Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Please note that we are pausing the BGU exchange for the foreseeable future. If you are committed to pursuing the BGU exchange for an upcoming term, continue to check this page for possible updates.
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) is a public research university located in Be'er Sheva, Israel, about an hour and a half south of Tel Aviv. Established in 1969, the university was aimed at promoting the development of the Negev desert and was later named after Israel's first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion. Currently, BGU supports 20,000 students and 4,000 faculty members in 51 academic departments and units. Exchange students to BGU study on the BGU International Program.
Program dates
Fall: Late July through late December
Spring: Early January thorugh late June
Academics
Exchange participants are required to take a full-time course load (at least 12 Temple credits) while abroad and will earn transfer credit.
Course Offerings
Students enroll in the BGU International Program. For a list of courses, visit BGU's page for Courses Taught in English. Students can also attend the Intensive Hebrew Language Ulpan, which takes place 4-6 weeks prior to the start of the semester. Academic Internships are available as well.
Students with proficiency in Hebrew may have access to additional course offerings.
Language of instruction
- English
- Hebrew
School location
Exchange students study at the The Marcus Family Campus in Be'er Sheva.
Be'er Sheva is Israel's fourth largest city and is often called the capital of the Negev region, with a population of 200,000. History and modernity come together in this desert city, where students can visit Abraham's well, remains of a Byzantine church and remnants from the Ottoman empire. The Dead Sea, Ein Gedi, Masada and Mitzpeh Ramon are in close proximity, and students can explore desert flats, sand dunes, desert pavements, cliff faces and deep canyons that stretch for miles in the Negev desert. Modern high-speed trains run between Be'er Sheva and Tel Aviv, with service continuing to Haifa in the north.
Facilities
The campus has comprehensive facilities, including a library, computer labs, a student union, a synagogue, restaurants and cafes, a sports hall, cinema, Hillel, and housing facilities.
Accommodations
Students may choose to live in on-campus housing or find independent housing.
Me'onot Dalet dormitory complex
The dorm assigned to international students is across the street from campus. The dorms consist of apartments with four private bedrooms with a shared bathroom, kitchen, and common area.
- Bed, desk, closet, chair, lamp
- Central AC
- Internet connection (Wi-Fi)
Students will have to bring their own linens, pillows, blankets, kitchenware, cooking equipment, and eating utensils.
| One semester (confirmation fee included) | $2,950 |
| Full Year | $4,500 |
| For the Ulpan participants | $600 |
Independent Housing
Students may elect to find independent housing in sharehouses or apartments. There are several rental opportunities available around the main BGU campus. Students are encouraged to book a room in a local hotel or hostel for the first few days of stay in order to find a long-term housing option that best suits their needs.
Program costs
Students pay Temple tuition and fees directly to Temple.
Eligibility
Open to qualified students matriculated at Temple University.
Applying to the program
Application Deadline: April 1 for the fall semester/academic year and spring priority; September 1 for the spring semester