Israel Sci-Tech Schools (ISTS) Colleges launched the 2025-26 academic year with an enrollment of 12,000 students across 42 vocational colleges nationwide, marking a growing interest in practical engineering and technology education.
The majority of ISTS students are enrolled in practical engineering programs—fields that serve as a foundation for Israel’s advanced technology and industrial sectors. The ISTS college network trains more than 30% of all practical engineers in Israel’s technological education tracks for the Israel Defense Forces and beyond.
This year, ISTS Colleges are introducing new specialized tracks in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Practical Engineering, in collaboration with BetaYeda, along with a range of other internationally certified study programs designed to enhance graduates’ competitiveness in global industries.
Among the new international certification programs are AI Fundamentals, NVIDIA Deep Learning, Introduction to Robotic Simulations in Isaac Sim and Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst.
“These new programs reflect our mission to ensure that our students are ready for the Israeli and international job markets,” stated Yossi Yashi, Chief Colleges Division of ISTS. “By integrating global certifications, we are giving our graduates a real edge in pursuing careers at leading global companies and hence maintaining Israel’s leadership in the hi-tech international industry.”
The network provides a diverse range of educational opportunities: practical engineering, diploma studies, technological preparatory programs, and academic horizon tracks that enable graduates to complete full academic degrees. Committed to excellence and innovation, ISTS Colleges work in close cooperation with government ministries, the IDF, high-tech industry, and other major sectors to design curricula that meet real-world industry needs. Graduates of ISTS programs go on to hold key positions in Israel’s public and private sectors and within the country’s thriving startup ecosystem.
“Our goal is to remain the leading choice for students and educators seeking hands-on, future-focused technological education,” said Raz Frohlich, ISTS CEO. “We are proud to train the next generation of Israel’s technological workforce.”
About Israel Sci-Tech Schools:
Founded in 1949, Israel Sci-Tech Schools is Israel’s largest independent charter school network, educating 100,000 students across 264 middle and high schools, vocational training centers, and colleges of practical engineering in 54 municipalities. The network delivers inclusive, life-changing iSTEAM education (innovation, science, technology, engineering, arts and math) to students from all backgrounds—Jewish (secular to Haredi), Muslim, Christian, Bedouin and Druze—regardless of gender, religion or socio-economic status. Through academic excellence and values-driven leadership, the network empowers students to succeed in high-demand 21st-century careers and helps close social and economic gaps in Israeli society.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, the Israel Sci-Tech Schools network has lost more than 158 alumni, students and staff, including Yossi Hershkowitz, a beloved school principal who fell while serving in reserve duty in Gaza. One alumnus of the network remains among the hostages: Itay Chen.
