Approved: Ariel University to open new six-year medical training course

The Council for Higher Education (MALAG) has approved a six-year medical training program at Ariel University. The first cohort will include 80 students per year, with studies beginning in the current academic year. This is part of the expansion of medical education in Israel, including new faculties at other universities and an international project in Eilat.

The Council for Higher Education (MALAG) has approved the opening of a six-year Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program at Ariel University. As reported on Wednesday, September 16, the program will admit 80 students annually, with studies set to begin in the current academic year. The decision followed a review by a professional committee led by Professor Yonatan Halevi. This opening is another step in expanding medical education in Israel, increasing the number of places for Israelis wishing to study medicine in the country. Training an additional 80 students per cohort is expected to eventually boost the number of medical graduates entering the healthcare system and help address the growing need for doctors. The approval of the new program in Ariel follows the opening of medical faculties at the Weizmann Institute, Reichman University, and the University of Haifa. As a result of these measures, the number of medical students has risen to 1,446 in the current academic year, compared to just 800 five years ago. Concurrently with the opening of the six-year program, an agreement was signed to establish an international medical faculty in Eilat in partnership with the University of Debrecen (Hungary). The first 20 students have already begun their studies in Hungary. In February 2027, after receiving a license from MALAG, they are expected to arrive for the second semester at the Eilat campus. The new faculty in Eilat will accept about 60 applicants per year. In the long term, within approximately five years, this number is planned to increase to 300 per year. Annual tuition will be around 16,000 euros, and the Eilat municipality is creating a scholarship program to assist students. Additionally, MALAG has approved the opening of a master's program in "physician assistant" at Ariel University—the first academic program of its kind in Israel.