PhD studies
Computer Science PhD studies at Bar-Ilan
The PhD program at Bar-Ilan University’s Computer Science Department offers an exceptional research environment where students collaborate with top researchers and join advanced labs pushing the boundaries of computing. Our program brings together renowned academic faculty and talented graduate students, fostering a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere for groundbreaking discoveries. Research conducted here is regularly published at top venues, contributing to the global scientific community. Here, you will find the resources and guidance needed to take the next step in your academic journey.
Research and Academic Advisors
PhD Program
Program Duration
- Regular/International PhD Track: 4-5 years.
- Direct PhD Track (for Israeli B.Sc. graduates): 5-6 years, including completion of master's requirements.
- Combined Master's and PhD Track (for exceptional students): 2 years to complete master's requirements, followed by 3-4 years for the PhD.
Funding & Support
- Scholarships available for full-time students.
- Assistance with visas, housing, and social integration for international students.
- Funding for research equipment, conference travel, and academic activities.
- Awards and enhanced scholarships for exceptional students.
Program Requirements
- Depending on their prior studies, some students may be required to complete core Computer Science courses.
- Submission of a research proposal by the end of the first year.
- Annual progress reports.
- Completion of 12-16 academic credit hours, with some coursework potentially substituted by teaching.
- Participation in the department's research colloquium.
Admission Criteria
Below are the minimum requirements for applying to each of our PhD program tracks. In addition to these criteria, the admissions committee will evaluate each applicant's overall record, including:
- Academic performance and GPA
- Ranking of previous institutions.
- Ranking among students graduating in the same academic year and program.
- Relevant research experience.
- Exceptional reference letters from academic mentors and employers.
International PhD Track (for applicants with degrees from international institutions)
- Master’s degree (with thesis) in Computer Science or a related field (e.g., Mathematics, Computational Biology, Engineering) from a recognized academic institution.
- Minimum coursework GPA:
- CS graduates: 86/100 or above.
- Related fields: 90/100 or above.
- Thesis grade: 90/100 or above.
- Listed as an author on a full paper published in an A, A*, A+, or Q1-ranked venue (conference or journal) in Computer Science or a related field
- See rankings e.g. at CORE Conference Rankings or ABDC Journal Quality List or Scimago Journal Rank)
- Approved advisor from the department’s senior faculty
Regular PhD Track (for applicants with degrees from Israeli institutions)
- Master’s degree (with thesis) in Computer Science or a related field (Mathematics, Computational Biology, Physics, Engineering) from a recognized Israeli institution
- Minimum coursework GPA:
- CS graduates: 86/100 or above.
- Related fields: 90/100 or above.
- Thesis grade: 90/100 or above.
- Approved advisor from the department’s senior faculty
Direct PhD Track (for Israeli B.Sc. graduates)
- B.Sc. in Computer Science or a related field (Mathematics, Computational Biology, Physics, Engineering).
- Minimum coursework GPA:
- CS graduates: 90/100 or above
- Related fields: 93/100 or above
- Approved advisor from the department’s senior faculty
Combined Master's and PhD Track
This track is available to students already enrolled in the department’s Master’s program
See a more detailed description of the program here
To assess your eligibility for our PhD program, please send us the following documents:
- Official transcripts for your bachelor's and master's degrees.
- Official degree certificates.
- Official ranking among students graduating in the same academic year and program.
- Links to an official institution website where details about your completed program and course syllabi can be found.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) including relevant education, employment, awards, and other achievements.
- Link to an official list of publications (required for international applicants). For accepted papers, include a link to the official conference website confirming acceptance.
- Optional: Reference letters.
Contact us
For more information about the Computer Science PhD program, contact us through one of the following:
- Contact Form
- Email: phd@cs.biu.ac.il
WhatsApp: +972-3-531-8866