery and achievement.

Who Qualifies as a ‘Scientist Oleh'?’

First, it’s important to clarify who qualifies as a ‘scientist.’ According to the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, new Olim who meet one or more of the following conditions may be recognized as scientists:

Degree – Ph.D. degree or equivalent
Experience – At least 3 years of research and development work out of the 5 years before immigrating to Israel (Ph.D. study period is counted as experience)
Publications – 3 scientific publications or 3 patents in the scientist’s name

Degree – M.Sc. or equivalent
Experience – At least 4 years of research and development work out of the 6 years after receiving the degree and before Aliyah
Publications – 3 scientific publications or 3 patents in the scientist’s name
Employer – New Olim – all employers except universities

Degree – M.Sc. or equivalent
Experience – At least 4 years of research and development work out of the 6 years after receiving the degree and before Aliyah
Publications – No publications or patents registered in their name
Employer – Only research and development positions in the field

Degree – M.Sc. or equivalent, up to the age of 32
Experience – No prior research and development experience
Employer – Only research and development positions in the sector

Degree – M.Sc. or equivalent, up to the age of 37
Experience – Acceptance as a research student in a university
Employer – Only research and development positions in the industry

Please be aware that recognition by the Center for Integration in Science is determined using these criteria, except in cases of uncertainty when the Bureau for Evaluation of Overseas Degrees and Diplomas (under the Ministry of Education) may be involved. To initiate the process of becoming a recognized scientist in Israel, complete the form below

The Center for Integration in Science

Scientists who meet the outlined criteria can benefit from valuable professional guidance, counseling, and vocational support offered by the Center for Integration in Science. This assistance is available to newly arrived Olim scientists as well as those considering Aliyah, even if they are seeking support from abroad.

The Science Integration Center – Contact Information

Technology and Exact Sciences
Tel: 972-2-6214664
Email: [email protected]

Social Sciences
Tel: 972-2-6214596
Email: [email protected]

Biology and Medicine
Tel: 972-2-6214631
Email: [email protected]

Mailing Address:
Science Integration Center
Ministry of Aliyah and Integration
15 Hillel Street
Jerusalem 94581
Fax: 02-6214638

Who is Eligible for Assistance from the Center for Integration in Science?

An Oleh scientist and their employer are eligible to receive grants and rights, provided both meet the criteria set forth by the State of Israel.

New Olim are recognized by the Center for Integration in Science as meeting the qualifications of a scientist up to the age of 70.

Israel offers financial incentives to companies and institutions to hire Oleh scientists.

Academic Institutions – Universities, colleges, government research institutes, regional R&D recognized by the Ministry of Science or the Ministry of Agriculture, and research sponsored by universities and hospitals.
Institutions in the 3rd Sector – Local authorities, National Authorities (established by law), museums, and non-profit organizations.
Industry – Business sector employers who hire scientists for R&D positions as defined by the Law of Research and Development. Personnel agencies are not included.

Period of Assistance

The duration and eligibility of assistance for an Oleh Scientist depends on the following factors:

Employment in academia and the third sector – Must begin working with Center Assistance within 3 years from the Aliyah date (physicians have 5 years)
Duration of assistance – Up to 3 years
Duration of eligibility – Up to 6 years from the Aliyah date for scientists (8 years for physicians)
Employment in the business sector – Must start within 4 years from Aliyah
Duration of assistance – Up to 3 years
Duration of eligibility – Up to 7 years from Aliyah for scientists

Types of Aid for Emerging Scientists

Eligible scientists can access extensive support from the Center for Integration in Science. This assistance is available to Olim scientists considering Aliyah, even when seeking support from abroad.

The Center’s comprehensive assistance program is designed to facilitate the seamless integration of scientists into Israel’s research and development community. This program offers personalized guidance, advice, and one-on-one consultations with vocational advisors specializing in the scientist’s field. These advisors are instrumental in assisting scientists in locating suitable R&D positions in Israel, utilizing their extensive networks within both industry and academia.

In addition to advisory services, the center provides financial support for the scientist’s employment over a period of 2 to 3 years, with the assistance gradually decreasing. The center also offers research scholarships for doctoral and post-doctoral studies.

It’s essential to note that this employment assistance is available to scientists across various fields, including life sciences, medicine, technology, social sciences, and humanities. Importantly, this support is accessible even before making Aliyah.

Click here to learn more or contact the Center for Integration in Science:

The Center for Integration in Science
The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration
22 Rehov Kanfei Nesharim, Entrance B
Jerusalem 9546436
Fax: (02) 6214638

As part of its commitment to promoting Aliyah and facilitating the integration of Olim in Israel, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration administers a scholarship program and offers postdoctoral fellowships to eligible individuals who have recently arrived there.

Learn more here

The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration provides direct financial support to employers to facilitate the employment of scientists in research and development (R&D). Academic and public sector employers may qualify for assistance when hiring doctoral scientists, while industry employers are eligible when employing scientists holding a master’s degree or higher.

Please note that scientists appointed to tenure-track positions are not eligible for financial assistance, as their positions are covered under the current Planning and Budgeting Committee budget. It’s also important to mention that financial assistance is not provided for employment through staffing agencies or for roles as external lecturers.

The disbursement of assistance is contingent upon the employer’s payment of a monthly gross salary (excluding overtime and travel reimbursements) to the scientist.

Below are the assistance amounts available to employers and the corresponding minimum salary requirements for the employer:

For scientists holding a Master’s degree – Monthly support is provided, with the Ministry’s participation amounting to, as of 2024, 49,200 shekels in Year A, 36,900 shekels in Year B, 18,300 shekels in Year C, and 30,000 shekels in Year C for those in colleges. The monthly gross minimum wage for this category is 6,500 shekels.

Scientists with a Ph.D.- Are eligible to receive support at higher levels, with the Ministry’s participation being, as of 2024, 79,920 shekels in Year A, 59,460 shekels in Year B, 24,600 shekels in Year C, and 42,000 shekels in Year C for those in colleges. The monthly gross minimum wage for this group is 9,000 shekels.

Scientists holding a D.Sc degree – Are eligible to receive support as well, with the Ministry’s participation totaling, as of 2024, 82,440 shekels in Year A, 61,500 shekels in Year B, 30,750 shekels in Year C, and 48,000 shekels in Year C for those in colleges. The monthly gross minimum wage for scientists with a D.Sc is 10,000 shekels.

For physicians – Financial support is available with the Ministry’s participation at, as of 2024, 47,340 shekels per year for all years listed. The monthly gross minimum wage for physicians is 8,500 shekels. These financial support options aim to assist scientists and professionals in various fields in their career pursuits in Israel.

Explore the financial support guidelines

Scientists with a Master's degree

If you’re at the early stages of your career and considering beginning a Master’s or Ph.D. program, it’s worth exploring graduate programs in Israel. Pursuing your Master’s or Ph.D. studies in Israel can allow you to establish connections within your field. Also, these connections can prove invaluable in your academic journey.

The Misrad Haklita provides support to Olim by offering financial assistance in the form of a scientist’s salary for a specified duration through the Center for Integration in Science (Merkaz l’Klita b’Mada), also known as Keren Shapiro.

Find out about assistance

Ministry of Aliyah and Integration in Science The Center of Integration in Science

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