The Open University of Israel

The Open University of Israel (OUI) is one of eight universities in Israel. Since its establishment in 1974, it has opened its gates to all adult Israelis seeking higher education, regardless of prior achievements and scholastic records. The student must prove academic capabilities by meeting OUI's demanding academic requirements. State-of-the-art distance learning methods make courses accessible to students, with academic tutorials and counseling provided at 50 study centers and campuses throughout Israel. Undergraduate and masters degrees are granted.

With an enrollment of 46,000 students, the OUI is Israel's largest university. Furthering its mission to make higher education accessible to all, the OUI offers programs to encourage particular population groups based on the national agenda and in collaboration with government ministries. An innovative program for talented high school students allows them to "exchange" OUI courses for high school matriculation courses. Accommodations are made for ultra-Orthodox (haredi) students and Arab Israelis with supplementary workshops addressing initial difficulties in the transition to an environment requiring academic Hebrew, English, Math and computer applications - at study centers adjacent to their residential areas, and accommodating their traditions. Only at the OUI are enlisted IDF soldiers on active duty permitted to independently enroll in academic degree studies. Technological solutions suited to individual' needs, and personal academic tutors for those unable to attend study centers accommodate OUI students with disabilities. The OUI strives to maintain gender equality among students and faculty alike.