Across campuses on Mount Scopus, Givat Ram, and in art and education institutions throughout the city, Jerusalem continues to shape itself as a center for young people seeking culture, meaning, and a sense of belonging. At the same time, the city recognizes the realities of student life: tuition, housing, balancing work and studies, and the desire to contribute to something meaningful. The municipal scholarship program addresses these needs by connecting academic learning with real community engagement.
20 Million Shekels and Thousands of Volunteer Hours
The Jerusalem Municipality announced that during the 2025/26 academic year it will distribute approximately 20 million shekels through its municipal scholarship fund. Established in cooperation with Mifal HaPais and the Jerusalem Foundation, the fund has become one of the largest and most influential municipal scholarship initiatives in Israel.
Students enrolled in academic institutions in Jerusalem who take part in the program will receive scholarships of around 10,000 shekels. In return, each participant will contribute 130 hours of community service in neighborhoods and local organizations. These activities include mentoring youth at risk, supporting seniors and Holocaust survivors, assisting in learning centers, and developing cultural activities in community spaces throughout the city.
With more than 30 higher education institutions and art schools, Jerusalem attracts thousands of young adults every year. The scholarship program aims not only to support students financially but also to cultivate a strong civic connection between students and the urban communities in which they live and study.
Student Villages and Community Life
In addition to the individual scholarships, the fund also operates a network of student villages. Today, more than 25 such villages function in 11 neighborhoods across Jerusalem. Students live within the community, support local initiatives, and contribute to neighborhood life. The model serves not only as a housing solution but as a long-term city-building strategy that nurtures a young and engaged population rooted in place.
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion: “The students are the future of Jerusalem. Through the municipal scholarship fund, we are not only supporting them, but also creating a real connection between academia and the community. This project helps the city grow, and helps the people within it grow as well. We are proud of each and every one of you!”
