Tag: General

TAU launches a renewed international master’s program in environmental studies

Tel Aviv University’s New Environment School (NES) and the Faculty of Social Sciences are unveiling an interdisciplinary curriculum for international students. By joining forces with the School of Social and Policy Studies, the NES has introduced a renewed, one-year English-taught master’s in environmental studies – designed as a singular academic home for those driven to understand and shape the interaction between human society and our planet.

Reflecting on the vision behind this initiative, Prof. Noga Kronfeld-Schor, Rector of Tel Aviv University and former Head of the New Environment School, stated:

“The environmental field is deeply complex and demands a multidisciplinary approach. Our vision is to harness Tel Aviv University’s diverse expertise to address these challenges head-on. We are at a critical juncture where academic knowledge is essential to building a better future. This new master’s program will serve as a global hub, translating scientific research into tangible policy and action for decision-makers, educators, and the public.”

From classroom to real-world impact

The curriculum features core courses in sustainability science, the circular economy, and environmental policy, taught by internationally renowned experts. Students can choose from electives that draw on Israeli and regional expertise to provide unique, localized insights, and engage in project-based courses that allow them to tackle environmental challenges on the ground. Building on a strong track record of field-based learning, the program offers students opportunities in Israel and at global sustainability hotspots rarely available to master’s students at other institutions.

Prof. Ram Fishman, Head of the New Environment School, emphasizes this commitment to real-world application:

“At our school, tackling the world’s most urgent environmental challenges doesn’t wait until graduation – it starts the moment you join us. We provide the hands-on experience and expertise currently in high demand, both in Israel and globally. As the environmental landscape evolves, our program equips the next generation with the tools to lead and drive meaningful impact for decades to come.”

The goal of this restructuring is to provide the next generation of sustainability leaders with a sophisticated toolkit for a rapidly changing world. By navigating the complex intersection of innovation and governance, graduates – whether specializing in climate policy or green entrepreneurship – are immersed in a professional network that ensures a seamless, immediate transition from academic research to real-world impact.

Applications are currently open for the 2026-2027 academic year.

For more information about the curriculum, admission requirements, and upcoming information sessions, please visit our website

Through many new initiatives, TAU is creating a completely green campus and a better climate future

Climate change is already here, and it affects everyone. In addition to the impactful research at Tel Aviv University’s New Environmental School, TAU is doing its part to combat global warming with a recent commitment to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions on campus. To do this, every detail of emissions across TAU was mapped out to create a multi-pronged plan for a more environmental campus. That plan is already in motion, led by recently-appointed Head of Sustainability and experienced climate researcher and activist, Dr. Judi Lax. Last year, TAU’s efforts earned it a 150-place jump in the prestigious QS World University Ranking of Sustainability, and the top spot in Israel.  

Read about TAU’s many sustainability initiatives below: 

The Energy Revolution: Transitioning to 100% Clean Electricity 

Tel Aviv University is excited to announce that it will be moving to 100% renewable energy use on campus: 

• Solar electricity on rooftops: As part of the move, the University is parting ways with natural gas and switching to solar electricity production. Solar energy already powers several main buildings; since the beginning of the year, solar panels have already been installed on the roofs of eight more large buildings on campus. These installations will continue with solar panel-lined roofs to shade parking lots; an outdoor solar field; and even an energy storage facility. 

• Reducing and saving: The cleanest electricity is what’s never used in the first place. TAU’s Fleischman Faculty of Engineering ran a campaign for energy efficiency with the slogan “Think Light!”, encouraging its members to be mindful and reduce their energy consumption wherever they could. The project showed great results and is expanding to other faculties this year. 

Smart Mobility: Green and Accessible Transportation 

Transportation is the second-largest source of emissions on campus. After carefully mapping the routes most people take to campus, public and green transportation options are being promoted: 

• Upgrading the shuttle system: For many years, a free shuttle service has helped students navigate campus and access public transit. Now, that service is expanding with longer hours, more shuttles at “rush hours”, location tracking and year-round service. 

• Infrastructure for riders and drivers: For those who have their own means of transport, TAU is encouraging greener options. Public bicycle-repair stations and charging stations for electric vehicles have been installed throughout the campus.  

• Greener campus vehicles: Energy efficiency is not limited to buildings—it also applies to everything in between. For cleaner deliveries and campus operations, TAU is gradually transitioning to a fully electric fleet of operational vehicles.  
   

Cooling Campus: Urban Nature and Creating Shade 

Nature is an integral part of the solution to climate challenges, and the physical design of the campus must function accordingly.

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• Cooling the environment: In the hot Israeli summer, shade is a valuable commodity. Since trees are able to significantly reduce the temperature in their environment, dozens of new shade and fruit trees have been planted on campus in recent years. This is in addition to the establishment of artificial and solar shading solutions. 

• Surveying the urban forest: In order to understand and plan correctly, a group of volunteers mapped each and every tree on campus—so far, the number is 1,800! This data may serve as a scientific basis for combatting urban heat, encouraging pollinators and nurturing biodiversity. 

• Sustainable construction: Proper planning is the most effective way to reduce emissions for decades to come. Today, every new construction on campus is built according to the Ministry of Environmental Protection’s Green Building Standard. 

• Involving the community: On Tu B’Shvat, the campus community was invited to participate in planting new shade trees, cultivating the campus herb garden, and setting up a pollinator garden.  

• Campus Nature Competition: TAU’s campus is alive, breathing, and spectacularly beautiful. To capture this magic, the sustainability office held the “Campus Nature” photography competition which brought in thousands of photos. The competition winners will be featured in a special exhibition. 
   

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Waste as a Resource 

Behavioral change and the right infrastructure can help waste become an opportunity: 

• “Let it stay on campus”: Furniture that is given up doesn’t have to be thrown in the trash. A new project helps University workers find new homes for old equipment, and in just the past year dozens of items were saved from landfills or from becoming further sources of pollution. 

• Recycling right: A waste separation project led by the Faculty of Exact Sciences is making possible the correct disposal of plastic containers, paper waste, packaging waste, and more across campus. The project led to an impressive 30% increase in recycling on campus. 

• Difficult disposals: Some waste is harder to dispose of safely. To help curb improper disposal of materials that can cause disproportionate harm to people and the environment, TAU set up special collection stations. These include electronic waste depositories and even laboratory waste disposal and recycling.  

National Pride: Sustainability and Community 

The shared purpose of a greener University environment has brought together many passionate partners and gained recognition for TAU.

• Rising in the ranks: The many projects on campus were recognized by the prestigious QS Global University Sustainability Rankings for 2026. TAU rose a whopping 150 places in the list, launching to the top spot in Israel last year!  These efforts also received recognition from the Tel Aviv Municipality. 

• Collaboration is key: Real change happens thanks to the combined efforts of many individual people, and this is incredibly clear in the dedicated cooperation of numerous campus groups. Strategic partners such as the Student Union, the TAU Student and Faculty Green Cell, the TAU Climate Initiative, the New Environmental School, the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, the Yehuda Naftali Botanical Garden, and the Dean of Students – all worked together to advance this vision. 

• A place to come together: A broad community of changemakers needs a physical space to meet, learn, brainstorm, plan, and advance their vision. For this purpose, a new Sustainability Center was established on campus where students, faculty, staff, and other partners can gather to work towards a greener future together. 
  
  

In citations per faculty publications, Tel Aviv University ranks among the global top ten out of 12,000 institutions worldwide

Tel Aviv University was ranked 152nd worldwide and first in Israel in the Webometrics Ranking, which evaluates the web presence of more than 32,000 higher education institutions across 263 countries.

The ranking is published twice a year and was created to promote the online dissemination of academic research and support open access to knowledge. Unlike other university rankings that focus solely on academic publications, Webometrics incorporates additional indicators reflecting the online activity of faculty members and researchers, such as impact (content quality), accessibility of research files, and excellence (the number of publications included in the top 10% of most-cited studies in their respective fields).

According to the January 2026 edition, Tel Aviv University ranked No. 1 in Israel and 152nd worldwide. The University’s position is strongly influenced by its high performance in quality indicators — including citations per faculty member ranking among the global top ten, as well as the number of citations received by leading researchers.

Key Highlights from the Ranking (January 2026 Edition)

• National Leadership: Tel Aviv University ranks first in Israel, ahead of all other research universities in the country.
• Asia Ranking: The University is ranked 49th in Asia.
• Research Stability: Despite increasing competition and the growing number of ranked institutions, the University maintains a stable presence among the global top universities, with a strong emphasis on excellence indicators and research transparency.

The Hebrew University is ranked 285th, followed by the Technion at 378th, and the University of Haifa at 645th worldwide.

According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) 2025 by Startup Genome

Tel Aviv University’s technology ecosystem has reached a historic milestone. According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) 2025 by Startup Genome, Tel Aviv has climbed to 4th place worldwide among the best startup ecosystems. This marks a one-place rise compared to last year, positioning the University and the city at the forefront of global innovation — ahead of major hubs such as Boston, Beijing, and Seoul.

Tel Aviv University, consistently ranked among the world’s leading institutions in producing entrepreneurs and founders of unicorn companies, continues to serve as a central engine behind this achievement. The report highlights that the University’s research strength and academic human capital are key factors enabling Tel Aviv’s ecosystem to maintain resilience and growth, even during challenging periods.

Key Findings from the GSER 2025 Report

• Ecosystem Value: Tel Aviv’s ecosystem generated an impressive $198 billion in economic value (between July 2022 and December 2024), driven by company valuations and successful exits.
• Performance Leadership: Tel Aviv ranked 4th globally in the Performance indicator, which measures the value creation of technology companies.
• Top 10 Worldwide in Knowledge & Talent: The city ranked among the global top 10 in the Knowledge indicator (measuring innovation and patents), as well as in Talent & Experience.

Scientific Drivers: AI, Cyber, and Life Sciences

The report emphasizes that Tel Aviv’s growth is fueled by three major sectors in which Tel Aviv University is considered a global research leader:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): The leading sector in both number of startups and funding rounds.
• Cybersecurity: A field where Tel Aviv maintains an undisputed global leadership position.
• Life Sciences: Recorded a 25% increase in total ecosystem value, reaching $2.7 billion.

“The Highest-Quality Entrepreneurs in the World”

Senior figures in the venture capital industry also praised the quality of Israeli entrepreneurship in the report. Jeff Horing, Co-Founder of Insight Partners, was quoted as saying:

“I have no doubt that Israel is home to the highest-quality entrepreneurs in the world, period. The combination of intelligence, diligence, and determination is among the strongest you can find.”

Tel Aviv University — ranked 7th worldwide (and first outside the United States) in the PitchBook ranking for producing entrepreneurs — continues to demonstrate that the close connection between advanced academic research and the high-tech industry is the true secret behind Tel Aviv’s success.

Read the full report >

The Department of Nursing Maintains Its Position as No. 1 in Israel

Tel Aviv University continues to strengthen its standing as one of the world’s leading research universities. In the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) — widely known as the Shanghai Ranking — for 2025, the University was ranked in the 201–300 range worldwide. This achievement places Tel Aviv University within the global elite of academic institutions, among thousands of universities evaluated each year.

National and Global Leadership Across Academic Fields

Alongside the overall institutional ranking, Tel Aviv University recorded particularly impressive achievements in the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects. Most notably, the Department of Nursing maintains its status as the leading and highest-quality program in Israel, ranking among the top 101–150 worldwide.

In addition, the University achieved top positions in the Shanghai Ranking in the following disciplines:

• Law and Mathematics: ranked 76–100 worldwide
• Business Administration and Economics: ranked 101–150 worldwide
• Computer Science and Psychology: ranked 151–200 worldwide

A Benchmark for Research Quality

The Shanghai Ranking is considered one of the most objective and rigorous rankings in the academic world, as it focuses on clear indicators of research output. The ranking incorporates data such as the number of Highly Cited Researchers, publications in the most prestigious scientific journals, and overall research quality relative to institutional size.

Tel Aviv University’s placement within the global top 300, along with its leadership in key academic disciplines, further reinforces its position at the forefront of Israeli research on the international stage. This achievement complements the University’s strong performance in other major global rankings this year, including 216th place in the Times Higher Education ranking and 223rd place in the QS ranking.

A significant research achievement in the NTU ranking, which evaluates scientific excellence and the quality of academic publications

The prestigious Taiwan Ranking (NTU Ranking) for 2025 places Tel Aviv University first in Israel and 213th worldwide.

Based entirely on scientific publications, the Taiwan Ranking evaluates the top 1,000 universities in the world. The top five institutions in the ranking are Harvard University (USA), Stanford University (USA), University College London (UK), the University of Oxford (UK), and Johns Hopkins University (USA).

The ranking is considered one of the most reliable indicators for measuring research productivity, as it relies solely on objective data without reputation surveys. It is based on eight criteria that assess research productivity (number of publications), research impact (number of citations), and research excellence (the volume of papers published in leading journals).

Research Excellence and Scientific Quality

Tel Aviv University’s achievement this year is driven by the quality of its research and its impact on the international scientific community. The University received an overall score of 55.7, reflecting the strength of its researchers’ publications across disciplines.

In field-based rankings, the University recorded particularly notable achievements:

• Life Sciences: Ranked 123rd worldwide
• Clinical Medicine: Ranked 99th worldwide
• Social Sciences: Ranked 301–350 worldwide

At the Forefront of Science in Israel

Tel Aviv University’s placement as No. 1 in Israel in the NTU ranking — ahead of the Hebrew University (256th), the Weizmann Institute (278th), and the Technion (374th) — highlights its role as a central scientific hub in the country.

This achievement joins the University’s other international rankings this year, including 216th place in the Times Higher Education ranking and 223rd place in the QS ranking, presenting a consistent picture of an institution that combines groundbreaking research with broad global recognition.

The ranking is based on both quantitative and qualitative academic indicators, as well as global and regional peer assessments

Tel Aviv University continues to strengthen its standing as one of the world’s leading research institutions. In the latest U.S. News ranking for 2025–2026, the University is ranked 199th worldwide, 43rd in Asia, and 2nd in Israel.

This prestigious ranking, based on 13 indicators of academic quality and excellence, places the University at the forefront of global scientific activity, demonstrating impressive stability and a strong international research reputation among the global and regional academic community. Quantitative indicators include the number of publications, books, and conferences — accounting for 15% of the overall score — as well as 10% allocated to internationally co-authored publications.

The remaining 50% is based on qualitative indicators, including citation volume and impact, the number and share of publications ranked in the top 10% of most-cited papers, and those in the top 1% worldwide. Tel Aviv University performs particularly well in publication output (129th), citations (149th), citations among the top 1% (151st), and citations among the top 10% (165th).

Alongside the overall ranking, subject rankings were also published across 38 disciplines. Tel Aviv University is ranked in 35 fields — more than any other Israeli university. It ranks first among Israeli institutions in 17 fields and second in an additional 13. Notable positions include:

Humanities: 109

Exact Sciences: Computer Science (149), Mathematics (152), Physics (110)

Space Sciences: 119

Medical Fields: Gastroenterology (46), Infectious Diseases (75), Oncology (96)

Biomedical Sciences: Immunology (45), Neuroscience (134), Biology & Biochemistry (176), Optics (109)

Psychology & Psychiatry: 121

Full ranking >

Continues to lead Israeli academia and maintain its position at the forefront of research and teaching on the international stage

Tel Aviv University maintains its standing as Israel’s leading academic institution. In the prestigious QS World University Rankings for 2026, the University was ranked 223rd worldwide. This year’s ranking is the most comprehensive ever published by QS, including more than 1,500 leading academic institutions from around 100 countries.

The QS Index is one of the world’s leading ranking systems for academic institutions. Each year, it reviews around 1,500 of the best universities globally, evaluating them based on teaching and research indicators such as citations, academic reputation, graduate employability, and international outlook. The ranking draws on approximately 17.5 million academic papers and around 240,000 interviews with academics and employers.

Leading Israeli Academia

Once again, Tel Aviv University reinforces its position as the most prominent and highest-quality academic institution in Israel. Its placement at 223rd worldwide puts it ahead of the Hebrew University (240th), the Technion (350th), and Ben-Gurion University (469th).

This leadership is especially evident in research quality indicators, where the gap between Tel Aviv University and other Israeli institutions is particularly striking — positioning the University at the forefront of Israeli research on the global stage.

Excellence in Research and Core Indicators

The ranking is based on nine key performance indicators, including academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, and research impact. Tel Aviv University’s achievements stand out in several areas:

• Research Impact (Citations per Faculty): The University’s strongest achievement in the current ranking is reflected in its citations-per-faculty score, which measures the research impact and scientific contribution of academic staff. Tel Aviv University received an impressive score of 99.7, placing it among the leading research universities worldwide and highlighting the exceptional quality of research conducted on campus.
• Employment Outcomes: A high score of 94.2, reflecting strong demand for the University’s graduates in both the global and local job markets.
• Sustainability: A score of 77, expressing the institution’s commitment to social and environmental goals and its influence on the future of the planet.

The QS ranking joins the University’s recent achievement in the Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings for 2026, where it was ranked 216th worldwide, completing a picture of steady growth and leadership across the most important international indices.

Israeli universities ranking >

Full ranking >

Ranked the top academic institution in Israel out of 2,191 universities included in the prestigious index

Tel Aviv University continues to strengthen its position at the forefront of global academia. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2026, the University recorded a significant rise, ranking 216th worldwide — an improvement of 12 places compared to last year’s ranking of 228. In addition, the University retains its position as Israel’s top-ranked institution for another consecutive year.

This achievement is particularly notable given that this year’s ranking is the most comprehensive in its history, encompassing 2,191 research institutions from 115 countries. The rise in ranking — placing Tel Aviv University within the top decile of ranked institutions worldwide — reflects its strong research and academic performance amid intensifying global competition.

Excellence in Research and Core Indicators

The ranking is based on 18 performance indicators that evaluate institutions across five key areas: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry engagement, and international outlook.

This year’s improved global standing is driven by strong performance across core metrics. Tel Aviv University stands out especially in Research Quality, which measures the scientific impact of researchers’ publications and citation volume, as well as in Research Environment. In both indicators, the University ranked first in Israel.

Achievements by Subject (Subject Rankings)

Alongside the overall ranking, Tel Aviv University recorded impressive achievements across a range of disciplines. Among the leading fields ranked at the global forefront for 2026:

Computer Science and Law: continue to lead globally, ranked 101–125

Psychology: ranked 126–150

Medicine & Health Sciences and Education: ranked 151–175

Arts & Humanities: ranked 176–200

Innovation and Industry Engagement

In the area of industry engagement, the University demonstrates significant strength, reflecting its international reputation among employers and its ability to translate academic research into applied innovation. This complements additional international rankings that position Tel Aviv University among the world’s leading universities (outside the United States) in producing entrepreneurs and founders of unicorn companies.

The rise to 216th place marks another milestone in a series of recent international achievements for the University and further reinforces its standing as a leading force in research and teaching in Israel.

An English-taught, interdisciplinary program exploring Jewish civilization from antiquity to the present

Tel Aviv University (TAU) invites students from around the world to apply to its International MA in Jewish Studies, a dynamic program in English offering an in-depth exploration of Jewish civilization from antiquity to the present.

Hosted within the framework of TAU’s Faculty of Humanities and in collaboration with the Lowy International School and the Koret Center for Jewish Civilization the program offers a broad, interdisciplinary curriculum encompassing Biblical studies, Jewish and Semitic languages, and Jewish history as well as Jewish culture, literature and thought.

Classes are taught in English by internationally renowned scholars and are offered on TAU’s vibrant campus, with select hybrid and Zoom-based options.

A distinctive feature of the program is its academic partnership with Goethe University Frankfurt, one of Europe’s leading centers for religious studies and Jewish history, culture, and thought. Through this collaborative partnership, students can enroll in English-language courses offered by the Jewish Studies program and the religious studies program at Goethe University, further enhancing the program’s international scope.

Current courses include:

The Dialogical Turn in Modern Jewish Philosophy — Prof. Christian Wiese & Prof. Menachem Fisch

The Theology of the Hebrew Bible — Prof. Dalit Rom-Shiloni

The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Hebrew Bible: Transmission, Interpretation, and Ideology — Prof. Eshbal Ratzon

The Jewish Magical Tradition: An Introduction — Prof. Gideon Bohak

Early Modern Ashkenaz: Jewish Thought and Culture in the German Lands – Prof. Maoz Kahana & Prof. Rebekka Voss

Modern Jewish Politics: Between Power and Powerlessness — Prof. Scott Ury

Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews in Cross-Cultural Settings: Past and Present — Dr. Noah Gerber

“Through a wide range of courses on various aspects of Jewish studies, TAU’s MA program in Jewish Studies offers students the opportunity to study with leading scholars from TAU and Goethe University Frankfurt alongside a dynamic cohort of international students from Israel, Germany, and a number of other countries.”

Prof. Scott Ury, Academic Director, International MA in Jewish Studies, Dept. of Jewish History, TAU.

In addition to academic studies, students may enroll in intensive Hebrew language courses, participate in TAU’s Yiddish Summer Program, and take a wide range of additional courses on TAU’s campus offered in English and, for those with sufficient proficiency, in Hebrew.

TAU’s International MA in Jewish Studies provides students with a unique opportunity to engage directly with Israeli society, gaining critical insight into the historical, cultural, and political background of Israel as well as the crises currently facing the broader region.

As Alena R., a visiting MA Student from Goethe University notes:

“Studying in Tel Aviv is a great opportunity, because it allows for multiple ways of personal and academic growth: Experiencing living Israeli and Jewish culture, learning Hebrew, attending English seminars and getting research insights to current research by attending colloquia. The classes are diverse and interesting, and the teachers are dedicated, open, and supportive.

The program is open to students holding a BA in the Humanities, and in certain cases BA degrees in the Social Sciences or other fields. It is well-suited for those planning to pursue doctoral studies in related fields, careers in education, journalism or politics, or those who wish to work in non-profit or cultural organizations.

The MA can be completed in three to four semesters. Students can integrate some Zoom-based courses and intensive summer courses at TAU as well as several Zoom courses through Goethe University Frankfurt into their program of study. TAU also offers opportunities for student exchange with Goethe University that allow students to spend a semester at our partner university in Frankfurt.

A limited number of scholarships are available for students enrolling in the Spring Semester, March 15, 2026-June 30, 2026.

For more information about the program, admissions and the application process, please visit the Jewish Studies program website or contact: majs@tauex.tau.ac.il.