Support Active-Duty IDF Soldiers 

Perhaps the most unique population of students at the OUI are IDF soldiers studying towards academic degrees while completing mandatory IDF military service. STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math) represent 86% of the degree programs studied by these soldiers/students.  

Soldiers from the IDF’s most elite groups, including intelligence, cyber warfare, and commando frontline units, study towards their undergraduate degrees during their military service. Hundreds of these IDF soldiers serve in the IDF’s world-renowned Intelligence Corps. These young people are part of a select group on whose expert shoulders the technological prowess of the army rests, and who contribute significantly to the security of the State of Israel. 

The Israeli ethos of commitment to the IDF means that the age difference between young Israeli university graduates and their peers abroad is considerable. Israelis usually begin their higher education no earlier than age 22, following their military service, while students abroad are already completing advanced degrees. This leaves Israelis at a disadvantage relative to their international peers when they enter the workforce.

IDF soldiers who are given the opportunity to pursue higher education in tandem with their military service can match the timelines of their peers abroad while also serving their country. In this way, these young adults can benefit from a head start in their educational and professional lives at the time when they are most intellectually prepared.

The OUI is the only university that makes it possible for these bright young students to pursue their studies without compromising their full military service. In fact, their academic studies complement their service with significant added value – both to them and to the IDF. These soldiers, who serve in key military positions, represent the most talented young minds in Israel. By utilizing the OUI’s stellar offerings, they are able to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees as they complete their military service. The study style and content of the OUI is very similar to that accepted in the global high-tech industry, and is parallel professionally to the highest level in the civilian market. This is a substantial advantage for these young soldiers and for the State of Israel.

The OUI has been successfully educating IDF soldiers for over thirty years. Currently, more than 2,000 active-duty IDF soldiers are studying towards their undergraduate degrees at the Open University. Moreover, the OUI’s expertise led to the recent launch of the IDF College of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which offers IDF soldiers an MBA. Many more IDF soldiers would like to join their peers and pursue studies at the OUI, but are financially unable to do so.

Soldiers either study fully online, or pursue a hybrid option combining online and in-person classes. The OUI has campus extensions located on several army bases across Israel (including the 8200 cyber unit), and over fifty study centers all across Israel.

The Open University believes that by supporting active-duty soldiers in pursuing their higher education. we will empower thousands of young people to fully realize their potential for excellence and leadership, preparing the way for Israel’s future leaders. 

Thank you for supporting our mission and for helping to secure the future of this most deserving group of young people who are truly committed to the State of Israel.