Around 100 Wounded IDF Veterans from the Swords of Iron War Are Currently in the Admissions Process to Tel Aviv University

Tel Aviv University is proud to announce that approximately 100 disabled IDF veterans injured during the Swords of Iron War are currently in the admissions process for the 2026–2027 academic year.

The initiative marks a significant milestone for the university, which established a dedicated admissions track for wounded soldiers—the first program of its kind in Israel. To date, approximately 30 disabled IDF veterans have already been admitted, and the university hopes that many more will join them before the close of the registration period.

Dedicated Support for Wounded Veterans

As part of the university’s Open Day on May 29, TAU operated, for the first time, a dedicated information center for disabled IDF veterans. The center provided guidance on academic programs, admissions procedures, and the support services available to students. Representatives from the Ministry of Defense’s Rehabilitation Department were also present to advise prospective applicants.

Approximately three months ago, Tel Aviv University approved a special admissions framework for IDF soldiers wounded during the Swords of Iron War who have been officially recognized as disabled veterans by the Ministry of Defense’s Rehabilitation Department, with a disability rating of 20 percent or higher.

Under the new policy, candidates currently undergoing rehabilitation and recovery as a result of physical or psychological injuries are entitled to the same accommodations granted under the university’s special admissions framework for reservists. Accordingly, they may enroll in first-year undergraduate studies without taking the psychometric entrance exam. The framework applies to all fields of study except medicine.

Beyond Admissions

The university will provide students admitted through this track with a comprehensive package of support services, including personal counseling and professional guidance in coping with academic, personal, and social challenges; academic tutoring provided by outstanding student mentors; skills-development workshops focusing on areas such as time management and learning strategies; community activities and enrichment programs; and an advanced learning center equipped with assistive technologies.

Tel Aviv University introduced its special admissions track for reservists immediately following the outbreak of the Swords of Iron War, in response to the extraordinary demands of reserve service and the challenges it created for candidates preparing for the psychometric exam.

“A Responsibility to Stand by Their Side”

Prof. Gal Oestreicher-Singer, Vice Rector of Tel Aviv University, said:

“Since the outbreak of the war, we have been witnessing a difficult and painful reality in which thousands of Israelis serving as combat soldiers and members of the security forces are coping with physical and psychological wounds that will affect their lives for many years to come. As a society, and as a public university, we have a responsibility to stand by their side not only in words, but through action. We believe in the rehabilitative power of academic study and campus life, and we also see the opportunity to support these individuals as a great privilege.”