Crisis in Israeli higher education: 42% of students interrupted their studies due to the war

The annual OECD report shows that Israel has lost its lead in the share of young people with higher education: the rate has stagnated at 46%, while the OECD average has risen to 49%. Government spending per student is $7,885 per year, half the OECD average ($16,405). The war has exacerbated the crisis: 42.2% of students reported an interruption or cessation of studies, and 35.9% of young people postponed enrollment.

The annual OECD education report, published on Sunday, October 11, documents a systemic crisis in Israeli higher education. Over the decade from 2015 to 2025, the share of Israelis aged 25–34 with higher education has remained virtually unchanged at around 46%. During the same period, the OECD average rose from 42% to 49%, leaving Israel below the average for developed countries. Government spending per student in 2023 was $7,885 adjusted for purchasing power—the fifth lowest among OECD countries, where the average is $16,405. The war dealt an additional blow: 42.2% of students reported an interruption or cessation of studies (37.5% temporarily suspended studies, 4.7% dropped out). Another 35.9% of young people postponed or abandoned enrollment. Against this backdrop, the academic boycott of Israel is intensifying, while Gulf and Far Eastern countries are actively investing in their universities, surpassing Israeli institutions in international rankings. The publication Calcalist links the deterioration to the consequences of three years of war and government policy, which, according to the publication, has done little to counter the boycott. Recovery will be difficult: even with a change of government, higher education risks remaining outside the list of priorities.