Israeli Universities See Decline in STEM Enrollment Amid Funding Cuts
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics reported a 1.9% decline in new university students choosing STEM fields for the current academic year, while humanities and medicine saw significant increases. This trend occurs as national education spending decreases, with real expenditures falling by 2.2% in 2025, and per capita spending dropping by 3.5%. The preliminary data for 2025 indicates a total education expenditure of 162.6 billion shekels, or 7.6% of GDP.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Enrollment in Israeli STEM university programs dropped by 1.9% this academic year.
- Humanities programs saw a 5.5% increase in new students, and medical fields rose 10.6%.
- National spending on education decreased by 2.2% in real terms in 2025.
- Per capita education spending fell by 3.5% in real terms in 2025.
- Total education expenditure in 2025 was 162.6 billion shekels, 7.6% of GDP.
Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) has released a report indicating a significant shift in university enrollment trends, with a notable decrease in students pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. In the new academic year, 1,367 fewer students, a 1.9% drop, enrolled in STEM programs. Conversely, humanities saw a 5.5% increase in enrollment, adding 2,683 students, while medical fields experienced a substantial 10.6% surge in popularity.
This academic shift coincides with a continued reduction in national spending on education. Preliminary CBS data for 2025 estimates total education expenditures at 162.6 billion shekels, or 7.6% of the GDP. However, after accounting for inflation, real spending has decreased by 2.2%, an acceleration from the 1.2% decline recorded the previous year. Per capita spending on education also fell by 3.5% in real terms, following a 2.6% decrease previously, with population growth outpacing investment in educational infrastructure.
The public sector, including the government, local municipalities, and public bodies, bore the largest share of educational costs at 78.5%. The remaining 21.5% was funded by private sources such as households, non-profits, grants, and donations. The CBS data encompasses all educational levels, from early childhood to higher education, including family expenses for books and private tutoring.
Officials emphasize that the 2025 figures are preliminary and subject to revision as final financial reports become available.
