OCTOBER 18, 2026 09:45

The typical Israeli learner now faces monthly outlays of NIS 6,907, with nearly half depending on parental aid, while 29 percent contemplate relocation abroad following graduation, per the National Union of Israeli Students 2026 poll issued before the academic term began on Sunday.

Results underscore the monetary and psychological strain tied to university life across the country.

Beyond money woes, data spotlight effects of ongoing conflict on those who served in reserves, where 64 percent describe emotional and social strains when resuming classes. At the same time, 38 percent of participants feel their schools fall short in readying them for artificial intelligence shifts and evolving job markets.

Outcomes appeared just before the fresh academic term opened on Sunday, October 18, against a backdrop of economic and security pressures.

Employment, family backing, and ongoing budget strains

Findings indicate 81 percent of learners hold jobs alongside coursework, up slightly from 79 percent in 2024. Those employed average 97 hours monthly and take home roughly NIS 6,235 gross. Even so, just 49 percent work in areas aligned with their studies.

Monthly student costs average NIS 6,907, marking a NIS 28 rise from last year.

Rent and upkeep top the list at NIS 3,155 monthly on average, trailed by household food at NIS 1,463, leisure at NIS 751, and travel at NIS 724.

Regional gaps stand out, with the Central District showing peak averages of NIS 7,258 versus NIS 6,392 in Haifa.

Close to half, or 49 percent, receive parental support, climbing from 46 percent prior, with monthly sums averaging NIS 2,252, a NIS 100 increase.

One in five has also secured a loan, and among them 61 percent borrowed over NIS 20,000.

Average loan size hit NIS 49,849, up NIS 1,716 from before, and half of borrowers credited it with major help in finishing the year.

Money pressures shape future plans, as 67 percent cannot save monthly and 38 percent doubt they will ever purchase housing.

This marks progress from 42 percent last year who held that view.

Living conditions suffer too, with 22 percent compromising on housing quality due to prices and 14 percent returning to parental homes.

Half rent or sublet, while 31 percent reside with parents.

A key alert from the poll involves dropout risks.

Some 33 percent considered quitting in the past year, as first noted by Walla. Of those, 50 percent blamed finances, 41 percent cited study loads, and 22 percent mentioned mental health issues.

Reservists face campus readjustment and lingering service imbalances

Conflict keeps shaping academic routines, with 27 percent called for reserve duty this year versus 23 percent earlier, plus 16 percent as partners of reservists.

Of those who served, 64 percent found returning to studies emotionally and socially tough to a high degree.

Nearly half, or 47 percent, sensed distance or misunderstanding from non-serving peers.

Only 43 percent said academic adjustments like deadline extensions or special exam dates greatly aided catch-up, while 26 percent found them minimally helpful or useless.

Financial frictions linked to service persist, including fights over local tax relief.

Some 68 percent voiced strong frustration or anger over uneven service burdens.

Another 38 percent said this gap notably weakens their drive to serve again.

Half viewed pay as a key factor or incentive for duty beyond duty itself.

Some 22 percent delayed one or more courses to summer or next year, though 58 percent finished on schedule.

AI readiness worries and shifting study preferences

Alongside other strains, learners worry about post-degree employment.

Over 40 percent express notable concern about securing roles after graduation.

Some 38 percent feel institutions lag in preparing for AI and labor shifts.

Yet expected salaries continue climbing, averaging NIS 16,657 monthly two years post-graduation, up NIS 631.

Study formats evolve too, with 49 percent valuing in-person campus time highly, though most prefer not daily attendance.

Preferences break down as 27 percent favoring two days weekly, 23 percent one day, and 23 percent three days.

Just 3 percent want five days on campus.

Almost three in ten weigh emigration amid eroding government trust

Economic and security conditions shape views on staying in Israel.

Some 29 percent would consider moving abroad after studies, up from 26 percent last year.

Another 56 percent rule it out, with 15 percent undecided.

Among those open to leaving, 79 percent cite living costs, 46 percent security, 20 percent job outlook, and 20 percent political crisis.

Trust in government slipped, with 63 percent saying it serves their interests little or not at all, up from 57 percent.

High optimism about Israel's future dropped from 37 percent to 31 percent.

Top voting issues include cost of living and economy for 67 percent, internal security for 37 percent, and foreign policy for 35 percent.

Education policy drew 27 percent, while prime minister identity mattered to just 15 percent.

Extra hurdles for disabled students and student parents

The poll reviewed disabled learners too.

Among them, 62 percent rated campus physical access highly, though 12 percent saw limited or no access.

Workforce worries remain, with 47 percent highly concerned their disability will block job entry.

Another 26 percent felt moderate concern, and 27 percent little or none.

New parents during studies also report gaps.

Only 39 percent found institutional support after childbirth adequate to a high degree.

Another 30 percent deemed it limited or absent.

The 2026 National Union of Israeli Students survey drew roughly 12,000 responses ahead of the term starting Sunday, October 18. Now in its 17th year, it tracked finances, job integration, school satisfaction, and war effects on daily life.