Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) is a public research university in Beer-Sheva in the Negev desert. It lists more than 20,000 students, over 100 English programmes and tracks and more than 70 nationalities.[1] The Jerusalem Post reports it at 533rd in the QS World University Rankings 2027, lower than the year before.[2]
For 2026/27 BGU lists a basic regular tuition of 20,612.50 NIS for non-Israeli students and a reduced basic undergraduate tuition of 15,253.52 NIS.[3] Its page on English-taught bachelor’s degrees lists English Literature and Linguistics; graduate applicants need a TOEFL score of 85 out of 120 or the equivalent IELTS unless their bachelor’s degree was taught in English.[4][5]
Key facts
| Official name | Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (אוניברסיטת בן-גוריון בנגב) |
| Location | Beer-Sheva, Israel (David Ben-Gurion Blvd. 1, 8410501)[6] |
| Type | Public research university[7] |
| Founded | 1969 as the University of the Negev; renamed after David Ben-Gurion in 1973[7] |
| Students | More than 20,000 (university); Wikipedia’s infobox lists 18,357 without a year[1] |
| Nationalities | 70+[1] |
| English-language offer | 100+ English programmes and tracks[1] |
| Faculties | Five according to Wikipedia; BGU’s study-abroad page refers to six academic faculties[7] |
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | 533rd (one press source; lower than in the previous edition)[2] |
| Tuition 2026/27, non-Israeli students | 20,612.50 NIS basic regular tuition · 15,253.52 NIS reduced basic undergraduate tuition[3] |
| Semester or year abroad 2026/27 | $7,200 per semester · $11,200 per year; application fee $60[8] |
| Graduate English requirement | TOEFL 85/120 or equivalent IELTS; waived if the bachelor’s degree was taught in English[5] |
| Official website | bgu.ac.il |
Checked against the sources listed at the bottom of this page on 10 November 2026.
About Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
The university was founded in 1969 as the University of the Negev and renamed after David Ben-Gurion following his death in 1973.[7] Its main campus is in Beer-Sheva; Wikipedia counts five campuses (three in Beer-Sheva, one in Sde Boker and one in Eilat).[7]
BGU reports more than 20,000 students from more than 70 nationalities and over 100 programmes and tracks in English.[1] Wikipedia lists five faculties, while BGU’s own semester-programme page speaks of six academic faculties, so we give no single number.[7][8]
How is Ben-Gurion University ranked?
The Jerusalem Post reported on 22 June 2026 that Ben-Gurion University of the Negev was ranked 533rd in the latest QS world ranking, lower than the previous year. It is the only source we found for the QS World University Rankings 2027 position, so treat it as unconfirmed against QS itself. The same article reports Bar-Ilan University at 711-720 and the University of Haifa at 801-850, both also lower than last year.[2]
Wikipedia lists a QS position of 469 for the 2026 edition.[7] Rankings differ by publisher and year, so treat one position as one view. How we compile rankings.
What can you study at Ben-Gurion University?
BGU offers full degrees in English at bachelor’s, master’s and PhD level.[1] The page on English-taught bachelor’s degrees lists two: the BA in English Literature and the BA in Linguistics.[4] BGU’s application page also describes master’s programmes taught in English.[9]
Short-term options include a semester or year programme in which all faculties offer courses in English, and a pre-academic track for new immigrants (Olim La’Academia) with core courses in English and a Hebrew ulpan, funded by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration.[8][10]
How much does Ben-Gurion University cost in 2026/27?
| Category | Israeli students | Non-Israeli students |
|---|---|---|
| Basic regular tuition | 16,490 NIS | 20,612.50 NIS |
| Reduced basic undergraduate tuition | 12,203 NIS | 15,253.52 NIS |
These are the 2026/27 rates on BGU’s tuition page. The page does not say which programmes use which line beyond the label “undergraduate”, and it does not list the separate fees of English-taught master’s or MBA programmes.[3] We did not find those fees.
Semester or year abroad: base tuition is $7,200 for a semester and $11,200 for a year, including weekly social activities, trips, service fees, sports centre access and health insurance. The application fee is $60 ($100 if late), and optional on-campus housing costs $560 per month.[8] For living costs see our Israel guide.
How do you apply to Ben-Gurion University?
Bachelor’s and master’s applicants apply through the BGU application portal; the bachelor’s degrees are open to applicants with matriculation certificates or high school diplomas from abroad.[9]
- Undergraduate: complete the online form and upload documents for an eligibility review, pay the application fee, wait for a decision and, if accepted, pay the down payment, then apply for a student visa and health insurance. Documents include the high school diploma or matriculation certificate, the transcript, SAT scores or Psychometric Entrance Examination results (ACT can substitute for the SAT after conversion) and a copy of your passport.[5]
- Master’s: for a thesis track, find an advisor first; then submit the form, transcripts and diploma, TOEFL or IELTS scores, two letters of recommendation from faculty, a CV and the first page of your passport, and pay the application fee.[5]
The pages we read do not state the application fee or the down payment. Applicants need an A-2 student visa from an Israeli embassy or consulate and health insurance.[5] We give no deadlines because they change every year.
Which language level do you need?
English, undergraduate: applicants take an English proficiency test, which can be part of the Psychometric exam or the SAT or taken separately (the AMIR exam). Results fall into five levels, from Fail to Exemption.[5]
English, graduate: TOEFL 85 out of 120 or an equivalent IELTS score. The requirement is waived if your bachelor’s degree was taught in English. Transcripts in other languages need a notarised translation.[5]
Hebrew: the application page does not list Hebrew requirements; it refers to a separate “Studies in Hebrew” page, so check it if you want a Hebrew-taught programme.[5]
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Ben-Gurion University cost for international students?
Can I study in English at Ben-Gurion University?
What English score do I need for a BGU master’s?
TOEFL 85 out of 120 or an equivalent IELTS score, unless your bachelor’s degree was taught in English.[5]
Do I need the SAT for a BGU bachelor’s?
The application page lists SAT scores or Psychometric Entrance Examination results among the undergraduate documents; ACT scores can substitute for the SAT.[5]
How is Ben-Gurion University ranked?
The Jerusalem Post reports it 533rd in the QS World University Rankings 2027, lower than last year.[2]
More about studying in Israel
- Israel: best universities
- Cost of Studying Abroad
- International Student Scholarships
- University Ranking Methodology
More university profiles in Israel
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
- Tel Aviv University
- Weizmann Institute of Science
Sources
[1] Ben-Gurion University: Study at BGU (page without a date)
[2] Jerusalem Post: Tel Aviv University rises in latest QS world rankings (QS publishes the ranking at topuniversities.com, which blocks automated access) (article of 22 Jun 2026; QS edition released 18 Jun 2026; single source for the BGU position)
[3] Ben-Gurion University: Tuition rates and accompanying services (2026/27 rates; page without a date)
[4] Ben-Gurion University: BA degrees in English (page without a date)
[5] Ben-Gurion University: Application process for full-degree programs (page without a date)
[6] Ben-Gurion University: Contact us (page without a date)
[7] Wikipedia: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (history, campuses, faculties and earlier QS position)
[8] Ben-Gurion University: Semester program (2026/27 dates and fees; page without a date)
[9] Ben-Gurion University: Apply to BGU (page without a date)
[10] Ben-Gurion University: Pre-academic studies (Olim La’Academia) (page without a date)
Figures may change; check official sources before you decide. How we compile our data · Found an error? Tell us.