FAQ's

updated: 08.11.2020
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Application

When is the deadline for the Sofaer GMBA 2021-22 academic year?

The deadlines are the following:

Deadline Date
First Deadline December 31, 2020
Second Deadline  March 31, 2021
Rolling Applications June 30, 2021
Last Day to Confirm Program Participation July 31, 2021

What is the difference between the deadlines?

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the earliest deadlines as to better increase their opportunities for success and scholarships. Additionally, international students will need to apply for student visas via their local Israeli embassy/consulate, which can take several weeks to several months. 

Am I required to have work experience to apply?

Experience has shown that students who have spent a longer time in the workplace tend to be better prepared for the multi-faceted GMBA year. 

Applicants are encouraged to have 4 years of work experience before applying to the program, though the minimum requirement is 2 years. 

 

In exceptionally rare circumstances, applicants with less than 2 years of work experience may be accepted. Click for more information about selection criteria.

What is the required GMAT/GRE score?

Competitive scores are required. 

Are there waivers for the GMAT/GRE Exam?

The Sofaer Global MBA and Tel Aviv University's School of Management have updated its policy regarding GMAT/GRE waivers.  Please review our policy here.

Do I have to take the TOEFL/IELTS?

Yes, applicants are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS (unless they're native English speakers or have completed a full degree in English).

Are there scholarships offered by the program?

Yes. For more information about Sofaer Global MBA scholarships, please click here.

Are there other scholarships/loans available?

Yes. More information about scholarships can be found here.

Is the Sofaer GMBA a MASA-eligible program?

Yes. Applicants must apply for MASA and the Sofaer GMBA separately. Students with MASA grants need to fulfill certain requirements for the grant.

Can I transfer credits from another institution?

No, we do not accept transfer credits from other institutions towards the degree; however, students may receive exemptions from core courses based on courses take at other institutions. For more details about exemptions, please click here.

Can I defer my acceptance to the following year?

In certain circumstances the Admissions Committee will grant deferrals. Applicants will need to re-apply the following year and provide relevant updated information. Additionally, while deferral of an acceptance will hold the place for an applicant for the next year, it does not guarantee scholarship allotments, and applicants will receive an updated registration letter upon acceptance.

Program Structure

Who studies in the Sofaer GMBA?

Each class of the Sofaer Global MBA consists of between 40-50 students from a wide range of professional, academic, and geographic backgrounds. On average the students have 2-4 years of work experience, represent 15 countries and the average age is 28. 

Is the Sofaer Global MBA an accredited program?

Tel Aviv University's School of Management is the only business school in Israel to be internationally accredited. The GMBA is accredited by the AACSB

When does the academic year begin?

The 2021/22 Academic Year will begin on October 10, 2021. 

Can I apply to begin in the Spring term?

No. The Sofaer GMBA has only 1 intake per year. Students study together as a cohort and complete the program together, unless studying on exchange.

Where can I find the schedule for the year and a list of courses?

To get a better idea of the schedule for the year and courses offered in the program, please review our course list for 2020/21.

Is there an option to specialize in the program?

The Sofaer Global MBA provides students with a strong foundational core in all aspects of business. Students are given a variety of choice for elective courses; however, the program itself is geared toward entrepreneurship and innovation, and, therefore, there is no further specialization.

Do I need to know any Hebrew?

No, you do not need to have any Hebrew knowledge to study in the program. The program is entirely in English. However, it is possible for students to take a Hebrew Ulpan in order to enhance their experience in Israel. Students who do speak Hebrew are able to take some courses in the Hebrew MBA programs with approval.

What do you mean by full-time program? How many days/week of class? Can I work?

For the first part of the year (October-February) Courses are generally held 4-5 days a week (Sunday-Thursday), between the hours of 8:00 and 18:00. Students will not be able to work during the start of the program.

 

For the remainder of the school year (March-August), most classes are held during the week between 15:45 to 21:30, providing time during the day for internships and professional networking.

Is there an exchange option? Who are your exchange partners?

Yes. The final semester of the GMBA can be abroad at one of the School of Management’s over 90+ partner schools. Note: sometimes the exchange does lengthen the program, ending in December instead of August. A select list can be found here, and includes some of the top business schools globally.

Can I take classes in other programs? Will there be opportunities to meet students in other programs?

Yes. We do our best to integrate students in the Sofaer GMBA with Israeli students in its sister program, the MBA in Technology, Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Students may also take courses offered in English in the flagship Hebrew MBA program, and other international MA programs at Tel Aviv University.

 

The GMBA also works with the University’s Student Union to provide all international students with the same services as Israeli students.  Additionally, the Student Union runs The Buddy System, which connects international and Israeli students together for long-term cross-cultural interactions. The Buddy System has its own series of events on and off campus, open to all students, which are conducted in English. 

 

Planning a Visit

Can I request a one-on-one meeting/phone call/Skype call with a member of the Admissions Committee? Can I visit a class?

Absolutely. You can book a meeting here. Applicants are also welcome to sit in on a class and are encouraged to book a visit via the previous link.

Can I connect with alum or a current student about the program?

The Admissions Office will be happy to connect relevant applicants with current students or alum.  Please contact the Admissions Office : gmba@tauex.tau.ac.il.  

How do I get to Tel Aviv University and the Recanati Building at Tel Aviv University?

To arrive at the University from Tel Aviv city center, take buses: 13, 24, 25, 126, 7, or 289.  From Gate 7 (Corner Einstein and Levanon St.), the Recanati Building is the first big white building at the top of the stairs on the right.

What are the office hours in Israel?

The Israeli work week is from Sunday to Thursday, with a few offices also open on Friday mornings. In keeping with this at TAU, administrative offices are open and courses are held from Sunday to Thursday.

 

The Israeli weekend is Friday and Saturday. Stores in Israel are generally open from Sunday morning to Friday afternoon, closing Friday early evening and opening again on Saturday evening or Sunday morning.

Arriving in Tel Aviv

When should I plan to arrive in Israel?

In order to give yourself enough time to acclimate to life in Tel Aviv, applicants are highly recommended to arrive at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program. Mandatory orientation is typically held one week prior to the start of classes, and students should plan accordingly. 

Do I need a student visa?

Students who do not hold an Israeli passport or ID number must obtain a student visa prior to their arrival in Israel. Students are recommended to contact their local Israeli embassy/consulate at least 6 weeks ahead of their arrival. More information about obtaining a visa is provided upon acceptance to the GMBA.

Note: all visitors to Israel must hold a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date they enter the country. 

Do you provide health insurance?

All international students are covered by an Israeli insurance policy which is included in the program’s tuition fees. More information about insurance can be found on the TAU International website.


Where do students live?

Students have the option to live in the on-campus dormitories or off-campus. 

 

Dormitories are available on a limited first-come first-serve basis and students interested in living in the dorms should apply for the first application deadline

 

Most students prefer to rent an apartment in Tel Aviv. The rent for apartments in Tel Aviv varies in accordance with the apartment size, location, amenities, and lease period. The real estate market in Tel Aviv is very fast-moving and there is a constant supply of available apartments. Following confirmation, students will receive a list of resources to aid them in the apartment search.

What is the estimated cost of living in Tel Aviv?

We estimate the cost of living (food, transportation, rent, etc.) to be $1,000 USD -$1,200 USD per month, though students have been known to live on less, or much more.  

Upon acceptance, applicants are given a number of resources to help them find an apartment and tips for getting used to life in Israel.

How far is the university from the city center?

Tel Aviv University is located in the municipality of Tel Aviv-Yafo in one of the northern residential neighborhoods called Ramat Aviv. There are several bus lines which reach campus via the city center, and take approximately 20-25 minutes depending on traffic. 

Where can I find a map of the university?

Click here for a map of the university. The Recanati Building is easiest reached by entering through Gate 7.




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