Tel Hai University Opens First Academic Year as Research University
Translated & summarized from Hamal by baba
Tel Hai University has opened its academic year for the first time as a research university, expecting 5,000 students. The institution is expanding its academic offerings with new engineering and doctoral programs, supported by significant government and philanthropic investment. A key goal is to increase the retention of graduates in the Galilee region, aiming for 30% within five years.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Tel Hai University opened its academic year as a research university for the first time.
- Approximately 5,000 students are expected to enroll, a 7% increase from last year.
- New academic programs include Engineering and Doctoral studies in Education, Biotechnology, and Psychology.
- The expansion is backed by NIS 600 million in government funding and philanthropic donations.
- The university aims to retain at least 30% of its graduates in the Galilee region.
Tel Hai University in Kiryat Shmona has officially opened its academic year as a research university for the first time, 21 years after the government decided to establish it. Approximately 5,000 students are expected to enroll this year, a 7% increase from the previous year, returning to pre-war registration levels. During the recent conflict, when studies were conducted online, the student count dropped to around 4,400.
The university aims to expand its teaching and research activities and strengthen its connection to the northern region. It operates across six campuses in three main locations: Kiryat Shmona, the Upper Galilee, and the Golan Heights. Over 70% of students come from outside the Eastern Galilee and reside in Kiryat Shmona, the Sea of Galilee vicinity, and communities along the northern border, with over 150 students returning to Metula alone. Many students also integrate into local employment, education, and welfare systems. Around 20% of students served in reserve duty during the war, with some still on active duty.
For the new academic year, Tel Hai is introducing a new Engineering and Advanced Computing cluster, alongside existing clusters in Social and Human Sciences, Life and Environmental Sciences, and Education. The university has hired 14 new researchers, many returning from postdoctoral studies abroad. Doctoral programs in Education have been approved, with others in Biotechnology, Nutritional Sciences, and Psychology pending. Plans are also underway to establish a veterinary school in Katzrin.
This expansion is supported by a government investment of approximately NIS 600 million, along with philanthropic contributions. The university's president, Eliezer Shalev, stated that the development aims to establish a knowledge and research center serving northern industries and the wider country, while also strengthening the local community. A key challenge is retaining graduates in the Galilee; CEO Eli Cohen noted that historically only 8% stayed, with a new goal of at least 30%. The university projects an increase to 8,000 students within five years, hoping this growth will boost settlement and employment in the Galilee.
Mentioned
