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  4. BSc in Renewable Natural Resources
Bachelor’s degree · Taught in English

Renewable Natural Resources BSc

Ben-Gurion University of the NegevSde Boker & Beer-Sheva

Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University

The short answer

A new three-year, English-taught BSc at Ben-Gurion University on the sustainable use and conservation of soil, water and ecosystems, based at the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research in the Negev and at the Beer-Sheva campus. The degree title still needs Council for Higher Education approval; if it isn’t approved, graduates receive a BSc in Earth and Environmental Sciences. BGU doesn’t publish the tuition on the program page.

Taught in English✓ Olim: Student Authority aidGov funding: Partial
Checked against Ben-Gurion University of the Negev’s official pages, September 2026Independent listing
✓Olim benefit Student Authority aidFor olim under 27 within three years of aliyah, if the program is recognized by the Student Authority.
~Government funding PartialStudent Authority aid, up to the standard state tuition.
–Masa grant Not confirmedNot listed on the program page.
Overview

What is the BSc in Renewable Natural Resources?

The program builds a scientific foundation in the natural sciences with practical tools for managing soil, water and ecosystems. Its home is the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research at Sde Boker, a research center for hydrology, renewable energy, environmental science, sustainable agriculture and water technologies, and a living laboratory for climate change, water scarcity and desertification. It’s designed for international students and prepares graduates for government, consulting, industry, NGOs, startups or further study.

✓A good fit if you…

  • Care about climate, water, food security or sustainability
  • Want a hands-on science degree in a real desert environment
  • Want an English-taught BSc at an Israeli university
  • Are an oleh or olah under 27 within three years of aliyah

!Think twice if you…

  • Need a guaranteed degree title. It depends on Council for Higher Education approval.
  • Want city life. Much of the program is at the Sde Boker campus in the desert.
  • Need the tuition before applying. BGU doesn’t publish it on the program page.
What you learn

What you’ll learn.

Three areas of study across two campuses.

Core

Life and ecosystems

Plant sciences, biodiversity, conservation and ecosystem interactions.

Core

Climate and the environment

Climate, sustainability, environmental physics and chemistry, and natural resources.

Applied

Solutions

Water treatment, renewable energy, food security, desert technology and sustainability innovation.

Specialize

Choose a direction

Nefesh B’Nefesh lists three specializations:

Environmental AgrobiologyEnvironmental ScienceEnvironmental Technologies
Living laboratoryStudy where climate, water scarcity and desertification are being tackled.
Two campusesSde Boker and Beer-Sheva.
Research centerThe Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research.
Career pathsGovernment, consulting, industry, NGOs, sustainability startups or an MSc/PhD.
Funding

Can olim get funding for this degree?

Ask BGU for tuition and scholarships. For olim, the Student Authority rules apply.

I am…
21
10
✓

Likely eligible for Student Authority aid

You’re under 27 with 26 months left to start. The grant covers up to the standard state tuition, so expect to pay the rest of BGU’s fee.

Email me my eligibility breakdown →
10 NovemberFirst Student Authority application, online
1 OctoberRenewal each following year
Under 27BA age limit, starting within 3 years of aliyah

A guide, not a ruling. The program must be recognized by the Student Authority. The 3-year window doesn’t count regular army service, national service or Masa programs. If you get any grant, tell BGU’s tuition office so it can revise your payment plan.

Student Authority (olim)Olim under 27 within three years of aliyah can get aid up to the standard state tuition, if the program is recognized.
BGU scholarshipsBGU lists scholarships for international students on its study pages.
Aliyah@BGUBGU runs a support track for olim students.

A guide, not a ruling. Confirm your eligibility with the provider and the relevant ministry or funding body before you pay.

Costs

What it costs.

As published by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Prices can change.

TuitionNot published on the program page. Ask BGU.Ask BGU
DormsAt Sde Boker (BIDR hospitality) or the Beer-Sheva campus.Ask BGU
!

Get the fee in writing. Because the program is new, ask BGU for the tuition, fees and dorm costs before you commit.

How to join

How to get started.

✓
High school credentialsIsraeli matriculation, or international diplomas with separate criteria where a quantitative score can’t be calculated.
✓
EnglishYou need to meet the English language requirement.
✓
Exceptions policyApplicants up to 20 points below the admissions threshold may be reviewed individually, subject to space.
✓
Accreditation declarationApplicants sign a declaration that they understand the degree title is pending approval.
  1. Check your fitGet the guide and your olim eligibility from Studyil.
  2. Ask about tuitionBGU doesn’t publish it on the program page.
  3. Apply to BGUThrough BGU’s full-degree admissions.
  4. Arrange housingSde Boker or Beer-Sheva dorms.
FAQ

Questions about this program.

Is the BSc in Renewable Natural Resources accredited?

The degree title is subject to Council for Higher Education approval. If it isn’t approved, BGU says graduates receive a BSc in Earth and Environmental Sciences.

Is it taught in English?

Yes. It’s an interdisciplinary, English-taught program designed for international students.

Where do students study?

At the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research in Sde Boker and at BGU’s Beer-Sheva campus.

How much does it cost?

BGU doesn’t publish the tuition on the program page, so ask its admissions team.

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